Windows XP Support Is Ending

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Microsoft Windows will stop supporting Windows XP operating system from April 8 2014. This means that Microsoft will be no longer be doing updates for Windows XP which will result in an increased risk of security and performance problems if windows xp continues to be used after April 8 2014.

Click Here to read what Microsoft says.

Windows XP was a version I liked - now my favorite is windows 7.

What version of windows is your favourite for your online business and why?

Windows 9 is already in development which maybe released in 2015.

What are your thoughts on what future Windows versions 9 and even 10 maybe like?
#ending #support #windows
  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    My thoughts are this - I have 3 computers - the main, newest biggest one is Windows 7 - the other two are Windows XP

    This means for me that it is not just Windows 7 or 8 I need for those two, it is a matter of needing new hard drive storage capacity (memory) which would be required to upgrade Windows.

    Yeah I used it for years - yeah I should be glad - I 'got my money's worth' -\

    However I am totally pissed off and will have to just give up my two PCs and get a ChromeBook to avoid #1 the high cost of upgrading the hardware, #2 the high cost of upgrading the software and #3 to avoid the high cost of a new laptop, and #4 ChromeBook does not use Windows YAY!

    I have to see what all is involved though because it sounds so radical I have to be sure I am not missing some major deal breaker -- but for $300-400 vs $800-1000 and you don't need Windows -- and since my use is 99% web based anything you can do in Chrome online is going to work - I can still use my Windows apps on my main PC AND you don't even need an ISP as it comes with internet connectivity, WiFi etc.

    MS thinks nothing of me having to trash $1000 worth of perfectly good albeit outdated hardware - I just can't believe they will go through with this with so many people who want to keep XP for various reasons - big business as well as us peons.

    I like Windows 7 ok - and I have heard rumors that Windows 8 is going to go back to a Windows 7 type interface (so many people hate 8)

    Mad at Microsoft right now and I am not going to play their little game if I don't have to. Not crazy about Google either but I guess whichever one has the benefits -

    The security issue is very serious so I hope people are not going to have a cavalier attitude about it and keep using XP sans security upgrades...
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      I don't know how quickly the security problem will kick in. I used Win SE long after the support was discontinued - with no problems. I had good virus and malware protection and that helped. MS seems to have one good WIN system and then 3-4 crap versions in between the good ones so I try to avoid those

      I went from Win SE to XP and still have an XP computer. My laptop is Win 7 and my new desktop is Win 7 Pro. I bought it earlier than planned to make sure I could get Win 7 as I did NOT want Win 8.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaneman
      Originally Posted by Patrician View Post


      I like Windows 7 ok - and I have heard rumors that Windows 8 is going to go back to a Windows 7 type interface (so many people hate 8)
      I hope those rumors are true.

      I would be pleased if Windows 8 went back to a Windows 7 type interface.
      As I am not a fan of windows 8.
      By the way does anyone know what the differences are between windows versions 8 and 8.1?
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      • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
        Originally Posted by Shaneman View Post

        I hope those rumors are true.
        I can't honestly see this being true. Windows 8.1 was, if I'm not mistaken, released chiefly to placate those dismayed by the absence of the Start button and menu that featured in previous versions.

        Originally Posted by Shaneman View Post

        By the way does anyone know what the differences are between windows versions 8 and 8.1?
        Windows 8 was something of a bet on the growing prevalence of tablets and other touchscreen PCs. And it probably wasn't too wide of the mark, except that it's not nice to piss off everyone else - I'm thinking large numbers of corporate, desktop and traditional (non-touch) laptop users - who just want to boot straight to the regular desktop and access their programs in way they're accustomed to. Windows 8.1 gives them that option.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
      Pat,

      I think the $800 to $1,000 for a Windows computer is a bit high.

      Let me encourage you to look a bit more. There are Win 7 PC's listed here that I might consider from the $150 range.

      Search Results for windows 7 at TigerDirect.com

      My personal opinion is that you can get a very good Win 7 computer for about $250. Throw on a $100'ish flat screen monitor and a wireless keyboard and mouse and you're looking at a nice system for $400... or less.

      Joe Mobley



      Originally Posted by Patrician View Post

      -- but for $300-400 vs $800-1000 and you don't need Windows --
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      • Profile picture of the author Patrician
        Originally Posted by Joe Mobley View Post

        Pat,

        I think the $800 to $1,000 for a Windows computer is a bit high.

