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.

Read More
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!

Read More
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.

Read More
1 2 3