Windows XP

You should just be able to buy the newest version of Windows and install on your computer.  I've done that a couple of times, but had my son install it for me.  

You MAY be able to install a more recent operating system, it really depends on the age of your computer and whether your computer meets the minimum requirements for, say windows 7. Practically, speaking the problem with the advice you've been given is that once Microsoft activates the End of Life of XP, that means that Microsoft will not support it in any way and that means that you will be vulnerable to new security threats, such as viruses, malware and so on. This is because the End of Life ends their obligations for Windows Update. I would consider moving to a newer machine if you can so that you have a machine with more of a future. XP has been around for something like 15 years and so it's not unusual or unreasonable to move people onto more modern computing technology, although I appreciate the move is hassle for you as well as cost. I trust that helps. Jonathan

Installing an updated version on my computer is most likely out of the question.....computer too old. Fellow told me that on the phone, that if it is a computer with XP it won't meet the requirements. As I said above, I was told that as long as I have my own virus software and am not using Internet Explorer I'd be covered. Am questioning that just as you have. I really hate getting a new computer......period. It just makes me ill thinking how many computers and phones are outdated,  just about as fast as they make them, and thrown away into land fills. And besides, yes it is a big hassle. I have tons of things on my computer. Also, there is the wonder of whether everything will be supported with a new computer...software, my printer, etc. Pretty much leaning towards the new computer though. I guess it is time and I will probably love it once it is all said and done. :)  Thanks for helping.

Yes, that's just not accurate information. In a former life, I worked closely with Microsoft and a few PC vendors - so I did my time with the IT guys. This is the situation: to my knowledge no third party security vendor can claim that they can secure an XP installation completely. The simple fact is that Microsoft will end XP support to the security vendors as well as consumers and without access to the OS manufacturer and certain components of XP, you won't be able to guarantee a fully secure machine. The reality is that:

1) XP will be an open target to anyone that is looking to exploit machines through viruses, malware, trojans and the like.

2) If you're on the net, you're exposed to this risk.

3) No one can guarantee the level of security that you've been assured of up to April 8, when the XP End of Life happens.

Microsoft has done a deal with Laplink to help streamline the migration. But what you do need to be aware of is that you may have old applications that won't work with the newest versions of Windows. For example, Microsoft is 'End of Life' -ing Office 2003 as well.

Personally, I would bite the bullet and try to get someone to help you make the move. It's just safer that way.

Jonathan

Thanks Jonathan. Will follow your advice. Its not like I cant continue to use this computer, at least for awhile anyway, until I get everything over to the new computer. Just have to turn off Internet capability.

You're welcome. Good luck with the move.

Maureen -- fwiw -- I've got the "new" Windows and frankly it' makes Windows Vista look "lovely".  It's honestly made for those who prefer tablets rather than a PC.  Everything is swipes and drop overs and you almost **Need** a touch screen rather than a mouse.  

Nothing is easy if you use a mouse.  It takes away the ability to simply use keystrokes or one click to accomplish something.  To say I hate, loathe, and despise it is an understatement.  

But even *if* your machine was powerful enough to download the "latest" Windows software -- it would be a nightmare to try to use it.

Granted -- I type 145 words a minute so for me to "slow down" to try to use a tablet and type 1 finger style to make a word?  It's agony for me and the fact that you can NOT just "turn it off" (you can't turn off programs - -- everything is open layer over layer and then it shuts things off "automatically" supposedly).  So if you have issues at home with confidentiality?  Be very very wary.

Callie, your assessment of the new Windows is precisely why I halted my search for a new laptop a few months ago.  I knew I would HATE it -- I hate using DH's iPad, I am a TYPER, not a swiper (like you, I can move very fast on a regular keyboard).  And I want a mouse, not just a touch screen.  

My laptop is about 10 years old, so I'm in the same boat, Maureen.  I will probably just abandon it next month and use the desktop.  I will suffer without a new laptop until they come up with something else from Windows.  Having said that, maybe there will never be another Windows system that is NON-tablet or touch-screen focused . . . not sure what I'll do then!

Thanks for the input Callie.

