Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP, an OS still utilized by approximately 15 percent (as of May 2015) of Windows customers. That means many PC users must upgrade to a more secure, supported version of Windows or risk their un-updated, unpatched version of Windows XP catching a virus or other Internet bug. Reflect back and look ahead on this page. As a rule of thumb, we recommend upgrading your OS and updating it often to protect your system then. If you're switching to a new OS, read how to migrate easily from Windows XP. However, if you're a die-hard who wants to keep an XP machine, here are five techniques for keeping it running as safely and smoothly as possible until you upgrade. Use updated browsers -- no more Internet ExplorerThe latest version of Internet Explorer for Windows XP is Internet Explorer 8, an incredibly outdated browser. For security, it's better to use third-party browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. All have promised to continue Windows XP support for at least another full year. While you're installing a better browser, turn up your browser security. Add-ons and extensions that disable JavaScript can prevent websites from running malicious scripts. NoScript and Ghostery for Firefox or NotScripts and ScriptSafe for Chrome can close the hinged doors on many exploits. Get rid of Flash, Java, and Adobe ReaderAlthough Flash, Java, and Adobe Reader were the mainstays of yesteryear's Internet, with an unsupported OS they are gaping doors for hackers. Most video sites like Netflix and YouTube uses HTML5, so there should be no need for Flash. Java is required for certain applications still, but unless you use those on a daily basis, there's no need for it to be installed. Lastly, there are safer alternatives for Adobe Reader, such as Sumatra PDF, Nitro PDF, and Foxit Reader. Buy a full antivirus suiteGetting the protection of a full antivirus suite isn't a bad idea, in particular when it costs much less than upgrading to a new system. Kaspersky, Trend Micro, F-Secure, and Norton are all good calls. logixdevelopers. You want something heavy-duty with its own firewall for the best protection. Then get a second view from other scanners to be on the safe side just. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is good utility to run as a second line of defense. Go offline or limit your account accessThe surest way to stay safe is to stay off the Internet. If your Windows XP machine's uses don't require an Internet connection (for instance, if you're using it for offline home theater viewing, music, or games), disconnect then. Otherwise use the limited account privilege setting in the User Control Panel. MN7-4. Stay off the admin account unless you need to update, patch, or install something. Account limitation can be a roadblock for attackers. Remove unnecessary clutterAny programs you're not using can be a risk now that you're on an outdated OS. Counter Strike 1.6 Portable No Install. Keep baggage to the bare minimum by uninstalling apps you don't need. IObit, Revo, and Advanced Uninstaller can help. Then update whatever applications remain. Just because Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP doesn't mean that software developers are dropping it, too. A majority of publishers will still offer updates to their software for at least for another full year. End of an eraEven though Windows XP gets no more Microsoft love, your functioning PC did not suddenly became useless. 404. If you practice good security and know the limitations of the legacy OS, you can stretch your system's life for a little while longer. However, we recommend that you not keep sensitive data or perform essential tasks on your XP machine. Pidgin gets Google Voice--sort of. While "unsupported" doesn't mean programmed hacking, there will be fewer people reporting exploits.
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