Thanks everyone. A mixed bag of feedback, but mostly stick with XP and keep programs updated and run antispyware and antivirus programs. I do those already. I browse on Firefox and Chrome - never IE. Thanks Pipsy for your perspective. I hear it - and will keep it in mind. But given those that feel caution is sufficient for now, and my real constriction to switch systems this spring, I will probably continue with all cautions. Here are some follow up questions from everybody's posts: 1 - Unplugging external drive when not in use. I have a problem because my Synology NAS is always in use - as is one of my two external hard drives. First, I have lots of video stored on both that the family accesses to transfer to our Tivo's to watch on the television. That needs to be plugged in. I also have my desktop and my daughter's Mac esktop set to back up to the NAS weekly. Owbist - can you (or others) tell me what kind of vulnerability I'm exposing myself too? 2 - Can somebody provide a link and explanation of the ESET online scan? That's one new to me. 3 - I tried NoScript on my firefox and disabled it. Azinoh and the XP security article I mention below, both recommended it. But when I tried it, it was really interfering with a lot of things I was doing. That's been awhile so I dont' remember specifics, but it was just a big pain. Can somebody tell me more about the protection it offers - and are there settings to address how often it popped up and interfered with things? 4 - I do keep flash and java updated. I know many disable java, unfortunately one of the streaming stock programs I run depends on it. 5 - For my work laptop running Windows 7, I had a BSOD from conflicts with Avast. It was a known issue and was recommended to use MSE instead. If MSE isn't that good, should I risk trying Avast again? if there was a conflict in August/September, is it likely fixed since then? anybody know about this? 6 - In another post on this topic, somebody recommended this site/information: http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/securing-xp-pcs-after-microsoft-drops-support/ This site is certainily suggesting to stop with XP - but offers some safety measures if you continue. One was setting up IE so that it can't connect to the internet (but will connect to the homenetwork). "Disable Web browsing: After support ends next April, consider reconfiguring Windows XP to block its access to the Internet. (Remember: You’ll no longer need IE or Windows Update for system updates from Microsoft.) To do so, open IE, go to Tools/Internet Options, and then click on Connections. Click the LAN settings button (see Figure 1) and then check the “Use a proxy server …” box (see Figure 2). Next, enter 127.0.0.1 into the Address box. Finally, check the “Bypass proxy server for local addresses” box." Until this week, I had not encountered proxy servers. I stumbled on it bc. in updating my husband's Windows 7 computer, somehow both chrome and FF got reset to use a proxy server and they weren't connecting to the internet. Using Chrome's troubleshooting info, I was able to disable using proxy server. But now that I've seen the setting, I could set up proxy server for just IE. My question is, will this prevent me from accessing the internet using FF and Chrome (I don't think so but want to be sure)? Is there any reason to do this if I'm the only one in the family with an XP computer and I don't go on IE? Lastly, why do I need to keep IE if I'm not getting Windows updates? is it also for other microsoft updates that I could use (like Word)? Thank you. Lynn.

Okay, I'm back now. I'll sadly toss the chicken and the milk. The brisket will most likely be tossed, sad to say it's too hot outside for me to stand next to the grill and smoke it, which was the original plan. At 111 degrees (no I've never seen the backyard that hot in 30 years!)I'll be damned if I'm going to fuss with smoking that brisket! Perhaps later tonight I'll bake it and freeze for next week. sigh... Lars, I know it's hot all over. My MIL lives in West Hollywood and yesterday noon it was hotter there than out here in the valley! To make matters worse her a/c units quit in May and she kept thinking she could get by w/o them! Luckily her condo bldg is well a/conditioned so she can open the doors to the hall and get some cool air. She's agreed to replace them, but of course try and get something installed at this time when they have all the repair work they want! Our home doesn't get too hot as we have programmable thermostats that keep things cool (but appropriate) day and night. That's why the kitchen was never too warm. September's power bill is always a shocker! I'm going to stick a chicken on the new rotisserie and give it a whirl. If it doesn't work out, I've got new chicken breasts to throw on the grill!

The swap we had in April was a great success & I was asked to have another one. For some the day I picked may not be a good day as it is June 19th (Fathers Day). If you can't make it we understand. So far on the meet up group we are up to ten participants. I have other meet up groups that I will be inviting as well. This is a plant swap as well as garden related items. I went and cleaned out the garden related items and have three or four hose nozzles that I am sure will find a happy home as well as some other misc. garden items that I simply don't need any more. Relating to plants I have cherry tomatoes that I started from seed! I did something correct because this is the first time I have had great success! (( I don't mind parting with them right now if you want to contact me and we can meet up in a certain area to make the trade before the swap.)) I am running out of room in my shed, right now as we speak. I have available about 14 plants. The tomatoes are over 10 inches tall. This swap is about a month away. I also included dinner optional after the swap so that we can talk more plant shop. That is entirely up to anyone who like me doesn't want to go home right after the swap. As for want and have listings - I guess add on to this listing and I will do my best to post what others have and want from the meet up groups. Oh, I guess I better add the address as this would help to know where you are going. Horizon Unitarian Church - 1641 West Hebron Parkway - Carrollton - 75010 What is this church near? If your not familiar with the area - here are a few landmarks that are helpful. Across the street is Coyote Ridge Public Golf Course & Grill. On the same side of the church is Shotgun Blasters that has thick black fencing around the building. That is at the intersection of Fairway Drive. In that area is Zocados Mexican Food. There is a Subway and I highly say don't go there. I am still getting over a bad case of food poisoning. In the other strip mall there is Maverick Sports Grill along with Papa's Italiano and then Burger King. The church is on West Hebron Parkway near 121 and it is the last exit that does not have a toll to get off onto West Hebron Parkway. The next two traffic lights just after going under 121 on W Hebron Parkway there is a Mobil 7-11 & Taco Bueno & Chicken Express & Sonic & the New Dairy Queen should be open! 3040 Round Grove turns into Hebron Parkway from Lewisville. We had a few that were confused and did get lost so I want to make sure what their is in the area. You can contact me on here and later on I will post my cell phone number. Thanks. Gretchen

Have you downloaded Google Chrome? The Google Earth website says it is required to run the new GE. On the GE website they have Earth for Chrome and they have Older Versions. Perhaps yours "upgraded" to a version that only works with Chrome. Or, have you kept up to date with the Windows 7 updates? Rather than resetting the computer back in time, you might check for updates and run those first. I've always had GE Pro and it is working for me. I have version 7.1.5.1557 built on 5/20/2015. Another place to download Google Earth is https://ninite.com/. I believe it gives you the non-pro version in a neat package. Run their package and the software is installed without you having to deal with any junk attached. I use Ninite for lots of hassle-free free software. What do you use Google Earth for? I am a local content creator for GE, so I am interested in how people use it. Here is a picture of what I do...I create the land ownership parcel lines and export the information as a Google Earth overlay file with internal links to other information.