Don't Panic! Yes you will need to update your OS. Also, this is a good time to reconsider that Computer Leasing business, where you keep grandma and grandpa updated with the latest software and new hardware every couple of years for a mere $50 per month.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-the-windows-xpocalypse-means-for-you/

What The Windows XPocalypse Means For You

… all good things come to an end, and Windows XP is no different. In April of 2014, Microsoft will stop offering security and performance updates for its elderly operating system. After almost thirteen years, this should come as a surprise to nobody. However, there are hundreds of millions of people who are still using an outdated Windows XP for their computing needs.

… Windows XP is still almost ubiquitous in organizations which have to adhere to strict privacy and security standards, including the banking, finance, security and healthcare industry. Britain’s primary healthcare provider, the NHS, has XP running on almost 85% of all boxes. In addition, Windows XP is seen as the go-to operating system for ATMs, with almost 75% of all ATM machines in the US running Microsoft’s relic of an operating system.

In a world of technological convergence, I suppose this was inevitable.

React Messenger

– Experience the future of instant messaging. React adds your real-time facial expression to every message. Just type, then smile, cringe, frown, laugh—whatever—and hit send. React sends your message with a small selfie. Forget emoticons or sifting through stickers. React is all about conveying your personality with your own facial expressions.

This weekly article is enough to make me subscribe to the RSS feed.

Hack Education Weekly News

… It looks like New York governor Mario Cuomo is joining the growing list of politicians who are distancing themselves from the Common Core. (Mercedes Schneider counts 17 states experiencing Common Core “unrest.”) [Another illustration of the failures of US education? Bob]

… Chicago Public Schools have opted not to use inBloom at its data storehouse. This makes New York the only state still moving forward with the non-profit.

… Creative Commons has unveiled version 4.0 of its licenses. The CC “chooser” that helps people pick the appropriate license is available here.

… More problems for LAUSD’s iPad rollout as it appears the software licenses that come with the machines expire after 3 years. Renewing these could cost between $50 to $100 per iPad – about $60 million. (I cannot understand how no one noticed this ’til now. Nobody really does read those Apple Terms of Service, do they?!)

… The Wall Street Journal covers a study by Moody’s Investors Service which finds that “nearly half of the nation’s colleges and universities are no longer generating enough tuition revenue to keep pace with inflation.” Phil Hill and Bryan Alexander respond.