Windows XP What’s Next?
Not ready to upgrade? Take these steps 1) Update your Windows XP operating system. Go to Internet Explorer, Select Tools, Update Windows. After a few moments, Select Express. This may take a few minutes based on your Internet connection. Install the recommended updates. Once complete, reboot the computer. Go through these steps again and again until there are no additional updates. 2) Update your software by starting the each application. Most application offer an Update option under Help. If you don’t find this option, check the software updates on the manufacturers website. 3) Add a second browser. At an Internet search window, like Google.com, search for Google Chrome or Firefox Mozilla. Follow the prompts to install the software. 4) Uninstall Microsoft Outlook Express. Look carefully, only Outlook Express presents the biggest risks. If you have other versions of Outlook, continue to use them. How do you know. open Outlook, check the version under Help. To uninstall Outlook Express or any applications, go to Control Panel, then to Uninstall Programs. A complete list of installed programs will be displayed. Select them one at a time and Uninstall. Ready to upgrade? If you are able to purchase a new computer, decide how much you can afford. The minimum for a good PC is about $375. Shop around at the local superstores, at CDW, Dell, Newegg, and TigerDirect. These are all reputable places to purchase a computer or laptop. Purchase only when you are ready to begin using the computer, then don’t look at the ads, stores, or websites again. Technology mostly gets better and cheaper overtime. Know that you made a good decision when you did, and don’t fret that next week it will be better. Check out Microsoft Official Website, click here.
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Tech Talk
By Steve Battiato IndyTeleData owner Windows XP On 25 August 2001, Microsoft released Windows (XP). In the world of computers, 12 years is a long time. The merging of the Windows NT/2000 and Windows 95/98/Me created a fast, stable Windows based operating system. Millions of XP licenses were sold for a variety of devices, not just desktop and laptop computers, but manufacturing control systems, television set top boxes and even ATM’s. It is estimated that 500 million devices are still running XP. On April 8 Microsoft will no longer support XP. XP’s popularity was further enhanced when the next major release from Microsoft was Windows Vista. Vista was disappointing to many users. Consumers and businesses may continue to use XP; however after support ends, your computer will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Microsoft will no longer provide technical support or provide updates to secure any vulnerabilities. As other manufacturers produce new computer accessories like printers, monitors, and thumb drives, XP will not be supported. If you aren’t in a position to upgrade immediately, there are ways to minimize some of the risks. Update your Windows XP operating system a final time. Upgrade all of your software and keep it updated; this includes your anti-virus, anti-malware, and anti-spyware solutions. Add a second browser; Firefox from Mozilla or Google’s Chrome. Uninstall Microsoft Outlook Express. Finally, delete any unnecessary software. The less software, the less vulnerabilities. If you are in a position to upgrade? What should you do? Either replace the entire computer or upgrade the operating system. If you stay on a Microsoft Windows Operating System platform, the most current Windows 8.1. It has a significantly different look and feel. It is designed to maximize touchscreen devices. Windows 7 is also available. It offers the stability of a seasoned operating system without the radical change of Windows 8.1. Many desktops and laptops available for purchase have Windows 7 pre-installed with a license for Windows 8.1 when you are ready. Other desirable features include 4GB of RAM, built-in speakers, and a three year manufacturer warranty. We do not recommend third-party warranties, only those from the equipment manufacturer. To learn more visit our website at www.southsidervoice.com/techtalk Geek trivia: Windows XP is compiled from 45 million lines of code. |
Steve BattiatoAs owner and Chief Technologist of IndyTeleData, Steve has been a life-long technology guru. He is excited to add Columnist for the Southsider Voice to his resume. Archives |