The end of XP

On October 22, Microsoft pulled the plug on sales of Windows XP, ending the operating system's spectacular nine-year run.

Fortunately, XP's long run has produced a ton of collected wisdom: everything you need to keep your copy going strong and — when ready — to help you move on.

It can easily be argued that XP is the most successful operating system in the history of personal computers, so XP's going off-sale is truly a watershed moment in the tech world.

That's the topic of the (free) "Top Story" I wrote for this week's Windows Secrets Newsletter; it's a brief reprise of why XP succeeded so well, what happens now, and --- most importantly for XP users --- it contains links to over two dozen very useful XP-related setup, tuning, and maintenance articles.

If you use XP, or support someone who does, check it out. It's free!

http://windowssecrets.com/2010/11/11/01-Windows-XP-Looking-back-looking-forward

Elsewhere in that issue, my regular Q&A column is also running. Topics there include:

• Network just stops, for no obvious reason
• Transferring programs without reinstallation
• Separate partitions for system and data?
• Questions about flash-drive limitations

Here's the full issue rundown:

Free content posted on Nov. 11, 2010:

TOP STORY By Fred Langa Windows XP: Looking back, looking forward XP will get security patches until April 2014 Microsoft included many keys to XP's success XP's many blemishes are well documented Windows Secrets XP setup/maintenance articles "LangaLetter" XP setup/maintenance articles When you're ready to migrate from XP to Win7 The ultimate XP knowledge base — the Web! Keep your XP environment inside Windows 7 LOUNGE LIFE By Tracey Capen Searching for an easy-to-use e-mail client WACKY WEB WEEK By Revia Romberg How to compare a notebook to a dead fish

 
Paid content:

LANGALIST PLUS By Fred Langa Finding a cure may mean looking elsewhere Network just stops, for no obvious reason Transferring programs without reinstallation Separate partitions for system and data? Questions about flash-drive limitations

IN THE WILD By Robert Vamosi Java brews up a large pot of malware A new exploit circumvents Java security When old malware attacks are new again How to find out if you really need Java How to keep Java secure — or remove it

PATCH WATCH By Susan Bradley Security fixes for applications highlighted MS starts patching the DLL threat from Hell PowerPoint files offer a potential attack path IE needs a patch that's still to come Zero-day threat for Adobe Acrobat Reader Firefox add-on Firesheep breeds BlackSheep Major Apple updates just around the corner

A portion of your support helps children in developing countries Each month, we send a full year of sponsorship to a different child. Your contributions in November are helping us to sponsor Carlos, an 9-year-old boy from Mexico. Children International channels development aid from donors to Carlos and his community. We also sponsor kids through Save the Children. More info

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