Windows XP Support ends April 08, 2014

Beginning April 08, 2014 Microsoft will stop supporting all versions of Windows XP.  Your computer will still work but Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, software update and no more security patches.  In the short term all will be fine, but as time passes you face the following risks:

• Exposure of confidential information due to new security vulnerabilities
• Degradation of performance due to unresolved software issues
• Inability to support new hardware due to lack of driver support
• Destruction of critical business information by malware

You are left with two choices, either in-place migration to a new version of Windows on your existing hardware, or perform a forklift upgrade to a new version of windows on new hardware.

In either case you must know that you cannot upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 or 8 directly.  You must perform a new install and then re-install all programs, devices and import your data and settings.

The following links from Microsoft describes the upgrade process for XP to Windows 7.  However beware that if you follow this process you will in all likelihood end up with a 32 bit version of Windows 7 or 8.  You don't want this.  Literally 99 percent of Windows XP installations are 32 bit.  A 32 bit OS limits your computer to 3 to 4 GB of addressable RAM (memory).  For this reason alone users should want to upgrade  from XP since this limitation affects both performance and capabilities of your machine.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7#T1=tab01

A better explanation on the steps that should be considered before upgrading is found at the link below.  This article addresses the first obstacle in performing an upgrade and that is whether your existing machine is capable of running Windows 7 or 8.  It also discusses hacks and options you can employ to enhance your computer's performance and user experience.

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-move-on-after-windows-xp-without-giving-up-your-1556573928

Special Windows 8 Pricing available until January 31, 2012

08/23/12 In past posts I have written to advise consumers who bought new PCs or were considering a new computer about the $14.95 special upgrade offer for Windows 8 available to those who purchased a new computer after June 2, 2012.  Microsoft has announced special upgrade options for all users regardless of when they purchased their computer.

When Windows 8 officially launches on 10/26/2012, special upgrade pricing will be available for all users until it expires on 01/31/2013.  Microsoft previously announced its $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade pricing for existing Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 users — a price available exclusively online for those wishing to download the software without a DVD option. Retailers will stock a $69.99 Windows 8 Pro option in stores, one that may be offered as a traditional full version of Windows for those without a previous copy. Both the Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Pro copies will be made available from retailers on October 26th

Microsoft's Windows 8 Pro software will be priced at $199 after the promotional price of $69.99 expires on January 31st 2013. The software maker will also offer a Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro upgrade option at retail stores for $69.99 until January 31st when the price reverts to $99.99.

Should you upgrade... I know the next question, would it be worth upgrading my older computer?

I have installed Windows 8 on an Acer Iconia Tablet, replacing the underwhelming Windows 7 that came installed and have also installed Windows 8 on a 5 year old Intel Duo Core desktop.  In the case of the Acer tablet the performance was improved significantly and it gave the tablet the features that I was expecting with a tablet.  Best of all, I was able to install MS Office 2007 and with my Bluetooth keyboard use my tablet as I would a notebook when needed.  The desktop I installed Windows 8 on performed as well if not better than before with Windows XP.  Although it lacked the touchscreen drag and swipe of a tablet, I used the mouse buttons to emulate that capability with no problem.

In the case of the older computers, I would not attempt to upgrade with less than 4 GB of RAM and if you are short on drive space then a new computer may be the best choice for you.  However, with the software priced at $39.99 for download and $69.99 for boxed product, I think not to purchase the upgrade would be a missed opportunity.  The following video states that the $69.99 boxed product can be installed as a new installation as well as an in place upgrade.  Below are some more links for your reading pleasure.

 

 

Installing Windows 8 on your old PC could turn it into Greased - Z

Windows 8 Boots on a 5 1/2 Year-Old PC in 8 Seconds! - YouTube        DForce Xtreme computers