Windows XP home edition - Microsoft support ending in April

I received an e-mail from Microsoft regarding their upcoming decision to no longer support updates etc. for people with windows XP. I have an anti-virus (not the most expensive) but they are indicating
it may be wise to get a new PC once this goes into effect. Right now I am quite happy with my computer.
Games play fine etc. I have had a lot of household expenses lately and don't want to upgrade right now
if I don't have to. I did call the computer service store I deal with and they suggested that when I am ready to get out of the XP edition to upgrade to Windows 7. My question is am I taking to high
a risk to stay with Windows XP for a while longer? I don't want to compromise my online security etc.
Thanks for any suggestions.

The short answer is yes, you are compromising your online security already by continuing to use XP. This has nothing to do with antivirus software etc. It is about the aging code in XP which is already 13 years old. They will no longer patch the underlying vulnerabilities. It's already considered risky using XP because of all the security issues.

I think this article by Ed Bott is pretty balanced. But continue using XP at your own risk. I will always have an XP computer, but I took it off-line some time ago.

Let XP Die With Dignity

Hi, and thank you for the great link...Let Xp die with dignity. I appreciate your help as I am not exactly
the most up to date with all this technology. I really didn't realize just how long the XP edition has been around. Talk about loosing track of time. So later this week I will definitely be changing over to Windows 7.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to help me out.

I would use the Windows 7 upgrade advisor, not only will this app. ensure that your XP machine can indeed be upgraded, it will give you a very handy list of which drivers you will need to download and which of your applications may or may not work with Win7, here is the direct link from MS:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor

Good luck

Linda, definitely follow Starcom's advice. Your computer may be too old for Windows 7. Even if it isn't too old, there is a question of drivers for older hardware on your motherboard which are no longer available. Definitely run the Upgrade Advisor as it will help you decide if your old computer can even BE upgraded. Depending on how old it is, it may not even be worth it.

Thanks everyone. I did run the upgrade adviser and most things seem to be o.k. The computer store I deal with
has all my information on file and they suggested I do the upgrade but will discuss this with them again in the next couple of days. Thank you again.

If you end up doing the upgrade to Windows 7 through this computer store, be absolutely CERTAIN you get your genuine Windows 7 disk. You can get Windows 7 for $80 on sale at Newegg or at the regular price of about $100, so if you have them do it, be aware of how much it costs for you to buy it and be sure you get that disk. This may get you by for awhile, but depending on the age of your computer, it may only be a temporary fix. If the old one croaks you can transfer your license to a new computer an not have to buy it again.

And just because your computer CAN run Windows 7 doesn't mean it will run it very well if you don't have a good enough processor or enough RAM.

Hi fellow Boomers,
I intend to continue to use my WIN XP computer until I "can't" anymore. I have NO problems with this operating system at ALL right now. "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it". LOL
Sandy

As long as you're comfortable with using an unsupported operating system and are not concerned with the security issues, go for it! It's not like XP is going to blow up on April 8th. Although if you haven't read that article I linked to, I'd highly suggest it just so you are aware of the risks. Information is always a good thing!

If your computer came with XP, putting Windows 7 on it may make it sluggish and unable to play your games properly. A lot depends on the specs of the computer. An "upgrade advisor" will tell you if Windows 7 or 8 will run, but not if your games will run, or how well they'll run. If all your games are running the way you want, I wouldn't make any changes to your current computer.

If you can't afford a new gaming computer, you can probably find a (relatively) inexpensive computer for getting on the Internet. Of course a "bargain basement" computer won't be any good for games.

It's possible to use the Internet safely with XP, but you have to be a borderline tech to do it and be OK with locking down your web browser and turning off scripting -- which makes a lot of websites not work.

If you use your computer for Internet banking, I wouldn't recommend using the XP computer for that.

I'm telling people almost word for word what Jenny said. I only have one person still on XP and they are trying hard to scrape up enough money for a low end new Windows 7 computer.

I got this excellent article in one of my tech newsletters this morning. I like it because it gives the opinions of several different leading PC tech experts. Very good reading... Sanford, you might was to take heed of some of the suggestions in #3 for those sticking with this dead operating system.

Advice From the Experts on XP End of Life

Well,Draclvr,
I use my XP computer only for my AOL account, playing PC games, and of course, for the GB site. I don't use it for any FINANCE apps, and I have a very good VIRUS PROTECTION program, so I am going to "stick with WIN XP" for awhile, despite the "Doom and GLOOM" articles out there. Thanks for your input.
Sandy

Well, I definitely wish you luck, sanford! They're not really doom and gloom articles... just the facts. You may be just fine for awhile, but if you have any files you value, definitely start backing up just in case.

I have an external hard drive and I'm doing my back-up stuff already, Draclvr. Thanks so much for your valued advice.
Sandy

Good deal... then you're good to go. Hang in there as long as you can!

Very informative article. Thanks Draclvr.