xp

Wed
19
Dec
Dennis Faas's picture

'Windows XP End Of Support Countdown Gadget 1.0', and 'CurrPorts 2.05'

Windows XP End Of Support Countdown Gadget 1.0 Time is running out on Microsoft's decade-old operating system, Windows XP. This handy little gadget will display a clock that counts down to the final moment when Microsoft support for Windows XP ... finally expires in the year 2014. http://www.microsoft.com CurrPorts 2.05 CurrPorts is a software utility designed to help you keep tabs on your Windows computer's open TCP/IP and UDP ports. This program will also allow you to close unwanted connections and kill those processes responsible for opening unwanted ports. Information related to your ports' ... (view more)

Thu
27
Sep
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 8 Pro Downgrades to Windows 7, But Not XP

Microsoft has announced it will allow people who buy computers running its new Windows 8 Pro operating system (OS) to downgrade their PCs to Windows 7 or Windows Vista. However, the firm will not allow a downgrade to Windows XP. Downgrade rights ... allow consumers, at no charge, to dismiss a newer version of Windows in favor of an older edition. The wording is clear. "Instead of using the Windows 8 Pro software, you may use one of the following earlier versions: Windows 7 Professional or Windows Vista Business," the Windows 8 Pro licensing agreement reads. (Source: computerworld.com ) However, ... (view more)

Wed
29
Aug
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 7 Discount: On Now, Time-Limited

Update 2012/11/13: Save $150 with this special, limited-time version of Windows 7 that is licensed for / can be installed on up to 3 separate PCs. Low stock warning! As expected, stock for the discounted Windows 7 Family Pack is quickly diminishing ... as we inch closer to the Holiday season, and as more unfavorable reviews of Windows 8 are being published online. More about that, plus why this special Windows 7 discount is an excellent bargain is below. First, here's what you need to know. After much research, we firmly believe Amazon is currently offering the best deal for the Windows 7 Family ... (view more)

Mon
02
Jul
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 8 Upgrade: XP, Vista Users to Lose Settings

According to a new report, users of Microsoft's three-year-old Windows 7 operating system (OS) are the only ones who will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 without losing files or custom settings. For users of an older Windows OS, such as Windows XP ... or Windows Vista, this news may make the upcoming debut of Windows 8 somewhat less attractive. In a report released late last week, ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley showed off a Windows 8 upgrade guide which she says is based on information gleaned from sources within Microsoft. Full Upgrades Easy for Windows 7 Users Foley has learned that users of the home- ... (view more)

Fri
29
Jul
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows XP a Major Rootkit Target, Study Finds

According to new research, three in every four computers with a particular nasty form of malware are running Windows XP. The report was compiled by Avast Software. The study looked at operating system rootkits in particular. Rootkits are by ... definition extremely stealthy software that cannot be detected by most forms of anti-virus or anti-malware protection, and thus are very difficult to remove. There are several ways in which a rootkit can operate stealthily. One way is to disguise malicious files by compromising the file management system, such as Windows Explorer. In this way, the ... (view more)

Thu
10
Feb
Dennis Faas's picture

Microsoft Patches Virus AutoRun Exploit

Microsoft has finally put the brakes on a feature in Windows XP and Vista designed to automatically run applications (and virus infections) on a USB drive. The feature had been open to abuse by virus creators and was blamed for helping the wide ... spread of the Conficker virus, which wreaked havoc PCs back in January of 2009. Back then, it was estimated 9 million PCs were infected with Conficker, which was first discovered only 3 months prior . Automated Virus Infection as Easy as 1-2-3 The exploit involves two separate technologies: Windows AutoRun, which automatically runs a setup program as ... (view more)

Mon
18
Oct
Dennis Faas's picture

Upgrade from WinXP to Windows 7?

Infopackets Reader 'Lou' writes: " Dear Dennis, In regard to the super discounted sale on Windows 7 currently available through Infopackets and Amazon.com, I have a question regarding the Windows 7 Upgrade DVD. Can I use the upgrade media disc to ... upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7? I thought we would need the Windows 7 full version to upgrade? " My response: Yes, you can most definitely upgrade from XP to Windows 7 using the "upgrade" version. Allow me to break it down into simple terms: Full Version of Windows 7 Vs. Upgrade Media If you're using the Windows 7 Upgrade disc (and ... (view more)

Wed
29
Sep
Dennis Faas's picture

XP Netbook Upgrade to Win7 Starter: Disappointing

Thinking about upgrading your Windows XP netbook to Windows 7? Recently, a ZDNet contributor did just that with his Samsung N150 Plus single-core CPU netbook. The results, however, were disappointing. Since many netbooks now ship with Windows 7 ... Starter Edition and Home Premium -- and because Microsoft is making the push away from XP , the upgrade seemed to make sense. Windows 7 Starter Edition: For Netbooks Only Windows 7 Starter edition is exclusively for netbook computers. You cannot use Windows 7 Starter Edition for standard PC (nor would you want it, in most cases, as many features have ... (view more)

Thu
12
Aug
Dennis Faas's picture

New Hack Gives XP SP2 Users Access to Microsoft Support

Microsoft two weeks ago cut support for its Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), essentially leaving millions of XP users without software updates to patch MS Windows from exploits (and hackers). However, a security researcher has revealed a new hack ... that can help SP2 users get access to the support many thought was forever lost. Microsoft's decision to cut tech support for SP2 was a controversial move, particularly when a shortcut flaw affecting the operating system emerged at the same time. SP2 users remain more exposed than users of Windows XP SP3 through Windows 7. (Source: neoseeker.com ) ... (view more)

Mon
09
Aug
Dennis Faas's picture

'Million Dollar Flaw' the First Test of XP Phaseout, say Critics

Microsoft has faced the first major test of its policy to phase out support for some versions of Windows XP. A major security patch last week was only available to users who had upgraded to the third and final Service Pack (SP3). As previously ... reported, Microsoft issued an out-of-cycle update (known more casually as an emergency pack) to patch a Windows shortcut flaw. The issue was particularly serious because it meant machines could be hacked if a user opened a folder containing the infected shortcut file, even if they didn't click on the shortcut itself. The shortcut flaw was such a clear ... (view more)

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