XP Partition (Offline work only) on Internet PC too risky??

[Total Noob]

(DUMB) QUESTION
Would running an XP partition make me more susceptible to virus even if I only connect to the internet thru my other partition's OS?

HARD WARE
My "old flame" (recently pulled outta closet) HP TC1100 tablet pc

DISCLAIMER
I do totally understand that a MUCH easier solution is just to buy newer hardware on a supported OS.I don't mean to upset any experts or any disrespect.--your wise advice for this specific endeavor is greatly appreciated.:thumbsup:

GOAL
* 2 Partitions (hard drive's old so I imagine it's already MBR)
​

* XP Tablet Edition 2005 on "C drive", Windows 7 or 8 on "D Drive"

REASONS FOR XP USAGE
* Tablet's ram ceiling: 2gb (currently 1.5 installed)
* I'll be running old 32bit software regardless.
* Old programs, while dated, still ram hungry.
* Min. RAM Requirement to run Win7/8: 2gb
* Min. RAM Requirement to run XP TABLET 2005: 256 mb

USAGE FOR WIN 7/8 PARTITION
* Very minor web surfing.
* Mostly email, reading forums.
* Occasional youtube viewing (360p tops)
* Weekly usage, not daily.

CONCERNS
* Besides my personal file's security, not being the Thyroid Mary of a new horrible virus spread thru my stubborn arcane usage of such an outdated OS

A NOOBS IDEA OF SUITABLE PRECAUTIONS
* Delete/disable all internet drivers inside the XP Partition
* Use caution when connecting any USB devices working in XP Parition
* Use "Time Freezer" or similar locking down the XP drive after each use.
* Physically remove wireless card inside laptop
* Use a USB wireless n dongle (or something manual) while surfing in the Win7/8 partition.

Would those last 2 PRECAUTIONS (OF USING ONLY A MANUAL WIRELESS DEVICE) be even necessary?

Suggestions? I tried my best to scour thru Google before asking here. Thanx in advance.

 

[Revolution 11]

You could do all that if you don't have a separate PC, but a much simpler method is to just use a VM product like VirtualBox (free and my favorite VM) or VMWare Player/Workstation (Player is free, Workstation is not).

Obviously performance using a VM will be slower so YMMV.

https://www.virtualbox.org/
http://www.vmware.com/products/player/

 

[ninaholic37]

I don't think a virus/malware that gets into the Win7 partition can see the XP one, but for your needs you probably don't even need Windows 7 and can use a Linux distro for internet instead (which doesn't get nearly as many viruses). In Linux you can just mount the XP partition if it ever needs to see it which is easier (I think).

 

[Total Noob]

I don't think a virus/malware that gets into the Win7 partition can see the XP one.

I guess that's kinda my question but more so: does a patchless xp partition weaken Windows 7/8 security (even if I'm not using the XP to web connect).

I mean it's kinda like the Intel Macs right?-- just becuz they have windows on the machine, doesn't mean you can get a windows specific virus while connected thru the apple os-- right? (Or is that example a completely different situation because the OS's are 2 different manufactures?)

use a Linux distro for internet instead

Brilliant suggestion but I'm kinda a pc moron so even Linux scares me:sneaky:. I do need to try that linux though it's just I have an unused xp sp3 license with an windows 8 upgrade sitting around that I was planning throwing onto drive d. But if that gets too complicated for me I'll try the distro.

But the question is the same: Would a patchless XP partition make the Linux internet surfing less safe?

 

[Total Noob]

VirtualBox (free and my favorite VM) or VMWare Player/Workstation

Thanx 4 the links! Yeah I found out about those while googling and searching this forum.

Obviously performance using a VM will be slower so YMMV.

Exactly why I passed on it. This hardware is ancient. I do wanna try that out later on another machine, if only for the education.

