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Question

If I don't browse, do I really need to upgrade my XP machine

Apr 2, 2014 10:55AM PDT

I have a machine that has the internet plugged into it (mainly when I was downloading programs in the past), but now I don't browse the internet, I don't check email, I don't do file sharing. There's basically no internet interaction other than having the cable plugged into the computer. What risk is there?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
It's your choice.
Apr 2, 2014 11:11AM PDT

Many are demanding higher security today so it's your choice to use or not use XP on or off the internet.
Bob

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Answer
Then why
Apr 2, 2014 11:50AM PDT

Then why is the Internet connection there at all if you're not using it? Grab the last round of security updates, then pull the plug.

I will say, however, that not all exploits require a web browser or anything of that sort. There were the infamous teardrop attacks in the Win9x days then there was the exploit of the Windows Messenger service that could be used to basically reboot computers on command and even became a vehicle for spam. There were exploits that targeted the autorun feature of CDs and DVDs. If someone out there is sitting on some exploit for a common service to be running on XP machines and it doesn't make the list for Microsoft's final update for XP, your system could very well be compromised just by being connected to the Internet.

If you don't use the Internet connection for anything and the software configuration on the computer is going to remain static, I'd pull the plug now or no later than April 9th.