Easy solution for laptop with XP?

toby2111

I know there's a few threads on this subject but they seem a bit complicated to me. Some say not to worry others say change immediately.

The wife's laptop has XP which I realise is a bit useless now. So, exactly what's the alternative? Upgrade to Windows 7 or 8? Don't fancy spending much cash as the laptop is on its last legs but can't afford to get a new one just yet, maybe in a few months.
I'm reading about Linux or Ubuntu but really know nothing about these or what the hell they even are!
So can anyone give me simple tips or direct me to a site for the best, free solution to XP for a dummy like me. Thanks.
Also is it dangerous to do online banking now that support for XP is gone?
And I have Avira anti virus installed on it already.

Tokyo

What does your wife usually use the laptop for? Email? Surfing the net? Anything specific?

Personally I just installed a copy of Linux Mint on my parents computer a few hours ago, and they are delighted with it. Comes with all of the applications that most casual users would use, libOffice (linux version of Word/Excel) comes pre-installed. Looks pretty too. And unless your wife is using some pretty specialised software, you'll find a free linux equivalent out there to meet her needs.

Skatedude

theres no reason to change from xp if it's working ok for you, everyone seems to think xp will suddenly stop working or you will be immediatly attacked by hackers when support expires.
Just keep antivirus up to date and you will be fine

Dubwat

I'd agree with the suggestion about Linux Mint or some sort of Linux. Did the same (but Ubuntu) for my retired parents a few years back. It's fine (& free) for 99% everything you would do on a computer.

The only thing that would make me pause would be your need for online banking. I *think* there may have been compatability problems in the past with bank websites not recognising linux browsers. Maybe someone else can comment on that... (My parents don't do internet banking. In fact, they go to their bank branch each week and take out their 'pocket money' for the week!)

toby2111

We just use it for general browsing, storing pictures, checking email etc. I use it for online banking, pay the odd bill, check a/c balances and buy a few things online also through PayPal and others. I'm just afraid to use it now to buy anything but the anti virus is up to date. So, do I stick with XP or switch?

On a seperate point is Avira the best free anti virus?

Tokyo

You're going to get two sets of opinions here on that question

Personally I would use the opportunity to switch, for various reasons. If you're using your XP computer for online banking, then if any more vulnerabilities are found in the operating system, Microsoft won't be fixing them, so theoretically those weaknesses can be exploited. Installing something free like Linux Mint or Ubuntu means that your system will be up to date in terms of the operating system and software running on it, and most importantly it will be secure. And it's an easy transition nowadays - point and click install, and pretty intuitive user interface.

toby2111

Ok, so do I uninstall XP first then install Linux mint? Is it better than Ubuntu? One of the lads above said there may be problems doing online banking with one of those.

corsav6

toby2111 wrote: »

We just use it for general browsing, storing pictures, checking email etc. I use it for online banking, pay the odd bill, check a/c balances and buy a few things online also through PayPal and others. I'm just afraid to use it now to buy anything but the anti virus is up to date. So, do I stick with XP or switch?

On a seperate point is Avira the best free anti virus?

I have xp on an old laptop and I won't bother changing, we have a win 7 laptop around the place too. Linux is grand but can be a pain as windows programs your used too won't work with Linux, there maybe a Linux version available but not always.

I find Microsoft security essentials decent, runs quietly in the background and no slowdowns like I had with avg. No real experience with avira but I'm sure someone here can fill you in.

riclad

MINT LINUX is more like windows ,menu layout,
easier to use for a non linux expert,than ubuntu .
NO antivirus will protect you ,cos there,ll be no more security updates.

is it only a matter of time,till hackers get acess to pcs,
set up botnets,on xp pcs and spread malware ,or keyloggers to acess bank account info,credit card info.
dont use internet explorer ,

USE Chrome or firefox browser ,in incognito mode.
change your passwords.
STOP using pc for online banking.or online shopping using a credit card.

SWITCH to mint linux or another safe os.

new user switch to linux from xp,covered in this thread,

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057187351


YOU can install mint in dual boot mode,
put in cd ,click install ,make a new partition,20gig,
or make new partition say 80gig,
erase all data on the drive.

back up your data,before you do install,
write down your passwords.

i think avast is the best antivirus, see avast.com
free home edition.

