It is never easy to say good-bye to something people have been used to. It is even harder to say hello to a complete stranger.

When it comes to Windows XP, Microsoft’s longest-running operating and most beloved system for personal computers, consumers and companies will inevitably have to bid adieu.

On Tuesday, the U.S.-based software giant will end all of its technical support, including security updates and patches, for the XP platform, as well as the Internet Explorer version that came with XP.

Consumers will have to embrace Windows 7 or 8 as Koreans did when they were forced to adopt the unfamiliar Skype chat service after the end of MSN Messenger.

Microsoft Korea officials said Wednesday the planned retirement of XP was part of its in-house policy to promote all of its products’ life cycles for only 10 years.

Windows XP, introduced in 2001, was supposed to end in 2011, but due to its continued popularity, MS extended its life cycle for two more years.

PC users can still use Windows XP after April 8, but officials warned that they would be exposed to security risks such as malware and hacking.

Microsoft’s only support for XP consumers is its online vaccine program ― Microsoft Security Essentials ― until July 15, 2015. Other than that, consumers will be on their own for their XP needs.

“Should they face a new (security) problem when using Windows XP, MS will not be able to assist them,” a Microsoft official told the press.

To this end, they will have to either pay to upgrade their OS or buy a new PC with an advanced Windows platform installed, the company said.

Windows XP-based PCs and laptops currently account for about 15 percent of total usage in Korea, down from 33 percent a year ago.

MS Korea urged consumers to contact its customer service center for assistance.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)