Is your church secretary or pastor still using Microsoft Windows XP?
I hope not!
If they are, you need to seriously encourage them to upgrade their computer and/or OS. If you are reading this on a machine using XP, you need take action soon.
Here’s why:
Microsoft Rushing to Fix Security Bug
This latest breach of security has already been exploited by hackers to attack some U.S. companies and Microsoft is acting fast — for fixes that will only help those using operating systems after XP. Microsoft ceased supporting this 13-year old OS earlier this month, but between 15-25% of the world’s PC’s are still running it Windows XP.
This bug effects Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11, but with Internet Explorer so deeply embedded in the operating system, even users not using Internet Explorer should make sure they are completely up-to-date. Microsoft is encouraging everyone using XP to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.
The Writing on the Wall
This security breach is tightly tied with Internet Explorer, but this is just the first shoe to drop. There will be plenty more instances and breeches in the future. If you haven’t read the ‘writing on the wall’ by the fact that Microsoft stopped supporting it completely, perhaps this latest bug will motivate those who have a death grip on Windows XP to finally let it go.
Windows XP served us well, but its time has ended.
Do you know of anyone still using Windows XP?
[via Reuters]
Karen Rainwater says
Yeah, I’m still using XP. I don’t have the funds to upgrade right now. So, I’ll just have to do what I can to keep hobbling along until I can update.
Eric Dye says
Hold on tight! 😉
Raoul Snyman says
Or, you could install something like Ubuntu, get better security, and not have to spend a cent more… but who wants to listen to a raving lunatic like me?
Eric Dye says
It’s true. Nobody listens to raving lunatics like you. 😉
Chris S. says
No need to update at all if you don’t want to.
-Simply use Chrome browser and keep it updated.
-Only operate within the OS as a limited user not an Admin
-Don’t click on ridiculous links in spam emails.
There you go, you’re safe 😉
Eric Dye says
Where do you put the duct tape?
😉
Chandos says
Most of our machines are still on XP. Our crossover to Mac can’t come soon enough! Just waiting on the funds 🙂
Eric Dye says
Funds. It’s always the funds. #churchtechlife
Steven Gliebe says
I wonder how well a computer old enough to come with XP will run Windows 8.
Eric Dye says
Seriously. I can hardly believe this was a solution given by Microsoft. I will say, however, that I know a number of people who have rolled back machines that came with Windows 7 to Windows XP. That’s just crazy!
Gangai Victor says
One of my laptops still runs on XP. Considering replacing it with Linux Mint.
Eric Dye says
That’s a great idea, man.
Raoul Snyman says
Mint is a good option. It’s certainly lighter than Ubuntu!
My brother recently actually took Ubuntu Studio for a spin, and he said it’s a great alternative for Creatives who want to use a Linux-based solution.
Eric Dye says
Raoul, when it comes to Open Source and Ubuntu, you are the first person that comes to my mind. 🙂 #TrueStory