        Let me encourage you to look a bit more. There are Win 7 PC's listed here that I might consider from the $150 range.

        Search Results for windows 7 at TigerDirect.com

        My personal opinion is that you can get a very good Win 7 computer for about $250. Throw on a $100'ish flat screen monitor and a wireless keyboard and mouse and you're looking at a nice system for $400... or less.

        Joe Mobley
        U R Right Joe - I see a laptop there for $400 -

        Dell Inspiron 15 Notebook PC - 3rd generation Intel Core i3-3227U 1.9GHz, 4GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, DVDRW, 15.6 in. Display, Windows 8 - I15RV-3763BLK at TigerDirect.com

        I don't need another desktop - I have a Win 7 desktop that is only a few years old. I need only a contingency or disaster recovery option (for if my cable or power is off more than 24 hours).

        Usually where the cost always goes up for me is I am never satisfied with the RAM or something seems limited and so I am always adding something when I buy it -

        I guess my idea to never have another Windows PC is just foolish - (Italian vendetta) - I was thinking of a ChromeBook and it runs about the same - $400 - does not use Windows, is secure etc - but I need to do more research as I don't know enough about it -

        Well thanks for reminding me I do have options...

        .... I still just want to cry as I have my poor going to the dump Pentium D and Inspirion LT on for maybe the last time. It is sad especially in that the Inspirion was never really used much as in all these years I never had the kind of emergency it was bought for. What a waste, but good there was no disaster.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Well, XP was more compatible As I recall, Win 8 has a way to revert the interface to win 7.

    As for the time used, the old schedule allows for a 3 year depreciation. Personally I would like at LEAST maybe 6 years, From pretty much the beginning until about 1998 or so, standards were STANDARD! NOW, YIKES! Do you realize that the oldest laptop I have, about 1998 nolonger has compatibility with my latest system. Outside of MAYBE ethernet, or CD, NO compatibility.

    I did some research and one unix version a lot of people like, and see as a good windows replacement(NOT 100% windows executable compatible) is: Main Page - Linux Mint I was disappointed to see it missed some things that USED to be standard, but they are installable.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    So can anyone give us non-techies that are not millionaires a hint at which are the best options for us to tranfer to?
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    Sal
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    • Profile picture of the author Patrician
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      So can anyone give us non-techies that are not millionaires a hint at which are the best options for us to tranfer to?
      Sal - this non-windows 'web pc' sounds like the cheapest way. Of course if there is not going to be any alternative (3rdparty SECURITY) to buying another pc that has windows 7 or above pre-installed is cheaper than upgrading windows (for sure) and then if your hardware won't support the new version then adding memory/capacity on top of that.

      This (Windows 8) all has to do with the fact 'they' say the majority of people on the net now are on their phone or other mobile device (tablet, whatever) - pc's are supposedly passe'.

      So of course MS rushed to the front of the line (Windows 8) i haven't seen it but from what i read it is PANDERING to the phone people from outer space.

      believe it or not i just got my first smart-phone but only for disaster recovery/contingency. it's a little beauty but i will tell you typing ('texting') is more than TEDIOUS so i just can't see how they figure on the death of the PC or doing 'work' on a phone type device --- any time soon in my lifetime at least! ;o) better pack it with 'dragon' or something where you don't type.

      BUT stuff like Chromebook is so attractive - I know there has to be draw backs but note 'starting at $179' - yeah - that's all - hardware and 'software' replaced. (save $800- $1000 for a laptop) or even a smart phone is usually around $400. - and I think that is the cost of average ChromeBook $400'ish

      Introducing the Chromebook

      "Meet Chromebook
      A new type of computer with everything built-in. For everyone. Starting at $179.

      Starts fast, stays fast - Unlike traditional computers, Chromebook updates automatically so it doesn’t slow down over time.

      Browse the web at lightning speed with features like Chrome Instant and the Chrome Omnibox.

      Built-in protection * Virus protection, multiple layers of security, and verified boot help keep you safe from viruses, malware and other computer nasties.

      Keeps your files safe - With Google Drive built-in, your files and photos are automatically backed up. You get 100GB of storage, for free*, with all new Chromebooks.

