What's
Wrong with my Windows XP?
So you
bought your computer in 2006. It's a
little slow but still does what you need it to do. Why on earth would you ever
get rid of it? Well first of all, the older your computer gets, the more likely
it is to have a sudden hardware failure, but that actually isn't the most
important reason to think about replacing it now.
If you
bought your computer before January 2007, then it probably runs on the Windows
XP operating system. Windows XP was great in its day, and was on far more
computers than any Windows before it. XP was followed by Windows Vista, which
quickly gained a poor reputation, causing many to insist on using XP on their
new computers well into 2009. This is all well and good, but Windows XP's days
are numbered.
On April
8, 2014, Microsoft will end their support for Windows XP. What does that mean
to you, the XP user? Well, once Microsoft ends support for a piece of software,
they no longer issue updates for it. These updates include patches for bugs and
fixes for security holes. In other words, XP will become increasingly
vulnerable to hackers and viruses. In addition, major software packages such as
antivirus suites, often won't support Windows versions that Microsoft has cast
aside. This can mean even more security headaches. A computer with Windows XP
will be putting your family's data or business at severe risk.
What
should you look for in a new PC? Well, a lot of that depends on how you plan to
use it. Is it for business? Are you a gamer? Do you just read your email and
surf the Internet? Each of these users require a different type of PC.
The
Business PC
With a
business PC, you need to maintain compatibility with all kinds of software that
your business requires. You may also have to join your business's network or
control your system remotely from another computer. Your best bet in this
situation is to purchase a computer with Windows 7 Professional.
"Why
Windows 7," you might ask. "Isn't Windows 8 out?" Windows 8 is
indeed out, but it is still very new and its compatibility with specialized
software is generally unknown. Most computer manufacturers sell up-to-date
hardware with Windows 7 preinstalled precisely for this reason.
As for
why you want the Professional Edition, it's simply because the Home edition
strips out features that offices may need, such as the ability to join a server
domain, and act as a Remote Desktop.
Hardware-wise,
you generally want to aim for something mid-range in whatever manufacturer's
business product line you choose. Going mid-range will give you the power to
run any program you will likely need, as well as make things a little more
future-proof.
A PC
for the Gamer
If you're
a gamer, you likely don't have an old XP computer anymore. In the off chance
you do, you should be looking to replace it with a high-end machine with
Windows 7 or 8 and a discrete (not built into the main board) graphics card. A
good rule of thumb for gamers is to get as much computer as you can afford. You
won't be disappointed. Gaming systems become obsolete far more quickly than
other systems.
And
a PC for the Rest of Us
If you
just read and send email and go on the Net, you likely don't need more than an
entry-level machine, though I'd encourage you to go a step or two above bargain
basement. You'll likely find Windows 8 is your only option. Be prepared for a
bit of a learning curve with Windows 8, but don't be too intimidated; most of
the changes are only skin deep.
No matter
what type of machine you get, the most sound advice I can give is to get as
much RAM as you can. Lack of RAM is the
number one reason computers slow down. RAM lets a computer do more at once, and
over time, as you install more software, your computer uses more and more of
it. If you start out with more RAM, you won't slow as much down the road.
Finally,
we have the question of Desktop vs. Laptop. That's really up to your personal
preference. If you plan to take the computer other places besides your desk,
you'll need a laptop. If you don't want a big tower taking up space, you also
might want a laptop, though there are many all-in-one options that have the
computer built into the monitor. Finally, if you want maximum upgradability and
longevity, you will want a desktop, as they are far easier to upgrade and keep
running than a laptop.
If you
follow these guidelines, you will find yourself with a new computer that fits
your needs just as well (if not better) than your beloved XP computer. Just
remember, April 8th will be here before you know it.
