So as you all know Windows XP support has finished for you and I, however that doesn't mean we have to stop using it!
Ok, deep breath, don't panic, you can still use Windows XP for a while (one year or so)
after support has ended, so to stay on top of your XP machine here are a few pointers:
1. DO NOT USE INTERNET EXPLORER.
The latest version of Internet Explorer for Windows XP is IE 8, an incredibly outdated. For security, it's better to use third-party browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. All have promised to continue Windows XP support for at least another year.
Use your browser security to it's fullest extent. Add-ons and extensions that disable JavaScript can prevent websites from running malicious scripts. NoScript and Ghostery for Firefox or NotScripts and ScriptSafe for Chrome can close the doors on many exploits.
2. THERE IS NO LONGER A NEED FOR FLASH, JAVA OR ADOBE.
Although Flash, Java, and Adobe Reader were widely used a decade ago, with an unsupported OS they are doors for hackers. YouTube and Netflix uses HTML5, so there should be no need for Flash. Java is still required for certain applications, but unless you use those on a daily basis, there's no need for it to be installed. Lastly, there are safer alternatives for Adobe Reader, such as Sumatra PDF, Nitro PDF, and Foxit Reader.
3. ACTUALLY BUY AN ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM.
We all wish we didn't have to pay for things but this costs less than upgrading your machine. Kaspersky is by far the lead runner in this field as well as Malwarebytes, and Avast. More importantly you need an antivirus that will give you their updates on a regular basis as they keep up with the ever changing malicious codes.
4. STAY OFFLINE
As crazy as that sounds, restricting access to your PC from the internet is by far one of the best ways to protect yourself. Unless the programs you use require a connection stay offline.
5. START DELETING PROGRAMS
Any programs you're not using can be a risk now that you're on an outdated OS. Update whatever applications remain. Just because Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP doesn't mean that software developers have stopped it. A majority of publishers still offer updates to their software at least for another year.
Hope this helps alleviate some worries for a few of you.
Please feel free to contact us below if you have any questions regarding Windows XP and the end of Microsoft's support.
