Windows XP home users should upgrade to Linux -- not Windows 8.1

Beta News ^ | 30 January 2014 | Brian Fagioli

[ShadowAce]

The Windows XP death clock is ticking away. While Microsoft has extended support for malware protection, do not be fooled -- XP will be officially unsupported on April 8. If Microsoft has its druthers, these XP users will upgrade to Windows 8 and maybe even buy a new computer.

However, there is a problem with this -- the Windows 8 UI is radically different from XP and people do not like change (especially people clinging to an operating system from 2001). Also, they may not need to buy a new computer, because their existing is probably fast enough... for Linux!

Yes, Linux is far less intensive than the arguably bloated Windows. And so, if a user wants a supported operating system that should work well on their existing, but aging hardware, a Linux-based OS may be the best choice. The problem is, what distribution should a user choose? What software is available? No worries, I'm here to help.

Introduction

First things first, what exactly is Linux? Well, technically Linux is a kernel -- not an operating system, but an aspect of one. However, there are operating systems, called distributions, that utilize that kernel. It was invented by a man named Linus Torvalds in 1991. Yes, Linux is hardly new -- it has a long history and a large user and developer base.

It is used in many things such as web servers and even Android phones. Believe it or not, if you own an Android phone, you are already a Linux user and probably didn't even know it -- nice job! Don't confuse this to mean that Linux distributions will run Android apps, they are not exactly compatible.

Why

So, why should you switch from your comfortable Windows XP operating system to a Linux one? Besides Windows XP support ending on April 8, here are some other compelling reasons:

• Linux-based operating systems are less likely to get viruses.
• Software can be easier to find and install.
• Both the operating system and software are free.
• There is a large community on the internet available to help you.
• You get to learn something new.

Backup

Before you do anything, I urge you to backup your files -- pictures, documents and anything that is important to you. You can do this a number of ways, but the easiest is to use a fat-formatted flash drive or external hard drive. You can copy the files back once the new operating system is installed

User Interface / Environment

Before you can pick a distribution, you must decide on an environment. You see, many distributions come in various "flavors", which offer different environments or user interfaces. Let's be honest, if you are still on Windows XP, you probably do not like change. With that said, the ideal environment for an XP user would be KDE, Mate or Cinnamon -- all of which resemble the classic Windows Start button philosophy.

However, my suggestion would be the Mate environment. While KDE and Cinnamon are great, they are likely too intensive for an older XP machine. Mate is a lightweight desktop environment that isn't flashy. It is easy to use and a Windows XP user should feel very comfortable with it.

Distribution

So, which distribution do I suggest? Linux Mint 13 LTS Mate. What is nice about this operating system is that it is LTS, meaning Long Term Release. What does that mean? Well, it will be supported until April 2017. This means you will have access to updates and support for many years. You will not be on the bleeding edge, but you will be very stable.

Most importantly, it is based on the popular Ubuntu distribution, which is a rock-solid foundation with access to a lot of software (packages). It is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit processors as well. You can download the operating system and user guide here. Please follow the guide to install it.

 Software

OK, so let's assume you've successfully installed Linux Mint by following the user guide. Now what? You want to install Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer right? Not so fast there. All of your favorite Windows programs are not here. Don't panic though, there are plenty of fine alternatives that are not only great, they are free. Yes, you will no longer need to purchase software for your super-cool Linux computer. Below are some suggested programs and the Windows equivalent.

• Firefox -- Web browser (use instead of Internet Explorer)
• LibreOffice -- Office suite (use instead of Microsoft Office)
• VLC -- Media player (use instead of Windows Media Player)
• Shotwell -- Photo manager (use instead of Picasa)

That is just a small sampling of what is available. There is a cornucopia of programs available in the Software Center. This is much like the app store that can be found on modern smartphones. You can search for, install and remove software using this one-stop-shop. This is unlike Windows which makes you search all over the internet, at various sites, to get programs. Not only is that time consuming, it can put you at risk of malware too.

Speaking of malware, Linux can be considered, for the most part, free of things like viruses. While some viruses do exist, they are few and far between. Besides, whenever you install something in Linux, you are prompted for your system password. If you do not know what is being installed, do not enter your password.

Conclusion

So, congratulations, your computer is now supported until 2017 and it cost you nothing. You have a powerful operating system that is chock full of useful software and is less likely to get viruses. You should be proud of yourself. While Microsoft may have lost a Windows sale, you now have extra money in your wallet -- take a loved one out to dinner, courtesy of this BetaNews guide.

[ShadowAce]

[raybbr]

Dang, who’s got XP anymore. I probably would but I like W8.1 and W7. Works for me.

[GeronL]

we need a project.

We need to get together and create our own distro! A Free Republic OS! Maybe even include a “Site Specific Browser” aimed at this site.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

This article specifies WinXP Home.

