By now, you’ve heard at least a dozen times… through a variety of mediums, that Microsoft will end support of its XP operating system on April 8. If you’re like most people, you probably experienced one of three reactions: confusion, skepticism or excitement.
The truth is that all of those reactions are warranted. It’s true that XP is a 13-year-old dinosaur of an operating system (OS) whose popularity has exceeded its usefulness. Think about it – you’re probably not using the same bulky cell phone you had 13 years ago; you’ve upgraded to a newer, sleeker phone with enhanced security and capabilities. The same should be true of your OS.
Let’s talk about reactions:
- Confusion – It’s possible that you turn on your computer every day to sort through mail, upload photos and search the internet without no idea as to which OS you’re running. Fortunately there’s an easy way to figure it out – click here for an instant answer. If it turns out that you’re on XP, you should upgrade to a newer, more modern OS before the April 8 deadline.
- Skepticism – For the skeptics who know they’re using XP, switching to a new OS may seem like an unnecessary evil. Your computer may run slow, but you’ve become immune to the added wait time and endless pop-ups. You’re probably thinking that end of support means you’ll have to wait a little longer but not much else will be impacted. That’s simply not the case. After Microsoft ends support for XP, your computer will be left vulnerable to a wide variety of security threats and will no longer receive automatic updates. Of course, you’ll still be able to use your computer, but why risk it?
- Excitement – Some people have known they needed to upgrade since end of support was first announced back in 2007, but like a car repair or home project, they’ve put it off. If you fall into this category, the EOS announcement may be just the motivation needed to upgrade. Finally, you can stop ogling at your friend’s tablet or your neighbor’s touchscreen PC and get one of your own.
Now it’s time to figure out what to do next. You can upgrade your current PC to Windows 7 or 8.1, but you’ll need to check here first to make sure your computer meets the requirements. If so, purchase the software and follow the steps outlined in this tutorial. Another option is to buy a new device from a Microsoft store, online or from a retail partners. With so many flexible and affordable options available, the hardest part is narrowing it down based on personal preference and needs. Whichever you choose, in the end, you’ll be glad you made the switch.