MeisterPlanet

Mozilla’s open-source Firefox web browser will no doubt get a boost in the number of users, at least according to a recent article from CNET’s News.com which reports that Internet Explorer 7 will not be available on Windows 2000 or older operating systems.

Many users of Windows 2000 have felt that Microsoft has never really given the operating system the attention it deserves. Released in February of 2000, the OS brought lackluster sales from corporate users unconvinced that the time was right to upgrade the legions of Windows 95 machines many companies relied on.

The release of Windows XP on October 25th, 2001 did not help matters, effectively making Windows 2000 a lame duck within the Windows development branches, leading to little real support, both from Microsoft itself and from third-party hardware and software developers.

According to computer security firm Sophos there have been 7,944 new viruses detected in the first half of 2005, a number 59% larger than those found in the first six months of 2004.

The firm’s report also states that the average time for a computer connected to the Internet to become infected has decreased.

From the report:

In line with this substantial increase in virus writing, is the rapidly decreasing average time to infection. There is now a 50% chance of being infected by an internet worm in just 12 minutes of being online using an unprotected, unpatched Windows PC.

All the more reason to make sure that your Windows PC has the latest security updates from Microsoft and is set to receive and install future updates automatically.

It’s also recommended that you run anti-virus software (Nod32 currently holds the crown for best protection) as well as an anti-spyware program such as Webroot’s Spysweeper or Microsoft’s own beta anti-spyware.

If you’re currently on a DSL or cable high-speed connection, a network firewall will help protect you from most attempts to remotely connect, and infect, your computer. You should, at the least, be running a software firewall, such as ZoneAlarm or Kerio Personal Firewall, both of which have free editions.

You should also consider a hardware firewall, which will provide more protection and use less of your computer’s resources. Even a simple cable router such as Linksys Network Everywhere’s very inexpensive NR041 Cable/DSL Router will aid your computer’s security significantly.

The New York Times has an article detailing how spyware has started to make many users consider simply purchasing a new computer, rather than attempt to repair an older system.

The idea of computers becoming disposable isn’t really that surprising when you consider that the average cost for professional spyware removal service weighs in at $120. Compared to the $500 price tag many retailers are advertising cheap computers for, many consumers are simply opting to upgrade into a faster machine rather than try and have their existing hardware repaired.