Published: June 12, 2008 01:03 am      

Don't delay purchase of XP System

Computer Bytes

If you have been postponing buying a computer with the Windows XP Operating System (OS) not being sure you want XP or Microsoft's new Vista, you had better hurry. June 30 is the last day computers can be sold with XP installed. And Microsoft will stop selling XP altogether on January 31, 2009.

Windows XP is the most widely used OS in the world and even though it is being “discontinued.” Microsoft will continue to offer “mainstream support” until April 14, 2009 and XP will receive “extended support” through April 8, 2014.

What does this mean for you? The “mainstream support” for XP will provide free fixes for both security patches and other bugs. This support will be available for everyone that purchased a copy of XP. The “extended support” will provide security updates but will only provide non-security “hot fixes” to companies that have signed support contracts with Microsoft. Therefore, if you are using XP and want to continue using it for the next few years, you will need to have installed the latest service pack within one year of its release for continued support. This means you must be running XP Service Pack 2 one year prior to the 2014 deadline for 'extended support'.

There are many good reasons to switch to Vista, one being its improved speed. However, if you want to continue using XP, you can improve its speed with a few simple changes.

Visual effects can drain performance speed — especially if your computer is already laboring. If you don't mind loosing the eye-candy, you can increase speed by going to Control Panel — System — Advanced tab. In the Performance area, click Settings. From Visual Effects choose Custom option. Here you may clear as many of the “check boxes” as you like. Most of the time you will not notice any significant difference as long as you leave 'Smooth edges of screen fonts' and “Use visual styles on windows and buttons.” Click OK twice and the changes will apply.

You can also improve XP speed by optimizing your Internet connection. Visit www.speedguide.com/downloads.php for a free TCP optimizer download. No installation required. Just download and run.

A regular maintenance program will keep your XP program running for many years. Consider the following as part of your weekly maintenance program. Back-up your computer, especially important files.

Run virus and spyware scans regularly. If you are on the Internet above average, these programs should be run weekly at a minimum.

Make sure your Microsoft software is updated and current. The easiest way to accomplish this is to enable automatic updates.

Perform a Clean Disk. This can be done through Programs í System Tools í Disk Clean. When performing a 'clean disk' use the default setting.

Making any change can be a difficult decision. So if you are comfortable with your XP program and don't want to make the change to Vista; the above maintenance program can help you keep XP running at top speed.

Have a computer question on a particular topic you would like to see covered? Send me an email at Moncrief@startel.net. Be sure to 'whitelist' my email address so you can receive my reply. Visit Computer Bytes at www.moncriefwebdesign.com where all past articles are available on line. Till next time “Happy Surfing.”