URGENT If you operate Windows XP please read

[Greenman]

This is a warning to all those of you that operate Windows XP.
From April 2014 Microsoft will not be sending out patches or updates for this system, it is being discontinued. It is recommended that you update to Windows 8 or whatever is around at that time. After April you will not be able to use Windows XP online as you computer or laptop will open to attacks. It is something you should consider and not ignore because to do so would probably result in you losing valuable files or being hacked for any personal information. If you do choose to continue XP then disconnect all systems that get you online like printers(Wi-Fi), routers/modems etc and use it OFFLINE only.

This has been printed in many computer magazines and online so to ignore this would be extremely foolish - you never know what is out there to try and destroy your machine. If you've been looking to upgrade or get a new machine(like I have been considering for 3 years) then this is the perfect excuse. Please inform your friends or family etc if they also operate Windows XP it will save them a lot of grief come next year. Thank you for reading this.

[bigbobnobody]

Originally Posted by Greenman

This is a warning to all those of you that operate Windows XP.
From April 2014 Microsoft will not be sending out patches or updates for this system, it is being discontinued. It is recommended that you update to Windows 8 or whatever is around at that time. After April you will not be able to use Windows XP online as you computer or laptop will open to attacks. It is something you should consider and not ignore because to do so would probably result in you losing valuable files or being hacked for any personal information. If you do choose to continue XP then disconnect all systems that get you online like printers(Wi-Fi), routers/modems etc and use it OFFLINE only.

This has been printed in many computer magazines and online so to ignore this would be extremely foolish - you never know what is out there to try and destroy your machine. If you've been looking to upgrade or get a new machine(like I have been considering for 3 years) then this is the perfect excuse. Please inform your friends or family etc if they also operate Windows XP it will save them a lot of grief come next year. Thank you for reading this.

I went thru the same thing with Windows ME,...(i.e. no more Windows
updates), and if it's anything like that OS, as long as one has a reliable
virus program, (as everyone should no matter the OS), you could certainly
still go online and what have you. The main source of concern, would be
those using XP, as well as Internet Explorer, which would no longer be
subject to updates for "malicious attacks", although having a reliable Virus
program would prevent most problems of that nature.

[Greenman]

Anti virus people Norton which I have on my machine say you shouldn't go online after April with XP. It is up to the individual if they want to risk it, but unless you have a machine with no files or personal stuff on it, then you are at risk from attacks.

[pharoahegypt]

Norton would say that.... Anyone with WinXP will still be able to surf and do whatever else they like, so long as they have a reliable anti virus in use....

Considering most the virus attacks this last three weeks we have dealt have been to nearly new laptops running Win8, then I don't see any major issue with continuing on whatever OS level you have prior to that...? Microsoft just like to frighten people in buying their latest over-inflated, and more often fault ridden, OS each time they bring a new one out.... Norton just helping as MS & they are quite literally in bed together; hence why retail outlets are mostly asked to pressure you into paying for virus protection from that one company as apposed to giving you a choice from them all.

[Greenman]

If the major computer magazines talk about XP being discontinued and urge people not to go online next year if they still have it on their machines I listen mate, because 9/10 times they are usually spot on. Like I said it up to the individual but personally I will be considering upgrading my machine OR get a new one, as I've been waiting for an excuse to get a new one, possibly a smaller laptop sort or a cheaper PC. All I will say is to ignore it now might cost you in the future.

Some articles you might like to peruse.
http://bgr.com/2013/11/05/windows-xp...osoft-support/

http://blogs.technet.com/b/security/...port-ends.aspx

[pharoahegypt]

Not saying they are completely off their heads GM, but I still know of several people who run Win98SE, use them online, and have few problems; other than the obvious compatibility issues with some modern video software and the like.

We rebuilt an old PC and reinstalled Win98 only last month for a customer, who can only use Win98 due to all his design software only being compatible with that OS, and he cannot afford to shell out a few hundred pounds to get more up to date versions, and then have to learn how to use them too, etc... Surely if on old system like that can still run online, then XP will be fine for a while longer...?

nb. to be fair though, he doesn't go online much more than to send and receive emails, and check ebay or gumtree (all well known virus filled places).

[bigbobnobody]

Also.........
I can't see as how a Windows XP computer, could possibly have the "cajones"
to even do an upgrade to a higher OS, other than maybe Vista. If someone
is that afraid to go online, without an overall system upgrade, they'd be better
off spending their money on an upgrade of a completely new computer.

Personally, if the XP I had was in good working condition, I'd use the damn
thing till the wheels fell off. It seems completely asinine to think, that as
of May 1st any XP's are at an extreme risk, when the day before they
weren't. If that was the case, then XP's have been at risk a helluva long
time before that. I'd trash Windows Explorer, which many have anyways,
and use a good virus program in association with a good Fire Wall. After
that, if someone thinks that there's THAT vital of information on my computer,
then if they can get thru that crap, I guess they can have it lol

[buttsie]

Ironic thats windows updates still continue to cause users of all versions angst
every now and then

The latest a few days ago has been locking up peoples computers for hours on end

Microsoft to fix Windows XP update SVCHOST redline issue “soon”

http://www.askwoody.com/2013/microso...redline-issue/

Supposebly 72% of XPs in China are using cracked versions
No support couldnt care less

MS will still be making the patches but selling them at extorionate prices to business for the next 3 years

Anonym zu www.pcworld.com/article/2047768/microsoft-will-still-patch-windows-xp-for-a-select-group.html


I somehow think if the worse case scenario is true - criminals are stockpiling exploits until post 4/2014 then at some point MS will give away free patches if the problem gets to the point where it starts to effect the entire internet.

Between now and 4/2014 people could always learn how to use a linux distro for free
and reduce the threat substantially while keeping their XP OS / hardware set-up.

At worst XP users should stop surfing while signed in with Full administrator rights when they dont need to be.

[Greenman]

Well I am not going to panic just yet, anything can happen between now and next April but I have been looking for a good excuse to get a new machine OR an upgrade so it might actually turn out to be provident. All I know is that if others say XP shouldn't be used, perhaps it might be an idea to heed that-but as I say I shall continue to read WebUser and Computeractive and see what others think AND keep up to date. Thanks for ALL your feedback.

[bazcom]

Ubuntu it is then.