winxp Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6 Countdown

[gohpep]

What's this about?

 

On April 8th 2014, Microsoft will end support for all Windows XP operating systems, including Service Pack 3.

 

Check to see if you have Windows XP.

 

Why should I care?

 

After April 8th 2014, Windows XP will not receive any updates for any Microsoft products, including critical updates via Windows Update. That means your PC will no longer receive anymore innovation, bug fixes, or security updates from Microsoft.

 

Although Microsoft Security Essentials will be updated to detect the latest malware threats, your PC will not be protected from code executions that anti-malware software cannot protect against. Get Microsoft Security Essentials on your Windows XP computers if you don't have anti-malware, even if you're planning on upgrading, since you won't be able to get the free Microsoft Security Essentials after April 8th 2014, and you might be left without protection if you're delayed upgrading for any reason.

 

Sure, your computer will still work after April 8th 2014, but you'll be at risk for malware. Malware can steal your private information or destroy your computer's data. Additionally, many new features have been added to later Microsoft Windows operating systems which enable programs to run better, and for games to have better graphics. You may not even be able to get some apps at all due to your old version of Windows.

 

On a side note, update your computer to Internet Explorer 8 as soon as possible, as some applications may use Internet Explorer for web access, and you'll need to be on the latest Microsoft web browser. But don't be caught using it yourself. Use a different web browser.

 

More info about end of life.

Detailed help on Windows XP end of life.

 

What can I do?

 

Option 1 (best)

Check to see if your computer can run the latest and greatest Windows, Windows 8.1.

If your computer can't run Windows 8.1, check out some new PCs, or check out the alternative options.

If your computer can run Windows 8.1, get it. Here's some help on what to buy, and how to install it.

Once you've follow all the instructions on the help page, you're done. Enjoy your new operating system!

 

Option 2 (good)

Switch from Windows to Linux. For beginners, I would recommend Ubuntu.

 

Switch from Windows and install Ubuntu. Installing Ubuntu is fairly easy and you'll be able to remain secure on your old computer by using Ubuntu. Since Ubuntu and other Linux distros are a bit different from Windows, you should learn how to ease into your new operating system from Windows. Make sure you backup your files from Windows XP.

 

Option 3 (barely fine)

Stop using Microsoft applications on your Windows XP and reduce surface area for attacks.

 

Use a different web browser.

Get malware protection from Microsoft. Or Comodo. Or Avast. Only use one anti-malware program.

Get firewall protection: basic or advanced (with HIPS). Basic firewalls are easier to use, however may not provide as much protection as advanced firewalls.

Sandbox the Internet.

Detect suspicious websites.

Check for vulnerable software with Secunia PSI.

Secure your PC with EMET. Put it on the highest security settings.

 

Additional security measures from GRC:

https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

https://www.grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm

https://www.grc.com/unpnp/unpnp.htm

https://www.grc.com/freeware/dcom.htm

https://www.grc.com/wmf/wmf.htm

https://www.grc.com/lt/leaktest.htm

[+Warwagon MVC]

On a side note, update your computer to Internet Explorer 8 as soon as possible, as some applications may use Internet Explorer for web access, and you'll need to be on the latest Microsoft web browser.

 

Update it and then go Install Firefox www.firefox.com

 

and NEVER use IE for web browsing.

[gohpep]

Update it and then go Install Firefox www.firefox.com

 

and NEVER use IE for web browsing.

Would there be a difference between Firefox and Chrome?

[+Warwagon MVC]

Would there be a difference between Firefox and Chrome?

 

Firefox doesn't use as much ram on old XP machines

 

Chrome you open up and it also opens up 7 processes all using around 30 MB of ram.

[gohpep]

Firefox doesn't use as much ram on old XP machines

 

Chrome you open up and it also opens up 7 processes all using around 30 MB of ram.

Oh ok, yeah, Chrome is known to be a memory hog.

[Dot Matrix]

Firefox doesn't use as much ram on old XP machines

Only because there is no RAM to gobble up. It would if it could.

[Max Norris]

Only because there is no RAM to gobble up. It would if it could.

16GB here and no gobbling going on with Firefox.  Chromium on the other hand...