Microsoft had warned that is would stop offering security patches and
technical support for its Windows XP version of OS from April 8, 2014. The D-
day has passed and all XP users, still in large numbers, are now at the mercy
of hackers and virus/malware spreading entities. However, on the brighter
side Microsoft has done a couple of good things before pulling down the
curtains.
Offered one last security fix/patch on the same day.
It has promised to keep all security fixes and technical content readily
available on its servers for existing users who may need them in the coming
months.
This simply means Windows XP can still be installed and activated post April
8th, 2014.
It is not just the end user who will face the wrath of cyber criminals and
insane geeks. Companies who guarantee protection from cyber miscreants for
its XP based programs and services will face a lot of flak and maybe
litigations as they will not be able to fulfil this vital clause. Yet another
major effect of this pullout will be the lack of supporting drivers for existing
and forthcoming devices. In simple words, newer products will not work with
Windows XP. In such a scenario the only option is to migrate to Windows 7 or
8 which typically offers better security features, wider device compatibility
and enhanced productivity through its intuitive GUI and applications.
Does it mean you cannot use Windows XP at all? No, there is no reason to
panic as of now. Follow the below mentioned tips to cut down security risks
and continue to enjoy your favourite OS.
1. Install latest security patches and backup for future
Make sure you apply all of the latest patches in order to make your operating
system as secure as possible. Secondly, if you do not intend to divorce
Windows XP for whatever reason it is better that that you create a custom XP
disc with SP3 and other updates readily available. The reason; Microsoft will
pull back all the support including downloadable security patches and drivers
one day. If that happens, your OS will turn into a playground for cyber
shenanigans.
2. Choose your software wisely, especially browser
Majority of the viruses and malware find their way through internet and
internet downloaded files and applications. However, unsecure browsers also
pose a threat to operating systems. Browser plug-ins is one area which is
exploited by all and sundry. It allows hackers and cyber thieves to manipulate
several OS functions, thereby making the computing environment vulnerable
on several fronts. Older version of Internet Explorer, typically bundled with XP
will no longer be provided with security patches. The same applies to other
browsers such as obsolete Mozilla Firefox flavors. In such a scenario it is
better to install Google Chrome which is comparatively secure and continues
to offer support for XP users.
3. Email client and Desktop Manager
Microsoft has also announced its desire to stop non-security fixes, free or
paid support and security patches for Microsoft Office 2003. It simply means
Microsoft Outlook will no longer be safe anymore as any future loopholes will
make it a perfect target for cyber bandits and companies offering badly coded
applications with inherent security issues. The best way to make sure your
OS secure is to switch over to free or paid email client, task manager and
calendar applications. Any compromise here would simply translate into
disaster.
4. Robust Anti-virus
Microsoft’s native security software “Security Essentials” has always been
under flak for inefficient and insufficient features. Even though Microsoft has
promised to keep on upgrading and patching this security software as and
when it finds a loophole, it is better that you install a powerful, dedicated
anti-virus program. It has become all the more important now because the
watch dog, Microsoft, will no longer guard the gates to your computer system.
5. Device drivers
Device drivers are an integral part of any OS. Unfortunately, they are also
vulnerable to security threats and malicious software which can simply hijack
your personal information. It is therefore important to keep them updated
regularly. Use free or paid tools to update and upgrade these essential files
so that your OS is sanitized. Remember, you now own an OS which has no
Godfather or a caretaker. Apart from device drivers make sure you keep your
other software updated all the times.
6. Login as normal user and not administrator
Another way to secure your Windows XP environment is to use non-
administrative account. It simply means limiting yourself and your computer
to basic functionality. Because normal users cannot add or delete programs or
download files without administrative password you can enhance the security
of your OS and thereby your computer system. It simply means no spyware
and other malicious software creeping in unknowingly and stealing precious
personal and business information. To run administrator chores simply
disconnect from the internet.
7. Switch Operating System
Now, this may seem quite intimidating but several flavors of Linux such as
Ubuntu and Puppy Linux have proven their mettle on the OS front. These
Linux versions are stable, fast, secure and compatible with most of the
commercial software/applications. To add icing to the cake most of Linux
flavors are free to download and use. There is no limit to the number of users
as well.
technical support for its Windows XP version of OS from April 8, 2014. The D-
day has passed and all XP users, still in large numbers, are now at the mercy
of hackers and virus/malware spreading entities. However, on the brighter
side Microsoft has done a couple of good things before pulling down the
curtains.
