Avast or Microsoft Security Essentials for continuing XP

[Hunt]

I have legacy software and a subscription to an online course that will only allow my XP machine so I am going to use XP machine only for visiting the online course and to run my old software. Should I run MSE or will Avast still work?

[pc_load_letter]

I believe MS is halting updates for MSE for XP along with ceasing support for the OS.

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2322065/microsoft-cancels-security-essentials-for-windows-xp

I run Avast on my Win7 pc and I like it alot.

I'd say go with avast.

[blazeaglory]

Ive used free Avast for almost 10 years now with ZERO problems. Oh and ditch XP and get Win7. If you liked Win98, youll love Win7

[TacticalPlinker]

Despite the fact I love Windows XP, I used it for a decade, I agree it's time to upgrade.

If that's not an option, with the end of the life date for Windows XP rapidly approaching and therefore official support will be ending, I would advise a 3rd party application.

Personally, I use & like MSE, I use it on Windows 7 and find it's sufficient. But I also use other software in conjunction. Free software like Malware Bytes, Spybot Search & Destroy and others.

I generally don't advise free anti-virus software however, they tend to lack support, features, full definitions, updates, etc... I also don't advise running multiple anti-virus software. So take your pick.

I used to run AVG or eSet Nod32, but I have not used them in years. I would avoid Norton or McAfee, they're overpriced garbage bloat-ware that will instantly break your OS. As for Avast, I don't recall ever really using it, so I can't speak on that specifically.

If you liked Win98, youll love Win7

What does that mean?
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[Ricky-Ray]

Microsoft Security Essentials will stop updates on XP platforms. I forgot if it was in April or June. If you'll complete the course before then I think you will be with MSE if that's what you have on there now, if not uninstall it and use something else.

[GMG]

I believe Microsoft is shutting down XP updates as of 4/8/2014.

[Kurus214]

Norton has been excellent for me for years.

I would suggest upgrading OS and then running a VM of XP just for that specific use.

Keep a copy of the VM offline in case it gets infected.

[Hunt]

I need to use xp as I have software that doesn't like win 7

[Peter.Steele]

I need to use xp as I have software that doesn't like win 7

+1 here. I'd love to be able to use Windows 7 on all of my machines, but ... not really a great option for one of them.

[Iknownot]

Unplug your pcs running XP completely from any Internet access, don't use the PC for anything other than that one legacy software, and I guess hope for the best.

I'm looking at the same issue with one software I can only run on XP. I finally ordered a new win 7 PC and sprung for the updated software. If I didn't actually have that possibility I'm not sure whAt I would do. XP machines are going to be fat targets in a week or two.

[ElvenSoul]

I think with a good firewall and anti virus you could squeeze 7 months more of life of xp.

[dscoduc]

Windows 7 has an XP emulation mode for applications that want Windows XP... give that a try with your apps... You might also want to check out HerdProtect for a periodic scan of your systems...

[Peter.Steele]

Windows 7 has an XP emulation mode for applications that want Windows XP... give that a try with your apps... You might also want to check out HerdProtect for a periodic scan of your systems...

You think that hasn't already been tried?

Nope.

[Ricky-Ray]

Unplug your pcs running XP completely from any Internet access, don't use the PC for anything other than that one legacy software, and I guess hope for the best.

I think you missed the part that it's legacy software AND a subscription to an online course. It would need to be connected to the internet.

[blazeaglory]

Despite the fact I love Windows XP, I used it for a decade, I agree it's time to upgrade.

If that's not an option, with the end of the life date for Windows XP rapidly approaching and therefore official support will be ending, I would advise a 3rd party application.

Personally, I use & like MSE, I use it on Windows 7 and find it's sufficient. But I also use other software in conjunction. Free software like Malware Bytes, Spybot Search & Destroy and others.

I generally don't advise free anti-virus software however, they tend to lack support, features, full definitions, updates, etc... I also don't advise running multiple anti-virus software. So take your pick.

I used to run AVG or eSet Nod32, but I have not used them in years. I would avoid Norton or McAfee, they're overpriced garbage bloat-ware that will instantly break your OS. As for Avast, I don't recall ever really using it, so I can't speak on that specifically.




What does that mean?
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You never used Win98, Microsoft's most stable OS of all time next to Win7? Oh and I didnt mean ditch XP because it sucks, its just at its end life.