Although it would be ideal if everyone who is still using Windows XP was able to replace it with a new computer, there are those who are just not in a financial position to purchase a new computer. Then there are those like a friend's father who absolutely refuses to replace his Windows XP computer since it still works for him to check his email. Not everyone is after the latest gadget or is computer security minded, especially when the computer is not something they use day in and day out.
So, for those people stuck with Windows XP for whatever reason:
MSE:
If you are still using Microsoft Security Essentials on your Windows XP computer, definition updates will end tomorrow, July 14, 2015. From Microsoft antimalware support for Windows XP (http://blogs.technet.com/b/mmpc/archive/2014/01/15/microsoft-antimalware-support-for-windows-xp.aspx):
Quote
Microsoft has announced the Windows XP end of support date of April 8, 2014. After this date, Windows XP will no longer be a supported operating system*. To help organizations complete their migrations, Microsoft will continue to provide updates to our antimalware signatures and engine for Windows XP users through July 14, 2015.
Following is a selection of some free A/V software programs. I have not used any of them so cannot say how effective they are.
- Avast (https://www.avast.com/index) -- Beware: Download link from Avast website redirects to download.com which is notorious for including unwanted add-ons (PUPs).
- AVG FREE 2015 | Free Antivirus & Malware Protection (http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage) -- Beware: Download link from AVG website redirects to download.com which is notorious for including unwanted add-ons (PUPs).
- Avira Free Antivirus - Download the best free antivirus software (http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus)
- Free Antivirus Software - Download Bitdefender Antivirus Free (http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html)
- Outpost Security Suite FREE (http://www.agnitum.com/outpost-security-suite-free.php)
PM4XPAlso reaching end-of-life tomorrow is the specific XP builds of the main-line version of Pale Moon (PM4XP). As explained by Moonchild in End of support for PM4XP (https://forum.palemoon.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8813&sid=1244d9d3c32636e8aa10371962551f6f)
QuoteJuly 14th, 2015 marks the official end of support for the last retail versions of Windows based on the NT 5 kernel (it is the EoL date for Windows Server 2003).
As such, PM4XP, the specialized XP build of Pale Moon maintained by Binary Outcast, will discontinue, and after the final update that will be served today or tomorrow will no longer be maintained.
However, users of PM4XP can replace it with the Atom/WinXP build of Pale Moon which will continue supporting Windows XP and is available from here: Pale Moon Atom/WinXP builds (http://www.palemoon.org/palemoon-atom.shtml).
According to the AV-Test report from 2014, most A/V's will support Windows XP until 2016. Avira is an exception, as indicated at Avira Product Lifecycle (http://www.avira.com/en/support-product-lifecycle):
Microsoft Windows XP (Professional Edition, Professional 64 Bit Edition, Home Edition, Tablet PC Edition). Support until 08.04.2015
Engine and signatures updates for the products running on Windows XP, Support until 08.04.2016
I've got a couple seniors who also refuse to give up XP, even though they can easily afford really nice new computers. At least I convinced them not to use those computers for any banking or shopping.
I note Symantec has said they will support XP for the "foreseeable future". I think that vague statement is wise because there may be a time when a new vulnerability in XP is discovered that these security programs cannot prevent exploitation. With a specific date given, those companies are gambling no such vulnerability will be discovered.
What is hopeful for these diehards is XP use is declining while the use of modern versions of Windows (and smart phones) increase. So the focus of many (but not all) badguys is moving away from XP - somewhat.
Retiring perfectly good old computers is a common and understandable excuse. But I also I know the learning curve (or fear of it) of modern operating systems is a major deterrent too - especially for the elderly set in their ways. This is why even suggesting moving to one of the free versions of Linux for the budget conscious is often rejected. All I can suggest is pushing Start8/Start10 and Classic Shell to make the newer versions of Windows look and feel more like XP while still offering the advanced security of a modern OS.