Beijing, Feb 24 - Tencent will join hands with other IT giants to "build a hedge" for Chinese users against potential internet attacks on them after Windows XP shutdown April 8.

Tencent, along with Kingsoft, Sogou and other internet service providers, will give technical assistance to Windows XP users for system upgrades and risk defence, said Ding Ke, a senior manager of Tencent.

The companies will start the protection before the shutdown and the "hedge" will continue during a transition period that may last for two to three years or even longer.

"The upcoming shutdown will serious affect Chinese users," said Ding, adding that more than one quarter of China's computers are running the operating system.

Microsoft announced earlier that it will stop providing technical assistance for Windows XP after April 8, and computers will still work but they might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. (IANS)