We’ve previously covered how to switch from Windows XP to a more secure Linux system. If you’re going with Ubuntu, you’ll probably want to stick with the long term service (LTS) release, which is supported for five years with security updates. If you have an older computer, you may want to try the more lightweight Xubuntu or the extremely lightweight Lubuntu instead of the heavier standard Ubuntu system.
Windows xp home edition install#
It’s even possible to install older versions of Microsoft Office on Linux. In addition to being secure, modern, and free, it’s immune to Windows malware. If you only use your computer for web browsing and other basic tasks, desktop Linux is a good option to seriously consider. Microsoft even sells Windows 8 in downloadable form.ĭesktop Linux: Unlike Windows 7 or 8, desktop Linux distributions like Ubuntu are completely free. You can go into any computer shop and buy a boxed copy of Windows 8 or a new computer with Windows 8. Windows 8 has the advantage of being easier to find.
Windows 8.1 is also on the way, ready for official release on October 17, 2013, and it’s much more comfortable to use on a more traditional desktop or laptop PC.
Windows xp home edition upgrade#
It actually offers many desktop features that are an upgrade over Windows 7 and you can hide much of the new “Modern” environment. That said, it’s not completely unbearable. Windows 8: Windows 8 can be rather awkward on traditional PCs without touch screens, especially at first. If you want to get a boxed copy of Windows 7 to upgrade to, you may want to get it online - boxed copies of Windows 7 are still sold on websites like Amazon, although you probably won’t find them in many PC stores. New computers come with Windows 8, and your local PC store probably doesn’t sell Windows 7. If you’re a typical home user, getting Windows 7 may take a bit of extra footwork. Even today, many businesses are upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - not Windows 8. Windows 7 isn’t the latest, but it’s the most widely used version of Windows and will be supported until January 14, 2020. Windows 7: If you’re still using Windows XP, there’s a good chance you won’t want to go through the shock of upgrading to Windows 8. Or perhaps you’re perfectly happy with your existing software and just use your computer for very basic things, so you don’t see the point in paying Microsoft an upgrade fee. Perhaps you’ve heard about how awkward Windows 8 can be on traditional computers - If you’re using Windows XP, we’re assuming you’re not using one of Microsoft’s Windows XP tablets. RELATED: Online Safety: Why You Should Give Up Windows XP For Good (Updated) Where You Can Go From Here Windows XP is next in line for the chopping block. Try using modern hardware or software on Windows 98, Windows Me, or even Windows 2000 - even Firefox no longer supports Windows 2000.
(Forget what you may have heard about UAC in the Windows Vista days - it’s better now.)Īs time goes on, Windows XP will become increasingly insecure and both hardware and software vendors will stop supporting it. It doesn’t support modern hardware properly and it isn’t as secure as modern versions of Windows because it doesn’t have User Account Control and other modern security features. We’ve already explained why it’s time to let go of Windows XP and what will happen when Microsoft finally stops supporting it on April 8, 2014.