End of Windows XP support!

[EagleMark]

Well it's finally happening and I think there's about 8 days left. I plan on getting the last of the updates and not really worried...

This is on my Panisonic CF-74 that I only use for tuning in cars. It's considered a Semi Tough, but that is what I bought it for, low dollar if something bad happens. Usually just leave it in car and do work from shop PC via my home network. I don't want to upgrade OS because of all the cool features the CF-74 comes with do not work when updating to newer OS. It's really a bare bones Tuning Software only laptop and plan to keep it that way. I know others have tuning laptops set up similar.

I wasn't really worried as I barely use Internet with it. But today got a notice that Security Essentials for XP is also going to end.

So what to do? I've had Norton and it's a HUGE power hog so no go there! I could just stay off Internet altogether but sometimes that is inconvenient...

What are you going to do and use?

[1project2many]

I used '98 until, well, until probably '02 or so? Upgraded to W2k because I got a free copy as a student, and because I needed newer borwsers to access web pages for school. Then I was more than happy with 2k but a few years ago the tax software I used wouldn't work without an XP upgrade. I have w7 at work and I just don't like it so I'll be sticking with something old for a while.

One thing I notice is that the OS doesn't get slower, it's the AV and security stuff that gets more and more complicated. I've got scripts disabled in my browser, run plugins to detect when bits of code from other websites are running, and generally watch incoming and outgoing traffic as much as possible.

Maybe I'll switch to Linux.

[steveo]

use google chrome, dont run any executables or even open files that you dont trust, keep your software up to date, use updated third party software for everything, image viewing, music playing, everything. disable all network servers.

security is one of those things, they need an attack vector. if you aren't running any network servers, that means malicious code has to be executed by you directly, or by exploiting a flaw in a program by opening a malformed file.

you'll be fine. hell i have internet connected windows 98 machines at work still.

[jim_in_dorris]

Mark. As i read the Microsoft release, if you already have microsoft Security essentials installed, they will keep releasing definitions until July 1015. If you do not have Security essentials installed, you will be unable to install it after the cutoff date. I also use an XP laptop for logging, and don't plan on updating it either. I wouldn't worry about it. If you were on the internet constantly with the XP machine, maybe.. but you are not, so don't worry about it.

[EagleMark]

Yeah that's what I was thinking... wasn't even concerned till my SE had a notice today! But if they keep releasing definitions until 1015... which I hope you mean 2015? Then it's more then I need for as little as this machine see's the Net!

Really the only time I use the net with this XP machine is for a bin or something here.

[steveo]

if you want actual security, air gap is the way to go. why even connect it to the 'net just for a few bins?

no windows xp flaw could ever be exploited, as long as all you're doing is transferring stuff on a usb stick or something

that is, if keep your MAIN machine virus free, so the usb stick doesn't become infected (although disabling usb autorun on the xp machine kills off 99% of those viruses..)