Windows XP is no longer being supported

[PLAYER57832]

Windows XP is no longer being supported. Other than getting a new computer, any advice?

[Night Strike]

Should have switched to Windows 7 long ago.

[BigBallinStalin]

(A) Download/Keep Windows XP, the latest edition.
(B) Download ESET NOD32 as a robust substitute for general WinXp-related security updates.
(C) Get AdBlock+ and DoNotTrackMe, which serve as good enough substitutes for WinXP-internet explorer security updates.

I haven't had any problems with security in awhile, and I haven't updated WinXP for a very long time.

(D) It mostly comes down to user error while surfing the internet* and not being able to recognize an attack while it is occurring (ctrl, alt, delete is your friend, but NOD32 has been doing the heavy lifting for me ever since I switched to it).

*

1. manually regulate the acceptance/denial of cookies
2. automatically have your program clear your history (but not your preferences on cookies)
3. don't leave your internet browser and/or internet connection open while you are away for awhile. Sometimes, somehow sites or individuals can upload stuff into your computer without you having to do anything, so I either leave the browse on "work offline" mode or disable the Local Area Connection.

Even with Windows 7, neglecting B, C, and D will definitely lead to problems. In my opinion, Windows Security Updates are insufficient alone, and are hardly complementary to your security.

[2dimes]

Do you run other anti virus? I don't know if my lappy can step back to XP but, we have a nice pc that has it.

[Metsfanmax]

Should have switched to Ubuntu long ago.

[2dimes]

Hmmmmm.

[BigBallinStalin]

Should have switched to Ubuntu long ago.

Ubuntu and other linux platforms can be great if one only wants to perform simple tasks with their computer. Otherwise, they'll have to spend much time learning how to overcome the most mundane of tasks which could have been resolved quicker through Windows--without the need of investing so much education in oneself.

[DoomYoshi]

What support do you need from Microsoft?

Anytime I have bought a program from them, they consider it fake and refuse to support it.

Anytime I pirate their software, they will "support" it but usually end up doing more harm than good.

Software updates are a pox.

[PLAYER57832]

Thanks all!

[ManBungalow]

Windows 95

[2dimes]

See, I'm running vista on lappy here I think and I'm not really enjoying buying antivirus. I'm using bitdefender and it's advertising with popups.

That's not cool.

[PLAYER57832]

I am using malwarbytes. it sort of works, but I think it slows my computer a LOT.

Right now, I apparently have so little memory that even doing stuff like CC is getting to be a hassle.. I have to clear out my caches or the screen will "jump", just as an example. I need a new computer, but a freezer took priority, for the moment anyway. (will likely get a new one before to long)

[nietzsche]

Install Ubuntu or Linux Mint.

[Metsfanmax]

Should have switched to Ubuntu long ago.

Ubuntu and other linux platforms can be great if one only wants to perform simple tasks with their computer. Otherwise, they'll have to spend much time learning how to overcome the most mundane of tasks which could have been resolved quicker through Windows--without the need of investing so much education in oneself.

Spoken like a true Microsoft fanboy.

Seriously, 1998 called; it wants its argument back. Go download Ubuntu. I think you'll find that it can do more than just a few "simple tasks."

[BigBallinStalin]

If we recognize the concept of opportunity cost and presume that computer skills vary across individuals in relation to various operating systems, then we can conclude that my concerns are true.

(re: "Microsfot fanboy") Why are you framing this as an ideological issue?

I've installed ubuntu and some other linux platform on about 8 old computers which were designed to run Windows XP and other versions. Hardware compatibility issues ensued. If this happened to player, would it be reasonable for us to recommend that she stick with Ubuntu and learn how to build a driver for the graphics card? (No, that's not reasonable).

If she was proficient in Linux, then sure, no problem. But I think we can safely assume that she isn't and given her preference to reduce costs, then Windows XP is a better option.

How do you not control your ideological ranting by understanding that individual preferences, knowledge, and opportunity costs vary?

The markets compensate for this by providing various operating systems. Given this, why be so judgmental?

[x-raider]

Like, like and like.

In my most humble opinion, you might want to try out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCARS

[bigimg]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb1/2of3_photos/preview-1.jpg[/bigimg]

[Haggis_McMutton]

If we recognize the concept of opportunity cost and presume that computer skills vary across individuals in relation to various operating systems, then we can conclude that my concerns are true.
...

That's all very good, but did your opportunity cost calculation factor the increase in sex appeal that comes with using linux?

I mean look at these beasts:


NB. If you want to get one of those epic beards as well you're gonna have to stick to a slackware install (optimally without the GUI)

[premio53]

For those who knock Linux, they are living in the past. I have been using Linux for several years now and it is easier to use than any version of Windows. I can buy a used laptop for 50 bucks and easily install a version of linux that will run faster than any modern Windows computer and not have to constantly worry about viruses. On top of that there are thousands of free programs that one can download and install automatically by simply going to the "software manager." For newbies I would recommend Linux Mint. Take care.

[Dukasaur]

Since Gates started giving away all his money, it's no longer ideologically unclean to use Windows.

[x-raider]

Since Gates started giving away all his money, it's no longer ideologically unclean to use Windows.

+1

and my post...?

[BigBallinStalin]

If we recognize the concept of opportunity cost and presume that computer skills vary across individuals in relation to various operating systems, then we can conclude that my concerns are true.
...

That's all very good, but did your opportunity cost calculation factor the increase in sex appeal that comes with using linux?

I mean look at these beasts:

Ooooh, you're good, but....


who are we to impose our opportunity costs onto others?



An individual's opportunity cost is subjective, and it can only be fully known to that individual in a particular time and place.

NB. If you want to get one of those epic beards as well you're gonna have to stick to a slackware install (optimally without the GUI)

<google-wikis "slackware">

I approve. I've been reaching the point where Win XP is becoming more inefficient--relative to other OS. Since the human learning process 'crystallizes' over time, I've been considering switching to Linux before it's too late. Unfortunately, I have found a new faith in slack. The future of BBS' OS hangs in the balance.

[Dukasaur]

Since Gates started giving away all his money, it's no longer ideologically unclean to use Windows.

+1

and my post...?

If I had Spock working for me, I wouldn't need a computer...

[x-raider]

Indeed... Good come-back

[nietzsche]

Should have switched to Ubuntu long ago.

Ubuntu and other linux platforms can be great if one only wants to perform simple tasks with their computer. Otherwise, they'll have to spend much time learning how to overcome the most mundane of tasks which could have been resolved quicker through Windows--without the need of investing so much education in oneself.

To what mundane tasks are you referring to?

(inb4 BBS googles 10 things you can do with Windows and can't do with Linux)

[BigBallinStalin]

Should have switched to Ubuntu long ago.

Ubuntu and other linux platforms can be great if one only wants to perform simple tasks with their computer. Otherwise, they'll have to spend much time learning how to overcome the most mundane of tasks which could have been resolved quicker through Windows--without the need of investing so much education in oneself.

To what mundane tasks are you referring to?

(inb4 BBS googles 10 things you can do with Windows and can't do with Linux)

Whatever is deemed "task-able" which depends on the user's invested education of Linux and general familiarity of other OS which may constitute as relevant knowledge.