This didn't get a response on the W8 page, so I'll try it here -----

 

I just got a Windows update message reminding me that support for WXP is about to end. My current *flying * computer is W7, but this *internet* pc is XP. What if I do nothing? What are the risks? If I really must abandon XP should I get W7 or W8.1 for internet usage. FSX will never be installed so that's not a concern.

 

Thanks!

 

Bruce

Just curious, how many times in the last 8 yrs or so have you contacted MS for Windows XP support? If you feel you must switch W7 would be my choice. BTW, Pontiac quit supporting my 68 GTO 46yrs ago but I drive it almost daily.

Well, it's the security updates I am concerned about.

 

I've never, ever contacted MS for any kind of support. That's what AVSIM is for!

The risk of staying on XP? Only security, really. If Microsoft no longer pushes patches that keep it secure, hackers will surely find ways to make some pretty nasty viruses. But hey, that's what anti-viruses are for. You say it's an internet PC, so I'm not sure how many applications you'll be running besides a web browser, but you also run the risk of not being able to run modern applications, as many developers are moving towards newer libraries and writing code that cannot run on anything earlier than Vista. If you really want to stay on XP, like all versions of Windows, just be sure to have some sort of anti-virus and be prepared for a few incompatibility issues here and there. It's an old OS though. I'd recommend moving to 7 or 8 (I'm sure you've gotten a good idea by now if you like 7 over XP or vice versa ). 8 is better performance-wise, but takes a little bit of time to adjust to the new start menu, which is actually more useful than some think it is at first glance.

That all seems very logical, thanks. I use CCleaner, MSE, Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool and Malwarebytes. I also use Open Office, and Adobe Premier Elements for video editing. That's about it. I doubt I'll buy any new apps for this pc. I guess, for a while at least, I'll leave XP on here. This is a 10 year old Dell XPS desktop, originally purchased for FS and it's been a fine unit with only one failure of a stick of ram so far.

 

Thanks for the input!

 

Bruce

The loss of XP's security patches are not somthing which can be effectively replaced by a good firewall or antivirus program, or even good safe computing practices.  Malicious websites, whether you visit them on a clickthrough or are sent there via inadvertent redirection, will still be able to take advantage of vulnerabilities and exploits found on your PC after XP's sunset.

 

No, your computer isn't going to blow up and no, it's not immediately likely that you computer will become a new zombie in a botnet, but Microsoft security updates play a pretty significant part in keeping your computer and everyone elses computers safe - call it "herd immunity" for the computer world.

 

I'd only recommend keeping XP on a non-Internet connected computer, and those are quite hard to come by these days.

 

Consider budgeting for a replacement unit sooner rather than later!

Okay, Greg, that's what I was originally concerned about. Thanks for the reply. W 7 it will be.

 

Bruce