 

[Total Noob]

Here's a good example of what I'm trying to ask (thru my bonehead ways)

* I'm connected to the web thru my Win7/8 Partition
* I download a freeware program (infected w/maleware viruses or whatnot)
* I log off and disable the connection.
* I restart and boot into the XP.
* I bring the infected program into the XP partition and install

NOW-- Because I ran the infected program in the patchless (though not web connected) XP does that make me more vulnerable than if I had installed and used the program in the newer partition that is getting regular Microsoft updates?

OR is it less of a threat because I installed it on the partition which is web disabled?

AND IF SO to what extent would I have to disable the web on the XP portion-- Is just deleting the XP drivers enough? Or would I need to actually remove the card/antenna inside and only use 3rd party peripherals to web-connect when in Win7/8 so I can disable them physically after logging off THUS guaranteeing that nothing is turning itself back on and "calling home" why I'm using XP?

(So many questions yet sooo thankful for any education, guys!)

 

[Zaap]

Personally, I think you're WAY overthinking the virus stuff. Unless you plan on blindly doing all the riskiest activities, you're automatically going to have virus problems. I wouldn't bother with any of that overkill stuff- just run an unobtrusive anti-virus if you want, and don't do risky things on the net.

To me, the idea of physically removing the internal wireless over virus paranoia is... well, kind of insane.

Are you sure you can even install Windows 7 (or later), and have all the needed drivers? (example: drivers for the pen interface? drivers for the physical buttons, all components, graphic drivers, etc.)

I have a Motion Computing LE1600 that's a generation newer than that, and it was a challenge finding Win7 drivers for it.

I wouldn't bother with multi-partitions and OS's (Unless Linux and Windows).

If 7 will run and has all the needed drivers, I'd just use that for everything.

If all it can run (fully) is XP, I'd go with that.

 

[Total Noob]

use a Linux distro for internet instead (which doesn't get nearly as many viruses). In Linux you can just mount the XP partition if it ever needs to see it which is easier (I think).

Actually now that I'm thinking about it that probably is the best way to protect me since it's installing 2 different systems with 2 different lanauges that can't really speak to one another.

A virus/remote maleware can't hopscotch from windows to linux right? But it's theoretically possible it could hop from XP to a newer MS version (or vice versa) that you're using to web connect, right? Hmmm...

I'd still love more experts options on the 2 diff windows option I asked about earlier. Microsoft is just so familiar- and familiarity is hard to give up to the tech un-savvy.

To me, the idea of physically removing the internal wireless over virus paranoia is... well, kind of insane.

Hi Zaap, I know it sounded pretty nutjob but I need to replace the stick buried deep inside the system anyway, so I was curious to ask. I only wanna open this thing up ONCE, you know?

Personally, I think you're WAY overthinking the virus stuff.

Guilty, Haha. But don't read it in the context of paranoia (no one wants my bank info- hell, the tellers probably make more per hour.)
Rather it's more as I'm an outsider to computers, I find those possibilities endlessly fascinating.. Sorry if that comes off as annoying.

can even install Windows 7 (or later), and have all the needed drivers?...If all it can run (fully) is XP, I'd go with that.

Hence the whole reason for this thread, to see what I can accomplish with the material I presently have at hand-- I inquired on this site specifically becuz I'd get both an knowledgeable and unbiased opinion of any security risks before I proceeded. (if you google it, a lot of Microsoft fearmongering comes up- like this article here:http://www.crn.com/news/application...-xp-pcs-from-internet-wont-keep-them-safe.htm)

I predicted "ruffle feathers" when proposing this endeavor, see the "disclaimer" in my 1st post. And as far as compatibility, I've seen tc1100's running 7 or 8 with only a few bumps in the road which is why I was delegating it toward web browsing only for this tablet.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Besides my personal file's security, not being the Thyroid Mary of a new horrible virus spread thru my stubborn arcane usage of such an outdated OS

I think that you meant "Typhoid Mary". Thyroid Mary is kinda LOL.

 

[qbengnpre49]

nice tips thank you!