Windows XP end of support .. ( April 8 2014 )

What is Windows XP end of support?

Microsoft has provided support for Windows XP for the past 12 years. But now the time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources toward supporting more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences.

As a result, after April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date. (If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive anti-malware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to protect your PC.)

automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing

If you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, you can expect to encounter greater numbers of apps and devices that do not work with Windows XP.

For more info on this visit Microsoft End Support Help

Durbangeek  ~ IT Solutions  |  Durban, South Africa  |  http://www.durbangeek.co.za 

Protect your PC from Viruses & Hackers

 

Computer Security is extremely important for all computer users. Here is how to protect your computer against hackers and viruses. Now days everyone fears hackers and  all your computers, weather it be PCs, Laptops, or servers have to be secured and protected against attacks like Spyware,trojan horses,phishing,viruses,malware and hackers.

 

 

 Protect your Computers.

1 > Install Anti-Virus Software.

Make sure that your Computer has a resident  and up-to-date  AV running.

 

2 > Up to date Operating system.

Keep Your Operating system up to date with latest patches.

 

3> Java Security Issues

 If you have to use Java, make sure you are using the latest Java (at time of this post Java version(s): 7.0, 7u21),  not old versions of Java or running applet code that is not signed from a trusted Certificate Authority. More info on Java from Oracle.

4 > Install Anti-Spyware Software.

Use Anti-Spyware it protect from spyware,malware and trojan horses.

Already discussed in earlier posts. Malware Spyware - what is my best form of protection?

5 > Install Firewall Software.

Make sure the windows firewall is enabled  or Install a personal firewall and keep it up to date.In internet world there are many free firewall software out there.  Free Software Tools

6 > Scan Computer fortnightly.

Scan your Computer Hard Disk Weekly it will make better performance of Computer.

7 > Don’t Open Spam E-mail.

Don’t Open unknown E-mail or spam mail.

8 > Use Strong Passwords.

Use Strong password not use your birthdate,nickname or mobile number.

use alphabets,numbers and special symbols in your password.

Like GhU*&45H and also make it long.

9 > Secure Your Wi-Fi.

Secure your Wi-Fi connection with strong password. If your router supports  WPA / WPA2-PSK rather use that  as it has better encryption then WEP. The problem with WEP is not the bit length of the key but rather the simplistic math used to create it. WPA, WPA2 have better techniques and thus better security

10 > Don’t Use Dictionary words in your Passwords.

Never use Dictionary word in password.

Do i need to install an Anti Virus on my Windows 8 Operating System?

Windows users are now protected from viruses and other malicious software, right from the start, with Windows Defender .
Windows 8 combines the features of the Windows Defender found in Windows 7 with those of Microsoft’s Security Essentials software. It is a lightweight security solution, but many free and paid for Windows 8-compatible security products are available from the usual third parties. To avoid falling foul of antitrust laws, Microsoft disables Windows Defender if any other comparable security software is installed.