4 Common Questions You May Have About Replacing Your Windows XP Computer

Written by:

Brent Besonson
Technology Business Engineer
NET Xperts LLC

4 Common Questions You May Have About Replacing Your Windows XP Computer

·         “Can’t I just keep my computer and upgrade Windows?”

NET Xperts answer: There is no direct upgrade form Windows XP to the newer Windows 7 or 8.  You would need to first upgrade to Vista and then to Windows 7 or 8.  This can be costly and cause issues with older hardware that may be in your computer.

·         “What if I just buy a new copy of Windows 8 instead?”

Net Xperts answer: Most of these older PCs have old hardware that may not work properly.  In addition they will only have low amounts of system memory which is important for making sure modern software such as Anti-Viruses can run properly.

·         “My software may be old but it runs just fine!”

NET Xperts answer:  As time goes on you may run into more and more compatibility issues.  For example since Microsoft 2000, they’ve released 7 new versions!  It’s time to take advantage of all the new features and keep current with your colleagues and customers!

·         “My PC is running fine even though it’s almost 10 years old!”

NET Xperts answer: Windows XP certainly was a marvel.  However, as Geoffrey Chaucer said almost 700 years ago, ‘All good things must come to an end.’  The time of Windows XP is ending.

As you can see by the time you pay for the hardware and software upgrades, plus the service time to do the upgrades, continuing to run Windows XP can be quite expensive.  An article from PC Pro reports on the costs associated with supporting an older PC. Findings in the article state that a 5-year old PC may cost an average of $766 per year to maintain.

Along with the cost, you will also be hoping that you don’t have issues with the motherboard or other hardware does not go bad.  This is why NET Xperts LLC recommends purchasing a new computer.  You will have fewer issues, less overall expense, and your computer user will be more productive.

Be sure to check the software that you are using to make sure that it is compatible with the newer operating system you select. Windows 7 Professional or Windows 8.1 pro are the main two options for business computers that need to be networked. Many software vendors have sent notices to their customers that their product will not be supported or in compliance with desktops that are running windows XP after April 8, 2014.

If you use a parallel port to connect to a printer or other device you may have to replace that device or come up with another connection since the computers do not come with a parallel port anymore and there may not be current drives for the old device to run on the newer operating system.

There are a lot of new options to look at for a replacement computer. Just another desktop PC may not be the best option for the way you do business now. Contact a NET Xperts LLC Technology Business Consultant at (412) 244-NETX (6389) to review your needs and see what works best for you and your business.