Computer Support Network

For the last couple months Microsoft has put forth a campaign to remind users that support for Windows XP SP2 will soon end. The official support end date for Windows XP Service Pack 2 will take place in the end of July 2010, roughly seven months from now. While this might seem like plenty of time it’s important to be prepared in the shift of support policy.

Microsoft reported on their official Blog that in addition to the closed support of XP, Windows 2000 Server and Client support will come to an end on July 13th 2010. Microsoft is hoping that most consumers will switch over to its new Windows 7 platform but at this time there are update alternatives. Even though support for Service Pack 2 will end, Microsoft will continue to address issues in SP3 until 2014. What this means is that one way or another, systems will now need to be patched and updated to receive official support. Additional information on potential upgrade and migration information is available on Microsoft’s Springboard Series Blog.

As of last October, it is estimated that Windows XP still operated 80% of the commercial PCs on the market which makes this a bold push from Microsoft. While Windows 7 has been highly received by many there is still much hesitation to upgrade after the debacle that was Windows Vista. The final verdict on Windows 7 is still out but as the final support days come to a close over the next year many will feel little alternative.

Whether you intend to upgrade to a new operating system or hold onto XP as long as possible now is the time to plan for the change. At the bare minimum, all of your systems should be upgraded to the newest service pack. The end of XP Support could be a headache but if you prepare for the change it doesn’t have to be.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

Back before the onset of Windows 95 Boot Viruses were all the rave for malware distributing hackers. Back then Microsoft saw the problem managed to solve the issue of the auto installing viruses. Now more then ten years later the same problem has again risen and it’s more dangerous than ever.

Portable USB storage devices are now as common as floppy diskettes were ten years. USB devices offer fast reusable storage capability that surpassed CD’s in size a couple years ago; but this infinitely useful resource is now being put to use for malicious purposes. Because the price of USB devices decreased significantly in the last year they are now easily distributed and because of this they are easy targets. Hackers and companies looking to install invasive spyware have now taken to including their launcher programs on the devices. The greatest risk of this comes from the way Windows interacts with USB devices.

By default Windows XP and newer operating systems have Autorun functionality on by default. Autorun was meant to be a conveyance feature, allowing any USB device to automatically start upon insertion. This feature is now working against users, however, as simply inserting a USB hard drive has the potential to infect your computer. Windows XP SP1 has the greatest vulnerability to this form of attack. Service Pack 2 took small steps to prevent this, and at least asks before the application auto executes, but there are still risks. Navigating to the drive in question will still result in Windows auto running device executable files by default.

While any computer system can be infected in this manner business computers are in the most danger. Business computers are often lacking in critical system updates, experience high amounts of data traffic, and are operated by users who understand little about the operation of their systems. While banning the use of USB storage devices from your office setting would be a drastic and heavy handed step it is not unreasonable to take other measures. The Autorun service can be turned off from the Windows settings manager which would prevent the greatest risk to systems. As an added precaution most Antivirus software can be set to scan USB devices when they are inserted. Until Microsoft takes steps to release an official fix these are two of the best precautions you can take.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department