Off Topic: is WinXP the new Y2K?

[EZWind]

Posted this over in the other section and got a coupla replies (for which thanx again Ben et al) but didn't really get an answer, so I'm trying here. My question: is this virus/hacker threat re the Win XP support ending really as dire as they're making it sound? Do I need to stay off the Internet starting at 12:01 9 April? I seem to recall a similar prophecy of doom about 14 years ago which turned out to be nothing. I've got the Norton360 hooked up here and it does a good job thwarting the various malware and spyware threats...but will that be good enough?
I realize it's way past time to upgrade, but my WinXP has been working just fine so I'm not switching to Linux or Ubuntu, and will most likely bite the bullet w/ the Win8, but I'd just as soon not if I don't really have to. Anyone else in this same boat?....I can't be the only one in the world still using XP, can I?

[RallyCola]

if you are still working under winxp because you WANT to, you are an idiot. if you need XP because of some piece of legacy software or hardware, that's entirely different. i still have one computer in my lab that runs win98 because of lack of driver support for the plate reader in newer versions of windows.

that security loopholes still persist in XP is an issue however not something that 3rd party software cannot address. the end of MS support for XP is really not that meaningful because while it has had support, it still had loopholes that nefarious people exploited so its nothing new really.

finally, there is nothing wrong with win7 (as an upgrade from XP) so consider that. I am not a fan of win8 and i actually can't use it in either office so i still run win7 at home as well. it is stable, largely backwards compatible and i hate the look and feel of the metro ui so i'll stick with win7 until 8.1 is released and i am sure i can use the "legacy aero" ui with a fully functional desktop and start menu AND enjoy support for my win7 applications that presently don't work in 8.

[lifeisfiction]

I would upgrade to Windows 9 since that will be the true descendant of Windows 7 as, Windows 7 was to Windows XP. It will be released this year.

[RallyCola]

win9 is not coming out there year. it likely won't be until 2015 from what i have read.

[buttslinger]

My old PHOTOSHOP is worthless, because the new computers won't support it, but I just bought a $40 PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS which is actually better than my old program.

IS your computer 12 years old, or what?

My GUESS is that technology hit a fork in the road, and the big boys had to decide if they would keep you happy, or keep the cutting edge people happy. Like scrapping all the old analog TV sets.

What's the worst thing that would happen?
(I heard the Russians are going back to typewriters to thwart hacking)

I would say keep your files backed up and make sure you have recovery discs, and see what happens. Most likely these are COVER YOUR ASS warnings so somebody won't get in trouble or somebody wants to make you buy something new.

If somebody here can't help you, start googling.

[nycsal]

If you are used to XP, I suggest up grading to Windows 7. Windows 8 is a pain in the ass. Even the Microsoft help line techs hate it.
I am win 7 on all devices and will be until they kill win 8, the transition from XP to Win 7 will not prove too difficult for you. XP to Win 8 is like learning a new language.

[EZWind]

if you are still working under winxp because you WANT to, you are an idiot.

...thanx....it's not so much a case of WANT to but rather more of NOT wanting the expense and hassle of researching/shopping for a whole new rig if I don't really NEED to



finally, there is nothing wrong with win7 (as an upgrade from XP) so consider that. I am not a fan of win8
...I may go that route...I'm hearing similar assessment of 8 from others as well

[EZWind]

IS your computer 12 years old, or what?
What's the worst thing that would happen?

...this is what I'm asking, and yes it is 12 and unable to meet the minimum specs for Win8


.....make sure you have recovery discs, and see what happens. Most likely these are COVER YOUR ASS warnings so somebody won't get in trouble or somebody wants to make you buy something new.
...that's pretty much the way I figured it. From what I'm hearing, the sky won't fall and the walls come tumblin down on April the 9th

....and thanx to all for the feedback

[lifeisfiction]

win9 is not coming out there year. it likely won't be until 2015 from what i have read.

I didn't see the projected update. They change the date from 2014 to April 2015 in the most recent rumor release date. I still think they would rather have it before Christmas unless its so bug ridden it wouldn't make it in time, lol.

