subject: How To Keep Windows Xp Sp2 Safer After Microsoft Stops Patching [print this page] Microsoft has decided to stop support for win Xp sp2. July 13th was the last date until updates were available. Well, this doesn't mean that your computer running XP Sp2 will stop working all of a sudden.
But it of course means that Microsoft will stop supplying any security updates or patches whatever may be the reason, however vulnerable be the situation. It also means no updates for IE or media player or Outlook Express. Microsoft also informed that who are using IE7 or 8 with SP2 will also not receive any updates.
But yes, who all are using the 64 bit version they need not be tensed. Microsoft will release updates for SP3 with the 64 bit version for win XP as there is no SP3 for Win XP 64 bit.
So what will you do? Dump SP2? Well, there are other ways you can keep SP2 installed provided you take a few other steps. Browser vendors like Firefox, opera, and safari etc. are still operating and have promised to supply updates and patches even now. These companies haven't decided on stopping these updates in the foreseeable future. To get operating system support, get in touch with an expert.
Or else, you can dump SP2 and install SP3. But small information I would like to share with you here. SP3 support will be provided until April 2014, that's enough time I suppose.
One thing needs to be kept in mind. If one is not upgrading to SP3 then they should not use IE. Hackers are always in the prowl and since there will be no updates for IE whichever versions it might be easier for them. On the other hand, since the other browser companies are still continuing support for SP2, you can remain protected.
Moreover, it needs to be made sure that a good working antivirus is installed on the pc and it needs to be regularly updated.
Microsoft on the last day released 4 security updates; one of those 4 is for SP2. This contained the security update for the Help and support file which the Google employee found.
