Keep Your Windows XP

[SoulRaven]

Greetings All!

Just a quick but very important note regarding Windows XP!

Do not listen to the news, and DO NOT upgrade your version of Windows XP. Windows XP is the most stable version of Windows available at this point, and Microsoft is basically trying to blackmail you into upgrading.

Do not believe the hype that you will be more vulnerable to hackers, viruses, etc. That is what your Anti-Virus Software is for, and it will continue to be updated just fine.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

 

[Mac J]

Windows 8 is a drag for the first 30 hours of frustrating brain racking then settles down to a nice platform. Then, a prompt to upgrade to Windows 8.1 comes across the monitor and your off once again.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I have Win 7 and it works for me. I just do basic stuff anyway.
It isn't much different than XP as far as I can tell.
Not looking forward to the day I have to buy something else. So much I don't understand that I hate starting a new look/format.
My laptop is getting old and I burn sage, chant and pray regularly that it will hang in there. I keep backing up stuff on memory sticks just in case.

I heard XP is no longer supported, but it seems like a good security program will take care of that end of things. I use one anyway.

---

A lot of people had problems with Win 8 downloads last fall. We know a few who had their laptops lock up and had to take them to a tech shop to get back where they were.

 

[mockturtle]

I've had 8/8.1 for about a year now and still don't like it (partly because a lot of my programs won't work with it!). Windows XP is still my favorite.

 

[minimotos95]

the only reason i use windows 8.1 is for gaming, if not for that i would only be running ubuntu, crunchbang or lubuntu. if i could get a 64 bit version of XP with DX11.2 and better driver support for modern components, i would switch right now.
i have been using 8.1 for 64 days and still cant stand the user interface. XP isn't a lightweight OS but it's what windows is supposed to be. if you are smart about trusting websites and torrents as you should be on any version of windows viruses shouldn't be a problem

 

[kyonu]

I prefer windows 7. It is way more stable, faster, and you can get a lot more done. It is also far more user friendly. It even has XP Mode for anyone missing the good old days. As a certified IT professional, windows 7 has my full recommendation over any other operating system. It's future proof, where as XP hit its limits many moons ago.

The April 8th deadline is just end of MICROSOFT support, not third-party support. Besides, who calls microsoft for support anyways?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We were just talking about this on another forum and the comments are much the same. Seems more like XP, and Win 7 runs up there too. Win 8 seems to suit gamers.
I guess if I was more into tech things I'd know enough to have a real opinion.

 

[SoulRaven]

Greetings!

One of the most important factors to consider, is that your computer was optimized for whatever version of windows it came with originally.

Regardless of what microsoft would have you believe, newer versions of windows might not have proper drivers for the hardware in your computer. Most of your drivers were written specifically for your computer, and specifically for your original version of windows. Upgrading could mean that suddenly your wifi might quit working, or your USB ports, or your ethernet card... Any one or more of your computers systems could be rendered useless, and reversing the process could be difficult or even impossible if the manufacturer doesn't have original disks available. Even if it is possible, it could result in the loss of all your data, pictures, etc. Not to mention the loss of some or possibly all your software. Software that was meant to run on windows XP may or may not run on other versions of windows, which could result in permanent loss of important documents or data.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I prefer windows 7. It is way more stable, faster, and you can get a lot more done. It is also far more user friendly. It even has XP Mode for anyone missing the good old days. As a certified IT professional, windows 7 has my full recommendation over any other operating system. It's future proof, where as XP hit its limits many moons ago.

The April 8th deadline is just end of MICROSOFT support, not third-party support. Besides, who calls microsoft for support anyways?

By saying they no longer support it, they are saying they no longer provide security updates and patches.

Even as old as XP is, I'm sure there are still problems that future hackers will discover and exploit, and Microsoft will no longer FIX these problems when they are found.

I would restrict an XP machine to non-critical use only. I would certainly no longer use it for online banking or online shopping, and things of that nature.