Haven't used a mouse in quite some time, but still have the keyboard. I use the pad rather than a mouse. Never thought I'd be able to do that but now like it much better than the mouse.

That not turning off programs sounds like what my brother just recently showed me. I'm thinking that was on his phone though, can't remember for sure. Anyway, he thought it was a cool thing. I can totally understand where you are coming from though...Not really any reason, but I just would like to be able to turn things off. I use my kindle fire quite a bit, so have gotten used to the one finger typing. This just after my typing skills were getting quite good too. Certainly nowhere near 145 words per minute though. Have to laugh about people who have done the one finger typing, even with a regular type writer. They are good to go now. No one is going to know how to type anymore.  

So totally not computer literate about so much of this stuff. Wondering about your desk top Tracy. What is that, that you won't have to worry about updating the operating system.

Thanks for the info. Always good to get other's opinions and advice.

Maureen, my desktop is about 3 years old, I think.  It's an HP, and it has whatever the last "normal" Windows version was --- maybe Windows 7?  Regular menus and whatnot, no touch screen or Apple-like features or behaviors.  

I use a mouse with the desktop, but Im okay with the mouse pad on the laptop, too.  That's not the deal breaker for me; it's the lack of a keyboard and the two finger typing that creates nothing but frustration and low efficiency for me.  I can tolerate using a tablet to "consume" media, like watching videos or just reading online.  But if I'm "creating" media, like writing email, then I want a real keyboard.  

Is it time to start chanting about the glories of the Mac now.

They cost more up front.

Easy to use.  Intuitive.

They work-very very few virus'.

They last longer than most windows boxes

They come with good stuff in them

You can run Windows on Mac, but why?

There is free stuff out there that is legal and good-Open Office for all operating systems. It's an Office clone, but free and complete office suite. Free.

GIMP-free image manipulation.  Safari browser, or Firefox.  Free and good.  A Photoshop clone, but free.

Mac is a cult thing, but for a reason.

I used to be a hardcore Microsoft girl until I met my husband 7 years ago. He converted me. We own all Apple devices and I can't stand Microsoft anymore. I was still able to (when I was working before I stayed home with the kids) use Windows on my MAC for work purposes. But I like Apple's operating systems so much better.

It did take a moment to get used to. But now apple is just loving me I've got the iphone the ipad the ithis and ithat hahaha typing on a MacBook Pro right now... my husband whole business is run off a Mac Pro. We love Mac! Come to the dark side!! *insert evil laugh*

Tracy. Stupid me. Don't know what I was thinking. Guess since our desk top is so ancient and all ive heard is talk of laptops, since we bought my windows XP and the newer one my husband has, that I had some silly notion that all desk tops were ancient. :) This finger typing is a pain in the butt for sure. Although I'm doing it on a small keyboard right now...using my kindle.  Haha Doug. Your chant gets lost on me though as I know nothing about the different computer types except that ive heard Mac's tend to produce chanting from those who use them. :)

I've got a Kindle -- let me read on it and play solitare but good lord I HATE posting on it.  David got me an I-Phone for Valentine's Day -- I will say this here quietly - I hate it.  You have to "touch" six things to get it to make one frigging phone call, and three things to "answer" the danged thing even tho it's showing you a banner of who is calling and the ring's ringing it's fool head off but can I get to "hello"  NO.    It tries to "out think" me to take me to where *it* thinks I want to go.  No .. I am still smarter than my phone.  Just let me pick it up and say hello please? I can't even get even "favorites" to work right.  I touch Favorites and still have to touch 3 teeny tiny icons to dial my husband.  

Intuitive?  never -- my brain just does NOT work that way.  And that's likely my whole frustration -- It tries to assume I'm going to again do x, y, and z.   But no, probably not.  If I did that before then I prolly won't need to do it again.

Too much thinking when I want to just do it and have it done.  But then I'm weird -- to me a phone is a tool to use ... not my life..   I can sit at dinner and read -- that's great on my Kindle.  But I will never be one of those people who sits there working my thumb over the I-Phone all thru dinner.  That's the husband's thing LOL

Man am I a Debbie Downer LOL.