Windows 7 more secure than xp

In contrast, the infection rate was only 3. Windows Vista's infection rate was much lower than XP's but still was double that of Windows 7. Microsoft says two factors account for the bit Windows 7's lower infection rate compared to the bit version. First, bit users tend to be more tech-savvy, and presumably more proficient at safeguarding their systems against infections. Second, the bit Windows 7 includes a feature called Kernel Patch Protection, which prevents unauthorized changes to the Windows kernel that malware tries to make.

It should be noted that malware is far more likely to infect a computer through application software than through vulnerability in the operating system or Web browser. The good news is that application vulnerabilities declined by over 22 per cent in The message is clear: the latest Windows OS is more resistant to malware infections and other security exploits. But upgrading to Windows 7 is not the end of security worries.

You still need to keep current on Windows 7 updates and service packs; train users to avoid risky behavior such as clicking on links in unsolicited email, and use strong anti-malware software. See my related article Free Anti-Virus For Windows 7 for a list of programs you can download to secure your Windows 7 computer.

What's your plan? Stick with XP for the long haul, or upgrade to Windows 7? I'm sure some of you will say "Switch to Linux" or "Get a Mac". That's fine, but if you have done so, please also talk about your learning curve for moving from Windows to another platform. Post your comment or question below This article was posted by Bob Rankin on 6 Jul Posted by: Paul VdB 06 Jul Even got infected for a day Posted by: Roger Martindill 06 Jul Posted by: Armando Garcia 06 Jul Security is an issue just due to lost time and frustration in fixing the system that has malware problems.

I am buying an Apple Air just to try it out. I am sick of MS next and newest OS that gets replaced next year. Their software is bloated and expensive compared to Apple office suite. Of course I could read about this on microsoft. Lagrima , Nov 12, It is my opinion that Vista was more secure than XP. However, if you did get a virus on Vista, it is more likely it will cause irreversible damage to the OS specifically with permissions. Since Win7 is built on Vista, the same thing would apply except maybe they fixed the permissions damage problems.

Senlis , Nov 12, The vulnerability in Microsoft Video ActiveX Control could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted Web page with Internet Explorer, instantiating the ActiveX control. This ActiveX control was never intended to be instantiated in Internet Explorer. And both of those newer operating systems have an additional advantage. But it seems to be working.

I've changed the way I charge my iPhone. You should, too. Time for a Linux smartphone? Best iPhones : Which model is right for you?

Developers are in short supply. Here are the skills and programming languages employers need. Don't get too complacent, though, because writing malware has become a highly profitable industry so any OS these days is constantly under siege. DaveA David. Trusted Advisor.

Spam Fighter. Joined Nov 16, Messages 17, Yes, even the MAC can get hit, just not as much profit in doing it as of yet, but as more people who think that they can not infect a Mac, then it will be a new source of income to some. We all know Internet Explorer can not be separated from the windows system. They also made that claim it can but we know that IE is part of the OS. It will take alot of programming do separated IE from the OS.

Joined Sep 21, Messages 15, As for things like "Java, Java script and Flash", you need to keep an eye out for the latest patches of these products. Java is maintained by Oracle, and you get patches from them. Javascript is part of the browser.

Sometimes javascript is used to exploit security holes in the browser, and for that scenario, the browser needs updating. Flash is maintained by Adobe, so you get updates from them. Although there's a lot of fear of 0 day exploits, studies has shown that most exploits are made for security holes that have patches. That is, the exploit writer reverse engineers a security patch to make a working exploit. So, just by having installed "Java , Javascript, and Flash" doesn't mean the system is unsecurable.

You just need to patch religiously. I visit security news sites at least once a week, and have MS patch Tuesdays marked as recurring appointments in my appointment calendar.

As of recently, 0 day cutting edge exploits seems to be reserved for targeted hacks against specfic companies which yield high payoff. So you should consider yourself lucky and important if you get hit by one. It disables the modification of portions of the system marked as medium integrity.