Being Forced to Leave Windows XP for Windows 8.1

espresso

Daz2009 wrote: »

I certainly wouldn't risk going online with an xp computer after the microsoft support stops

Your paranoid scaremongering tells us a lot about you!

spannerzone

RumRat wrote: »

True, but, it was replaced 7 years ago, a lifetime in techworld. I'm not sure I understand the desire to hang on to it in most cases.
Each to there own, but I guess in the OP's case it would be the easiest option just to buy a cheap laptop as a replacement.:)

I totally agree and change things well before they're worn out, but of course this website is all about saving money and it seems many people will struggle on with older gear if they can.

RumRat

spannerzone wrote: »

I totally agree and change things well before they're worn out, but of course this website is all about saving money and it seems many people will struggle on with older gear if they can.

Saving is fine, but as far as I'm concerned that's the sort of thing I save for..............There ain't no pockets in shrouds.;)

Indie_Kid

Windows 7 might be another option?

Niv

bookmarked for when I get home to check my lappy.

I have xp on it atm but it does have a vista sticker on it so it may be 'new enough' for win 7. Only use it for old games (not online) and minor web surfing (news, ebay, e-mail). But may treat myself to something new.

NiftyDigits

Niv wrote: »

bookmarked for when I get home to check my lappy.

I have xp on it atm but it does have a vista sticker on it so it may be 'new enough' for win 7. Only use it for old games (not online) and minor web surfing (news, ebay, e-mail). But may treat myself to something new.

Brand name and full model number?

zaax

I left windows 5 years ago for Ubuntu and haven't looked back

prowla

Nobody is forcing the upgrade, but in fairness to Microsoft, the roadmap has been out there and they can't keep on supporting their old products for free, can they.

As far as upgrading, it is highly likely that all files will be compatible, but it is possible that some applications might not run on the newer version of the OS.

Upgrading the computer will mean a reinstall, so all of the data/files will need to be backed up, and all applications will also need to be reinstalled.

Windows 7 is a good choice for an upgrade from XP; everything will be similar, but a bit better. You might need more memory though, so that's an additional cost.

Windows 8 is one of Microsoft's failed products; 8.1 is a slight improvement, but it's a ham-fisted mish-mash of a phone OS bolted on to a desktop OS, aimed at people with tablet computers. The places where they've done the joins are glaringly obvious, and they removed some features from desktop PCs in order to make it appear consistent with what you get on a cheap mobile phone. It's really very badly done.

Ubuntu Linux is a very good OS, but it won't run the same programs so that could be an issue. Moving from XP to Ubuntu would probably be easier than going to Windows 8. And cheaper too, as the OS is free, though you might need to put effort into buying a PC without paying the Windows tax (ie. buying one without paying for Windows even if you're not going to use it).

If you do need to replace your machine, anything with a Core2Duo CPU or i3/i5/i7 which runs at above 2 GHz, and has 4 GB or more of memory will suffice.

Another alternative would be to buy an Apple Mac mini; the current model is likely to be replaced soon, but Apple currently offer 10 months interest free credit on the £499 entry-level model. The Mac won't run your current programs though (but Microsoft Office is available for it).

Niv

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Brand name and full model number?

Hi. Its a dell latitude D630

NiftyDigits

Niv wrote: »

Hi. Its a dell latitude D630

Which version of the BIOS is it running and what is the Service Tag on it?