My IT guy told me today that, since all my stuff runs on Windows XP, I had better make plans now to unhook my computers from the Internet.
Apparently MS is not going to support Windows XP anymore, so all these companies that have very expensive equipment with very expensive software that only works with XP are in trouble.
I have a wide format printer that most likely will not work with a newer Windows version, and a CNC router that is most likely in the same boat.
What have you guys heard?
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
Xp will work just fine, just no more support. Like I got any for it anyways. Not even worried about security updates either.
Heck run Windows 95 if it works for you.
Posted by Tim Barrow (Member # 576) on :
My advice for those who are perfectly content to keep things as they were,....buy up a couple of good used computers that still run xp while they are cheap and make a copy and or keep your original xp disks,...the newer equipment may not have xp drivers available in the near future so just buying a new computer and installing xp might not be an option soon,...hardware and software vendors are racing to keep abreast of the newer drivers needed to run their new stuff rather than making old stuff they sold ten years ago keep working,...they had rather sell you new equipment than spend a ton of money on support for legacy equipment and software they've already sold,...Detroit doesn't make it's profits from parts for ten year old cars,it makes profit from the new models each year
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
There will be second tier operations to cover all needs...
Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
Jack, there may very well be second tier support, but the fact remains, if you can't update virus protection for XP, and your machine gets infected, you are out of business! Period!
That is why my tech told me to make plans now to unhook my work computers from the Internet, the ones that run my printer and CNC, use them to run my equipment only, networked, but with no Internet access, and get a new computer to do business on the web. Then file transfer what I need to the computers via a flash drive.
I can't afford new equipment and software, not in this economy. I need to keep them running long enough to devise an escape plan.
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
If it worries you, upgrade to Windows 7. You can run all current virus software on XP, just won't get anymore security updates. Who needs em?
I don't see an issue here. (Where's Curtis?)
Posted by Tim Barrow (Member # 576) on :
virus protection is not the issue,... that shouldn't change because you are running xp,you should still be able to update your virus definitions regardless if you are running xp or win 7/8...security updates for vulnerabilities within windows are an altogether different story as they will end for xp
edited to add,....security updates help keep hackers out of your system for identity theft etc.,...one of the primary reasons for microsoft upgrading their software is to eliminate these vulnerabilites(backdoors,. holes for hackers to get inside your system,etc,..)xp evidently is rapidly becoming beyond repair for protection from the hackers
on another note,... if they end support for xp how will you validate your license key if you have to reinstall your OS ? you more than likely will have to live with one of those mickysoft pop-ups saying your software hasn't been registered and may be a counterfiet copy and problems with being able to run xp if a reinstall is needed regardless if you are or are not connected to the internet,....
[ May 06, 2013, 08:10 PM: Message edited by: Tim Barrow ]
Posted by DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
We use macs and ipads for surfing and email. The vinyl cutters, cnc router laser and design systems are kept offline except for a connection to dropbox for file transfer. Each computer runs in full stealth mode behind multiple routers and is kept off our local network except for file transfers. This approach has worked for the past few years and provides multiple backups of our files.
We plan to stick with XP as long as possible. ernie
[ May 06, 2013, 10:50 PM: Message edited by: DianeBalch ]
Posted by Craig Sjoquist (Member # 4684) on :
Yes your IT guy/Gal is correct hooked into the internet you do want the best indeed.
But to run your equipment .. all that matters is it works & works good for you.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
I don't know why you would want to hook up the computer that runs your cnc to the internet in the first place. My cnc computer runs the router and that is it. No automatic updates, no screen savers, nothing running in the background, just XP running Mach 3.
Speaking of Mach 3, Mach 4 will be coming out pretty soon. It's suppose to be able to run on Windows 7 as smooth as version 3 runs on XP. But, when you switch to a new computer you'll need to add a smooth stepper which makes a usb in version and an ethernet in version with parallel out.
Posted by Shirley Carron (Member # 2446) on :
I have a friend who updates his computers regularily because for his Real Estate/Insurance businesses they are always online. I've been stockpiling all his old XP computers....think I have 4 of them here now. Plus the one I'm running. I should be good for a while. You know this set up just works...why upset the apple cart?
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Shirley,
The apple cart might not get upset but I'm sure the Apple constituency will get that way soon. This subject is low hanging fruit and we have a PC/Mac debate just waiting... Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
quote:but the fact remains, if you can't update virus protection for XP, and your machine gets infected, you are out of business! Period!
Nope. wont be a worry. Download XP SP3 and be done with it. There are no new updates for xp of any consequence after SP3 anyway. All other security updates will be in the SP files..
I have yet to find a single software what will not run in win 7. I still run photoshop version 6 in win 7..
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
![[Wink]](wink.gif)