Regards
John

 

[Zil]

Ahhh, I guess i have to agree with Campervan man.
Unless you have a custom computer stay with the program that came with your computer. nothing else will work with out much secret computer geek stuff. If you have xp maybe time for a new machine. I'm using windows 7 and have had no problem in many many years.
A new problem has arose, the secure web connection most (banks, amazon, medical) financial contacts use has been compromised. Wait a few days until it is repaired and then change all your passwords.

 

[kyonu]

Ahhh, I guess i have to agree with Campervan man.
Unless you have a custom computer stay with the program that came with your computer. nothing else will work with out much secret computer geek stuff. If you have xp maybe time for a new machine. I'm using windows 7 and have had no problem in many many years.
A new problem has arose, the secure web connection most (banks, amazon, medical) financial contacts use has been compromised. Wait a few days until it is repaired and then change all your passwords.

Accurate. If you have hardware that works for you using XP, then there really isn't a need to upgrade. However if something like Mr. Paranoid explained happens, then you definitely need to think about upgrading. Typically, $500 or less can beat out anything an XP system can "support" (but not necessarily use). That isn't much, and a newer laptop will probably suit vandwellers even better anyways. My $.02!

 

[caseyc]

I've had so many Windows computers and laptops over the years. I don't recall XP having any major problems, so it must have been fine for me. But the major problem is that due to the age of the computer/laptop, the entire device slows down to a crawl over time due to aging components, etc. That's why I've always bought new computers every couple years or so. I currently have 2 different Windows 7 laptops for the past couple years, and don't have any problems. My impression is that Windows 7 is quite stable. Now, if you want to go back a dozen years or so, some versions of Windows such as ME and Vista were terrible in my opinion. As for Windows 8/8.1, the only thing I like about the current version is the touch-screen capability for my tablets. Otherwise, I hate Windows 8. As I've written in previous other threads, I use a free app called "Classic Shell" that provides me the same Windows 7 functionality (and Start button) that I'm used to. Classic Shell is the bomb in my opinion, really good stuff and free too. Here's a link for Classic Shell: http://www.classicshell.net/

 

[SoulRaven]

By saying they no longer support it, they are saying they no longer provide security updates and patches.

Even as old as XP is, I'm sure there are still problems that future hackers will discover and exploit, and Microsoft will no longer FIX these problems when they are found.

I would restrict an XP machine to non-critical use only. I would certainly no longer use it for online banking or online shopping, and things of that nature.

Regards
John

Greetings!

Microsoft's security updates and patches usually meant they had figured out new ways to track you. .NET = New Era Tracking, no joke!

Unless you were using MS lame anti-virus (Security Essentials), which you shouldn't in the first place, your computer's security is handled by third party programs anyway, so you are still far more secure than any version of windows using windows security.

I've got a lot of high end, expensive programs, and if I was to upgrade my windows, it would cost me thousands of $$$ to upgrade all of the software, plus then I would have to re-learn how to use all the newer versions. NO THANKS!

For anybody reading this, no matter what version of windows you're using, put AVG free anti-virus, and Super Anti-Spyware free, on your systems, and you're just about as protected as you're going to get.

Any version of the stock windows firewall is sufficient as long as it is TURNED ON!!!

Un-install any other ant-virus, anti-spyware type programs BEFORE you install the ones above so you don't run into any conflict problems. MS security type stuff really sucks, so you're better off not using any of it.

If anybodies interested I could also post a thread on how to do your own computer tune-ups to keep them running BETTER than new.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

---

Accurate. If you have hardware that works for you using XP, then there really isn't a need to upgrade. However if something like Mr. Paranoid explained happens, then you definitely need to think about upgrading. Typically, $500 or less can beat out anything an XP system can "support" (but not necessarily use). That isn't much, and a newer laptop will probably suit vandwellers even better anyways. My $.02!

Greetings!

Well, to date, I have never found anything that I needed or wanted that XP couldn't support. If your old computer handles your needs, then keep it and enjoy it. Even ancient computers are considerably faster than internet speeds, so a faster computer won't speed up your internet, they won't speed up your typing skills, or improve your spelling, your songs or movies won't play any better, and your older, beloved games might run so fast they become unplayable.

