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Judy Kay

9 Years Ago

Pc Tech Support

Microsoft is ending support this week...they have already disabled Microsoft Security Essentials...I installed Avast for antivirus protection...This installation prompted me to install chrome, which I did..I am not sure if they wanted me to install chrome for security updates...or if I am only safe and protected when I am on chrome...Right now, I am on Firefox, my preferred browser...would appreciate any guidance...Judy

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Andee Design

9 Years Ago

What do you man they are ending support and that your MS is disabled.

Mine is still on. What version of Microsoft do you have? Is that the reason

it is ending? Like XP?

 

Abbie Shores

9 Years Ago


Firefox is fine and I would stick to what you are happiest with. It is not law you have to change

 

Judy Kay

9 Years Ago

Andee, yes, XP.. I got a warning on my task bar from microsoft that my PC is at risk...I tried to download MSE again...and it would not download because they are no longer supporting the XP O.S....I have been soooo happy with xp and will continue with it .til I decide between two options.. Apple and another Dell/Microsoft OS..I have been so happy with Microsoft but dont like all of the virus threats that seem to be more prevalent now.
Thanks Isabella, I will stick with Firefox...love it!

 

Chuck De La Rosa

9 Years Ago

Judy, to add a bit of protection you might consider removing the malware magnets. Adobe Reader is one, replacing it with something like PDF Exchange Viewer. Also remove Java. I have found I don't need it. We removed it from our machines at work too and aside from a few people that had to have it for some business related software, its not been missed. Another thing is to either get rid of, or make sure to keep updated is the Adobe Flash Player.

 

Andres Leon

9 Years Ago

Windows XP no longer being supported by MS means that it will become even more exposed to vulnerabilities and attacks from hackers. If I were you, I would seriously think about upgrading your computer to either windows 7 or windows 8.1. neither one is perfect, but they are orders of magnitude more secure than XP. Also, if your computer is older, then you better make sure you are backing up your important files to a separate storage device. Hard drives don't last forever.

Good luck!

 

Judy Kay

9 Years Ago

Chuck thank you for the tips...I will eliminate the ones you mentioned...On my pc, I try to view certain videos and am unable to do so and get the prompt to download the latest adobe flash player...I do so...restart my pc and still get the prompt to download the latest flash player.....I will uninstall it...but wonder if there is something I can replace it with that will enable video viewing !
Andres, I would be more apt to get another pc but the truth is I am only on the pc now for about 1 hour in the am...and then just browsing...so it has been perfect for that...I am definitely going to replace it...but am VERY tempted to get an apple and not have to deal with all of the virus issues...I was in the apple store yesterday...torn between buying from apple or best buy...I feel like at best buy you are more likely to get a machine that has been returned etc...not sure.! I do LOVE microsoft ..so many people dont like windows 8..makes me shy away! Thanks everyone for your help!

 

Judy Kay

9 Years Ago

Update,,,chuck..I uninstalled the programs and installed PDF exchange viewer instead of adobe reader...in middle of install..it apologized and prompted me to install adobe flash player..I am in a real "round robin
I am installing it again so the install can be completed..I loved the features of adobe reader..E signatures etc..oh well..didn't use it that often!

 

Andee Design

9 Years Ago

Judy that is my fear the day my version is no longer updated...they want

you to buy something new....I hope I have a few more years on my W7.

 

Judy Kay

9 Years Ago

That is exactly why I hesitate to buy an expensive PC now, they become absolete sooo fast now...technology is moving at the speed of sound..a apple is 1675...if it lasts like my xp that I have had sine 2003...well and good..

 

Chuck De La Rosa

9 Years Ago

Judy, the PDF Exchange viewer does e-signatures and far more than the Adobe Reader. You'll have to read the documentation. I've never seen asked to install the Flash Player when installing the Exchange Viewer though. If you don't need the Flash Player, just uninstall it when your done installing the PDF Exchange Viewer.

They really don't become obsolete all that fast. That's what they want you to think. My Windows 7 laptop is 4 years old and I see no reason to replace it. I typically use a machine 4 to 6 years before I decide I need to upgrade.

