Windows XP Upgrade

"After April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. If you continue to use Windows XP, your computer might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses."  ...from the Microsoft site.


You have just 6 months to upgrade your operating system, if you are currently running XP.

XP was a successful operating system and has been in operation for about 12 years.  There have been 3 subsequent upgrades since its release, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.

What does it mean "withdrawing support"?  It means that while XP will continue to run on your computer, Microsoft will no longer be issuing security updates, bug fixes or service packs leaving you vulnerable to any newly discovered weaknesses in the operating system.   

There are, however, alternatives if you dont want to or can't afford to pay out for an upgrade licence.  Here are a couple of options:

1. Ditch the PC/Laptop and spend the money on an Android Tablet or an iPad.
2. If you want to continue using your current hardware you could install a Linux operating system - Linux Mint for instance, with a Cinnamon interface looks, I understand, like the XP you are used to.
3. Although Google Chrome operating system is not for heavyweight applications like Photoshop, it is cloud based and lightweight.  Maybe not intended for your primary computer, but maybe as a secondary computer for social networking or for the kids to do their homework research.

Don't think that because you are running a Microsoft product at the moment that you options are limited to a Microsoft upgrade.  As I have described above there are alternatives out there if you want. 
If you are unsure of where to go after XP, find a local IT professional that will help you.  
Type "Alternative XP upgrade" into a web browser of your choice.  Read up on your options.

Moving from XP to Windows 7 or 8 is going to involve changing operating system, layout and how you do and find things.  Using an alternative OS to Microsoft Windows will be no different.


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