Microsoft has ceased support for Windows XP, which means that if you want to use it you have to be a little more careful than usual. If hackers discover flaws in the system, they won't be fixed by Microsoft, so connecting to the Internet using XP is a little more dangerous than it used to be. That said, Windows XP is still a good and perfectly usable system, as long as the risks are taken into account.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Start Using Windows XP
Step 1. Create an account
When you start Windows XP for the first time, you will be asked to create a user account. This account will save all your files and documents. In XP there are two types of accounts: administrator accounts, which can perform advanced operations such as installing programs, and normal accounts, which cannot make any changes to the system. The first user you create is necessarily an administrator.
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the desktop
The desktop is the primary method of interacting with Windows. Contains shortcuts to programs, folders, system utilities, and any other files you want. In the lower left corner you can see the Start menu. By clicking on this button you can access all programs, connected devices, computer settings and more. In the lower right corner you can see the System Tray, with the clock and icons of open programs.
Step 3. Connect to a network
In order to browse the internet you will need to connect Windows XP to a network. If you are using an Ethernet connection, plug the cable into your computer and Windows XP should automatically connect.
- If you are using a wireless connection, right click on the wireless networks icon in the System Tray. You may need to expand the list of icons by clicking on the "▲" button.
- Select the wireless network you want to connect to. Enter the password if necessary.
- Read this guide for more information on how to connect to a wireless network.
Step 4. Update Windows XP
Even if Windows XP is no longer updated, make sure you have the latest version available. If you have an older copy installed, download the latest Service Packs (SP3 is the latest that was released) and all other security and stability updates.
Read this guide for more information on how to use Windows Update
Step 5. Personalize your desktop
It's your computer, make it personal! In addition to changing the background, you can also change icons, mouse pointers, and you can also install programs that completely change the way Windows XP works.
Method 2 of 3: Keeping Safe
Step 1. Create a limited account
Since Windows XP is no longer updated, any flaws will not be fixed. This means that Windows XP is no longer a safe system, and you should take precautions to avoid being attacked. Creating a limited account and using it routinely will prevent any malware from obtaining administrator permissions to modify the system.
This means that you will have to log into your administrator account every time you want to install or uninstall a program, or make changes to the operating system. It's a hassle, but it's one of the best ways to secure your computer
Step 2. Install a new browser
Leave Internet Explorer as soon as possible, as the Windows XP version is no longer up-to-date and therefore no longer secure. Two possible alternatives, both valid and popular, are Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.
Consider not connecting your computer to the internet at all. It might be inconvenient, but your chances of being attacked would plummet (you would still be vulnerable to USB threats though)
Step 3. Install a new antivirus
Some versions of Windows XP have a trial version of an antivirus. First uninstall this trial, and then download and install a new antivirus. This step is very important if you want to connect to the internet safely.
- Read this guide for more information on how to install an antivirus.
- Antimalware programs are also important (Malwarebytes, Spybot, etc.).
- Replace the Windows firewall. Many paid antivirus also include a firewall. It is better to use one of these rather than the default Windows one, as they are more likely to be up-to-date and secure.
Step 4. Keep other programs up to date
Since Windows XP is no longer up to date, it is important to ensure that other programs are always up to date to reduce the chances of an external attack. Some programs automatically check for updates, for others you will have to manually check the corresponding official sites.
If you are using Windows 2003, try to update it as soon as possible. Like Windows, Office 2003 is no longer updated, and Office is famous for being a program that lends itself well to being hacked. Upgrade to a newer version, or install alternative software like OpenOffice
Method 3 of 3: Optimize Performance
Step 1. Remove the programs you don't use
Carefully managing installed programs will keep your computer clean and fast. You can uninstall programs using the "Install / Uninstall a Program" function of the Control Panel. Delete any programs you don't use.
Step 2. Create links to reach folders faster
You can create shortcuts on your desktop or other locations that allow you to access files, folders, and programs without having to go through your entire computer.
Step 3. Do regular system maintenance
There are several maintenance utilities you can use to keep your computer in shape. Most can be set to activate automatically at regular intervals, so you don't have to worry about it again.
- Do a defragmentation of your disk. Every time you install or remove a program, some files are left in the system, and as time goes by your hard drive becomes more and more difficult to do its job. Defragmentation rearranges files so that the hard drive can run faster.
- Use the Disk Cleanup utility. This function scans your computer and detects files and registry strings that are no longer used. This way you can free up a lot of space.
- Create a system restore point before making major changes. You can restore your computer to a previous configuration using a restore point. This will undo all changes made, but you will be able to keep your files and documents.
Step 4. Learn to boot into Safe Mode
If you run into a problem with Windows XP, booting into Safe Mode can be a critical step in figuring out what the problem is. Safe Mode only loads files that are essential for Windows to work, so you can get rid of viruses or restore system settings.
Step 5. Determine which programs should start with Windows XP
Many programs have a bad habit of starting automatically every time you start Windows. If there are too many, the computer may become very slow to start up. MSConfig is a utility that allows you to see which programs start automatically, and disable the ones you don't care about.
Step 6. Back up your data regularly
Since Windows XP is no longer being updated, there is a good chance it will become unstable. For this you should always have a backup of your important files and documents. You can do it manually, or use a specific backup program.
You will need external storage, such as a hard drive or cloud service
Step 7. Upgrade to a newer system
Windows XP will be less and less secure. The sooner you update to a newer operating system, the safer you will be. You can upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 (forget Vista as it is no longer supported as of April 11, 2017), or you can upgrade to Linux. Linux has the advantage of being free and very secure, but it can be complicated for a novice user to use.
- Install Windows 7
- Install Windows 8
- Install Linux
