If you will still be using Windows XP after Microsoft issues its last security update for that OS, be aware that is the last support you will get from Microsoft for this OS. I suggest that you uninstall all programs except those you really need, get Malwarebytes' free Anti-exploit (beta) program for future exploit protection, and along with ClamWin use one of the antiviruses that will still support XP. Make sure to religiously install all future updates for the programs you use. I strongly suggest that you do not use XP any longer than a year or so past April, 2014.

Regards,

Some extra reading about end of support for XP SP3:
https://blogs.technet.com/b/security/archive/2014/03/24/cyber-threats-to-windows-xp-and-guidance-for-small-businesses-and-individual-consumers.aspx
https://blogs.technet.com/b/security/archive/2013/08/15/the-risk-of-running-windows-xp-after-support-ends.aspx
https://blogs.technet.com/b/mmpc/archive/2013/10/29/infection-rates-and-end-of-support-for-windows-xp.aspx
https://blogs.technet.com/b/mmpc/archive/2013/10/29/new-security-intelligence-report-new-data-new-perspectives.aspx
https://www.usatoday.com/story/cybertruth/2013/10/29/windows-xp-users-six-times-more-likely-to-be-hacked/3287615/
https://isc.sans.edu/diary/SIR+v15%3A+Five+good+reasons+to+leave+Windows+XP+behind/16922
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/01/security-essentials-for-windows-xp-gets-a-15-month-reprieve/

Though, XP is known to be the most infected OS in the entire Windows era, there really isn't a big deal about Microsoft dropping support for XP. The OS might become unstable overtime, but as long as you know how to handle security safeties, which is safe browsing, watching out for websites, watching what you download, keeping software updated, there shouldn't really be an issue of still using XP after it dropped. There is no rush into changing OS. Heck, I know people that are still using Windows 2000 and seem to be fine. None the less, I will miss XP as it was #2 in the windows era (sorry but Windows 7 beat them all).

That's somewhat correct for people who do practice safe surfing . The problem is that most of the home users who are still using XP are not that savy or safe and they will be affected. There's the potential for a lot of newly infected computers out there that will impact all of us .

I will miss it too, RRK. I have always wondered how Microsoft can get away with coming out with a completely new OS (in appearance, anyway) with a new desktop every 4 or 5 years. Users still put up with it, even though they have to learn a new OS/desktop and are stuck with a new beta version of Windows (call it what you will). Microsoft could have upgraded Windows XP instead of saving up all the "enhancements", and we might still be using it. It's all about marketing, and I hope it kills them some day--in the OS business at least. We certainly deserve better. They are slowing driving me toward Linux.

Vista was a dog, Win 7 is a bit better, Win 8 is hyped crap, but XP was/is my favorite Windows OS. We have to face reality, however. I expect that in a year or two the hardware will leave XP behind. However, we will still have unsafe users on the personal side and stingy, cost-conscious, unconcerned organizations on the institutional/governmental side...and the malware just keeps on taking advantage of this.

Regards,

Very good comments Bob. I too will miss XP although I am very pleased with Windows 7 and have no issues with it at all. I also have two laptops at home with Windows 8 and with the free Classic Shell program installed to get the Start menu back they work very well .

XP is (or now was) the longest living OS created by Microsoft, with little over 12 years experience. What really made me mad about Microsoft is that they put Windows 8 first and decided to cancel Service Pack 2 for Windows 7, which would have improved Windows 7. I will say this, if Windows 9 is anything like Windows 8 or 8.1, I will get a Linux OS, probably a Ubuntu. The only issue is that, it will take a hammer to my gaming universe, and I am a huge gamer.

As someone who has been using linux alongside MS$ for years I have seen many people switching to Ubuntu, Mint or other Linux operating systems. Most have completely left Windows behind except for the diehard gamers as Linux just works better and faster. Governments and companies are slowly getting on board as well because the cost saving is so great.

Personally I like XPPro and W7 but W8 frustrates me to no end, then it was designed for no brains unlike Linux that requires some effort and intelligence on the part of the user lol...

For anyone interested in trying a live version of Linux without danger to there computer or operating system they can go to www.distrowatch.com then download an ISO of Mint or any other OS, burn this to a CD or DVD and reboot.... My personal preference is Mint but Ubuntu and many other distros are there to experiment with.... Most suites like Mint have everything you might need in the ISO, if there are other apps you need its simple to go to the depositary and download many, many other apps free.

Its worth giving it a try so you know what is actually available to you might decide to switch... lol

A plug for ClamWin although it gave me some false positives its an excellent antivirus application that I have used for years..

Thanks, Plinker. I have not heard of Mint--will give it a try.

Regarding ClamWin: it's a good basic on-demand AV, but it suffers because the Clam AV scan engine it uses still has a Linux email server orientation. In that type of environment, there is no need for real-time scanning capability and quick detection (via both signatures and heuristics) on an operating user machine. It suffers a bit more because the Clam AV signatures are not prepared in enough quantity and with enough speed to give users timely protection from today's crop of smart, new, short-run, targeted malware.

Regards,

Gaming is the one and only reason why I am not on a Linux now. If people who spend more time investing and improving on Wine to make games more compatible for Linux, I would switch in a heartbeat. I have heard of Mint, but I think Ubuntu would fit me better. I suppose I could divide my hard drive or get another one and keep one that has windows for gaming and move all of my personal and sensitive data to my Linux system, but I haven't found the time to do that.