WINDOWS XP is not safe,
there could be a keylogger,or malware on your pc,
recording all ims,email,bank user name ,password, account no,s credit card pin no,expiry date, etc

using xp now is like driving a car ,WITH no door locks ,
eventually you,ll have a problem.

ie its not secure.

if someone has a problem ,from now on,
re bank account,
credit card hacked and used on a windows xp pc.

they,ll probably get no refund as its been made known there,s no more support from
Microsoft.
at least for ordinary users.

yoyo

Just to remind folk that before switching to Linux make sure to make a full backup of all your documents, photos and anything of importance. If you wipe Windows to install Linux usually all files will be lost!

Nick

Tokyo

toby2111 wrote: »

Ok, so do I uninstall XP first then install Linux mint? Is it better than Ubuntu? One of the lads above said there may be problems doing online banking with one of those.

I've never had an issue in doing my online banking on a linux box, so I wouldn't let that put me off. I'd imagine that it may have been more of a browser issue for the other poster. Regarding Mint vs Ubuntu - I generally use Ubuntu, but having said that I installed Mint today for my parents to use and it's a very clean install, and is very intuitive, and I think would seem more familiar to a Windows user. You're not going to be disappointed by either, but if I were to choose one, I'd say go with Mint.

Installation is straightforward enough - the hardest part is creating the install DVD.

First, download the iso file here - it's about 1.2Gb - and burn the .iso file to DVD.

Backup everything that you want to keep from your Windows installation!! Once you take the next steps, there's no going back to find a file that you forgot to backup.

Pop the DVD you created in the drive, and let the computer boot from the DVD. If it doen't boot from DVD, then you may have to go into the BIOS and set it to. There's a youtube instructional video here that talks you through it - jump to 3:14 for the actual install process. Once you start the installer, it really is just a case of followign the on-screen instructions.

riclad

USE BURN image command, to burn iso, image file, set burn speed to 3x or 4x,in burn,options,settings.

mint has firefox browser, video, music player preloaded apps as part of the install package.

go to menu, software center,internet, click install chromium, browser like chrome browser.
YOU,LL get a prompt, to put in your password,to allow browser, or any other app to be installed.

http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=download

i find this to be the best ,easy to use app for burning cds/dvds ,
http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=guides


How To Burn image , iso file
1. Load ImgBurn.
2. Switch to 'Write' mode.
3. Insert Disc in Burner.
4. Select Image to burn.
5. Click 'Write' button.

wait ,
Finished!

jimmy blevins

Would going online through a virtual machine only offer any protection?

riclad

ITS easier to install a dual boot linux install,
say ,make a 6-10 gigabyte linux partition alongside windows,
use linux for banking,online shopping, etc

THAN run windows in a virtual machine.
inside linux.

I dont think its safe to use windows xp online ,even if theres no financial info,username,
password ,bankaccount ,credot card no,info on the windows pc.

Draig

mike_ie wrote: »

I've never had an issue in doing my online banking on a linux box, so I wouldn't let that put me off. I'd imagine that it may have been more of a browser issue for the other poster. Regarding Mint vs Ubuntu - I generally use Ubuntu, but having said that I installed Mint today for my parents to use and it's a very clean install, and is very intuitive, and I think would seem more familiar to a Windows user. You're not going to be disappointed by either, but if I were to choose one, I'd say go with Mint.

Installation is straightforward enough - the hardest part is creating the install DVD.

First, download the iso file here - it's about 1.2Gb - and burn the .iso file to DVD.

Backup everything that you want to keep from your Windows installation!! Once you take the next steps, there's no going back to find a file that you forgot to backup.

Pop the DVD you created in the drive, and let the computer boot from the DVD. If it doen't boot from DVD, then you may have to go into the BIOS and set it to. There's a youtube instructional video here that talks you through it - jump to 3:14 for the actual install process. Once you start the installer, it really is just a case of followign the on-screen instructions.

I couldn't get on Bank of Ireland site with Opera in Mint, but Firefox works fine. So I expect it was a browser issue.

yoyo

jimmy blevins wrote: »

Would going online through a virtual machine only offer any protection?

Malware and viruses have been known to detect VMs/Sandboxes and have even managed to exploit these previously. While it would be safer than running the OS directly, the danger would be the virus could break out of the VM and infect the host machine. Certainly for any kind of important online activities i.e: banking, Paypal, Amazon etc. it would be safer to use a supported OS

Nick