What to Do Now that Windows XP Support has Ended

I have been asked by others what they should expect and what they should do now that Windows XP has expired.  It is time to replace that Operating System or that computer.  Ultimately we all have to upgrade to a new Operating System.  Unfortunately the hardware on which your current Windows XP OS is running is probably too slow to run Windows 7 or 8.  (don't even think Vista)

Here are some options that you will need to consider:

• Make sure that you have good Backups of all of the things that you care about on your computer.
• Buy a new computer with Windows 7 or 8
• I do not personally like Windows 8, however I am using it right now.
• If you HATE change and you are going to curse Microsoft for every change, then you should go with Windows 7.  Keep in mind that it will retire at some point too.
• If you are going to get a new reliable computer that is going to last you another 5 years, then you are going to spend ~$1100 when you include the Microsoft Office 2013 ($200)
• You could also go with Office 365 and spread out that Microsoft Office Payment
• If you are really mad at Microsoft and you want to give Linux a try on your old computer now is a good time.
• Ubuntu is my favorite Linux distribution
• http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop
• If you have any Windows applications that you have to use, then this is not the way to go despite virtual machines.
• Google Chrome OS has made good strides with their Chromebook.
• Chromebook is an inexpensive laptop that has Chrome’s flavor of the Chromium OS.  It utilizes Google Apps in an attempt to replace all things Microsoft
• http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/
• At Sublime Computer Services we have embraced Google Apps and run the enterprise on it.
• If you have any Windows applications that you have to use, then this is not the way to go despite virtual machines.
• You could even go with a Mac since you are making the change.  The drawback of Mac is that they are not cheap and they are as flexible as Microsoft.
• If you have any Windows applications that you have to use, then this is not the way to go despite parallels.

Here are some additional articles that others have posted:

Windows Xp Support has ended

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/xp/end-of-xp-support.aspx

Survive the XPocalypse: 10 Tips to Keep Running It Safely

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/10-tips-safely-run-windows-xp,news-18571.html

Windows XP: What to expect once Microsoft shuts down support

http://www.zdnet.com/windows-xp-what-to-expect-once-microsoft-shuts-down-support-7000025348/

Windows XP Goes Dark: 5 Things To Expect

http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-xp-goes-dark-5-things-to-expect/d/d-id/1127665