Good to see you got it going, make sure you save all your data to another device while you can. When you decide to upgrade, get someone to show you some open source, particularly linux mint, then you more than likely wont have to upgrade your computer or equipment and all the software you want and need will be free.

I'm not contradicting anything previously said in this thread, just a bit of clarification.
From April this year Microsoft won't be sending out any more updates for XP. Nor will they welcome your phone calls asking for help. They've moved on. We don't have to. The service packs and updates that we've been using for years will still be found on their server and you're quite welcome to continue using them as you've been doing. Microsoft believe that will new technology comes new threats, and sooner or later new threats will invade XP installations. That's why they suggest an upgrade of your operating system to something (8.1) that's both modern and maintainable.
I still have XP. I also have Win 7 and Win 8.1. Because I'm so old fashioned I tend to use the XP device most. So if you want to stick with XP for a while longer, then don't feel threatened.

KevinC wrote:

I'm not contradicting anything previously said in this thread, just a bit of clarification.
From April this year Microsoft won't be sending out any more updates for XP. Nor will they welcome your phone calls asking for help. They've moved on. We don't have to. The service packs and updates that we've been using for years will still be found on their server and you're quite welcome to continue using them as you've been doing. Microsoft believe that will new technology comes new threats, and sooner or later new threats will invade XP installations. That's why they suggest an upgrade of your operating system to something (8.1) that's both modern and maintainable.
I still have XP. I also have Win 7 and Win 8.1. Because I'm so old fashioned I tend to use the XP device most. So if you want to stick with XP for a while longer, then don't feel threatened.

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 I agree you can still use Windows XP

I have 2 Anti-virus programs running, both free if you want them to be.

1/ http://www.malwarebytes.org/

2/ http://www.avgfree.com.au/ 

 

Keep these 2  up to date and you will be a happy camper

 

 

As a computer tech with many years experience I thought I'd provide a little advice for those people planning on using Windows XP after April 8th - it's fine so long as you don't use it online. The problem is that the vulnerabilities that affect Windows Vista, 7 and 8 will most likely also affect XP and because it won't be patched like the more recent operating systems, it is very likely to be attacked.

Bear in mind that when I say 'attacked' I don't mean someone is sitting around looking for your PC to hack into - the hackers have automated 'bots' continually scanning thousands of systems every minute so it isn't an IF.... it's a WHEN your PC will get hit - sooner rather than later.

Also, we aren't talking viruses here - this is browser initiated attacks that will usually go completely unnoticed by your antivirus software, no matter the manufacturer. The malware writers these days aren't interested in wrecking your system, they just want credit card numbers, online banking details (easily stolen by a key logger program) and the like. I have seen so many PCs in my workshop just crippled with malware that are running McAfee/Norton/Trend security suites that have just let the stuff through.

I would even go so far to say that I wouldn't be surprised if an unpatched XP system could be attacked even if an internet browser is not running - just being connected through a wireless or adsl modem may be enough...

References to Linux in other posts are a good idea for those who just want to use the internet/email on an older PC that can't be upgraded to Win 7 or 8 - my favourite is Linux Mint. Remember though, that Linux won't (with some exceptions) run any Windows software, but there are free alternatives that do the job as well if not better.

This makes interesting reading if you want more info - http://blogs.technet.com/b/security/archive/2013/08/15/the-risk-of-running-windows-xp-after-support-ends.aspx

Andy the Senior Geek

 

 

-- Edited by Wibbles on Wednesday 19th of March 2014 08:11:41 PM

-- Edited by Wibbles on Wednesday 19th of March 2014 08:31:55 PM