      Stays fresh, all by itself - Chromebook updates itself, for free. So you always have the latest and greatest version. No need for manual downloads and upgrades."


      p.s. one drawback that isn't is i just read you CAN use your office docs (Word/Excel etc) on the Chromebook - but i think you have to use their "apps" or version of office programs to create anything - i haven't seen that refuted i guess - but at least you can access your existing docs or ones you could create on an auxiliary PC - like one you don't connect to the Internet or your network because it has no security (XP).
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Heysal,

    In the post that patrician pointed to, it said:

    These systems will become more expensive to maintain and replace. This is the hidden future cost of using commercial software on systems that have lifetimes of 15-30 years. If this is not a wakeup call for vendors to take a long, hard look at the systems they use for their systems, then it is a wakeup call for end users to demand software that lasts as long as the hardware," Brandl said.
    I have been saying that for a long time. A lot of people think that this is the end of support for XP. It ISN'T! It is, as I recall, the end of the extention of the end of extention to the end of support for XP. MY GOD, I bought like a 2nd generation Net computer and, as I recall, Microsoft around that time declared all these BRAND NEW computers GARBAGE!!!!!! They actually suggested upgrading to windows 7, but that was very problematic. They extended support, and had to keep extending because windows 7 required too much, and they were smaller systems.

    If your computer is new enough, you could upgrade to 7, if you want. Some linux versions apparently are fairly windows compatible, and a lot of drivers are included.

    If you need to run some windows software, you could have problems. But you can run clients and servers for all web software, a nice microsoft office compatible suite, a product a LOT like VISIO, do PDF work, etc... You could do a lot without using any MS software. It is free. I changed my little netbook, that WAS XP, to a nice linux system.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Akileshochre
    Windows xp is old now .. now the favorite is windows 7 ..... but windows 8 has just slight difference compared to windows 7...

    Presently Windows 7 the best one
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Okay, thanks Steve - Pat. This is helping a bit.

    So Pat. I'm not "getting" some of this. If I have a chromebook - where are my docs stored. Are they on the Chromebook like they would be on a PC or are they on some other ap owned by someone else? That concerns me quite heavily. I don't want my stuff stored on the web. (and yeah, I read your link - I'm just stupid this way).

    Also, are you saying I could plug my chromebook right in to my pc, which I can work on without being online and load my stuff onto my chrome?

    This is sounding kinda kewl in a way. I wonder how a connection will work, though - is it like it is now or does it have to be WI FI?

    Sorry for all the questions, but this crap is greek to me and it's making me technophobic. It's good to have a built in support group that I can reach at my fingertips or I'd be sitting in a corner and drooling. LOL
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    Sal
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    • Profile picture of the author Patrician
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Okay, thanks Steve - Pat. This is helping a bit.

      So Pat. I'm not "getting" some of this. If I have a chromebook - where are my docs stored. Are they on the Chromebook like they would be on a PC or are they on some other ap owned by someone else? That concerns me quite heavily. I don't want my stuff stored on the web. (and yeah, I read your link - I'm just stupid this way).

      Also, are you saying I could plug my chromebook right in to my pc, which I can work on without being online and load my stuff onto my chrome?

      This is sounding kinda kewl in a way. I wonder how a connection will work, though - is it like it is now or does it have to be WI FI?

      Sorry for all the questions, but this crap is greek to me and it's making me technophobic. It's good to have a built in support group that I can reach at my fingertips or I'd be sitting in a corner and drooling. LOL

      Storage is in The Cloud - so yeah storing stuff on the web. ok another drawback possibly...

      Use in PLACE of a PC - that is the point not having to buy a real PC to upgrade Windows EVER AGAIN

      No it is a PC but it is purely virtual or web-based - Chrome is the operating system - so everything you do is in chrome on the web right?

      Hey it is all brand new concepts to me -but one i heard of as a like a fantasy 15 years ago or so which was the 'web pc' - it is just empty - there is no hard disk storage or operating system (other than of course everything chrome in this case). - NO programs except what is on the web and accessed online.

