Still Using Windows XP?

Support by Microsoft for Windows XP ended April 8^th. Since then the old e-mail bag has been groaning at the seams with all the questions being asked about what that means. Let’s answer a few of them and perhaps shed some light on this end of an era.

Column maven Irene writes; “I want to keep my old XP for letters, cards, etc. I have a wireless printer. I would like to take the XP off the internet. 1. How do I print if I take it off line? 2. How do I take it off the internet?”

Remove the XP from the Internet by unplugging the Ethernet cord from the wireless router to the computer. If using a wireless card, either unplug it or disable it in Device Manager. The easiest way to print from a computer that is off the network is via USB cable. Many printers can be set up to use USB and Wireless at the same time or purchase a printer just for the XP machine. If really ambitious, leave the XP on the network, close all TCP/IP ports except port 9100 which is used to communicate with printers. (Martha, what did he just say?)

Frequent reader Harry pens; “What happens if I just continue to use my computer as I always have. I have Norton for virus protection.”

From a user’s perspective, as time goes by, less functionality will occur. Software companies will no longer support their software on XP platforms. Reduced functionality of programs like antivirus, media players, web browsers etc., no more windows updates and sadly these machines if connected to the Internet will become targets for hackers to use for not only harvesting password and valuable information but they will use them as platforms for sending out malware to other machines. Recommendations if the XP is going to stay. If the XP machine hasn’t been updated regularly, surf over to Microsoft.com and manually download missing XP updates. As of this date they are still available on the Microsoft Download site. Uninstall or Update Java from www.java.com. Don’t run as Administrator, all XP user accounts are set as Administrator accounts, create another account and set it to Administrator rights, then change the current account to a limited user account. Now download an alternate browser such as Chrome or Firefox. Internet Explorer 8, the last version available for XP is a security sieve. Remove any old software no longer being used. Finally begin planning to replace the XP with a new binary buddy.

Thom inquires; “I want to recycle my old PC (with XP) and get it to the Recycle Center. I do not want any of my personal info to go out there, what do you suggest I do to ensure that? Wipe the hard drive? Best way?” Easiest way is to perform a system recovery and set the computer back to the way it was at purchase. A bit more complicated is to download and use drive sanitation software such as DBAN. (www.dban.org) Or to make the drive unreadable by removing it from the computer and either keeping it with you or get a hammer and release all your frustrations on the drive until it is nothing more than a lump of metal and parts. It can be cathartic.

Need something interesting to read? If you’re looking for general computer advice, Grumbles from the Keyboard is a collection of newspaper articles filled with useful and helpful computer tips and tricks. It is available at Amazon or www.grumblesfromthekeyboard.com.

Or, if you like to cook and want to read a very different style of cookbook, Epicuria: An Adventure that Really Cooks will delight both your senses and your palate. It is also available at Amazon or www.myepicuria.com.

Grumbles From The Keyboard: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love My Computer

Epicuria: An Adventure That Really Cooks!