What are we going to do about Windows XP?
Microsoft is ending Windows XPs service life on April 8, 2014 and it really is time to say goodbye. Microsoft will no longer be offering operating system fixes and no defenses against viruses and other online dangers.
There have been three versions of Windows since Windows XP and a lot has changed in the world of computer hardware so Windows 7 and 8 upgrades are really not an option for most people. If your computer is older that two or threes years you are not going to be happy with a Windows upgrade.
Windows lifecycle fact sheet http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle
Four Options
1. Replace Your Computer – This is the option that Microsoft (and the industry as a whole) recommends. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/xp/upgrade-options.aspx.
2. Upgrade Windows – (Not really an option for older computers)
a. Windows 7 Upgrade – Windows 7 Upgrade Edition is a hard to find commodity these days. I could not find a reliable source for this article. Plus it will probably not run well on your old hardware.
b. Windows 8 Upgrade – There are a lot of complaints about the Windows 8 user interface and I do not recommend running it on old hardware. http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/productID.264951000
3. Linux – Ubuntu
4. Do Nothing – Hackers and scammers are going to be targeting computers still using Windows XP and you are going to be vulnerable.
What do you use Your Computer For?
If you are the type of person who is basically just on the web, looking at videos, reading email and occasionally sending a picture than a tablet computer such as an iPad may be right for you.
For business users it is still possible to order computers from Dell and many other manufacturers that still have Windows 7 which is a lot more like the Windows XP you know and love. You will usually find more of these computers in the business section of the manufacturers website.
Connections Recommended Minimum Systems Requirements
• Intel i5 or grater processor
• At least 4 GB of RAM MINIMUM! 8 GB is what I recommend to my clients as a starting point.
• 500 GB or larger hard drive
Why Must I Change?
You can blame it on the Internet. For all of the amazing things the Internet offers comes with the downside. One of them as well or ability a speed is going to exposure to you keep using it. It’s time to let go!
