Q. Most of the computers in the practice run Windows XP. I understand that "support has ended". What does this mean and should I be upgrading my computers?

A. About 50% of GPs run Windows XP on their practice computes. If you think your computer is running Windows XP, but you are not sure, then click the 'start' button, click 'run', type 'winver' and press 'enter'. If you can confirm you have Windows XP, then you have a problem. Microsoft has supported Windows XP for 12 years, but is not doing so since April 8. This means technical assistance and automatic updates, including security patches, will no longer be made available. Your computer will continue to work, but over time will become less secure and more at risk from malware and hackers. There are two different options to consider. If your computers are reasonably new, you may be able to update their operating systems to a more recent version of Windows. If your computers are old, then you may consider replacing them.

Unless you are really interested, very skilled and have lots of time, this is not a task you want to take on yourself. Talk to your hardware or software support companies and ask them to make an assessment of the problem in your practice and propose possible solutions. Microsoft will want you to update to Windows 8.1, but your practice software system may not be happy to run on Windows 8.1. Talk to your practice software vendor and get advice. Most GPs run Windows 7 as their operating system. Microsoft has a good support page about the end of support for Windows XP. Google 'Windows XP' and you will find it.

Doing nothing is not really an option. Hackers will have a field day with Windows XP once the security patches stop. You don't want to risk exposing your electronic patient records to being accessed illegally. Initiate an assessment of the problem, identify the computers at risk, upgrade or replace them. The sooner you do this the better.

Support for Microsoft Office 2003 also ended on April 8, so you may also need to factor this into your upgrade plans. Remember that it takes a while for staff to get used to new operating systems and new versions of Microsoft Office, so it's good to arrange training and support for the initial change-over period.