With XP’s “end-of-life” approaching what are your options?

On Oct. 25, 2001, Microsoft introduced an operating system that had small to large businesses alike exhaling a sigh of relief. Windows XP, successor to Windows ME, has been a stable, reliable and very user-friendly operating system. As of March 2013, 38.73 percent of PC’s connected to the Internet still run Windows XP. As of April 8, 2014, Microsoft will be hanging a RIP sign over this mainstream operating system when it will no longer offer any support to existing users.
After more than a decade, what does this mean for you? What if you don’t change? What are your options?
So what are the risks of nonmigration?
• Security patches. Die-hard XP fans, it is time to put down your weapons. Do not fight the inevitable – think security! Microsoft will no longer be writing any patches to fix security holes uncovered by hackers. This means your entire network could be vulnerable to attacks. It is speculated that many hackers are “waiting-in-the-wings” to attack come April 2014. Standard anti-virus software will not be enough. You’ve worked so hard to safeguard your network. Don’t risk exploitation.
• Software compatibility. Be aware that newer software packages of MS Office 2013, QuickBooks and Adobe Acrobat will not run on Windows XP. You can’t afford to put your business on a stand-still.
• Drivers. A driver is software for a peripheral such as a printer, scanner, mouse or webcam that enables each of these devices to communicate with the computer’s operating system. If you are looking to replace your printer or add a new scanner to your hardware mix, they will not be written for XP. You will be severely limiting your ability to grow by not upgrading your operating system.
You might be thinking, no problem, I will just upgrade my operating system and keep my old computers. This is like applying a new paint job on an old car. It might look new but it is still an old car. It will not improve the way it runs. This analogy holds true for trying to upgrade old XP machines. Two points to note:
1) Cost. The lifecycle of a PC is 3-5 years. In order to load a new operating system onto an older PC, Windows 7 for example, you first need to buy the individual license (price ranges around $200). Unless you are tech savvy, you then need to bring your computer to an IT service provider to wipe the computer clean and then load the new operating system. You are already looking at a combined cost of around $300-$400!
A new computer costs between $400-$600 and comes preloaded with Windows 7 or Windows 8. The license is already included in the cost. New computers also come with a one- to three-year warranty that covers the cost of any hardware repairs in case your PC breaks. Upgrading an older computer to Windows 7 or 8 just doesn’t make economic sense.
2) Mechanics. All computers have the following specs:
• RAM – the working memory that allows you to open and run multiple programs at a time.
• Processor – the engine of the computer that determines computing speed.
• Hard drive – this is where all data and applications are stored.
• Video card – produces output to display on monitor.
XP machines were not designed to keep up with the demands and features of current software and application releases. Watching a current version of Microsoft Office load on an XP machine is like watching a snail run a road race … painfully slow and it may never finish. New computers are designed to take advantage of the new, interactive features of Windows 7 or 8, Microsoft Office and other applications. Our demand for instant information and mobility requires an updated computer. Moral of this story: it is best to make the leap and embrace the total upgrade – computer and operating system. Otherwise, risk security breaches, hardware failures and unproductive lag time.
Have you started thinking about the well being of your company and your ability or rather inability to service your clients? Good!
You currently have two viable options:
1) Windows 7. It you want to stay on the PC course with a just about the same user experience, then your best investment will be upgrading to Windows 7. Windows 7 machines are built to be compatible with many other peripherals such as printers and scanners. As mentioned, they are also designed to run newer software applications such as current versions of Microsoft Office and QuickBooks faster. According to the Microsoft website, support for this tried and true operating system is not slated to expire until Jan. 14, 2020. By the time this expires, it will be time to upgrade your computers once again.
2) Windows 8. Looking to jump onto the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and tablet train? Then this is the operating system for you. Windows 8 is fast, fun and functional on a tablet, but on a PC, the existing version is not user-friendly. Many consumers resist change and the new touch screen “tile-world” (home screen) is a completely different experience than the traditional PC. Microsoft has listened to the consumer’s complaints and plans a new release, Windows 8.1, sometime in October. Thankfully, the planned release will add back 2 favorite functions: the beloved “start” button and the ability for users to boot directly to the desktop operating system.
One thing I do know, you cannot wait until April 8 to make that decision – so take a moment now and then get ready to take action. •


Lisa Shorr is the vice president of marketing for PC Troubleshooters Inc.

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