Oh no! Microsoft is Ending Support on April 8th! What do I do‽ -flails arms frantically- Have no fear my friends! If you are seeing this message and are worried how this will affect you, here is the basic rundown: -No more security updates shall be made. -No more technical support shall be given by Microsoft. This does not mean that your Windows XP is going to just stop working on you. What this does mean is your computer is not protected and is at risk of being vulnerable to viruses, malware, spyware, all the fun stuff. So, you are probably thinking one of two things as an XP user: "I should probably do something about this before it's too late." or "Meh... let it be." and while both of these attitudes are natural, steps should be considered to make sure everything is safe. "So, what should I do about it?" Well, there are two ways you could go about it... 1. Update your computer to a more recent operating system (most sure way to keep everything safe.) "But I don't have the money for that..." 2. Prepare for lockdown. This topic will specifically cover the best ways to survive the upcoming death of Windows XP support, without having to go out and buy a new computer. But here is a warning: There is NO guarentee that these tips will absolutely keep you from having issues. If you do not think you can handle the risk, upgrade. It'll cost you, but in the end it will end up worth it. I personally recommend updating to Windows 7 if need be. Now let us get started: 1. Make sure you have Microsoft Security Essentials and Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool. -Although you may not necessarily need to use them, it is great to have these tools ready for battle. They will still be supported by Microsoft until July 14th, 2015. Which gives you about a year or so of support left. However. You must have this tool downloaded by April 8th or the download will be gone forever. Microsoft Security Essentials is basically an anti-malware program, which although most people who have it don't use it, is good to have so when other programs stop supporting Windows XP it can still help to protect. 2. Have an Antivirus program or Firewall program! -First off, if you didn't already have one of these, you should be ashamed! I recommend a couple of freewares. Avast, Avira, COMODO. (as a bonus, a good spyware detecting program is excellent to have. I recommend Spyware Terminator) Make sure to perform your scans more frequently. If possible, a quick scan every couple of days and a deep scan every month. 3. Be mindful of what you download! -Even if you think you have it all figured out. You will really have to be careful after the end of support. If possible, scan your files before downloading, or if you can't, only download from places you trust. 4. Stock up on hardware/software you may need. -Once they are off the market, they are gone. If you need something to keep your computer alive and you can't find it on the Internet, then you'll run into some trouble. So while it is still circulating get your hardware! Software may be easier to find that hardware after some time, but it is best to stock up on it while you can. 5. Back-up your important information/files on your computer and place into onto a back-up disc in case anything happens. You should have been doing this anyway but if you are sticking with XP it is better to be safe than sorry. 6. Accept Windows Updates Before April 8th, in case anything happens you would still have time to call for support! Make sure everything is fully updated as soon as support ends. You can still access old updates that already exist on the Microsoft site. Sources used(not already cited): Microsoft Website for End of Support. Article on digitaltrends.com Background and basic information I already previously knew, or asked my dad, uncles, and tech friends to help with. Good luck with surviving. May the odds be ever in your favor.
