So Windows XP will expire next Tuesday, April 8th. What should you do? First realize that XP wont suddenly stop working but it becomes even more vulnerable to hackers. So, other than the obvious answer of replace the computer, if you prefer to keep your existing XP system then you should be aware of the issues, the options, and the overall plan. There are 3 main issues with the expiration of Windows XP. 1. Microsoft will not support it if you call for support. 2. Microsoft will not provide updates which plug the vulnerabilities that are discovered in the software. 3. Hardware vendors will stop providing drivers for new peripherals like printers, scanners and other add on devices. Other issues that have not been as widely mentioned are: 1. On the same day, Microsoft will also stop supporting their Office 2003 product AND their Outlook Express email client. Btw, Office 2013 will not run on XP. 2. Microsoft’s antivirus client “security essentials” has been rumored to end support soon after, at the latest April 8th, 2015. What about the option of upgrading to a newer operating system on the existing computer? 1. Average price of upgrade is 99.00 for Windows 7 Home and 149.00 for Windows 7 Professional. 2. Average price of upgrade for Windows 8.1 home is 119.00 and Windows 8.1 Professional is 199.00. 3. Unless the computer is within 6 years old, it is not advisable because of 1) the age of the equipment 2) the fact the equipment was developed with the current operating system of it’s day and 3) older computers do not have sufficient resources, ie; ram and hard disk space to run the newer operating system. If you do not replace the systems immediately then you should create an upgrade plan to replace your computers within the next year. If you choose to maintain your current XP then you need to consider the following: 1. Stop using internet explorer immediately and switch to either Firefox and Chrome browsers. 2. Make sure you have a router that is a firewall, even consider a stronger device like a Barracuda Web Filter or Firewall. 3. Stop using Outlook Express and move to the full version of a newer version of Outlook. 4. Make sure you have a current antivirus that is updating properly. 5. Insure you have installed all the current updates, patches and service pack 3 for XP. 6. Consider removing insecure apps like Java, Adobe flash and reader, which is not real feasible as many web pages require these. 7. Create a new admin account and change all your daily user accounts to limited accounts. 8. If the system does not require the internet then disconnect it and run it as a standalone pc. You can’t ignore this event and do need to do something. If you have questions about these or need assistance with how to move forward just email me.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 02:31:03 +0000
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