Windows XP

1492 wrote:

burlmart wrote:


Is EMET functioning (shows as a process in task manager)? What, simply stated, is it doing?.

Just out of curiosity, you did configure the specific program(s) in EMET to monitor? Otherwise, it doesn't do anything.

Welll, nope. What does it do, and what programa does it monitor? I saw the pdf and GUI for EMET, but do not speak ITese I am such a light user, maybe I should just drop EMET?

On Comodo, you once back a while recommended it and I tried it, but it was confusing for me. The sandboxed dragon chrome beowser is too hard for me to see w/o high contrast black. So I am back to MSE, Malwarebytes, and Firefox , and

This thing from MS KB890830-V5.9.exe...can you tell me what it does and compare it to malwarebytes?

Actually, if you're using your WIN XP system to regularly access the NET, than I would consider switching to Comodo Internet Security Premium(CIS) which is Free. It's only slightly more taxing on systems than Microsoft Security Essentials, about the same as Avast in WIN XP according to AV-Test.org.

CIS includes a powerful firewall, but its most useful feature may be its sandboxed desktop called Virtual Kiosk. When clicked, it loads your browsers into an isolated desktop environment. So malware cannot make permanent changes to system or application settings, or permanently store files.

You can also run most any application in the Virtual Kiosk. CIS even gives you a right-click option in Explorer to run an application in Comodo sandbox.

The sandbox option is also useful for testing a new utility or app to make sure it doesn't contain malware, spyware or tracking, or unwanted third party programs such as browser hijacks. It it does, than just clear the virtual desktop, and start a new one which will load your browsers and apps with default settings intact.

If sandboxing an "unfamiliar" app you downloaded, make sure to use "full virtual" option, or run it in the Virtual Kiosk which isolates it from your system.

CIS options can be daunting, but most don't have to make any changes to its default settings. However, you may want to get rid of the desktop status widget which I find distracting. Just right-click and un-check "Show" to hide it.

burlmart wrote:


Is EMET functioning (shows as a process in task manager)? What, simply stated, is it doing?.

Just out of curiosity, you did configure the specific program(s) in EMET to monitor? Otherwise, it doesn't do anything.

It's all well and good to say XP will still work- and it will, but I would not use it to connect to the Internet.
Microsoft will, in effect, be giving hackers a roadmap on vulnerabilities in XP every time they issue a patch for 7 or 8- better than half of the vulnerabilities also exist in XP, except they will be unpatched. Kind of a big "kick me" sign.

You will find XP if you do a search on Amazon or ebay. The big question is "Are they legit?".

1.
A few years back, folks here convinced me to install EMET free from MS online, a MS security program that shows up as an icon in the taskbar tray and, I presume, scans for some type of bugs. I recently updated it, and now, when I right click it, it says "administrative privledges required" I thought I was the admin, even recently set up a password for 'Owner'

Is EMET functioning (shows as a process in task manager)? What, simply stated, is it doing?.


2.
Relatedly, I recently downloaded from MS online "Windows-KB890830-V5.9.exe" When I run this, it acts like a compact malwarebytes to do a quick or a full scan.

Is this the thing that will keep getting security info every month from MS for one ,ore year? What is it in simple talk?


Hoping some IT folk can explain these two items, and how they fit in to adding security. May be helpful to us all, here.

Anyone know where I can get a real copy of XP at this late date?

Bookmark this topic so I can use those solutions on my XP machine...Thank You

RoyB wrote:


I doubt upgrading to WIN 7 or WIN 8 will do me much good as all the software I have will probably not work anyway..

If you upgrade your current DELL, you could use the free vCenter Converter or similar app, which would convert your current WIN XP install, into a virtual machine(VM) format that you can run in WIN 7 or 8.

I've not used this particular converter.

WIN XP will never be as secure as either WIN 7 or 8. Also consider dumping IE8 as support apparently ends with WIN XP.

Browsers are have become the number one application patched for security vulnerabilities. Switch to a more secure, updated browser supported with updates such as Chrome or Firefox.

Consider replacing your current AV software with one highly rated by independent security organizations. Both Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition and Comodo Free Internet Security are top rated for protection. Followed by AVG AntiVirus Free 2014 for WIN XP.

Comodo is apparently more resource heavy than either Bitdefender(lightest) or AVG, and can be a little more confusing to use its built-in features, but does offer a basic sandboxing mode. This is designed to isolate your browsers, such as Comodos Dragon browser, or unknown applications from making critical system changes typical of malware.

I'd also keep Malwarebytes installed locally, and consider also using a keyboard encryption app such as AntiLogger Free. Just make sure it runs automatically at startup, as running after the fact could render it useless.