      I mean seriously I am just considering this and trying to get feedback - hey this is like the real Y2K - ("D-Day") and called WEB2.0 - who knew it would be about mobile networks and social networks! (i was the last to get a microwave too). So I am just trying to catch up now!

      of course i am just lucky i have my main pc already windows 7. so we (PCs with XP) have less than 5 days before we are all at 'zero day' and hopefully all hell does not break loose.

      this is really serious - XP runs bank ATMs and all kinds of municipal sites - this is just un·con·scion·a·ble to cop out on everybody by this action by MS.


      Chromebook is like WiFi (on one hand) but one far-out feature is you do not need to be connected to your ISP (internet service provider) to connect to the internet.

      So it like comes with internet connectivity - you don't need to find a WIFI Cafe or whatever network - you can just connect wherever you are.

      now we get to another drawback which is those kind of service charges (internet connection) -- if any - hmmmm. so that is the rub as usual. i wonder how bad it is going to be. on top of comcast, etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    I'm still on hold with Windows Me tech support.
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    Wow. Sorry Shaneman - hope you don't mind the perennially off-topic, thread hi-jacking behavior on my part! Thanks for bringing up the topic that is really on my mind right now

    and of critical importance to Win XP users.

    ;o)
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    We got off that topic? Oh god, it's worse than I knew. LOL.

    I am wondering if this whole kit and kaboodle has something to do with the net being handed over to mulit-national. I'm seriously considering taking the plunge into the Linux learning curve.
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    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      We got off that topic? Oh god, it's worse than I knew. LOL.

      I am wondering if this whole kit and kaboodle has something to do with the net being handed over to mulit-national. I'm seriously considering taking the plunge into the Linux learning curve.
      NO, they knew this would happen. They WERE going to discontinue it earlier. Each version has its own problems, standards, makeup, etc.... and so support can get complicated. o they discontinue. MS WAS going to discontinue it earlier, but didn't because of the NET PCs.

      The Chrome book is basically a low powered dedicated system. If you go to chromebook.com ,you can select a page at a retailer. I did that with walmart, and got this: Walmart.com: Electronics: Computers: Google Chromebook NOTE, they are almost all 16GB storage, and no real expansion.

      Frankly, I find it suspiciously odd. Oracle wanted to do this. Some tried with some other things, and google is trying to do it through the name recognition of chrome.

      The target market SHOULD be people that don't need local storage, are about 100% on the web, want to save money, travel a lot, and often have a compatible connection everywhere, and/or want the simplicity. Maybe they should mention that. If you DON'T travel, a desktop PC is far better. If you often don't have a compatible connection, or you need non web apps or storage, forget this! Frankly, there often are computers better than this in nearly every way but if you want to save money, or have it a bit simpler, this can be a good compromise.

      Steve
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      • I have one and occasionally lose my mind and try to use it again. Within 30 minutes I drop the idea and retired it to my closet. I should make it simple and throw it away.
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      • Profile picture of the author Patrician
        Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

        NO, they knew this would happen. They WERE going to discontinue it earlier. Each version has its own problems, standards, makeup, etc.... and so support can get complicated. o they discontinue. MS WAS going to discontinue it earlier, but didn't because of the NET PCs.

        The Chrome book is basically a low powered dedicated system. If you go to chromebook.com ,you can select a page at a retailer. I did that with walmart, and got this: Walmart.com: Electronics: Computers: Google Chromebook NOTE, they are almost all 16GB storage, and no real expansion.

        Frankly, I find it suspiciously odd. Oracle wanted to do this. Some tried with some other things, and google is trying to do it through the name recognition of chrome.

        The target market SHOULD be people that don't need local storage, are about 100% on the web, want to save money, travel a lot, and often have a compatible connection everywhere, and/or want the simplicity. Maybe they should mention that. If you DON'T travel, a desktop PC is far better. If you often don't have a compatible connection, or you need non web apps or storage, forget this! Frankly, there often are computers better than this in nearly every way but if you want to save money, or have it a bit simpler, this can be a good compromise.

        Steve
        The PC(s) I would be replacing with ChromeBook are just back-up/contingency - if my power or cable goes down for more than a day - (like it did after the 1989 earthquake where there was no power for 4 or 5 days) - If I had to still do my work online in the meantime, then I don't need another desktop - I have a back up desktop and a back up laptop "to go" -

        So it is dumb to spend a lot of money and in fact the laptop w/XP was barely ever used because thank God I never had the emergency I am ready for! So the SmartPhone I can email my client to say I am out of it (no power or internet). and then if it goes on past 24 hours I can boot up the 'laptop'.