Offered one last security fix/patch on the same day.
It has promised to keep all security fixes and technical content readily
available on its servers for existing users who may need them in the coming
months.
This simply means Windows XP can still be installed and activated post April
8th, 2014.
It is not just the end user who will face the wrath of cyber criminals and
insane geeks. Companies who guarantee protection from cyber miscreants for
its XP based programs and services will face a lot of flak and maybe
litigations as they will not be able to fulfil this vital clause. Yet another
major effect of this pullout will be the lack of supporting drivers for existing
and forthcoming devices. In simple words, newer products will not work with
Windows XP. In such a scenario the only option is to migrate to Windows 7 or
8 which typically offers better security features, wider device compatibility
and enhanced productivity through its intuitive GUI and applications.
Does it mean you cannot use Windows XP at all? No, there is no reason to
panic as of now. Follow the below mentioned tips to cut down security risks
and continue to enjoy your favourite OS.
1. Install latest security patches and backup for future
Make sure you apply all of the latest patches in order to make your operating
system as secure as possible. Secondly, if you do not intend to divorce
Windows XP for whatever reason it is better that that you create a custom XP
disc with SP3 and other updates readily available. The reason; Microsoft will
pull back all the support including downloadable security patches and drivers
one day. If that happens, your OS will turn into a playground for cyber
shenanigans.
2. Choose your software wisely, especially browser
Majority of the viruses and malware find their way through internet and
internet downloaded files and applications. However, unsecure browsers also
pose a threat to operating systems. Browser plug-ins is one area which is
exploited by all and sundry. It allows hackers and cyber thieves to manipulate
several OS functions, thereby making the computing environment vulnerable
on several fronts. Older version of Internet Explorer, typically bundled with XP
will no longer be provided with security patches. The same applies to other
browsers such as obsolete Mozilla Firefox flavors. In such a scenario it is
better to install Google Chrome which is comparatively secure and continues
to offer support for XP users.
3. Email client and Desktop Manager
Microsoft has also announced its desire to stop non-security fixes, free or
paid support and security patches for Microsoft Office 2003. It simply means
Microsoft Outlook will no longer be safe anymore as any future loopholes will
make it a perfect target for cyber bandits and companies offering badly coded
applications with inherent security issues. The best way to make sure your
OS secure is to switch over to free or paid email client, task manager and
calendar applications. Any compromise here would simply translate into
disaster.
4. Robust Anti-virus
Microsoft’s native security software “Security Essentials” has always been
under flak for inefficient and insufficient features. Even though Microsoft has
promised to keep on upgrading and patching this security software as and
when it finds a loophole, it is better that you install a powerful, dedicated
anti-virus program. It has become all the more important now because the
watch dog, Microsoft, will no longer guard the gates to your computer system.
5. Device drivers
Device drivers are an integral part of any OS. Unfortunately, they are also
vulnerable to security threats and malicious software which can simply hijack
your personal information. It is therefore important to keep them updated
regularly. Use free or paid tools to update and upgrade these essential files
so that your OS is sanitized. Remember, you now own an OS which has no
Godfather or a caretaker. Apart from device drivers make sure you keep your
other software updated all the times.
6. Login as normal user and not administrator
Another way to secure your Windows XP environment is to use non-
administrative account. It simply means limiting yourself and your computer
to basic functionality. Because normal users cannot add or delete programs or
download files without administrative password you can enhance the security
of your OS and thereby your computer system. It simply means no spyware
and other malicious software creeping in unknowingly and stealing precious
personal and business information. To run administrator chores simply
disconnect from the internet.
7. Switch Operating System
Now, this may seem quite intimidating but several flavors of Linux such as
Ubuntu and Puppy Linux have proven their mettle on the OS front. These
Linux versions are stable, fast, secure and compatible with most of the
commercial software/applications. To add icing to the cake most of Linux
flavors are free to download and use. There is no limit to the number of users
as well.
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