[North323]

Posted this over in the other section and got a coupla replies (for which thanx again Ben et al) but didn't really get an answer, so I'm trying here. My question: is this virus/hacker threat re the Win XP support ending really as dire as they're making it sound? Do I need to stay off the Internet starting at 12:01 9 April? I seem to recall a similar prophecy of doom about 14 years ago which turned out to be nothing. I've got the Norton360 hooked up here and it does a good job thwarting the various malware and spyware threats...but will that be good enough?
I realize it's way past time to upgrade, but my WinXP has been working just fine so I'm not switching to Linux or Ubuntu, and will most likely bite the bullet w/ the Win8, but I'd just as soon not if I don't really have to. Anyone else in this same boat?....I can't be the only one in the world still using XP, can I?

Short answer is yes! Since MS will no longer support or upgrade XP, virus creators and hackers will be able to exploit XP easier. If they do exploit it, MS will not patch it, thus leaving XP with multiple 'holes' that will never be filled.

[blackchubby38]

While it may not be the new Y2K, it will be a major pain in the ass if your machine gets infected from a virus that XP couldn't block. As much as I loved XP, I decided last year to get a new desktop with Windows 8 on it and I haven't looked back since.

[gaysian71]

Your best bet is to get a new computer with at least windows 7. If you are like most people, you can't afford to just run out and buy a new computer. The second best option is to install a newer operating system on your computer. But if you are not very technically savvy, you will have problems. Although it's relatively easy to do an upgrade, you will need to have all the install disks and keys needed to install all of the apps you have purchased over the years. That is a big problem for most users because they don't keep the install disks and keys. In fact most people don't even know what an install key or install disk is.

With that said, the question you need to ask yourself is "how safe am I when I read email or browse the Internet." If you are the type of user who consistently gets infected because you click on links in spam email or spend a lot of time going to random websites, then you will not want to stay on windows xp. Technically you can use windows xp for many years to come as long as you are a safe surfer. If you stay on xp, just be sure to have a backup of all your files and keep a good antivirus on your computer and be sure your firewall is on.

Most importantly, there is no virus out there that will seek out xp computers and destroy them. Only you can infect your computers by going to infected sites or emails. Computer infections are kind of like VD. If you only have sex with people who are not infected you will never get VD. If you have sex with random people with whom you don't know are infected, then you will find yourself infected with VD. They key to stay clean is to practice safe surfing. If you do that, you can be on xp till the year 2020. You will have the slowest computer out there, but it will still work.

[buttslinger]

I used to download TONS of FREE stuff, free stuff that put all kinds of junk on your computer, and toolbars, and change your homepage, etc. so I got used to going to the control panel-uninstall a program....a lot.

the real nasty sites would fuck me up so much I would have to go to SYSTEM RESTORE. I don't even know if XP has that.

The hard lesson I just had to learn, by the way, is every four years get a new computer, if you spend $300 on a computer (shop wisely--Amazon 5 stars) you'll get one that is much better than that old one of yours, or that high strung expensive bitch I bought four years ago. I did get one that kept Windows7, because of all the bad press on windows8.

The first thing you'll notice is how QUIET the new ones are.

The reason you're not getting what seems to be a direct answer is it depends on you a lot, your finances, whether you play games, like HD movies, all that stuff. My brothers computer is 10 years old, his son's computer is his computer/phone/tv/camera........it's like 10 minutes old.

The last few posts were real good, I thought.

[RallyCola]

there is 1 solution...stop downloading illegal porn

[gaysian71]

there is 1 solution...stop downloading illegal porn

I guess free porn isn't really free. Lol

[RallyCola]

I guess free porn isn't really free. Lol

its a trade off...its like getting to bang an HIV positive woman uncovered for free...yeah its free you but can catch a virus

[gaysian71]

its a trade off...its like getting to bang an HIV positive woman uncovered for free...yeah its free you but can catch a virus

Oh fuck, that was too funny. I'm laughing my ass off.

[flabbybody]

a few years back there would never be a day I'd go without turning on my home PC. Then I got an a ipad and now the old pos gathers dust. Fuck Microsoft and their endless window updates and computer viruses.

