60% Of Computer Users Still Use Windows XP

It is estimated that over 60% of us still use Windows XP.

Microsoft ended Mainstream support for Windows XP in April 2009.
This means customers will no longer receive complimentary support, be able to request design changes, and other kinds of updates for the product, but it doesn't mean we can't contiune to use it.

XP is still available for purchase at some online retailers. I have downgraded many clients machines from Windows Vista to Windows XP HOME and PRO alike in the last 6 months.
All of our office machines and home machines still use XP and will continue to do so.

As for those who like Windows Vista, more power to you. I truly gave that operating system a chance and it failed miserably. Not to mention having to upgrade hardware and purchase all new programs just to conduct my business.

Microsoft will offer customer extended support until 2014. This will include security updates and paid customer supportuntil April 2014.

I for one am glad to hear this. I understand that XP is well past its prime as far as Microsoft is concerned. 8 years is a longtime for an operating system to be around. However if my choice is Windows Vista over XP there is no contest. I'd run XP without patches and security updates for the stability and compatibility alone.
Maybe Microsoft can convince us Windows 7 will be the New XP (a reliable operating system with good compatibility) but I'll reserve my opinion on that for now.

Windows XP To Be Supported To 2010

While this may not seem to fall in my normal category of security, it really does. Microsoft may be done with Windows XP and I realize its 8 years old, however many of us have several years left in our "newer" computers that simply won't run Windows Vista or the new Windows 7 slated to ship in 2010.

I don't know about you but I am not ready to run out and get a new computer just because Microsoft wanted a new operating system.

I think we as consumers have every right to the service packs and security fixes without having to purchase a new product.
Most users have propreitary computers that shipped with the orginal XP or SP1. If a restore is necessary, and it will be... they are not safe. Windows has to many bugs and security holes.

Maybe Microsoft ought to offer a complete service pack download before it pulls the plug on XP for good.

You tell me...

Avast Anti-Virus Won the Poll

Thanks to all of you that read this blog and voted on your favorite anti-virus.
Avast Anti-Virus was the Winner among you. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
This month we'll look at the favorite spyware removal tools you like best. I look forward to the results.

Adobe Zero Day Exploit Patch

There was a security hole found in Adobe Acrobat Reader and Acrobat 9. Adobe reports..

This vulnerability would cause the application to crash and could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. There are reports that this issue has been being exploited for over 2 months.

This patch is important.

Many of us disable auto-updates, or just don't bother to install the newest version of the software we're using. This exploit in Adobe reader 9.1 and Acrobat 9.1 can be triggered with no action from the user. It can use the Windows Indexing Service to trigger the bug.

This vulnerability can be triggered simply by sending someone a malicious PDF document, and using Windows Explorer's ability to read the file automatically.

I would suggest getting the patch asap.

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