XP Upgrade, or ? Since Microsoft is ending support for XP, how big of a security risk is it 'really' going to be, using an XP machine on the www? I'm looking at a Win 7 machine, I can...

Michael Hartley Loc: Deer Capital of Georgia

Since Microsoft is ending support for XP, how big of a security risk is it 'really' going to be, using an XP machine on the www?

I'm looking at a Win 7 machine, I can get a refurb for just a few more bucks, than the upgrade to 7.

I want to keep my XP for my printers, and plotters, it works, and I don't want to rock the boat.

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Michael Hartley wrote:

Since Microsoft is ending support for XP, how big of a security risk is it 'really' going to be, using an XP machine on the www?

I'm looking at a Win 7 machine, I can get a refurb for just a few more bucks, than the upgrade to 7.

I want to keep my XP for my printers, and plotters, it works, and I don't want to rock the boat.

Xp for me

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

I went from XP to Win 7 and then Win 8.

I reverted back to Win 7 because everything worked for me with some really old legacy programs at that.

Most, if not all drivers will update automatically. I was using a 5 year old HP printer and other programs.

I right clicked them and picked 'use compatibility mode for Win XP'

Sarge69

ggttc Loc: TN

I like xp...I have it on one of my netbooks...When Microsoft says it will suspend upgrades...that only means it will affect Microsoft upgrades...you can protect your comp in many other free ways.

martin smith images Loc: Scotland

ggttc wrote:

I like xp...I have it on one of my netbooks...When Microsoft says it will suspend upgrades...that only means it will affect Microsoft upgrades...you can protect your comp in many other free ways.

Quite right, however Microsoft security essentials won't work so you will have to find a third party virus protection. I upgraded to windows 7 professional by downloading the program directly from microsoft website without a password. I do keep getting a reminder to activate windows and actually got a notice telling me there were only 3 days to run but when I checked back on my computer - right click-properties it appears to have reset itself back to 30 days so I just keep going. watch this space!!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Windows 7 does such a superior job detecting your components and peripherals and automatically installing drivers that XP ever did.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

My recommendation would be to upgrade to what I can't tell you. I have Windows Vista and Windows 7 both are fine. Don't know anything about 8.1 but hear it's okay. I'd just want to be using something that Microsoft is supporting...JMHO

Spindrift62 Loc: Dorset, England. U.K.

Having just renewed our two main computers within the last year I would avoid Windows 8 like the plague. The Windows7 machine just took over from our redundant XP machines with out any problem whatsoever. The 8 machine is just going back into the shop (again) with software issues. Software is of course not covered in the manufacturers guarantee. I'm having 8 removed and 7 installed. Think that says it all!

Ambrose Loc: North America

Michael Hartley wrote:

Since Microsoft is ending support for XP, how big of a security risk is it 'really' going to be, using an XP machine on the www?

I'm looking at a Win 7 machine, I can get a refurb for just a few more bucks, than the upgrade to 7.

I want to keep my XP for my printers, and plotters, it works, and I don't want to rock the boat.

I work in IT. Without some sort of upgrade from XP, every standard desktop-security risk that your computer faces will be amplified, because there are no fixes being automatically updated to your computer. Imagine someone is on your PC while youre working. Every password and bit of personal information is at risk.

That said, an upgrade to 7 is fine. I find no problem with 8 - I think a lot of folks don't like the "Metro" mode, but that can easily be bypassed with third party softwares if you prefer the old look and feel.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

I upgraded from XP to Windows 8 a little over a year ago. I've had no problems with the software and would definitely recommend it. I was unsure of the metro screen when I first saw it, but after working with it for a while I found it works very well for me. I find I use the built-in desktop of Windows 8 to access internet explorer and other web browsers as well as file explorer, then switch back to the metro screen to start programs like Photoshop, Photomatix, etc.

I think if you keep an open mind as you start to use it you will find it is no where near as bad as some people have made it out to be.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2014/04/01/is-it-still-safe-for-businesses-to-use-windows-xp/?intcmp=features

amyinsparta Loc: White county, TN

Upgrades are not evil. They are improvements on the older versions. Get a new one.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

I have machines which run both XP and Windows 7 and W 7 is a nice upgrade over XP.
I'm not at all a fan of Windows 8 and if I was in the market now for a new laptop or desktop I would try hard to find one running Windows 7.

WilliamCap Loc: Michigan

I have both XP and Windows 7 on my computer, and let me tell you, 7 is a good system. With Int. Expl. 11, the internet is quick and responsive. Keep XP and use it for all your DATA only and DO NOT open any thing on the internet.

You can transfer all the important files to Windows 7 when you need to, just have a copy of the XP desktop installed on Windows 7and you can go back and forth.

Works for me...........

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

The laptop I'm using to write this was once a XP machine. I upgraded it to Windows 7, when the hard drive crashed two years ago. I reloaded every program I had prior to the crash, and updated all the drivers for my old HP printer. Now the HP is running much better, and this laptop has improved 100%. I think you should upgrade to Win 7, and never look back.