How to have Windows XP secure in 2020?

[jumpdeckya0989]

Hi guys, I want to know your opinions about this issue, it is known that for a long time this version of Windows doesn't t have support anymore but there are lovers of it like me who want to know how to keep it secure nowaday.

 

[lochlomonder]

You could virtualize it and run the guest on a host OS while blocking access to the Internet.

 

[flavallee]

I still run Windows XP SP3 (integrated with security updates to May 2019) in my Dell OptiPlex 980 minitower.
There are a very small number of browsers and security apps that still support it, so I occasionally use it on-line in relative safety.
I do NOT store personal and sensitive data in it, and I do NOT do banking or make credit card purchases with it.
For normal every day use on-line, I stick with Windows 7 SP1 (integrated with security updates to October 2020) and Windows 10.

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[flavallee]

To add to what I said in post #3:
Feodor2 MyPal 28.14.2 (current version) is the browser that I use.
https://github.com/Feodor2/Mypal/releases
Panda Dome Free Antivirus 20.0.1 (current version) is the antivirus app that I use.
https://www.pandasecurity.com/en/homeusers/free-antivirus/

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[plodr]

Disconnect it from the internet. You can still use the programs you want, just don't use it to surf.

 

[Johnny b]

Disconnect it from the internet. You can still use the programs you want, just don't use it to surf.

Indeed.
An older computer in good operating condition, used offline, makes for an inexpensive and secure means of compiling family and financial data.
I've had such a setup starting with win 98se 'back in the day'.
I currently use a slightly 'newer' ( ) computer with Win 7 for those tasks.

 

[Veedras]

Hi guys, I want to know your opinions about this issue, it is known that for a long time this version of Windows doesn't t have support anymore but there are lovers of it like me who want to know how to keep it secure nowaday.

Been using XP Pro for over three years now, with zero malware infections, unless you want to nitpick the three PUPs I got from installing software from majorgeeks, softpedia, etc., and I don't count that. I run Malwarebytes Free, Superantispyware, Agnitum Outpost Firewall 2009, Adwcleaner, and a network/port monitor. That is the sum total of my security software. The real secret lies in using a wired-only (i.e. no wifi capability) router with SPI & NAT hardware firewall. Do that and you're pretty much assured your OS is bulletproof, if it is setup by a pro.

That said, I still don't use XP for online shopping/banking. That is what a Linux Mint LiveCd is for. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Johnny b]

I also like the Live Linux concept.
I started out with a Live CD, progressed to a Live DVD and currently boot Puppy from a usb flash drive with a write switch.
I use it exclusively for all my Internet activities.

But even for off-line work, the equipment eventually gets old and needs replacement.
I recently retired my Win 7 computer and replaced it with a much newer one running Win 10, but it will never be connected to a network let alone the Internet.

Personally, I'm more focused on what apps will run on an OS and how durable the OS is over time.

 

[flavallee]

This is what's in the folder for my Dell OptiPlex 980 which runs Windows XP Professional SP3 32-bit and has these specs:
Intel Core i7-860 2.80 GHz quad processor
16 GB of DDR3-1333 RAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 2 GB graphics card
Western Digital 1 TB SATA hard disk drive
Lite-On SATA DVD+/-RW disc drive

Unzip app for extracting the contents of compressed files.
Disc burning app for burning CD's and DVD's.
All needed device drivers for this Dell.
Browser for going on-line and visiting websites.
Media app for opening and editing photos.
Security app for removing any threats.
(3.5.1.2522 is the most current supported version)
Maintenance app which has many uses.
(5.64.7577 is the most current supported version)
Security app for removing any threats.
Maintenance app for removing temp files.
Media app for opening and playing music and videos.
Patch which allows more than 4 GB of RAM to be detected and used.

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[cornemuse]

XP & online buying.
I have a 'dedicated' debit card account with a limited amount of $$ in it.
I have to (occaisionally) add to it to cover purchase prices.
Never more than $150-$200 (unless I want something expensive!!)
Debit cards = the bank will NOT release more than the maximum amount in the 'backing' account. EVER.
Above scenario, most to lose = $200 (I use Union Bank, they said if I was ripped off, they would cover the loss, effectively, covering any loss to me)
I am still careful about where I buy on line.
(Backing account is a seperate savings account with a debit card attached)

 

[flavallee]

I'm now testing Windows Vista SP2 64-bit in my Dell OptiPlex 980, so my days of testing Windows XP SP3 32-bit days are gone for good.

The Feodor2 MyPal browser mentioned in post #4 has updated to version 28.16.0 and works fine in both operating systems.

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[Zygmo]

Before recently finally finding a way to get PS7 to work on later Windows, I had to keep using WinXP.
I used the browser and AV that still supports XP, and surfed all the time. Only used a card specifically set up for online buying, depositing just enough for that. Never breached, by the way.
Win XP, for basic stuff like PS7, working with music files, watching youtube vids, etc. is still the fastest thing out there. I used to try a lot of free and shareware, and would get conflicts, (and probably viruses sometimes). I could install XP on an SSD (way quicker than with any other OS), do a system image of a fully loaded XP in less than 2 minutes, and restore said image in less than 5. Try that on any other OS. When using a regular HDD, it's defragging, and updating was always much faster than later Windows versions too. My fully loaded nLite modded XPSP3 with Adobe, DCArt, Nero, astronomy imaging programs and camera/telescope control programs, etc. was about 10 Gigs! My Win 8.1 minimum (usable) install is at least 16 Gigs (before the tons of updates), 32 to 35 or so fully loaded with those same programs.
I like Win 7 and 8.1, and have now permanently switched to 8.1. But I still think WinXP is easier and faster for the things I do. If it would (reliably and practicably) handle more memory and was still being supported by hardware and software vendors, I would still be using it.