Posted on 04/08/2015 5:05:37 PM PDT by Utilizer
I cant see any new apps/functions that I need beyond XP. Smart phones and tablets are the wave of the future, though I still like using a desktop best.
True. Which is why I noted that MS is no longer supporting the private version of XP. Certain specialized institutions run on XP-Pro, such as the ones you mentioned and do indeed have support contracts in place.
“Can businesses stick with Windows XP and still avoid a hacking disaster?”
Yep. Just do production work from a limited user account, never using an admin account for internet access, and never using IE8, but instead use the latest chrome or firefox browser. A setup like that is nearly bulletproof.
I guess my question really boils down to where can an XP user go to get the patches that the open source world has developed?
What third party resources are there to help us if we have trouble with XP?.I’m too old to buy another OS
You bet you can. Just unplug the ethernet cable.
I am not sure you are aware of it, but there is a method available that might help you with quickly restoring or replacing a corrupted OS.
Do a search for System Rescue CD (I prefer ixquick, more privacy available than the goog) which has several rescue programs included that I have found to be quite handy over the years.
It is a bootable CD, and yes it is a Linux CD but you will only need to boot from it with no need to install on the targeted machine. Boot to the GUI option, wait about 40 seconds for it to load (depending upon the speed of your machine) and on the menubar you will find a program called “partimage” that will take a snapshot of your currently installed and functionable OS and save it to a drive of your choice.
You wil need to know or learn a few things first such as how to mount a drive in the ‘nix environment and which partition or drive your OS is located but after that you can save it to replace later if the OS becomes unusable. You can even clone it on identical machines if you need to.
Give it a try. :)
The easiest way is to do a search for the problem you are experiencing and look at the forums where the problem has been noted and a patch issued, or look for where someone else has posted a question about it or a similar problem.
If it is an older problem you can be fairly certain that someone has already asked about a fix and been answered already.
Sites such as linuxquestions.org are especially helpful specifically for linux, and yes it is primarily a linux forum but they can point you to other sources as they have in the past where there are more windows-specific forums which can help you with the problem(s) if they do not already know what the fix is.
A search is your best bet. Something like “windows xp heartbleed patch” will work best, but be creative in your search parameters.
The technical ignorance displayed in this topic is... astounding.
As I noted to Yardstick, above, a windows-specific forum is a good bet for generic problems, but there are also well-respected firms that will take your computer and fix WinXP if it is a major problem for a fee.
Try to stay away from the chain-stores for such work and look for a quality computer repair shop that will guarantee the work. Make backups immediately of your working setup so you can revert back to it if you experience another problem.
You can also go to ixquick.com (or another search page) and type in something like “repair windows xp computer” and see what comes up.
Oh, and if you are experiencing continuing problems with a particular machine, find a local computer repair shop and make friends with the techs there. For a respected and undemanding customer many techs will take a few minutes to give you a hand if it is not a serious problem, as a happy customer is a repeat customer. Find people you can trust and get to know them on a first-name basis. If you don’t try to get something for nothing and their service is indeed helpful, listen to their advice and ask lots of questions. Write things down so you don’t misremember.
Lastly, be wary of any place that continues to pressure you to purchase something every time you have a problem, and only accept long-term support contracts with name-brand OEMs that you can trust. Businesses should always look for long-term support, but personal computers are generally not subject to the same wear and tear so there should be little need for them nor should there be recurring problems.
*rolls eyes, grins at him* Done laughing, or did you expire already then? *snickers*
I'm with you, utterly shocking to see.
Windows 8 sucks beyond sucking.
Windows Vista looks respectable next to Win 8. I gave Win 8 a chance, but it continues to be obnoxious, annoying, and constantly gets in the way of getting things done.
My old Win XP machine with 1 Gb of RAM is faster than my new hotter machine with 4 Gb of RAM. That should tell you something.
BTW, I know how to ramp up the speed on these things too. All unnecessary services are out the door.
My car is leaking gas. So to keep me safe, I just roll down the windows and toss my lit cigarettes out at 68 MPH. Keeps me safe and I’m saving all this mullah!!!
Then it just becomes a Linux box.
Yes, the Win 8 machine is scheduled for dual-boot surgery. :)
Dang! Wish I'd thought of that...
I usually just call the Geek Squad at Best Buy... :)
So share your knowledge nube.
I'm running and old Dell laptop with xp pro. I grabbed all the patches from ms after they announced the pending end of support.
My use is strictly private, not business. Malware bytes scans every startup and download.
ps roll your cursor over a member name and get the joined on date. There are a bunch of older folks on here, myself included.
It tells me something alright.
I was born in 1935. And I’m using my Surface Pro 3 as a tablet right now! I like this. Fastest machine I had so far. God bless my grandson for this. He knows what I like and I’m somewhat of a fuddy duddy. I was on an old IBM jalopy and this is light years ahead.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.