Your advice needed re: end of Windows XP support...what to do?

[passatdoc]

I am a satisfied Windows XP user. At home I use XP Pro SP 3 32-bit. Computer is from 2009 (Dell; it was a "downgrade" to XP rather than Win 7), Dual-core Processor, 3 GB RAM (max amt for 32-bit). Machine works perfectly, I have used MS Security Essentials as my antivirus program, and Spybot for malware/spyware removal. I defrag monthly and use CC Cleaner to get rid of temp files. Maybe not cutting edge, but it works for me. I have never downloaded software to test if the machine is 64-bit capable. 

 

There are only two issues that I wish it had:

 

1. My two laptops (one at work; one for travel) are i-5 or i-7 processors with 64-bit versions of Win 7. I can see the difference in speed in terms of handling programs, but it's not a deal breaker. I mostly use MS Office and don't crunch a lot of data, nor am I a gamer. I have never downloaded software to test if the machine is 64-bit capable. I am aware that some machines running 32-bit can run a 64-bit version. I don't remember when I configured the computer on Dell.com whether or not there was an option for 64-bit Windows (if there was an option, most likely it would support 64-bit). 

 

2. Although the monitor is HD, the graphics card does not have an HD or digital output (it has the old fashioned SVGA output only). As a result, I can't view HD programming (with current set up) if viewing Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video, etc. I have a 50" LED HDTV in the living room, so of course there is an alternate way to watch HD programming, plus I can use the newer 13" laptop, but sometimes I need to multitask at the computer: work on mail, create a Word doc, etc., while watching tv or a movie. Our cable company (Cox) has an app that allows you to watch live tv on a computer (home network only, not outside the home) so sometimes I watch tv in a reduced window and use the rest of the screen to multitask. Also, sometimes I activate English subtitles if watching a movie in an English dialect on Netflix or Amazon where my comprehension is less than 100% (example: "Call The Midwife" from the UK, set in London's East End). My tv software does not support English subtitles for streaming content, but my computer software (presumably Silverlight) does display the subtitles. So I view some of my Netflix/Amazon content on the computer. I have a high quality speaker system so sound is excellent at the computer. 

 

That said, neither of these drawbacks are deal-killers. I should add that if I were to buy a new computer, money is not an issue and I can write off the cost as a business expense. 

 

So what do I do?

1. Continue using Win XP and purchase a new antivirus program? I had bad experiences with Norton, McAfee (free with Cox cable but failed to protect against viruses), CA (didn't work well and messed up computer). Of all the antivirus I"ve used, MS Security Essentials seemed to work the best (no viruses, and did not interfere with other operations of computer, nor did it slow down the boot up sequence). However, MS Security Essentials support also ends on April 5. If I use this option, and buy a compatible antivirus program, how vulnerable am I if keep using Win XP? I remember using Win 2000 Pro at work for some time after support ended and nothing ever happened. 

 

2. Upgrade to computer to Win 7? 32-bit or, if possible, 64-bit? I have no issue with backing up data and reinstalling after the OS upgrade. My concern would be that I use Outlook Express for my mail program; I have MS Office home version with Word/Excel/PowerPoint but it does NOT include Outlook. I haven't used LiveMail on my Win 7 machines----does it work like Outlook Express? Also, can I back up and move the messages currently residing in Outlook Express? I would guess this option would cost $150-200, depending on cost of the upgrade software. I checked and my computer did NOT come with a Win 7 disk for later upgrade. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">NOTE: I do have a computer at work, bought as an "XP downgrade" but with a Win 7 for future upgrade if desired, that computer is also a Dell desktop, but as far as I know such a disk works only with the computer with which it was sold (the office computer was never upgraded to 7, so the license was never used, but I wonder if devices/drivers differ to where an attempt to upgrade with that disk might crash). The home computer is from the Inspiron line; the one at work is an Optiplex model.</span>

3. Buy a new computer with Win 7? And use the data transfer program that MS provides to migrate from an old to a new computer?

