Posted on 04/04/2014 7:06:45 AM PDT by null and void
Microsoft really wants people to stop using Windows XP.
The company launched a new promotion that offers XP users $100 off the purchase of a new PC that costs more than $599 through the Microsoft Store from now until June 15. Buyers will also get 90 days of free support and free data transfer from their old XP-powered PC.
Microsoft is ending support for XP, which has been around for more than a decade, in April. That means any security flaws found by attackers after that point won’t be patched, leaving users who are still clinging to their old computers open to attack.
For people who prefer in-person service, they can also trade in their old XP machine at a Microsoft retail store, where an employee will help them transfer their data on-site.
The company previously offered a $50 Microsoft Store gift card to switchers, but it seems like that offer didn’t quite do enough to spur sales. Now, users will be able to get a straight discount on their computer purchase. That’s good news for consumers who are avoiding a switch from XP because they’re worried about spending hundreds of dollars on a new PC.
Still, picking up a Windows 8 device could be a hard sell for people who have been using XP this whole time. Microsoft has changed the design of its operating system quite a bit since 2003, and using Windows 8 will take some getting used to.
Yeah, but Magellan got killed in the Philippines. I'm using 7. To hell with 8.
You should switch because every time you go on the internet “people” can see what operating system you are using to access the contents of their web server. As such you potentially could be targeted by hackers who could exploit vulnerabilities in XP.
As Director of IT for my company I can tell you that the differences in the new interface have been grossly exaggerated and most people can learn how to navigate Windows 8 in about 15 minutes. Anything I can do in Windows 7 I can do just as fast in Windows 8.
Furthermore because it was designed to run on mobile devices Windows 8 is “less bloated” than Windows 7 and more stable and robust than XP.
As far as I am concerned all the Windows 8 hate is a case of the blind leading the blind. The only problem you might have is if you have devices that lack Windows 8 drivers but if this is the case it is likely you will also have problems with Windows 7.
If anybody should decide to go with Windows 8 and has problems feel free to IM me and I will try and point you in the right direction.
I think it is more an issue of cost.
It is very very very very difficult for users to move over their accumulated software from point a to b. If it was easier and MS did not make so many frustration blocks, it would be more attractive to upgrade faster.
(ie just moving harddrives etc.)
I don’t go on the interwebs with my Windows laptop, nor on the Windows side of my iMac.
as I sad two weeks ago: “add a zero”
Actually, poor driver support and excessive resource utilization requiring a computer upgrade does in fact = “Crap”.
No, Vista was and is crap And I love XP and 7 (Still avoiding 8 and will continue to do so until they pry 7 out of my Puters!)
Slow.
Very.
Too much overhead.
Unless you make some mods to background jobs.
Upgrade, sure if MS would recognize that some of us need to keep and access old files (some 20 years old) that are in programs that MS has abandoned. For example I have several hundred MS Works databases and spreadsheets. I occasionally need these files. I have converted some to PDF, but that takes time. Works databases can't be converted to anything useful. I'd run to 8 in a heartbeat if my old programs work.
I bought my laptop through my IT pros. They were able to configure thing to operate much like XP did. I don’t have the “tiles” on the screen and they later also helped me through the update to 8.1. I’d had the thing for over a year, but until XP was set to die, I stayed with the desktop. I also had to buy a wireless keyboard and mouse so I can use it the same way I did the old one.
If you get a puter with windows 7 pro you can run XP in it and use all your old programs in XP mode.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7
Just sent you a private e-mail...boring but need help.
Thanks...
“I’ve been running a PC and a laptop on Vista for over 7 years ... no problems.
What’s your beef?”
I’ve seen Vista run very well on some computers, and extremely poorly on others. From what I’ve read & heard there’s a lot of overhead in Vista and it requires top notch hardware to run well. Most PC manufacturers were bundling Vista with PC’s that had no business running it.
“I’ve been running a PC and a laptop on Vista for over 7 years ... no problems.
What’s your beef?”
I also had a pc with vista for 5-6 years, only problem i ever had was when adding music files for some reason vista liked to duplicate them in media player. A coworker had the same type of issue, importing pictures resulted in duplication.
I recently purchased a new PC due to an outdated processor and RAM limitations. The new PC came with WIN 8.1..................so far it’s been fine.
Try Ubuntu; its FREE! And EASY!
use the Windows Ubuntu Installer (Wubi)
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/windows-installer
Does not touch your windows.
Needs 5 gig of hard drive to install.
For a machine of that vintage go with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (long term support) 32 bit.
Takes about 30 min to install depending on your internet speed.
When you power up the computer it will ask if you want Windows or Ubuntu.
If you do not like ;delete it, cost nothing but a bit of your time.
Only if XP is allowed access to the internet.
If not, it is a damned fine utility OS and will be around until all the lights go out. At least, that's how I'll use it.
With XP, I have purchased my last MS product.
I ran Windows ME for as long and rather liked it. As long as you kept it maintained and running smooth it was nice. WinXP is more resilient due to the NTFS so the switch was a no brainer. But no real complaints on ME.
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