Is WinXP Pro on some different EOSL schedule?

It's immaterial for me because I have already setup Mint 16 in a Virtual Box VM within Win XP Pro. On April 8th, I'll disable XP from accessing the internet and will allow Mint to do that job for surfing and email. All other utility uses will still be done on XP...of which I have become...comfortable.

[NorthMountain]

Got any recommendations for an integrated programming environment for C++ etc ... equivalent to M$ Vi$ual $tudio?

[centurion316]

Ping

[Proud2BeRight]

I have XP and it works great. It does everything I want and need. I am used to its look and feel. It’s like a great pair of broken in jeans. If there are no holes in them and the pockets hold my wallet, comb, and keys why put on a new stiff scratchy pair?

[stuck_in_new_orleans]

Linux......lol

[VanDeKoik]

Another sad plea from Linux for more converts.

When you have to scrap the bottom of the XP barrel for users, then you might as well toss in the towel.

Why not try to mine Mac community? It would be great to see two teams of real zealots rip each other to shreds.

[tomkat]

<marked>

Thanks, Ace

[plainshame]

Windows 8 and 8.1 stink.

[TXLady]

Bookmark

[Jeff Chandler]

I have XP and it works great.

And after April 8 it will become extremely vulnerable to attack.

Read this part:

Patch Tuesday Becomes Virus Tuesday

[Jeff Chandler]

Dang, who’s got XP anymore.

Almost a third of all users. Entire corporate enterprises use XP. ATMs use XP. It is a hugely successful operating system that is about to allow massive security breaches all over the world.

[sportutegrl]

I went straight from Vista to Windows 8. I’m lucky that way.

[ShadowAce]

I've never used Visual Studio, so I can't compare them, but Eclipse is pretty good, and it comes with a ton of plugins for a variety of development environments.

It usually comes as part of the distro's software repository as well, so it's pretty easy to get.

[Proud2BeRight]

That Jeff (the situation, not your comment) really gets me angry. I have a product that works excellent and I may be forced to complicate my life and finances only because of the nature of that product and aholes who exploit it.

I don’t have time to spend hundreds of hours on getting a new operating system working and my many programs and data reloaded and working plus I have some old programs on the XP that also work great but will not probably not work on newer platforms.

[Nateman]

I’ve been using Linux for many years now. More users would only mean creating the incentive for viruses and scams that Windows users have to deal with everyday. I’m happy with the market share as it is.

[Greysard]

There is no need for anyone to upgrade (?) from XP. Does not matter what the replacement is - Win7, Win8, Fruit, Penguin. The reason is simple: XP will not magically stop working on April 8, or on April 80, or on any other arbitrary date.

But, one might say, "my precious updates, where would they be?" The answer to that is also simple: you don't need them. You probably haven't seen many of those patches in recent years anyway. The end of support only means that you cannot call Microsoft and tell them where you'd like their products, along with BillG and SteveB, to shove themselves into.

The irrational fear of hackers breaking into your old XP should not become your top priority. Any router+firewall from any big box electronics store will protect your XP well enough. (If it won't, then the hacker works for a TLA, and then nothing that you do will make a difference.) XP on a laptop that you connect in airports to random networks is a less interesting plan, but still this was done by millions of business travelers, so you are in a good company. There are pretty serious 3rd party firewalls; many of them, actually, even if you discount the built-in one.

It also helps that XP is on its way out. There is no profit for hackers in looking for new vulnerabilities in it. Whatever XPs are remaining, they are typically a limited purpose boxes, and they contain nothing of interest to the hacker.

Often you stay with XP because you must. Your old software just doesn't work on anything else. I have several XP laptops; they run software that controls custom boards via crude bitbanging. Can't say why, but it doesn't work on Win8 - and works on XP. There are many other applications that do not work on anything but XP, and nobody is going to rewrite them - neither for free, nor for money. There is a lot of old hardware (printers are a separate class within that) that only have drivers for XP. Sometimes the ISV offers a new version of the software that works on the latest Windows... but it's not free; you have to rebuy the software, with minimal (or zero) discount. Upgrading of one XP box may cause a chain reaction, and in the end you will have to upgrade all the other hardware and software to the tune of thousands of dollars, while gaining nothing.

An XP user should be today a happy user. XP is finally his to do whatever he wants. If you have a collection of software from XP era, all that will work forever, as long as you do not need new features or support. (Support is often overrated - who ever called MS when they couldn't do something in Windows?)

Linux, Mint+KDE in particular, is good. But your investment into software and training on XP costs more. Pick the OS that runs your software that helps you pay the bills. This is the primary selection criteria. If your PC is only used to access Internet, though, then you are welcome to the world of Linux because it works just as good (if not better) as any OS from Redmond, does not bother you about licensing, and is fully supported (for free or for money,) and is receiving software updates.