Microsoft Steers Firefox Users Wrong On XP SP1 (WinXP Without SP2 Will Not Be Updated After Oct. 10)

TechWeb ^ | September 29, 2006 | Gregg Keizer

[Ben Ficklin]

I haven't been hit by a virus since 04, and I browse thru some rough neighborhoods.

[Faith65]

Sorry Spktyr...at post #30? I am not computer savvy and have 4 years of attorneys files on my desktop (but it IS backed up on separate system).

Your help is VERY appreciated!Thanks!

[Spktyr]

Yup, that's the one.

[Faith65]

Thanks!

[Master of Orion]

Do not get the update version. Get the full version and do a clean install.

[unspun]

SP2 doesn't even install on my appropriately prepared old HP Pavilion zt1185.

[Clara Lou]

Suggestion: Get rid of Norton.

[Right Wing Assault]

What about 98?

I'm using 98SSE it right now. Pretty stable and doing the job I need.

[KoRn]

"What it does not address is computer brand name, i.e., Dell, HP, Gateway, etc, "

That's absolutely true. PC maker's OEM disks WILL NOT allow slipstreaming. I've tracked hacks and work arounds, and as far as I can tell it can't be done. Contacting support is your only option. Good luck. Morally, this almost warrants downloading an illegal copy off the net lol.

[US Navy guy]

How much should that be?

[Wuli]

"If you're running 98, you're probably infected with virii."

Quite the opposite. Most of the viruses are written to exploit holes in the Microsoft OS. Each initial release of a new MS-OS had more holes, initially, because each one is somewhat of a bastard built on top of the previous ones (more opportuntities for the code-writers to leave or open the holes, trying to shoe-horn in new features and not destroy peoples ability to run older apps).

But, Win 98 has been stable for a long time. When zillions got infected over the past recent years, with various viruses, my Win98 system did not get one single infection. Of course I have not been using MS-Outlook, thus I also had no need for all the security patches issued for it so often.

I used to be an IT director. Each "sales job" that came with each new MS-OS was commonly referred to by most people in my profession as "vaporware"; more hype than substance.

I run Win 98 with MacAfee security and anti-virus software, use Firefox and Thundbird and run a raft of apps supposedly written for Win XP (including XP Pro Office (without Outlook). Machine runs great and nary a bug.

[Right Wing Assault]

If you're running 98, you're probably infected with virii.

Not at all. Never get them. I use AVG for virus, Spybot and Adaware for crap. Machine has been clean as a whistle for years. Avoiding viruses also is a matter of knowing what to avoid. Anyway, the virus boys are probably focusing all their attention on XP. Same with Macs. There aren't enought of them to bother writing viruses for them.

[Right Wing Assault]

I have plenty of clients that have/had 98 machines, and they're always infected with something - firewall or no, antivirus or no.

Geez, they must be morons!

[ShadowAce]

[SeafoodGumbo]

When I got back to New Orleans after the hurricane, I could no longer find my book of instal c.d.'s. After a few months, Windows got buggy and wouldn't connect me to the Internet. Afriend turned me onto Ubuntu, a version of Linux. I can use the c.d. to load the OS and test-drive it without making the full commitment to leave Windows.

I've got to tell ya, I think I'm ready to make the switch - wipe Windows and load Ubuntu onto the disk - as I can't see paying another $130 or whatever it is for a new version of Windows when I can get something just as good for free. Ubuntu has Firefox and I still need to poke around it some more, but it doesn't seem to be missing anything Windows offers unless you are big into video games which I'm not.

In the same way that I ditched IE a couple years ago, it seems that it's time to ditch Windows (still keeping it on the laptop for the time being) on my desktop for an OS that's at least as good, but also FREE.

[Popocatapetl]

I see only two reasons to have any version of Windows made after Win98SE.

Either you want a hard drive larger than 120GB, or you deal in file sizes larger than 4GB.

Otherwise, adding up the plusses and minuses, it just isn't worth it. When Win98SE no longer functions, it is time to move to Linux.

Microsoft has given up on any pretense of an operating system based on the needs and wants of users. MS now only cares about supporting corporations and organizations who are essentially *fighting* the users of Windows.

[Echo Talon]

yes, if you want to slipstream you will need a Genuine Windows CD(not a product recovery cd)

I build my own computers so this is not a problem.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Save you data ....and wipe the disk....then do a fresh install...

[ADSUM]

I have SP2 on my computer, but have gotten a message recently that XP is not genuine and I need to pay MS $ 150.
I have a green sticker that was supposed to indicate that Xp was real and paid for. The guy that built my computer is ill and closed down his business. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[listenhillary]

Thanks for the link.