IMPORTANT: Patch Available for Older Windows Systems

Slew of "Ransomware Attacks" Cripple Businesses Worldwide;
Microsoft issues Patches in Response

Windows XP, Vista and 8 Users Need to Update

Despite the fact  official support for XP ended YEARS ago, Microsoft has issued an important patch. On may 11-12, 2017, many businesses were hit with ransomware attacks, due to a flaw in Windows that recently became public.  This attack hit mostly outside of the US, with healthcare affiliated businesses hit the hardest.   Most home users should not worry too much.  However, if you are running a version of Windows earlier than 10, including Vista, XP, and 8.x, you NEED to download this patch.

Users running Windows 10 will receive the patch automatically, if needed.  You may want to manually check for updates to be sure.  (Settings...Update & Security...Windows Update.)  Details on the patch are available from Microsoft at this link:

• (https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2017/05/12/customer-guidance-for-wannacrypt-attacks/)

Of course, I do NOT recommend you use a computer running XP or Vista to access the Internet. However, I recognize that not everyone can afford to upgrade their systems.  For those stuck running older versions of Windows, consider running Neverware to access the Internet.  You can install it to dual-boot, or you can run it from a USB stick or CD.  Neverware basically turns older computers into pseudo Chromebooks.  If you can use Chrome and Google Services, a computer running Neverware is a MUCH safer internet machine than one running XP or Vista.

Even if you DO run Neverware to access the Internet, get the patch.  Seriously.  Get it today and get it fast.

Link to Patch: http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4012598