Solved: My computer's future

Tech Support Guy System Info Utility version 1.0.0.2
OS Version: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 3, 32 bit
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5200+, x86 Family 15 Model 67 Stepping 2
Processor Count: 2
RAM: 2046 Mb
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 6800 GS, 256 Mb
Hard Drives: C: Total - 38154 MB, Free - 22046 MB;
Motherboard: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD, MS-7312
Antivirus: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2013, Updated: Yes, On-Demand Scanner: Enabled

I have two concerns about my computer's future. My OS is Windows XP and my email client is gmail.

Background:

1. Notification appears when I boot my IE8 browser that it is an old browser and gmail will soon not work with it.

2. I believe that Microsoft will no longer "support" Windows XP beyond sometime in 2014.

Questions:

1. I have another browser, and it is current - so I assume my use of gmail will not be interrupted, right?

2. What consequences are there to me, when Microsoft no longer "supports" my OS, Windows XP (note: I cannot upgrade to another OS because my current hardware will not accommodate more recent OSs.)?

Thanks in advance!