[RallyCola]

fuck apple and their crippled OS and devices. an ipad is a poor substitute for a computer. if you can get by with an ipad as your main "computing device" you probably are the kind of person that can't get your vcr to stop blinking 12:00

[dderek123]

I like linux. Mostly because it's free and the software is free.

But for work it's Windows all the way unfortunately. Gotta have it for the applications that you need to get stuff done.

[Ben in LA]

fuck apple and their crippled OS and devices. an ipad is a poor substitute for a computer. if you can get by with an ipad as your main "computing device" you probably are the kind of person that can't get your vcr to stop blinking 12:00

I love my iPad (and iPhone and AppleTV). The only time I'm on my laptop or desktop (both PCs running Vista by the way) is when I'm doing picture editing and video uploading. Basic net browsing is just fine with me on the pad.

And I don't even HAVE a VCR anymore...but best believe when I DID have one it had the correct time. Hell, I wired up my whole theater system by myself.

[EZWind]

Your best bet is to get a new computer with at least windows 7. If you are like most people, you can't afford to just run out and buy a new computer.
....well, I COULD, but coming as it does on the heels of a thousand dollar dentist bill, I'd just as soon not. With all the negativity I'm hearing about Win8, I may end up installing the Win7 on my current hardware for now until the new 9 releases, which could be problematic, since you're right, after 12 years, I don't think I have all my installation disks handy and I assume the upgrade will require a complete reformat from scratch.


..... the question you need to ask yourself is "how safe am I when I read email or browse the Internet." If you are the type of user who consistently gets infected ...
,,,,in 12 years of using XP I've never once been infected....the Norton 360 has caught quite a few intrusion attempts however, but the fact that MS will no longer be automatically updating regularly w/ security fixes is what has me concerned. I immediately delete all spam email unopened and never click any links. I do, however, spend a fair amount of time browsing the occasional "adult" site (probly too much time, but hey, everybody needs a hobby...some people collect stamps, I like to download various pix and clips )


.....They key to stay clean is to practice safe surfing. If you do that, you can be on xp till the year 2020. You will have the slowest computer out there, but it will still work.
...yeah, the firewall is always on and the Norton does a good job thwarting attack threats (at least so far). And it doesn't seem that slow to me,( no doubt cuz I don't know any better.)..but my Sony Vegas Movie Studio does freeze and hang up frustratingly more often than I'd like. It's definitely time to move on up I know....was just wondering if it was really as bad as it's being made to sound.
...anyways thanx....much obliged for your positive feedback

[EZWind]

I used to download TONS of FREE stuff, free stuff that put all kinds of junk on your computer,

...that's me...tho for me it's mostly pix and vids, no .exe's so not so much toolbars etc.


....the real nasty sites would fuck me up so much I would have to go to SYSTEM RESTORE. I don't even know if XP has that.
...it does....tho I never once had to utilize it in 12 years


....The hard lesson I just had to learn, by the way, is every four years get a new computer, ....I did get one that kept Windows7, because of all the bad press on windows8.
...I too have heard those Win8 horror stories....haven't done any serious shopping yet, but is it even possible to get a new rig w/ the old7 instead of 8?


....The reason you're not getting what seems to be a direct answer is it depends on you a lot, your finances, whether you play games, like HD movies, ...The last few posts were real good, I thought
....not much of a gamer....got a billiards program and a Texas Holdem...nothing elaborate. I do like the HD movies and vids, tho. The two I use the most are the PhotShop7 and the Sony Vegas Movie Studio and they seem to run fine.
...and yes, the posts were great, for which, thanxalot folks....appreciate the response

[buttslinger]

but is it even possible to get a new rig w/ the old7 instead of 8?

I did, but you limit your selection a lot. Four years ago I built my own computer with the baaadass Video card, and top of the line Audio card, cutting edge chip. It was so high strung, something went wrong and it was either take it to the shop, spend eighty bucks just to walk in the door, so you can spend another 200 to keep the old gal.


OR

go to Amazon and pick out the LATEST model for 600 bucks (I couldn't resist a couple little upgrades)