The Risks of Running Windows XP

Repairs and Upgrades, Software, ,
24
Sep 2013

Windows-XP-Hanging-Up-Hat

The clock is ticking for computers still running Windows XP. As of April 8th 2014, Microsoft will no longer be releasing updates for Windows XP. What does this mean for your office or home computers still running Windows XP? Your office or home computers are at risk if you have any computers still running Windows XP.  Read on to get the details.

What was so special about Windows XP?

Windows XP was released in 2001 as a major overhaul to Windows 98 and Microsoft’s very unpopular Windows ME operating system. Some of the biggest advantages to Windows XP includes:

  1. Due to it’s widespread use and popularity, there is a lot of support info out there.
  2. It is simple, clean and easy to use for in its time.
  3. You need less hardware (RAM, CPU power, etc) to run Windows XP.
  4. Being extremely popular means more hardware vendors support it.

Now keep in mind most of these general qualities applied up to when Microsoft released Windows 7.  2010 was the last year Windows XP was the most widely used operating system on the planet since Windows 7 was more efficient and reliable.

What’s the risk in running Windows XP?

1. Patching

After April 8th, 2014 Microsoft will no longer be releasing patches and updates to Windows XP. Why should this matter to you? When Microsoft finds a bug in one of it’s more modern operating systems like Windows 7 or Windows 8, it is very likely that the same bug exists in Windows XP since all of Microsoft’s operating systems share similar code under the hood.

As soon as an update is released for Windows 7 or Windows 8, anyone in the public can look at what was fixed, which is practically pointing out exactly where Windows XP is vulnerable.

2. Lacking modern security measures

In the past, computers were more vulnerable to viruses passed through files being passed through a USB drive, Floppy or CD Drive. Nowadays most infections occur over the internet by relying on bugs in your internet browser or your operating system.

Windows 7 and Windows 8 have these updates built in. However Windows XP simply doesn’t support the software too help prevent the computer from being infected. The below figure shows the number of infections that were cleaned by operating system. Keep in mind all of these computers were up to date.

XP vs 7 vs 8 infections

Figure 1: Infection rate (CCM) by operating system and service pack in the fourth quarter of 2012 as reported in the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report volume 14

How can you check if you are running Windows XP?

xp-startup-screen

The easiest way to check if you are running Windows XP it to restart your computer and check for the Windows XP boot up logo as shown above.

How can you protect your office or home computers?

At this point there is no guaranteed way to keep Windows XP and to be safe. You should be planning to upgrade your operating system by purchasing Windows 7 or Windows 8.

4a0a817f_Windows-7-screen

I would recommend Windows 7 as it is similar to Windows XP and has a very intuitive interface. Both operating systems have great hardware support, so you should not need to upgrade unless your computer comes with a hand crank to turn on.

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Is Your Office Wifi Infected?

Office Network, , , , ,
23
Sep 2013

 


A recent article in the German computer security magazine c’t has exposed infections on wireless routers running a custom router software called DD-WRT. What does this mean for your office network? If your office wireless router is running DD-WRT and has not been updated since 2009 your entire office network and everyone who connects to your wifi can be at risk of having their private data stolen. Lets look deeper into the problem:

wifi_infected

What are the risks?

If your router is infected, every person who connects to your wifi can have their usernames, passwords, bank login information, credit card information, or any information they type in and send over the internet stolen. The virus writers then receive this information and either use it to steal corporate data, commit credit card fraud, or sell the information on the black market.

What is DD-WRT?

Most wireless router manufacturers lock away features of your router and sell them at a lower price point. They then take the same hardware and repackage it at a higher price, only unlocking those features. DD-WRT is a custom open source software that runs on your office wireless routers in place of the limited software that came with your router. It then unlocks all of the features and options that were originally unavailable to you, unleashing the true potential of your wireless router.

How do I know if I have DD-WRT?

DD-WRT can be shipped with the wireless router, or it can be installed manually. The quickest way to check if you have DD-WRT installed on your office wireless devices is to ask your office IT person. If they aren’t easily accessible, you can attempt to check yourself using the following steps on a Windows XP/Vista/7 and above computer:

1. Run IP Config and get your Default Gateway.

windows_xp_run_cmd

On Windows XP/Vista, click on Start then Run and type “cmd” without the quotes and press Enter.

Windows_7_start_menu

On Windows 7, go to Start and type in “cmd” without the quotes into the Search Programs and Files box and press enter.

Follow these steps to open “cmd” on a Window 8 computer.

2. In the cmd window, type “ipconfig” without the quotes and press enter.

ipconfig

You should see something similar to the above screen. Make note of the Default Gateway value.

3. Check for DD-WRT and the version it is running.

Checking_dd-wrt

Open your favorite web browser, and enter only the Default Gateway numbers into the address bar and press enter.

If you see the above screen load, you have a wireless router with DD-WRT installed. Now check the date DD-WRT at the top right corner. If it is dated 2009 or earlier, you are vulnerable.

If you are still not sure, contact your office IT person to confirm.

What do I do if my wifi is vulnerable?

Since DD-WRT is supported by a volunteer community, testing can be limited, allowing bugs to pass to the public. Unfortunately since this virus is so new, there is no guaranteed way to check if a router is infected with this virus. The best course of action is to update the DD-WRT software on the router, or to use a router that does not have DD-WRT.

