Re using WinXP w/o support...I was discussing this and the emb software angst the other night with a computer tech professor. I was told to continue using XP until my computer turns it's toes up! But was advised to make sure I have a good anti-virus (he rec'mnds Avast, and most importantly, he said to set up a "limited user acct". As he explained, malware cannot insert itself when you are using limited acct instead of administrator acct. So I have now a limited AND administrator acct. I can log in w/limited and do almost everything I want to do--and when something is not allowed by the computer, I simply log out and log in again to the administrator account. He said for me to not think I had to rush out and buy new computer. WHEW! Four old laptops and my desktop should last me a long time for my emb software programs that are not compatible with the 64bit processors. Oh, one of these days I will replace the desktop when it begins to ''crawl'' instead of ''run''...but hope it will be a while! I hope this will ease some concerns re the new Windows system.

I also still use XP and have no plans to upgrade. Had both of my computers taken back to factory settings a couple of years ago and they are both working fine. One is connected to the internet and the other is just used by my embroidery machine to bring up the designs I am working on. At my age, I really don't have any desire to learn the new windows programs. Your tech gave you good advise.

What he said makes good sense. I do believe I will set up a user account for myself as well. I try not to stray too far from home now, and most problems have subsided. Now that I said that I will probably crash! Lol!

Awe some one, you could buy a new Windows 7 Professional version or Ultimate version and use the XP within it (virtual XP) where it is safe. You can still order a brand new Windows 7 computer for another month (unless they extend the time frame) Shops will try to insist you get a Windows 8 but for now you can still get the Windows 7.
Because I have never worked on a computer with Avast that did not have a virus on it -- I would recommend a much higher rated anti-virus program like Eset, Kaspersky, or Bitdefender. However, your system is still exposed to problems. The holes in the operating system will allow attackers to access your computer -- possibly even with the antivirus.

2 comments

by awesome1 23 Sep 2014

Thx for the info. I was told attackers could not access thru ''limited'' acct. I don't know--I've heard so many differing opinions. He told me also, that I could D/L Oracle Box and then I could run WinXP in it--but I think he meant 'if I moved to 64bit processor PC. Not sure--more investigating to do. Around here, & the on line searches, no 7-proffessional or ultimate versions have been found. Even my tech repairmen told me last week they would have to install 7 if I wanted to buy a used unit. Duh--I have "used" back-ups now. So I'm just going with the flow. I was tentatively considering Win8, and putting my laptops off line to use my emb software. They are all XP w/32bit.

by rescuer 23 Sep 2014

I have sent you a PM

Thank you so very much for this info. I was getting worried that I should buy a new computer, but I hear horror stories about Win 8 and 8.1. Guess I'm getting too old for so much technology.

2 comments

by awesome1 23 Sep 2014

I was having repair done last wk--well actually more RAM installed in a laptop....we were chatting about Win8 and they told me you can set it up so it looks just like XP. I am certainly relying on that if I have to travel that route...I love XP OS. And I have heard so many complaints about 8. However, my neighbor likes 8.1 so much more than 7--he hated 7 the whold short time he had it. Finally gave it to his repair person.

by awesome1 23 Sep 2014

WHOLD ! a new word--no edit function here today. Sorree.