'October 2013 Update For Root Certificate for Windows XP ' KB 931125 Installed

Is it only necessary to remove the power cord from the back of the modem to turn it off or should the ethernet cable (that connects to the back of the cable modem) and the cable that connects to the cable modem (the other end connects to the wall) be disconnected too?

I am using Firefox 28 and the top left corner shows an orange and blue globe icon. When Alt is pressed, it only highlights the word 'File' that is displayed on the top of the screen-Does this version allows the text links to be 'toggled?'

In the 1st screenshot, should the 'Remember search and form history' and 'Accept cookies from sites' be checked or unchecked?

In the 2nd screenshot, should 'Browsing and download history' and active logins,' and 'Form and search history' options be checked or unchecked?

All of what you mentioned makes good sense and thanks for the links.

When a computer is shut down and turned off but the cable modem is left on, is the computer still connected to the Internet?

If yes and someone continues to use XP after the support end date, should they unplug their modem after shutting off and turning off the computer?

The computer isn't connected to the Internet anymore, no. But it's advisable to disconnect it completely by either switching off the power supply if there's a switch available on the back of it, or to remove the power cord. By doing that, you'll be performing a so called 'cold boot' every time you power on. See here for more details: http://www.reference.com/motif/society/difference-between-cold-boot-and-warm-boot

One other thing since you're using Firefox. If you have the view with the orange, oblong Firefox button top left, hit ALT to toggle the text links on and then go to Tools | Options | Privacy,

Next, checkmark the option to "Clear history when Firefox closes" and then click the "Settings" button. In the submenu which appears, checkmark "Cache", but remove the checkmark from the others. Here's a couple of screenshots.

There's malware around which downloads to the browser cache and then sits there waiting for the moment when you inadvertently land on a compromised site and then activates. By clearing the cache every time you close Firefox, anything in there will be deleted automatically.

All of what you mentioned makes good sense and thanks for the links.

When a computer is shut down and turned off but the cable modem is left on, is the computer still connected to the Internet?

If yes and someone continues to use XP after the support end date, should they unplug their modem after shutting off and turning off the computer?

It is really unfortunate that, even with up to date anti-virus software, a firewall, not visiting suspicious sites, and not opening unknown email attachments, that I will be unable to use Windows XP much longer since it is a user-friendly interface with many useful features, apart from the fact that it was released 10+ years ago.

Still, Microsoft 'is' a business and if an OS was supported indefinitely, there would not be any profit.

Is there 'anything' I can do to prolong the security of XP after support ends or is merely being connected to the internet enough for someone to hack in/suspicious programs to 'break-in' and install themselves automatically? I do not know that everyone with XP has the funds to upgrade their software and/or upgrade their computer (Assuming their current computer config components do not support Win 8.1).

Since Tues Apr 8 will be the last 'Patch Tuesday' and updates are generally 'valid' for a month's period, 'technically,' the computer will be safe until Tues May 13-Correct?

A firewall, antivirus, not visiting suspicious sites affords you some degree of protection but not much. It's a bit like a battleship with plenty of armament, but a rusty hull that's rapidly wearing too thin. If the keel fails, all the guns on top won't save the ship from sinking.

Read this article for some tips on XP security: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/secure-windows-xp-after-end-of-support-april-2014

As regards your last question, the answer is no because in spite of any patches which are released, there are too many clever people out there who have decided that crime pays and pays very well come to that. Many of them are located in countries where law enforcement is non-existent, or exists, but will accept a backhander to look the other way.

There are too many Zero Day vulnerabilities waiting in the wings and come April 8, they're going to descend on Windows XP like a giant flock of vultures.

If you don't know what a Zero Day vulnerability is, see this Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-day_attack

You may also find that your bank will block access to Internet banking if you're still using XP. Better get in touch with them now to find out what their policy is.

It is really unfortunate that, even with up to date anti-virus software, a firewall, not visiting suspicious sites, and not opening unknown email attachments, that I will be unable to use Windows XP much longer since it is a user-friendly interface with many useful features, apart from the fact that it was released 10+ years ago.

Still, Microsoft 'is' a business and if an OS was supported indefinitely, there would not be any profit.

Is there 'anything' I can do to prolong the security of XP after support ends or is merely being connected to the internet enough for someone to hack in/suspicious programs to 'break-in' and install themselves automatically? I do not know that everyone with XP has the funds to upgrade their software and/or upgrade their computer (Assuming their current computer config components do not support Win 8.1).

Since Tues Apr 8 will be the last 'Patch Tuesday' and updates are generally 'valid' for a month's period, 'technically,' the computer will be safe until Tues May 13-Correct?