Windows Update for Vista Question

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dee_can

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Aug 19, 2012
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Hi everyone, I'm new here, just posted about my CBS log problems but thought I would ask some questions about Vista while I'm here. I just updated Windows, and the update was (copied and pasted from my Windows Update):

"Security Update for Microsoft XML Core Services 4.0 Service Pack 3 for x64-based Systems (KB2721691)
Installation date: ‎25/‎08/‎2012 2:13 PM
Installation status: Successful
Update type: Important
A security issue has been identified in Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) that could allow an attacker to compromise your Windows-based system and gain control over it. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed."

My question is, I have Vista Home Premium SP2, 64-bit, and I'm wondering about the Service Pack 3 mention in the update. Also, can Vista SP2 be upgraded to SP3? It doesn't seem so because from the information I've gathered on the internet, there is no SP3 in Vista. I guess my question is should I have installed this item on my computer? Weirdly, Secunia had alerted me that the same xml Core Svcs needed updating yesterday, and after several hours, it finally did update for me. Also, since my computer is Vista SP2, is this OS coming to an end, or can I use my computer indefinitely? I actually have liked Vista quite a lot.

Thank you, Dianne
 
Hello dee_can,

The latest Service Pack release for Vista is SP2... The "SP3" in the update is referring to XML Core Services 4.0 only.

As for using Vista, you will be able to use it as long as you would like, or as long as the hardware lasts. Vista Support coming to an end means that Microsoft will not be releasing any more security or software updates for Vista. It also means that hardware support for Vista (drivers, etc) will be harder to find with newer hardware. Eventually you will have to move to a newer O.S. to take advantage of new features and new specifications, standards and security.
 
Hi, Dianne.

Although we are a minority, I also like Windows Vista. (It is a Windows Vista computer I was referring to in your topic at LzD -- recovered now with the advice of the knowledgeable people here, although I've now switched to my Windows 7 laptop as my primary machine.)

From Microsoft Product Lifecycle, the Extended Support End Date for Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition is 4/11/2017. Microsoft will continue to provide security updates through the end of the Extended Support date.
 
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Reactions: GZ
GZ, thanks for clarifying for me re: the SP3 in the update. I just wanted to be sure. And thanks Corrine. Then it looks like I have until 2017 to make a decision. ha So you were having the hardware issues with your Vista computer then... I don't think I've had any hardware issues yet with mine. It's just now that I'm running into the problems which sent me to LandzDown and this forum, but I have no idea whether these issues have anything to do with Vista, itself, or just my software programs.

I've been toying with the idea of upgrading to Windows 8 after it comes out, if this is possible. I'm not sure whether it's a good idea, or what the general consensus is on Windows 8.
 
Windows 7 is closer in look and feel to Windows Vista than Windows 8. It seems there is either a love it or hate it reaction to Windows 8. Adjusting to the changes will take some time, but those who have given it a chance do like Windows 8.
 
Thanks Corrine. If I do decide to upgrade, maybe I'll try Windows 7 first. But, I'll do some more research before I make a decision.:smile9:
 
You can think of Win 7 basically as Vista on steroids - and Win 8 as Vista on LSD :)
 
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