What The End of Windows XP Means for Clients
The popularity of Microsoft Windows XP was undeniable and it arguably got more people into using a computer and as a result, the internet, than any other product. It`s retirement has been long over due but with the recession still having an impact, people are reticent to give up a perfectly good computer. But they should or at least disconnect it from the internet!
My advice is to not see the demise of your old XP box as a bad thing but see it as an opportunity to invest in a smaller, more efficient and way faster computer that is more secure and easier to use (once you get used to it) and actually far better value for money. Computers have never been so fast or cheap.
Why Should I Change from XP?
XP will no longer be updated!
With no more security fixes Windows XP will become increasingly vulnerable to what are called `exploits` and the bad guys know this! Here is the scenario. You inadvertently visit a spam, scam or infected website and a page on this website runs what is called `a detection routine` which will let them know you have Windows XP and as a result Internet Explorer 8 or older and so direct you to a page that could take advantage of security flaws in the operating system. All without you knowing it.
From there they could install spyware, trackers or keyloggers (recording everything, including your usernames & passwords) or force your computer to join a `botnet` to attack other computers or websites. As many people use the same username / password combination for the same services such as Ebay, Amazon, Facebook etc it may not take long for the bad guys to steal your details to sell on to other members of the criminal underworld. They may be able to impersonate you allowing them to change your email address on the shops system, order goods, have them sent to a different address and the first thing you know about it is on your credit card statement. Remember, they changed your email address so you never got the order confirmation!
But I Have Anti Virus Software
Let`s be frank. If you haven`t bought a new computer to replace your 10 year old Windows XP machine you probably haven`t spent £30 on a top anti-virus product either? Besides, if the `exploit` has turned off your anti-virus it can`t protect you.
It Doesn`t Have To Be Goodbye
I am not advocating you throw out the old XP computer as it may have programs that you find useful, I am just saying get yourself a new, superfast desktop, laptop or tablet to use on the internet but just make sure it is kept updated, has a good security suite and be careful with any files you transfer from the old XP.
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