 

I don't like the idea of #3, since it would replace a perfectly fine computer that works well, unless of course I donated the old computer to a school or other charity program (I would have to delete data rather than reformat the disk, since the new owner would not be able to download XP updates, they'd be stuck with the 2009 version of Win XP SP3). Option #3 would remediate my two qualms above (move up to 64-bit and watch in full HD---the way my monitor was designed to do), though neither is a deal breaker.

Another question: could the video card be updated at moderate cost to include HD output? Or is this dicey? Never tried to upgrade a video card and concerned it might not work properly.

 

I've looked at Win 8 at stores and am NOT interested. I'd rather stick with 7, cognizant that it may go off-support before Win 8. However, Win 8 is selling slowly enough that I think MS is getting the picture that people are not happy with the product. 

 

Thanks in advance for your advise/expertise.

 

 

[passatdoc]

ps: upgrade advisor results

I downloaded and ran MS Win 7 Upgrade Advisor. Apparently the computer can run either 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Win 7. My RAM, which is maxed out at 3 GB for 32-bit, might need an upgrade if I went to 64-bit (my guess---not what MS said). 

 

[DADoES]

 
Another discussion

There are good free choices for antivirus.  I've used AVG in the past, currently using Avast!.  Downloading the free versions can be a little tricky being as the vendors strongly lead toward the retail/pay versions with the free download link often being an obscure bit of text rather than a prominent button.

Thunderbird mail client (companion to Firefox) is available free, which IMO is far superior to Outlook Express / Windows Live Mail.  I do not care for Outlook.

Video cards can be upgraded but choices are somewhat limited nowadays depending on what slot interface is needed.

Note that some older 32-bit software may not run on a 64-bit OS.  Keep that in mind when considering a system upgrade if there is any mission-critical software of such a nature.  The ancient MS-DOS accounting package I use at work (it IS Y2K compliant and is otherwise perfectly functional) won't run on 64-bit.

 

[passatdoc]

I only have one device installed: a new HP 4620 all in one printer, I would assume there are 64 bit drivers for it. 
The only critical software I need to check is a DVD-to-mp4 conversion software that I purchased quite a while ago. However, when I bought it, the max resolution was 480 (ok on a small device like a phone or tablet) and it may be high time to pony up for a newer version (or upgrade) that features higher resolutions. (no, I don't share files on the net, I simply convert DVDs I own to mp4 for portable viewing).

 

I know that the video card is built into the motherboard, it's not in a PCI slot. I wonder if that limits my ability to upgrade the card? Or is there a way to turn "off" the integrated card and use a PCI expansion card??

 

I use mostly POP3 mail via Cox and I prefer mail clients to web-based mail. That said, I once tried Thunderbird and had an awful experience in terms of getting it to send outgoing mail. It was a disaster. THat was 5-6 years ago and perhaps it has improved since then, but I was surprised that Mozilla put out a product that seemed so uner-unfriendly.  

 

[rp2813]

I'm using AVG free version here because I had a terrible time with both Norton and McAfee interfering with things.  It tends to slow things down when it updates, but that only lasts for a few minutes.

 

I'm in the same boat, running XP here.  I did read in the paper this week that an update is coming that will restore the "Start" menu to Windows 8.

 

If you pull up the other discussion, you'll see many testimonials that would indicate we XP users can continue on for a while longer, likely without any major problems.

 

[DADoES]

Thunderbird

 
Thunderbird has changed in 5 years. Don't recall how long ago, the account set-up procedure was changed to an "automatic" process that attempts to determine the correct server settings (Mozilla wants ISPs to submit their common settings to a database so the software can quickly find the correct settings, makes it easier for the users).  The problem is that all ISP and mail-hosting services didn't/don't do that so it probes for common server names & ports based on the leading account entries, and that may not be quite right so sending/receiving doesn't work.

The trick is to let the software do its testing, wait for it to present what it finds, then select the manual settings option to adjust as necessary ... or go directly into the account parameters later.

