I'm the first to admit I'm no tech wizard. My at-home computing system (a Dell desktop and a Dell laptop with a wonky keyboard and no sound) is about as technologically advanced as a hamster in a wheel. Suffice it to say my personal email is still AOL (I'm waiting for it to become "retro," like handlebar moustaches, ukuleles and typewriters). But even I'm not running Windows XP.

In case you haven't heard, Microsoft stopped supporting the Windows XP system earlier this month. Although users may not experience much difference in their system operations, the fact that they will no longer receive updates and security essentials can open the door for hackers, viruses and a plethora of problems.

I didn't really think the end of XP would affect the independent agent system. Most firms are running sophisticated agency management systems and other programs that require more power than that hamster in a wheel. But I was wrong.

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