End of Windows XP means complications for many

As you are probably aware of by now, on April 8, Microsoft will no longer support Windows XP, meaning the issuance of updates and fixes for the operating system will be discontinued.

This represents a serious security risk for every machine still operating under the long-lived XP platform and should not be taken lightly.

What does this mean for you and your personal computer, and what are your options?

The problems presented here are three-fold. First of all, Microsoft will no longer offer technical support for Windows XP.  Solutions to operating system-related issues will have to be addressed elsewhere.

Secondly, the chances of you experiencing hardware and software compatibility issues will become much more apparent as time goes on.

Most importantly, without the new patches or updates from Microsoft that address critical security issues, your computer will become increasingly vulnerable to viruses, worms, spyware and all other malware that are specifically designed to infect your PC or steal sensitive personal and financial information. Undoubtedly, criminal hackers will look to take full advantage of any computer users who have chosen to remain faithful to Windows XP.

Option 1: Keep Windows XP, taking the following precautions:

• Evaluate your current antivirus software. Unfortunately, Microsoft will stop providing its free Microsoft Security Essentials for download for Windows XP on the April 8 cut-off date. Even though Microsoft will continue to offer limited updates to the anti-malware through July 14, 2015, the effectiveness is not guaranteed and you are strongly encouraged to install a different suite altogether.

Luckily, there are a number of free, reliable antivirus and antispyware programs available for download including 360 Internet Security, AVG, Avira, Avast and Bitdefender. It is going to take time and patience, but diligently research your options for protection and choose well.

If you should choose to buy a security suite, PC Magazine just completed its antivirus market analysis identifying several impressive products including Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2014, Norton AntiVirus 2014, Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus 2014 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2014. (Neil J. Rubenking “The Best Antivirus for 2014”. PCMag.com. Feb. 2, 2014.)

• Update your computer software.

Keeping in mind that most Microsoft products can be automatically updated using the Windows Automatic Update, other third-party applications including Java and Adobe Reader, along with various web browsers, and email client software must be patched manually by the system owner.

It is of critical importance to address the vulnerabilities and keep your system safe from these threats by installing all security updates as they become available from the software manufacturer.

• Upgrade your browser.

The simple fact that the latest version of Internet Explorer that Windows XP supports is version 9 should be encouraging enough to warrant an upgrade to an entirely new web browser.  With security being the key issue at hand, using a web browser that is at least two versions out of date limits your protection from viruses, malware and other threats.

Fortunately, comparable Windows XP-compatible web browsers that are free and easy to use are readily available online. Among the most popular and widely used are Opera 18, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. These specific software applications have been continuously updated for Windows XP, so you can download the latest version and be assured that you are fully protected against vulnerabilities and be confident that you will receive future update notifications.  

Of course there are a number of other lesser- known Web browsers out there, but with Internet safety being at the forefront of requirements, users might want to stick with those that dominate the web browser market.

Option 2: Upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8.

There is no right or wrong choice here. It is simply a matter of personal preference and requires some well thought-out planning.   

Upgrading is no easy feat and can be challenging and frustrating at best. Do some homework and once you have weighed all of your options and decided which Windows version is right for you, check your current system for compatibility. This process is easily done with Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor or Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. These handy tools, which can be downloaded directly from Microsoft’s website, will perform a full system scan to address any compatibility issues with your hardware, software and any connected peripheral devices. You can then use the recommendations that follow the scan to guide you in making your final decision before you upgrade.

Option 3: Buy a new computer system

From choosing the traditional desktop to going mobile with a laptop, notebook, netbook, ultrabook or tablet, there are so many factors to consider and it is mind-boggling and confusing to say the very least. Basically, there is no simple, straight-forward computer buying advice. Doing some research, learning the differences between system features and brands, and gaining a different perspective from buying guides, editor’s reviews and consumer ratings can help you make an informed buying decision. In the end, just remember, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

The opinions and views expressed in this article represent a guideline only and are not meant to be an endorsement of any product or service. My sole intent is to express some viable options to you as a consumer as you make your own decisions regarding Windows XP and your own computing needs.

(Valerie Day is a web designer with a degree in computer science business applications.)