On 8 April Microsoft will end support for the venerable Windows XP operating system. That means no more security patches, software updates or bug fixes for the software.

It's an event that Microsoft has been warning people and businesses about for months. And it is one that hi-tech thieves have been looking forward to as those digital protections start to diminish.

In a bid to get users shifting over to a more modern version of windows, Microsoft has created a website that tells people if they are, or are not, running the software and on 8 March will make a pop-up warning appear on the screens of those who are still using it.

Microsoft is also working with some other software firms to help people work out how to update and upgrade and has made tools that transfer data and settings over to a new version of Windows so the switch is as painless as possible.

Long life

Windows XP (for "eXPerience") went on sale in October 2001 and has proved remarkably resilient.

Figures from market research firm Net Applications suggest that it was the most widely used Microsoft operating system until August 2012 when it was overtaken by Windows 7.

The software is still popular in many government departments and some studies suggest the majority of the world's cash machines still run it.

Under that life cycle Microsoft commits to providing different levels of support for software products depending on their age and that of the products that succeed them.

Delays in the versions of Windows that came after XP extended the support life for the operating system. Add to this the hard work it takes for companies to get applications running on new versions of Windows and its no surprise that companies have stuck with it.

CBSE asks schools to begin session for Classes 11,12 from April 15

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed schools to commence their new academic session for classes 11 and 12 from April 15 instead of April 1.

In its latest circular, the CBSE has stated the decision was made to give enough time to teachers to evaluate the board’s Class 10 and 12 examination papers, which continue till April- end, and to ensure the “quality of evaluation”.

The circular says while the new academic session is scheduled to start on April 1, it has been observed that some schools fail to relieve their teachers for evaluation, which it terms as an “undesirable” practice.

“Though “session” means a period of 12 months, normally from April to March, the board is rescheduling the commencement of the new academic session for class 11 and 12. In doing so, the schools will be in a position to depute an adequate number of postgraduate teachers for evaluation work without disturbing the school’s functioning,” the circular said.

Every city has a paper checking centre with local teachers, especially postgraduate ones, to check CBSE papers. The circular assumes significance as schools in the region used to begin both the class 11 and 12 sessions from April 1.

“While schools have in the past expressed some reluctance in letting go teachers for checking papers, those assigned for evaluation duty will now be able to perform their task without a hitch. Moreover, board will now be able to get an adequate number of teachers for this purpose,”

@HindustanTimes