Another trick is that the outgoing server settings are in a completely separate section of the account settings interface ... at the bottom of the account tree listing. Multiple outgoing servers can be set up (one can be tagged as the default), then each incoming account has a setting for which outgoing server it should use (does not have to be a matched pair between incoming & outgoing servers).

I have seven incoming accounts set up (some POP3, some IMAP, three are different usernames on the same host) and seven outgoing servers. Two accounts are closed but I haven't removed them due to not yet archiving the received messages. Thunderbird keeps separate dedicated folder trees for each POP3 account along with a Local Folders section, and of course replicating each IMAP account's folder structure from the server.

It has some features that to me are unique, such as the ability to either move or copy messages between folders (maybe Outlook can do that, I don't know). Right-click on a received message and select Edit as New (not as a forward or reply), Forward Inline, Forward as Attachment. Heuristic spam detection that works quite well for me (I turn server-side spam detection OFF when possible).

 

[launderess]

Word About Avast Free Versions

Used it in the past when one purchased our new computer about two years go (Windows 7),and got infected again and again with various nasty bugs including the dreaded "FBI Warning" worm/Trojan. Indeed one Trojan infection was so bad it nearly took out the entire system. Thank God for backing up. Would run Avast updates and system virus checks daily and nothing was found or caught. The last infection was only noticed because when trying to log into our Amex account "odd" screens kept coming up asking for information (SSN, DOB, etc...) that *NEVER* should appear.

Upon reporting said conditions to Amex and our bank they shut down our online accounts and the latter would not release until we went into the branch and singed papers stating computer had been professionally "cleaned" and was certified free of infection.

Learned later that due to the popularity of Avast (it's free after all) those that create Trojans and other infections have learned to work around. The last Trojan was so "good" it wouldn't let any new versions of Avast to be installed fully.

Since then run *two* anti-virus software programs in addition to Windows built in "defender", so guess that makes three.

Persons need to know that virus/Trojans are everywhere. Even doing a simple "Google" search and clicking on what is found can trigger a download of a nasty bug. Happily thus far one or the other anti-virus programs we have running catch and block access to such pages before damage occurs.

The free version of Avast now contains tons of bloatware such as installing Google's Chrome browser. You can go back and uninstall but that is a PITA and you never really remove everything.

 

[foraloysius]

I use Thunderbird too. It's the second time I installed it on a computer and find the set up very easy. I prefer Thunderbird way over Outlook. I have no problem managing several emailaddresses at several providers with it.

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>The free version of Avast now contains tons of bloatware such as installing Google's Chrome browser. You can go back and uninstall but that is a PITA and you never really remove everything.</blockquote> Avast isn't the only software that pushes Chrome.  Regards to Avast, Chrome can be unselected if the Custom Install option is selected.  Several Avast functions also install that must be licensed to work but they can also be unselected during the install.

I had trouble with AVG at one point so switched to Avast.  Six of one, half-dozen of the other ... there's more than one free AV offering available, and malware scanners such as Malwarebytes and SpyBot.

No AV package is infallible.  Back in the day doing tech support for the local ISP, had numerous customers come in with Norton or McAfee having let infections through or otherwise bogged-down the system or caused obstructions or malfunctions.

 

[washman]

Avast sucks. Period

yes there is a free version but you cannot schedule a scan and it likes to analyze every *.exe file you run which makes program launch very slow indeed. My client's POS systems, when they run slow, are 100% attributable to Avast! being on there. Remove it and voila, PC speeds up dramatically.

I use MS security essentials on a PC I built from TigerDirect. Has low overhead, no bloatware, and does the job. Naturally, I don't piss around on websites that I have no business being on so infection risk is low indeed.

 

[washer111]

Even though Avast! is supposed to be the most thorough out of all Free/Paid solutions that mostly focus on Anti-Virus protection - And some some software, I think Anti-Virus is perhaps the best they can do. 

 

Personally, I use Avast! on all my newer systems running Windows XP or higher. Unfortunately, if they *detect* an installation of a server OS, they decline installation and "recommend" a pay ware solution, so I have to stick with ClamWin on those systems (Windows 2000 Advanced Server + Windows 2003 Home Server).

