What are your options for Upgrading Windows XP?
Support for Windows XP ended April 8th , 2014. If you have Windows XP on your computer, we strongly recommend replacing the computer, rather than upgrading it. Since there is no direct upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8, the only ways to upgrade are:
- Purchase a new computer with Windows 7 or Windows 8. This is the best option. Why? New computers are inexpensive, have more memory and speed than older computers, come with a warranty, and are designed to Run Windows 7 or Windows 8.
- Wipe your computer clean and do a fresh installation of Windows 7 or Windows 8. This is preferable to option 3, but not neary as good as option 1. If you do wipe and reinstall, you may still suffer from the following issues: Your computer may not perfrom well with Windows 7 or 8, as it was not designed for those systems. Also, you may not be able to find device driver software-which is needed for your computer to work with your motherboard, hard drive, video card, etc. Additionally, the older your copmuter, the more likely it is that some piece of hardware will fail.
- Upgrade from Windows XP to Vista, then Upgrade Vista to Windows 7. This is not recommended. First, you will have to buy two software upgades which will cost $200+. Second, your computer may not perfrom well with Windows 7 or 8, as it was not designed for those systems. Third, you may not be able to find device driver software-which is needed for your computer to work with your motherboard, hard drive, video card, etc. Fourth, the likelihood of computer failure increases with age.
How Do I Know If I’m Using Windows XP?
Look at the start button on the lower left side of your computer screen. If the Start button looks like this, you are using Windows XP.
You can also click your Start button, and right-click on My Computer (or Computer), and select Properties. The screen that appears will tell you what version of Windows you’re running-among other things.
If your start button looks like this, you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, and do not have to worry about Windows XP.
Edward Zeidan, MBA
CEO and Founder Nerd4Rent, Inc.
925-283-5666
www.nerd4rent.com