Windows XP Survival Guide
[This article has been edited from it's original post on 08/04/2014. This advice is being resubmitted to help users still on Windows XP. If you are using XP, please remember this is NOT going to stop you from being compromised and I highly recommend upgrading to a supported release of Windows such as 10. If you cannot afford it I recommend a Linux distro for new users such as Linux Mint. A resource such as AskUbuntu and the Ubuntu Forums can be of great help. Whichever you decide to do. Please be safe.]
Today is the cut off day for Windows XP support. As I write this my Server is currently syncing updates. But I have a few friends still using Windows XP. Obviously I want to help them but beyond having to write patches for the system myself and self publish updates for it. I have an idea whereby the right security practices should win over. Windows XP to me, personally, has of this date, no more security issues than Windows 7 or even 8.1. I say this because inherently Windows is an insecure OS. As many will tell you. But here is your one stop guide to security post-Microsoft.
1: Set an Administrator account password.
This is an important first step so any program which needs administrator rights will ask for the password first. It also helps with filesystem changes or system-wide changes.
2: Change to a Limited User account.
You can change this in the users section of your control panel. The reason for this is because by default Windows XP sets you up as an administrator. If you change to this type of user, any changes beyond your own files and services require an additional password to be done.
3: Install all updates/patches/service packs released.
This will get your system up to it's highest possible security settings and will make it easier for you to administrate.
4: Install a decent AV/Firewall system.
You need decent anti-virus and a firewall. Be aware that this can cost nothing. I personally recommend COMODO for this as it checks and watches everything for you. If an app decides it wants to hook into a .dll on your system, and shouldn't, this will point it out to you.
5: Install Spybot/Malwarebytes.
Spybot and Malwarebytes are one of those apps that are required when using software that is unsupported. Clear your browser before setting and Spybot can whitelist your browser for you to make sure it knows what is going on.
6: Use supported software.
The majority of people are already using these, I'm speaking of course about Mozilla, MariaDB, VideoLan, GIMP, and the like. By using supported software you increase your chances of avoiding security issues and malware.
7: Use caution.
These steps are not in anyway foolproof. Your mileage may vary on this. As a general rule, I would suggest using on sites you know, using an updated browser and AV. Or possibly even a web scanner to check the sites before they are rendered in your browser.
REMEMBER: Even just visiting a website can install malware to your computer. By using JavaScript/AJAX, or even a harmless looking JPEG, a virus or trojan could be loaded onto a users computer without knowledge of it. If you use Firefox, I suggest the add-ons noscript, and flashblock.
Okay, so it's a short list, but there is not a lot you can do. But these steps in practice will allow you to have a safer time with your computer. Good luck! And be safe!
Today is the cut off day for Windows XP support. As I write this my Server is currently syncing updates. But I have a few friends still using Windows XP. Obviously I want to help them but beyond having to write patches for the system myself and self publish updates for it. I have an idea whereby the right security practices should win over. Windows XP to me, personally, has of this date, no more security issues than Windows 7 or even 8.1. I say this because inherently Windows is an insecure OS. As many will tell you. But here is your one stop guide to security post-Microsoft.
1: Set an Administrator account password.
This is an important first step so any program which needs administrator rights will ask for the password first. It also helps with filesystem changes or system-wide changes.
2: Change to a Limited User account.
You can change this in the users section of your control panel. The reason for this is because by default Windows XP sets you up as an administrator. If you change to this type of user, any changes beyond your own files and services require an additional password to be done.
3: Install all updates/patches/service packs released.
This will get your system up to it's highest possible security settings and will make it easier for you to administrate.
4: Install a decent AV/Firewall system.
You need decent anti-virus and a firewall. Be aware that this can cost nothing. I personally recommend COMODO for this as it checks and watches everything for you. If an app decides it wants to hook into a .dll on your system, and shouldn't, this will point it out to you.
5: Install Spybot/Malwarebytes.
Spybot and Malwarebytes are one of those apps that are required when using software that is unsupported. Clear your browser before setting and Spybot can whitelist your browser for you to make sure it knows what is going on.
6: Use supported software.
The majority of people are already using these, I'm speaking of course about Mozilla, MariaDB, VideoLan, GIMP, and the like. By using supported software you increase your chances of avoiding security issues and malware.
7: Use caution.
These steps are not in anyway foolproof. Your mileage may vary on this. As a general rule, I would suggest using on sites you know, using an updated browser and AV. Or possibly even a web scanner to check the sites before they are rendered in your browser.
REMEMBER: Even just visiting a website can install malware to your computer. By using JavaScript/AJAX, or even a harmless looking JPEG, a virus or trojan could be loaded onto a users computer without knowledge of it. If you use Firefox, I suggest the add-ons noscript, and flashblock.
Okay, so it's a short list, but there is not a lot you can do. But these steps in practice will allow you to have a safer time with your computer. Good luck! And be safe!
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