 

The best protection one can have against quite a lot of the nasties out there is a Modem/Router with inbuilt NAT (Network Address Translation) and a Firewall (in the router).

Those two things will mean you can browse with a Windows 98 computer with NO protection and be safe, provided you are sticking to Google and SAFE websites. 

WITHOUT such protection, it literally IS only minutes before you are compromised - as "ScriptKiddies," as computer-buffs like myself like to call them, run port scans on your computer to see what is/is not open. You can visit ShieldsUp! to test this: https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

 

In the last few years behind a NAT router, I've not had a single instance of malware that had come from a hacker or 'Microsoft' (The phone-callers) - only user stupidity. 

 

I still use variants of Windows 2000 and 98 here at home, mostly for fun and experimentation. A Windows 2000 machine actually hosts my personal web-site - and it has not been compromised *touches wood* yet. 

So provided you have a firewall come April 8th, and exercise safe habits, I doubt that you will have any trouble. Microsoft has pledged to keep Windows Update open for these machines, so they can be re-patched after installation. The Un-Official Support groups, such as that over at the MSFN Forums, have already created an Un-Official Service-Pack 4, with all updates since SP3. 

Not to mention, MalwareBytes has pledged to provide lifetime support for paying members with XP machines... 

 

[a440]

I have used Microsoft Essentials Virus program for years and it is great!
It is free and will protect you.
Give it a try. It is a very smooth running program. Windows 8 / 8.1 comes with it as the standard protection.
Give it a try.

 

[passatdoc]

Agree----I have been using MS Security Essentials antivirus for a number of years. The problem is, once XP support ends, MS Security Essentials for XP ends too (no new updates).

 

[a440]

It does not end. In fact Microsoft encourages you to keep your "Microsoft Essentials" set on automatice updates to defend XP.
I have one older Dell Laptop that I use with XP because I run a scanner with it. I just did an update this morning on Essentials.
Essentials and XP have nothing to do with each other.

 

[whirlcool]

Usually if your video card is on your motherboard you can switch to the new card one of two ways:

On some motherboards when you install the new video card into the video card slot it will switch over to the new card.

Some computers have a BIOS setting to choose between the onboard video card or the one you installed.

Check your system documentation to find out what type of slot your computer uses and how to switch between the two. And make sure that there are Win 7 drivers available for any new video card you buy. You'll also need to buy a new video cable as the cable for digital is different than the one used by SVGA.

 

[DADoES]

 
Maybe I'm just having good luck with Avast.  Running it on 6 systems of varying pedigrees that I look after, none are showing obvious evidence of dragging from it.

 

[DADoES]

 
Also:

 

[passatdoc]

so far, so good with Avast! antivirus

I purchased a Win 7 64-bit Home Premium disk, but the project will take an entire weekend because I have to back up all the XP data first: installing Win 7 will wipe the disk clean.

In the meantime, for protection, I installed the free version of Avast! antivirus. Seems to work well and does not slow down the machine. I am having some difficult removing the no-longer-supported Microsoft Security Essentials, but after the upgrade the latter program will be wiped off anyway.

I am moving from 32-bit XP to 64-bit 7, but I don't anticipate driver issues because the only device connected to it is an HP 4620 all-in-one, and 64-bit drivers are readily available. I added the printer to a Win 7 notebook last night and downloaded 64-bit drivers from HP.....i.e. the device works equally well with 32-bit XP and 64-bit 7.

 

[arbilab]

Reports are surfacing that when Microsoft Essentials goes to auto-update on XP and can't, it can lockout your entire harddrive. Reinstalling your OEM OS won't work, Microshaft refuses to validate it, even if you call.

Now would be a good time to turn off ALL auto-updates. A-U was never a good idea from the enduser perspective. Suddenly, stuff that worked stops and you have no idea why. Whereby if you manual update and stuff stops working you know why and you can go back to your last restore point.

IOW, auto-update is malware. If it weren't, it would set a restore point before it does what it does so you could undo it. It doesn't.