Windows XP users are panicking and indeed everybody is panicking about Microsoft Corporation's decision on the 13year old Windows NT family of Operating system!
Here's a flashback pix:
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Bill
Gates introducing Windows XP in October, 2001.
Photo: Getty Images.
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If you’re still using a computer that’s running this old operating system, you do have options.
But what if none of the options work for you? What if, for a perfectly good reason (like the fact that upgrading from XP will cost you either money or time, and you have neither), you’re stuck with a computer using XP? What’s going to happen to you and your computer on April 9?
Nothing
you’ll notice, at least not right away. Windows XP will continue to work. But
your risk of a security breach into your computer increases over time.
But have this in mind that "Microsoft is adamant that Windows XP can no longer be considered a safe place
to store your digital assets".
Even though
the operating system has been repaired (“patched”) literally over a thousand
times, it’s got an old foundation and it can’t stand up to modern security
threats. Unless you want your data stolen, your home network hacked, or your
computer taken over to be used as a slave to send spam mail, you need to get
off this creaky platform. That’s what Microsoft says.
But
if you have to keep using an old XP machine, you can decrease your exposure in
a few ways.
Here are the few tips:
1. Get
the last Windows
As the dying XP OS has been released in differs version ranging from Service Pack 1 to 3, the keeping your machine working on the last version of the XP OS will be of help.
Make sure
you have the final version of Windows XP. Be sure your computer is connected to
the Internet and let it update itself. Or find Windows Update on your computer
and let it run.
Make your version of XP as secure as
possible, because it’s not going to get any better after this.
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| Rafe Needleman 's method on his old IBM laptop to give it one final update |
You can click on this link to verify the supporting version for your machine: Windows Service Packs and updates
2.
Update your anti-virus software
Though Microsoft
will continue to support its own Security Essentials add-on app for
Windows until July, 2015;you need to make sure it’s updated (it should handle this
itself, or you can force it by opening the app and asking it to update).
Security software is a strong line of defense, but it can’t protect you from
everything.
3.
Make sure your Browser is up to date
Since the most common threats your machine is likely to see will probably come through the Pages of Websites you visit, be sure you are running a modern and up-to-date browser. All the current versions of the major browsers offer better security than that other giant Microsoft's product that people still use, Internet Explorer 6 or any other related outdated browser.
Since the most common threats your machine is likely to see will probably come through the Pages of Websites you visit, be sure you are running a modern and up-to-date browser. All the current versions of the major browsers offer better security than that other giant Microsoft's product that people still use, Internet Explorer 6 or any other related outdated browser.
You can opt to download the latest Mozilla Firefox version 28.0 browser here.
Do not open attachments on your XP computer: PDFs, Word files, attached programs, and so on. Even those that appear to be from people you know. The “from” line in an email message can be forged, and happy-looking emails from friends are great vectors for infection.
5. The same goes for Social Media Networks
It’s fine to read updates, but you’re at risk if you click on links to stories or sites that show up in your feed, even if they appear to be from people you know. Getting your machine linked to this websites will place you at higher risk. So please play safe!
6. Be extra, extra careful with USB sticks, CDs, and DVDs
Experts advised on taking extreme caution while working with external devices if you're still machine your machine running on windows XP. These devices can carry malware which may affect your machine. Your security software might catch it, but it might not. Best bet is to not use any kind of external media with this computer, especially USB sticks.
7. For the ultimate in safety: Disconnect from the Internet
Not a joke. And it’s actually a workable idea for people who are using their XP computers for dedicated functions, like cash registers. If it doesn’t need to be connected to the world, disconnect it. Do your email and Web browsing on a modern device, like your smartphone or tablet, if you can.
All things end
Microsoft has a public document stating when it will stop supporting various versions of Windows. Today may be the end for XP, but its newer products have termination dates, too.(You look surprised?) If you’re on Windows Vista (which hopefully you’re not, it’s terrible), you have until April 11, 2017.
Windows 7 users will be abandoned on January 14, 2020. The clock is even ticking on Windows 8.1: On January 10, 2023, Microsoft is planning to end support for today’s operating system.
As the support ends, make sure your machine didn't end with it.
All thanks to YahooTech for the support
God bless.
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