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Keep your computer running cool
Keep your computer running cool

Keep Your Computer or Laptop Running Cool to Avoid Overheating

Repairs and Upgrades, ,
16
Sep 2013

How long has your desktop been sitting in the same place? It’s either on the floor or tucked away under a desk. Do you often place your laptop in your lap, or on the couch or on the floor when using it? In this previous blog post, we covered some of the most common causes of computer problems today.

One commonly overlooked source of computer problems is overheating, and one of the causes of overheating is dust build up in the laptop/computer case. Here are some ways you can keep your systems clean and running cool:

1. Vacuum vent screens and case fans

Onsite_PC_Solution_Keeping_Computer_Cool (1)

Any household or shop vacuum should be strong enough to pull the grime and dust build up from the case screens or laptop vents.

2. Make sure fans are working

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Typically there are 2 fans in computer or laptop cases. One fan pulls the air in while the other blows the air out keeping a constant circulating flow of air. Fans can sometimes burn out, so measure yours and find the same size on amazon or ebay for a couple of bucks.

3. Vacuum inside of the case

Onsite_PC_Solution_Keeping_Computer_Cool (2)

Use the narrow nozzle of your household or shop vacuum to very carefully remove dust, cobwebs and dirt build up inside of your computer case. Take care not to touch any components insite of the case.

4. Blow out the dust from laptop vents

Onsite_PC_Solution_Keeping_Computer_Cool (4)

When you notice your laptop running extra hot or shutting off on its own, that may mean a good amount of dust has build up inside of the fan vents. You can either blow into it yourself a few times, or use a can of compressed air to give all vents a few gentle spritz of air.

Spend 15 minutes following the above steps every 6 months and you can prevent avoidable overheating issues with your laptop or computer. Also, who doesn’t like a clean computer!

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Common causes of computer problems
Common causes of computer problems

Common Causes of Computer Problems

Repairs and Upgrades, , ,
16
Sep 2013

Common Causes of Computer Problems

Working with a slow or malfunctioning computer can feel like using a typewriter with keys missing. Somehow you are able to make it work but it can be a slow and painful process. Computers, servers, laptops and these days even tablets need routine maintenance to run smoothly.

If you want your computers to work for the long haul it’s important to take the time to maintain them. Before delving into some of the most common solutions to these issues, it’s important to understand why your computer or office network is performing poorly. Issues can be caused by hardware, software or sometimes related to both. Here are some of the most common causes to our modern computer headaches:

Reading through this list may have triggered for you some possible reasons that you are experiencing system slowness or some other problem. In the next series of blog posts we will go into some basic steps you can take to remedy some of the above computer issues.

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How To Find The Best Computer Technician In San Jose

Services
15
Sep 2013

San_Jose_Computer_IT_Support

Before hiring a computer technician or managed IT services company, it’s important to know the qualities to look for. If you are going to trust someone or a company with your computer and the invaluable data within, you should hire the best. When the technician comes to your home or business to repair your computer, He or she should know the basics of diagnosing a computer issue or providing a custom solution. To find the best computer technician in San Jose or any city you happen to be in, you should look for the following qualities:

Courteous and professional:

Meeting your potential computer technician for the first time should be like a job interview. Ask them how long they have been in this business and what systems they specialize in. Obviously you’re looking for someone who is familiar with your home or business computers and software. The potential tech should also be able to explain complex problems and ideas in an easy to understand manner. If at any point they get frustrated with the questions you are asking, it’s time to move on to the next candidate.

Communication is key:

A good tech will not only explain the solution to a computer problem you are having, but also give a bit of background into why it is happening. Being an educator is just as important as being a good computer technician. The smoother the communication between you and your tech, the more you will learn about how to avoid common computer problems, and the less you will rely on your tech!

Treats your data as if it’s their own:

Some of the worst computer problems will require an entire wipe of your system causing you to start from scratch. The first thing a professional computer technician will do before starting to re-install your entire system is ensuring your data is all backed up. If your technician doesn’t ask you to double check their backup, make sure you verify that they have backed up all of your important data by asking them to show it to you.

Being fair and honest:

A professional computer tech will only resell legally licensed software. Be wary of any computer technician that offers a piece of software for free because they have a connection or some other means of getting the software. Unless the software is open source or under a free public license such as the GNU General Public License, you should not accept it as this puts you or your business at risk of being in violation of software license agreements. If a hardware upgrade is ever needed, be sure to ask why the given hardware was chosen as opposed to something different. Finally, in the end if a problem cannot be fixed, you should not be charged.

When looking around for a computer repair technician or a managed IT services company as mentioned earlier it is best to treat the first meeting as a job interview. Ask as many questions as you think are relevant and gauge how well you get along. Don’t underestimate the power of websites like Yelp or Google when evaluating a new computer repair technician or managed IT services company. You will see reviews from other people and get a feeling for how they work based on experience from others. A quick Google search for “computer repairs San Jose” is also a good starting point to get a list of potential techs or IT management companies. Last but not least, if you just need to bounce some ideas off of someone about a new computer you’re considering buying, give us a call!

 

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