More than a year ago, Microsoft phased out support for its immensely popular Windows XP operating system, but some users simply can’t let go. Like the United States Navy, which won’t be ready to upgrade its systems until 2016, and has to pay Microsoft $9 million a year to keep systems still running Windows XP going. [More]
windows xp
Microsoft Finally Releases Security Update For Internet Explorer; XP Users Not Left Out
By 5.1.14
After nearly a week, Microsoft has begun releasing a security update intended to patch a security flaw in Internet Explorer that could give hackers access to a user’s computer. [More]
Microsoft: Internet Explorer Security Flaw Responsible For “Limited, Targeted Attacks”
By 4.28.14
Another day, another computer security problem that could be opening up people to hack attacks: Microsoft says there’s a security hole in versions 6 through 11 of Internet Explorer, the default browser for many a PC user. And hey, remember when you were warned to stop running Windows XP? This is why. [More]
Reminder: If You’re Still Running Windows XP, Microsoft Is No Longer Providing Support
By 4.8.14
If you’re reading this on a computer running Windows XP, you’re either the overconfident sort that thinks you’ll never get hacked or you’ve forgotten that today is the day Microsoft is dropping its support for the product. In either case, it’s time to upgrade or face security risks you don’t need to be taking. [More]
Only A Third Of Bank ATMs Using Windows XP Have Upgraded Ahead Of April 8 Deadline
By 3.14.14
Banks all over the world have known since 2007 that Microsoft would stop support for ATMs running Windows XP on April 8 of this year, but with that deadline looming, only one-third of those 2.2 million machines have upgraded their outdated software. [More]
Banks Still Running Windows XP On ATMs Get Reprieve, Kind Of
By 1.22.14
Some sort-of-good news for anyone still using Windows XP, including 95% of all ATMs in the world: Microsoft will still provide antimalware signatures for the operating system through July 15, 2015. That’s not the same as software patches, but does help consumer and business security programs identify malware on the system. The original end of support date of April 8, 2014 still stands. ATMs aren’t going to stop working or explode, but will be more vulnerable to malware and other badness. [Microsoft] [More]
95% Of ATMs Are Still Using Windows XP. No, Really
By 1.16.14
Who is still using Windows XP, an operating system which is now twelve years old? Other than “everyone’s mom,” the real answer might not be as obvious: the nation’s network of automated teller machines. ATMs all contain computers, of course. Computers are susceptible to malware. Systems running Windows XP may be more susceptible to malware after April 8 of this year, when Microsoft finally ends support and security patches for XP. [More]
Locally-Owned Computer Shop Sells Me A Self-Destructing Computer
By 9.28.12
Whenever we post a reader’s story of Geek Squad or other computer repair woe, readers immediately jump in to recommend taking ailing computers to an IT-savvy friend or to a locally-owned computer repair shop. For people who lack friends with tech skills, the latter is apparently the only option. The problem is that a locally-owned business can be just as shady as the least qualified member of the Nerd Herd, only answering to no corporate overlords. [More]
Most Computers Now Use Something Other Than Windows XP
By 8.2.11
Windows XP, Microsoft’s ridiculously popular operating system, is about to turn 10 years old. While it’s still the most popular OS out there, as of the end of July it’s no longer installed on the majority of active systems. [More]
Should You Abandon McAfee Or Take Their Free 2-Year Extension?
By 4.27.10
If you use McAfee’s anti-virus program and have Windows XP with SP 3, you may have noticed last week that your PC was shutting down every 60 seconds. That was because McAfee pushed out an update that it now admits wasn’t properly tested. To apologize, the company says it will reimburse you for repairs (although it hasn’t provided details on this yet), and it’s offering everyone who was affected a free 2-year extension of the service. Should you take the offer and call it even? Seth Rosenblatt at Cnet says you shouldn’t bother. [More]
Dell Doesn't Care Where You Live, Keeps Delivering Packages To The Wrong Address
By 9.7.08
Elizabeth went out and bought a Mac after Dell twice sent Windows XP replacement CDs to her old address. After each failed delivery attempt, Elizabeth called Dell, which repeatedly promised that they’d get it right next time. One CSR even claimed that he personally called DHL to change the shipping address. (He didn’t.)
Windows XP Now Calls You A Pirate
By 5.29.06
If you’re using Windows XP with a product key of dubious origin, you may have noticed that your computer just got a lot more obnoxious.
