From a CNet Newsletter.
"As you probably already know, Windows XP users are abundant. But soon enough Microsoft will be discontinuing its support of it. With this in mind, member John wants to know how feasible is for him to continue using XP without Windows updates? Will it be safe to use without them granted that he will have third-party firewalls, antivirus software, antispyware, etc.?
John, the good news is that you will still be able to use Windows XP even after support has ended. And you can probably use it for quite a number of years thereafter. As members pointed out, as long as you have a healthy system and a good set of security and updated apps it should function just fine. However, there are other things to consider.
As time goes on, without Microsoft support, you can bet that software, hardware, and peripherals companies will gradually cease to support XP, too -- which means that things like your security apps will stop getting updates, newer software on the market won't run on that OS, and if you need a new printer or other peripheral, there's a good chance that it may not work."
I tried Windows 7 and did not like it and went back to XP. so will continue to use for as long as practical. After I updated my desktop (new motherboard etc) the shop in Tukcom but back XP for 300 Baht but told me not to update and i have not done so for nearly a year with no problems.
They mention software not working. One of my problems was the 6 software programs I use mainly for photos work fine with XP but did not work with Windows 7.