when will firefox stop support/security updates for vista 32 bit on a computer for personal use?
Please help - I am still using Vista 32 bit for personal use, and saw that Firefox would be issuing an end date for support/security updates but I still haven't seen confirmation of the actual end date and it will be 1.10 tommorow. I have seen a reply relating to Vista 62 bit and possible extended support. Is this available to me on Vista 32 bit and what exactly does it involve? Many people using Vista are not very tech savy or can't afford to update their computer. A straightforward answer for the non-technical would be so very much appreciated.
Chosen solution
Currently, the last scheduled security update for the Extended Support Release of Firefox 52 -- 32-bit and 64-bit -- is about mid-April 2018.
After the last update, what then? Well, 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 probably 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. 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-xp-antivirus (free version)
In addition to Firefox's built-in malware 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.
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Chosen Solution
Currently, the last scheduled security update for the Extended Support Release of Firefox 52 -- 32-bit and 64-bit -- is about mid-April 2018.
After the last update, what then? Well, 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 probably 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. 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-xp-antivirus (free version)
In addition to Firefox's built-in malware 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.
Thank you so much for your clarification - it's around April then, such a relief! Hopefully I can purchase a new laptop early next year and continue with Firefox safely.
Thank you so much for your clarification - it's around April then, such a relief! Hopefully I can purchase a new laptop early next year and continue with Firefox safely.
It may be up to around June 2018
See also the release calendar: