replacing XP OS - some advice please

[pruetrading]

XP is ending updates and support in early April, so I need to replace it.  Currently I run automatic operating system updates and use Trend Micro Maximum Security titanium, with XP security protection disabled (I think..). 

But Windows 8.1 has so many bells and whistles that I just won't use - I have an older computer that I use just for eBay, photo editing and email, I don't need touchscreen and support for latest apps etc.  I don't really want to upgrade my computer either, its fine for the basic things that I do, though a bit slow sometimes. We already have other faster computers in the house

Can anyone advise me if I can get away with using an earlier Windows operating system than 8.1? 

Thanks for any help

[pruetrading]

Thanks xprs1, thats helpful advice. I plan to use Windows 7 after everyone's advise. I don't run many programs so will go for 2G of RAM. I use an old HP photosmart printer C4289 all in one, I guess I'll just test it and see if there are any problems, otherwise I'll buy a new one.

With all the work from Aust Post postage increases and now eBay's FVF on postage, i'm dreading another job of having to back up and clean everything off my computer, and then having to re-install everything... might just go to a computer shop!

Prue

[amber-eyed-girl]

If you go to a computer shop, for back up and transfer to a new system, go to one that has been recommended to you if you can.

a lot of guys/girls in those stores are great, but you would want a quick turn around if you need your computer for eBay sales/other income.

some of those stores have staff which are heavily into other projects so it might not be that quick 🙂

[davewil1964]

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@bright.ton42 wrote:

So you've been lucky,  but I think once the Win support finishes for XP the hackers

will have a field day.  Google 'XP security' to see what the boffins say.

I'm also on Win 7 and think it's terrific, so easy to navigate.  I dread getting a new pc and have to use Win 8. 

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Why? I don't go to suss sites, don't click on links in emails, have good up-to-date virus protection and a firewall.

I suspect the hackers won't bother with XP when nobody but me is using it.

[amber-eyed-girl]

Dave, hackers do not have to specifically target XP.

7, and 8, contain components of XP.

Hackers targetting vulnerabilities in those, could be, by default, able to target those same vulnerabilities in XP.

Microsoft would provide a security patch for those using 7 and 8, leaving XP users vulnerable to the same flaw on XP.

Security issues can happen without clicking on dubious links or visiting dodgy websites.

websites can be mirrored or "cloned", where the user is unaware it is not the real site; ports can be accessed by just being connected to the internet, if there are weaknesses in a firewall...

Antivirus providers are going to do the best they can to maintain protection for XP, and provide a strong firewall. However, they are not guaranteeing complete protection. 

For anyone concerned, see the website of your Antivirus provider for what they are offering regarding XP, as there will be time limits that vary.

[davewil1964]

Then those patches would have already been provided by Microsoft?

I won't be using a different OS until I have to buy a new computer.

[amber-eyed-girl]

Not for XP.

because they will be new patches for newly exposed vulnerabilities, in XP's code, but the patch only given to those on 7 and 8, soon.

not patches released for 7 and 8 for previously known flaws in XP, those will have been issued already.

XP has been around a long time, but not all flaws may have been patched yet.

[amber-eyed-girl]

Essentially, Antivirus providers can say they will provide software to protect XP, but they cannot guarantee protection against all attacks, as they did not write the system code, so are not responsible for discovering and patching flaws.

Microsoft is, as it is their code, but they have decided to stop, to encourage a move to the new system.

Which is why the best form of protection for any system is to have both Antivirus and Microsoft security patches.

[davewil1964]

I'll risk it. As I have for the last 2 years.

[amber-eyed-girl]

Cool.

but you would have had security patches in those years.

not advocating any course either way, just information 🙂

[harley_babes_hoard]

Go with win 7, 8 is just cr.ap. I had to pay to pur a darn start button back because it was to hard to use without it. I had to google how to turn the thing off, fisrt time. I not a computer illeterate person either.