Software and Hardware manufacturers will continue to support Windows XP for many years to come. Many still support Windows 95 & 98...

Your security has nothing to do with your version of windows unless you're using Microsoft Internet Explorer, which any decent computer security tech will tell you to NEVER USE.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

 

[steamjam1]

Ive been running 7 Pro for the past year. So far I don't really have any complaints. Its stable and doesn't give me problems.

 

[Starlight]

I am so glad to hear that I'm not the only person who likes XP compared to the newer versions. I went to Microsoft to update Windows yesterday and they were really pushing the "buy a new computer" sales... especially the touchscreen tablets. Might be a good time to pick up a nice used laptop.

NEW SOFTWARE will be designed for the newer Windows programs and likely be based more and more on tablets and cell phones. I wonder if this will actually be a break in software development altogether... with office applications designed for specific uses, and recreational applications for smaller mediums. People may stop buying laptops unless they have a business need for them. HMMM....

I'm at the point where I'm thinking I need one computer for personal use and another for internet. Same way with bank accounts... one account with a minimum balance or transferred monies for internet transactions and another account with no internet use whatsoever.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I'm at the point where I'm thinking I need one computer for personal use and another for internet. Same way with bank accounts... one account with a minimum balance or transferred monies for internet transactions and another account with no internet use whatsoever.

Here's another idea for you. I only have one computer, but I have two browsers on it - Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. I use Explorer for all my regular browsing. When I need to do something sensitive, like online banking, I close Explorer, reboot the machine, and bring up Chrome. Any malicious code that might have infected Explorer won't have affected Chrome.

The nice thing about Chrome is that they don't just push out patches. Whenever they fix a problem, they push out a whole new copy of Chrome, which overwrites all of the old Chrome code on your machine.

WAY better, from a security point of view.

Regards
John

 

[caseyc]

I totally agree with this. I've been doing this for many years. I've always had multiple computers and laptops. I typically reserve one computer as my "trash laptop", usually an older device, that I don't mind if it gets infected with sh!t since it doesn't have any sensitive information on it. If the trash computer does get screwed up, I wouldn't be so annoyed about having to do a factory restore back to its original condition.

I'm at the point where I'm thinking I need one computer for personal use and another for internet. Same way with bank accounts... one account with a minimum balance or transferred monies for internet transactions and another account with no internet use whatsoever.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I wouldn't touch Internet Explorer with a burning stick.

 

[caseyc]

I don't particularly like Internet Explorer either........EXCEPT, the job requires it as the only browser available, plus the work stations are locked down so that no apps can be downloaded by the user. Hence I'm stuck with IE at work. But for my personal computers, I usually use Chrome and Firefox.

As for my Android smartphone, I have positively noticed that some browsers are better than others for viewing videos. On some (typically older) websites that have videos, Adobe Flash is required for viewing the videos. If your smartphone doesn't have Adobe Flash, or is not capable of utilizing the app, then the video won't play. Instead, it will simply show a thumbnail picture of the video. I have Adobe Flash installed on my Android smartphone so this isn't a problem for me. But I've noticed that even though my smartphone can play videos via Adobe Flash, some mobile web browsers are better than others for viewing such videos. I also found that some browsers simply won't work at all, even though I have Flash installed. I realize most modern websites probably use HTML nowadays for their videos, but like I said, there are older sites out there that still use Flash. This is just an FYI, since this thread is geared towards desktop and laptop usage.

 

[vagari]

While I think Windows XP was one of the best OS's ever from Microsoft, I would upgrade ASAP.

Here's what's going to happen:
1. Microsoft releases security fix for Windows Vista, 7, etc.
2. All Windows versions share a lot of code base
3. Hackers now know of a likely vulnerability in Windows XP
4. Anti Virus companies may face difficulty protecting from OS flaws
5. Hackers gain access to your system

If you cannot afford to upgrade Windows then switch to Linux Mint for free. It's very Windows like and supports tons of hardware. LibreOffice is very Office like.