Today MicroSoft released a fix-it update for its Internet Explorer browser, including those versions running on XP. But there is more that you should do if you want to keep your XP operating system running smoothly and confidently.
If you are also running MicroSoft Security Essentials (MSSE)on your XP system, which you should be, then you've seen the red flag warnings that MicroSoft has imbedded that directs you to buy into Windows 7, etc. You can get rid of that red flag crap by uninstalling the MSSE version that you most probably have, 4.5, and re-installing version 4.4. That will put you back to where you comfortably were before MicroSoft "pulled the support plug" on XP. But you have to do it in a particular way, which you can access by reading the information provided by Applications Etc., a small-time, but highly versant and reputable computer tech business. You can find them at
http://www.aehost.net/. Read the section under MicroSoft Security Essentials.
The MSSE updates are not affected by the XP shutdown! So once you've successfully re-installed MSSE 4.4 and blocked out the MSSE 4.5 update (KB2949787), you can go merrily on your way and enjoy the same protections Windows 7, etc. users enjoy.