Windows XP to still get patches, just not for everybody

Not all users of Windows XP, Microsoft's 12-year-old operating system, will be left on their own, once support for it ends next April, a tech site reported.

PC World reported that Microsoft will still be rolling out security patches for Windows XP, but only for customers who paid for its "Custom Support," PC World reported.

But while the extended support could last up to 2017, it does not come cheap: $200 per year for each computer running XP, the report added.

And Microsoft's program will not cover all bugs, as only vulnerabilities deemed "critical" will be automatically patched.

Bugs marked "important," the next step down in Microsoft's four-level threat ranking system, will not automatically be patched, with customers paying extra for those updates.

Flaws pegged as "moderate" or "low" will not patched at all, PC World said.

Windows XP was one of the most popular flavors of Microsoft's flagship operating systems for computers, having debuted in October 2001.

It remained more popular than its immediate predecessor Windows Vista, but has conceded market share to Windows 7. - AMD, GMA News