Time to replace my Windows XP...what next?

mark_steps

So im biting the bullet and replacing XP as its no longer supported. But what do i get now? Someone said stay away from windows 8 (i think) as its mainly for touchscreen pcs...anyway i was recommended Windows 7.

Told to go on ebay but im not very sure...help...

grumpycrab

2 options 1. keep XP 2. buy new.
keep XP:- use a current anti-virus; use Google Chrome (or Firefox); is your computer slow; any problems; or is it OK
new computer :- laptop or dekstop; budget? what will you use it for?

DCFC79

XP will still work and you will still be protected with using anti virus etc.

mark_steps

Pc is decent. Not got that much £££ to buy a new pc. The one i have the now is a desktop tower.
So all i need to really do is change from IE to chrome or firefox? What about any updates...

What is the recomennded anti-virus and how much?

grumpycrab

Something else we need a sticky for.
Spend nothing. Ensure all XP updates are done (last one was last week for IE).
AVAST free is recommended for XP. What do you have now?
Chrome or firefox are recommended (Chrome is light-weight but check it first - it may say your PC is too old lol).
How much disk free space do you have. How much memory do you have?
Complete C: drive backup with Macrium free.

EDIT: AVAST free "care"
AVAST free is a little awkward. Direct download here
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html
(make sure you download AVAST and nothing else)
At install time ensure to UNCHECK any extras.
Register for 365 days free use.
There are quite frequent program updates. Ensure you select the "free" or "essential" package.
When installed disable sounds and enable silent mode (less popups).

NiftyDigits

mark_steps wrote: »

Pc is decent. Not got that much £££ to buy a new pc. The one i have the now is a desktop tower.
So all i need to really do is change from IE to chrome or firefox? What about any updates...

What is the recomennded anti-virus and how much?

Does it have a model number attached?

OneADay

http://mashable.com/2014/04/08/windows-xp-upgrade-or-switch/

poppellerant

Windows 8, in my opinion, is better on resources than Windows 7. This is probably because Microsoft wanted a slimmed down version of Windows that could run on tablets with low specifications.

Interface wise, Windows 8 is similar to Windows 7 apart from the Start menu. You can buy StartIsBack for about £1.77 ($2.99) and this will give you a Start Menu nearly identical to the one in Windows 7.

If you want to avoid Windows 8 and it's start screen, you can easily uninstall lots of applications and unpin the rest from the start screen. This will further improve performance of Windows 8.

henm2

The two replacement options really are Windows 7 or a Linux based system. Windows 8 might be too much of a jump hardware compatibility wise from XP.
If you go down the Linux route I would recommend LXLE as it works well with all hardware and is free. (LXLE is an enhanced version of Lubuntu)

I_have_spoken

IMHO if you go to the same set of boring old web-sites, use an email service which kills most spam (ie. Gmail), use Chrome, run an anti-virus that's supported on XP and never click on 'OK' when an unknown app pops-up then the chances of XP getting compromised are very small.

John259

Provided you're fully aware of their limitations and are happy with them, a Chromebook would be worth considering if you do need a new computer.

But Chromebooks are certainly not without their drawbacks. Do your research before a purchase.