 

Judy Kay

9 Years Ago

Chuck, I could not get the xchange viewer to download...It showed the progress bar that it was installing and 2 hours later same thing...I gave up...then reinstalled the flash player thinking that it is what was needed for the install...tried again and same thing...just a progress bar that would not complete...Maybe my XP OS is just not compatible?? you would think they would have advised such though...or maybe the Avast blocked it...Maybe I was on the wrong link or something for the install...It looked legit...some of the links showed they were AD related...so I went to the one that I thought was the official site...I really appreciate your input..4 to 6 years on a pc..wow..I have been on mine 11 years...I surely cant complain!

 

Bob Galka

9 Years Ago

Judy... apple is not immune to virus attacks. Just so you know.

Windows 8.1 it a really good OS. Dell has some very good deals, especially if all you want is something to browse the internet. No need for multi Gig memory or 1 terabyte hard drives.

Now if you intend to be using your pc for photo editing then, yes you will need a bit more power.

I have been involved in corporate management of pc installations for over 20 years (now retired) and we have always used dells for our severs and desktops and have had very few issues. And when we did dell took care of any issues quickly. We would always buy machines equipped above the base units.. meaning more memory and storage and possibly graphics cards where applicable. Those machines were used daily and would last at least 4 to 5 years, most longer.. the older ones being passed down to lower demand areas when newer machine were needed.

I would seriously not pay attention to the pc and windows 8 naysayers.. those comments usually come from the tech users that want full control over everything. Since installing Windows 8 a year ago I have not installed any extra antivirus software and totally rely on Microsoft's Security Essentials and have not had one issue with viruses or malware.

If money is no object that by all means go with apple. It works, just differently.

bob

Use what ever browser you want... I still use IE and sometimes Chrome.. it doesn't matter.

 

I'll be using XP, and common-sense vigilance, for some time to come -- for purely financial reasons. Should be interesting! ;-)

 

Martin Davey

9 Years Ago

You do need to upgrade! 11 years is a long time. A new machine will run soo much faster, and cheaper to run. W8 opens very fast as well. I think you are asking for a lot of trouble by not upgrading. MS have been warning users about for some years, that XP will finish. As well as viruses infecting your machine now that theres no support, if your bought a new printer for example, you may find that it does not have a driver for XP, as its obsolete. You do not need to buy the most expensive machine either. Get something thats above average and be prepared to get another machine in 5 years, and reap the benefits of progress, rather than expensively paying for the very best now, which won't be in 2 years time.

 

Judy Kay

9 Years Ago

Well, so far my xp is driving my hp 5520 printer...but I realize my luck is running out...I have the dimension 3000 dell which was purchased 2003...I keep hearing stories that after 2005 Dell was not the same quality unit it used to be...but, I am leaning toward Microsoft/Dell again..Will keep you posted...thanks everyone again for your input...It really helps!

 

Judy, I wouldn't worry too much about going with Dell. Currently, I'm maintaining several different Dell PC's -- all purchased during the last four years and just recently 'out of warranty'. With the exception of replacing one DVD drive after several years of use, all these systems seem rock solid, with plenty of power and beautiful monitors.

Though I've always built my own systems, I've recommended Dell for years. In the workshop we used to say "replace a MAC, upgrade a Dell!" ;-)

Good luck!

 

Judy Kay

9 Years Ago

Thank you Wendy! Good to know...I had been hearing that Dell is not the same quality now.

 

Bob Galka

9 Years Ago

Judy.. Nobody is the "same" quality now.. ;O) but Dell is still a better quality than the rest of the PC competition. They are also ( in my experience ) the best at customer service. Every single manufacturer be it tech or food or clothing are cutting corners wherever they can. Try to find an American flag made in America. Until the recent "made in America" campaign from ABC News you couldn't.

Dell has been consistent in providing solid systems, configuring them with hardware that will work together without conflicts.

But again if money is no object then by all means buy a Mac.. you will happy with it, but if money is a concern than you will also be happy with a Dell, and no I do not work for Dell... ;O) Just a long time satisfied user.

 

Judy Kay

9 Years Ago

Bob, I pretty much suspected as such!..The German in me loves quality items that dont have built in obsolescence but they are getting harder to find...I am almost at a point of not replacing my pc when it crashes...I have a tablet and smart phone...and am on the pc 1 hour daily....that is why I have not bothered to replace it so far...

 

This discussion is closed.