Windows xp support ending

ripplyuk

I have an old laptop running windows xp and I've heard that there will be no more security updates after April 8th. I rarely use the laptop as I also have an ipad but it comes in handy for printing documents and burning cd's or if I need to transfer stuff from a flashstick. I do need to go online using it sometimes as well.

Do I have to pay to upgrade to windows 8? I'm not even sure if my old machine is capable of that. Will it be unsafe to go online on it if I don't? I have windows security essentials and malwarebytes at the minute. I'm unsure if they will be affected by this.

I know most people already are using more modern laptops but I've been reluctant to replace it when it still works fine. Now I feel like I'm being forced to!

tuftyclub

yes you need to pay to update - but windows 7 would be as good

Dollardog

ripplyuk wrote: »

I have an old laptop running windows xp and I've heard that there will be no more security updates after April 8th. I rarely use the laptop as I also have an ipad but it comes in handy for printing documents and burning cd's or if I need to transfer stuff from a flashstick. I do need to go online using it sometimes as well.

Do I have to pay to upgrade to windows 8? I'm not even sure if my old machine is capable of that. Will it be unsafe to go online on it if I don't? I have windows security essentials and malwarebytes at the minute. I'm unsure if they will be affected by this.

I know most people already are using more modern laptops but I've been reluctant to replace it when it still works fine. Now I feel like I'm being forced to!

I'm in the same boat as you with an old pc working on XP. I don't use it much only for printing things out and need to go on the Internet to get the things to print. It hasn't really got enough memory to upgrade it and I can't get at it to put any more memory in as its in an awkward place to work on. Wouldn't want to go to Windows 8 anyway, and don't think it would take the upgrade to Win7. I'm hoping that by keeping good Internet security, it will still be useable.

NiftyDigits

Make and model number?

ripplyuk

It's a Dell Latitude. Just tried looking for a model number but the labels are so worn, they're unreadable. It was bought second hand a few years ago.

ripplyuk

Just searched Google photos and it looks like D610.

TonyMMM

XP isn't going to stop working - with decent antivirus/malware software in place (which can both be had for free), and common sense around internet safety you should have little to worry about.

No point trying to upgrade such an old machine (even if it is possible) - save the money towards a new one.

ripplyuk

TonyMMM wrote: »

with decent antivirus/malware software in place (which can both be had for free), and common sense around internet safety you should have little to worry.

Will the windows security essentials be unreliable after this date? Maybe I should get another free antivirus. I've also heard the firewall won't work.

debitcardmayhem

ripplyuk wrote: »

Will the windows security essentials be unreliable after this date? Maybe I should get another free antivirus. I've also heard the firewall won't work.

Why ? does your router use XP too, I heard it will snow tomorrow. XP will be no more unreliable than it is today,i.e. as unreliable as the user, the rule of thumb guide is, don't drink and drive, don't exceed the speed limit etc. Upgrade it or don't, your choice, back it up via removable devices, note the "s" on the end of device, and don't leave them attached. I would upgrade personally,but not to Windows. You have 5 days until it "stops" being "supported". Why ask this late if you you really care, it has been ages since this has hit the "news". Sorry to be cynical/harsh but there are endless threads on this site about XP dying try searching (oh dear I have had a bad day and vented my anger on you , nothing personal) good luck.

emptybox

ripplyuk wrote: »

Will the windows security essentials be unreliable after this date? Maybe I should get another free antivirus. I've also heard the firewall won't work.

Well as Windows Security Essentials is unreliable now, it's unlikely to improve......:D

You'd be better going for Avast or Avira.

And the XP firewall was never all that good anyway, so you might be better to install a third party one like Comodo, if you are worried.

NiftyDigits

ripplyuk wrote: »

It's a Dell Latitude. Just tried looking for a model number but the labels are so worn, they're unreadable. It was bought second hand a few years ago.

Can you read the Service Tag?

If it is the D610, it is upgradeable if you don't mind a little tinker.

£14.99 for the RAM upgrade to 2GB

One module goes under the keyboard, but it is easy to remove. Service Manual here

Windows 7 Drivers to be found here

It's a one hour job including the Windows installation(though not including any Updates).