April 2014

Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP

Most of my clients no longer use Windows XP but if you do read on. If you are not sure which version of Windows you have restart your computer and if you see this logo below as the computer starts you have Windows XP. You can also click here for more information about determining which version of Windows you have.

 

 

  

In Microsoft's own words: "Microsoft has provided support for Windows XP for the past 12 years. But now the time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources toward supporting more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences.

  

As a result, after April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) for download on Windows XP on this date. (If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to help protect your PC.)

  

If you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, you can expect to encounter greater numbers of apps and devices that do not work with Windows XP."

 

Windows XP website 

  

What does it mean if my version of Windows is no longer supported? 

 

Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy FAQ 

 

 

If you still use Windows XP what should you do? 

If you are a casual user and don't want to buy a new computer right now and you don't mind risking infection from a virus or spyware (if you do get infected you could just buy a new computer at that time) you can continue to use your Windows XP computer until it no longer works. What this means is that the computer could become infected with malicious software that could cause problems. If you want to continue using a Windows XP computer and the computer uses Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) for anti-virus then you will need to install another program to replace it. You can still install AVG's free anti-virus program or purchase Kaspersky, Norton, Trend Micro or McAfee (make sure it works with Windows XP).

 

To find out if you are using MSE go to Control Panel then Add/Remove Programs and look for the name "Microsoft Security Essentials". You would remove it from here by clicking on it then click Uninstall above the list. Do this only when you have the new anti-virus on hand either purchased at a store or downloaded from the Internet.

 

AVG anti-virus: http://goo.gl/9uyRCS  (this link starts the download, don't click any of the "ads" download buttons you may see)

 

Kaspersky: http://goo.gl/f1GrTD  (I would select one of the Internet Security choices. It offers more protect than just the anti-virus version)

 

Norton: http://us.norton.com/downloads (I would select one of the Internet Security choices. It offers more protect than just the anti-virus version)

 

Let me know if you would like me to update your Windows XP computer or if you want to buy a new computer and I will help you pick one out.

 

 


Updates/Upgrades

Click here to see if you should do an update or upgrade.

  

Newsletter Archives

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Some of my clients do not realize that my business has expanded to all mobile devices. In fact, any consumer electronic product that you can purchase I can help you with. So if you would like help setting up or syncing your new smartphone or tablet or connecting your new WiFi TV to the Internet, just let me know.

 

  

Claude Kerno

Computer/Consumer Electronics Consultant

719.650.9916

claude@kerno.biz - www.kerno.biz