You will still be able to use the Firefox 52 ESR version you currently use when Mozilla switches the ESR version from Firefox 52 ESR to Firefox 59 ESR in the next year (probably around June/July 2018) band Firefox 52 is no longer updated. You will only no longer receive security updates, so this means that you are vulnerable to newly discovered exploits.

The Extended Support Release (ESR) of Firefox 52 will continue to advance toward 52.8.0esr in Spring 2018, including critical security updates.

To expand on cor-el's reply:

Once Firefox 52 ESR reaches the end of its support period: your Firefox browser will no longer get security updates. Over time, flaws will be discovered that allow malicious persons to break into your system and do whatever they want. Of course, you've already accepted that situation with Windows Vista, since it has known flaws that Microsoft is not fixing. It may also be true of a number of your other applications.

To help compensate, you can use security software and try to avoid bad sites and malicious downloads. There are many brands of security software. If you are on a tight budget, you could look at:

• https://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/antivirus.php (free version)
• https://www.avast.com/windows-vista-antivirus (free version)

In addition to Firefox's built-in malware site and phishing site blocker, you can use OpenDNS (free for home use) to block known bad sites.

• How does built-in Phishing and Malware Protection work?
• https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/

Ultimately you may be able to extend the life of your computer and improve your security by changing from Windows Vista to a modern version of Linux with a Windows-like "shell" for its interface. Those are generally free, but there will be some differences to learn and some of your applications might not have free replacements.

jscher2000 said

The Extended Support Release (ESR) of Firefox 52 will continue to advance toward 52.8.0esr in Spring 2018, including critical security updates. To expand on cor-el's reply: Once Firefox 52 ESR reaches the end of its support period: your Firefox browser will no longer get security updates. Over time, flaws will be discovered that allow malicious persons to break into your system and do whatever they want. Of course, you've already accepted that situation with Windows Vista, since it has known flaws that Microsoft is not fixing. It may also be true of a number of your other applications. To help compensate, you can use security software and try to avoid bad sites and malicious downloads. There are many brands of security software. If you are on a tight budget, you could look at:

• https://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/antivirus.php (free version)
• https://www.avast.com/windows-vista-antivirus (free version)

In addition to Firefox's built-in malware site and phishing site blocker, you can use OpenDNS (free for home use) to block known bad sites.

• How does built-in Phishing and Malware Protection work?
• https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/

Ultimately you may be able to extend the life of your computer and improve your security by changing from Windows Vista to a modern version of Linux with a Windows-like "shell" for its interface. Those are generally free, but there will be some differences to learn and some of your applications might not have free replacements.

THANKS. I appreciate this information. It sounds like it may buy me another month or two before getting a new computer of my liking, which financially would be great.

I love my computer but it's soon going into its 9th year so aside from the Vista issue (Vista was the only 'game in town' when I bought it), it is beginning to move beyond the TLC level (which I give it a lot - I clear it every night, and optimize & scan once a week).

I have Bitdefender, which I also like a lot. But thanks for the other suggestions. Again I appreciate them.

cor-el said

You will still be able to use the Firefox 52 ESR version you currently use when Mozilla switches the ESR version from Firefox 52 ESR to Firefox 59 ESR in the next year (probably around June/July 2018) band Firefox 52 is no longer updated. You will only no longer receive security updates, so this means that you are vulnerable to newly discovered exploits.

Thanks for answering this. I really appreciate it.