Five Steps to Mitigate Risks After Windows XP Security Updates End

[lupine25]

25. Additional considerations...

Remember that security holes don't just stop at the operating system.... Windows XP support is ending on 4/8/14, but also Microsoft is pulling support and updates for Microsoft Office 2003! If you must stick with Windows XP, make sure you upgrade your MS office to 2007 or 2010. (2013 is not supported on Windows XP). Or, if spending bucks is out of the question, consider a free Microsoft-compatible suite such as LibreOffice.

Update your browser, yes! As much of an Internet Explorer fan as I am, I'd recommend staying off of even IE8, the last version supported by Windows XP.

Lastly, my 2 cents so take it for what it's worth... but I'm currently running Windows 8.1 Pro and have been running various derivations of Windows 8 since the first consumer preview version came out in early 2012... That said I don't agree with all the negative press about it. It IS different than previous versions and for newbies will take some getting used to... but it's not bad in my opinion. Especially 8.1 as it gives a lot more options to cater to those who prefer to stay on the Windows 7/XP-like desktop.

As an IT pro, my best advice is to ditch XP. With a 12 year old operating system, this would be like running Windows 3.0 in 2002. Ridiculous! But, if you absolutely have to (or prefer to) stick with XP, treat it as a vulnerable machine.... because it will be. Avoid handling sensitive info such as bank passwords, credit cards, bill payments if at all possible.