        So yeah - I agree the Chromebook is nothing like a PC - In fact I can't even stand laptops - The major brands for CB are HP, Samsung and Acer - so what I really need to do is go into Best Buy and play around with one to see if I could even stand using it for 'the big one' that never comes...

        Glad to get your feedback on this.
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    Lunux might be an answer for some.

    How to Move On After Windows XP Without Giving Up Your PC

    Ubuntu: Hugely popular, tons of support options, both from users and developers. A great option if you need driver support or want a version of linux that may never require you use the terminal.P

    Linux Mint: Fast and flexible, even on older hardware. Sports a Windows XP-like interface that you'll definitely be familiar with. Also has a great and growing community that's beginner-friendly.P

    Elementary OS: Lightweight and fast, not to mention customizable. Completely community-based, and has a real flair for design and appearances. This is one of the prettiest Linux distributions I've used, and if you're looking for something with OS X's design sensibilities, this is it.P

    Zorin OS: Has its design roots in Windows XP, and blends speed with very Windows-like sensibilities. It's also a bit of a gateway distro, since the UI is easy to get acclimated to, but as you dig deeper you'll uncover features and tools to broaden your Linux experience.P

    Lubuntu: A faster, more lightweight spin on Ubuntu without a lot of the bloat that's made many Ubuntu users unhappy with it. If you have an older, lighter-powered machine, give this a try. Great community support that's welcoming to new users, too.P
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  • Profile picture of the author ial49ryder
    This news really hit me because I have been using XP for so long and now it's over though I do love the new Window 8 except the tablet interface but everything is good. I like the new functions and the new look it's the best by far I have seen from Window.

    I think that Windows 9 and 10 would be focusing on security and optimization functions because there is really no point in making the interface better as it's already good.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by ial49ryder View Post

      I think that Windows 9 and 10 would be focusing on security and optimization functions because there is really no point in making the interface better as it's already good.
      Well, security is out then. There are holes ALL OVER because of the way the USER interface works. A CPU is just a worthless chunk of plastic without its interfaces. Interfaces are ALL OVER THE PLACE!

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    People - there is one more update for Win XP - If you do not have your PC set up for automatic updates, and you have XP running, be sure to get the last update for whatever it is worth.
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  • Profile picture of the author KimW
    And XP Support is now dead.

    RIP
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    • Profile picture of the author poulsmith7878
      My favorite Operating System XP . I Use 6 Years ....
      And XP Support is now dead.
      I am Very Sad in this Time ...
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  • Profile picture of the author Justin Ford
    I feel very angry for ending support from Windows XP. But from at-first when i used my computer then that time i did used Windows XP for my computer. it's maintenance system is very easy for me. I love Windows XP. I can't forget it. I think it is not old for me. As a result now i have used XP in my computer.
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    Less is more. Keeping it simple takes time and effort.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaneman
      Originally Posted by Patrician View Post

      Wow. Sorry Shaneman - hope you don't mind the perennially off-topic, thread hi-jacking behavior on my part! Thanks for bringing up the topic that is really on my mind right now and of critical importance to Win XP users.
      ;o)
      Your fine Patrician Feel free to chat away as this is an important topic for many people.


      Originally Posted by ial49ryder View Post

      I think that Windows 9 and 10 would be focusing on security and optimization functions because there is really no point in making the interface better as it's already good.
      Yes - the more secure and reliable the operating system - the better.

      Originally Posted by DireStraits View Post

      I can't honestly see this being true. Windows 8.1 was, if I'm not mistaken, released chiefly to placate those dismayed by the absence of the Start button and menu that featured in previous versions.

      Windows 8 was something of a bet on the growing prevalence of tablets and other touchscreen PCs. And it probably wasn't too wide of the mark, except that it's not nice to piss off everyone else - I'm thinking large numbers of corporate, desktop and traditional (non-touch) laptop users - who just want to boot straight to the regular desktop and access their programs in way they're accustomed to. Windows 8.1 gives them that option.
      I do like having the start button as many do. Okay - so Windows 8.1 gives people the option of accessing their desktop on their computer straight away as soon as as their computer starts.
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