Windows XP

Microsoft are no longer supporting Windows XP after April 8th 2014.  That doesn’t mean that it will stop working, just that it will stop receiving automatic updates which makes it an increased security risk to continue using XP.   Antivirus and anti-malware providers will likely continue to release updates for their applications and Microsoft have said they will still release updates for Microsoft Security Essentials after this date so all is not lost.

An upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 is generally recommended.   If you must keep Windows XP, try to batten down the hatches on it as much as possible.  It remains to be seen exactly what will happen after the deadline passes and may take some time for exploits and issues to surface.

New computers generally come with Windows 8.1 pre-installed as this is the latest operating system from Microsoft.

Windows 7 is much more similar to Windows XP and the migration is easier for people who are used to XP.   Windows 7 is supported until 2020.  Windows 8 has a new tile interface which some people do not like and find hard to adjust to.  Others find it refreshing and don’t mind the new interface.   There is a bit of a learning curve involved in moving from Windows XP straight to 8 but it can be worthwhile if you’re willing to invest the time to play around and learn the new layout.

 

Whether you move to Windows 7 or 8 is up to you.  But either way, please upgrade from Windows XP.