Time is fast running out for windows XP. Microsoft is ceasing all official support for it from 8th April. What happens next? you can, of Course, continue to use your PC and XP as before, but at increased risk to your security and privacy.
Over time, support for your favorite apps will end too, so perhaps an alternative approach is called for.
That approach obviously means moving on from windows XP, either to a new version of windows or even a completely different platform.
But what does the future hold for your trusty old PC? Read on to find out what to do with it should you decide to finally part ways with XP.
1. Upgrade it to Windows 7 or 8
If you are still attached to your old PC - perhaps for financial reasons - then ask if you might be able to upgrade it to a later version of windows. The obvious candidates are windows 7 and 8, because both will be familiar to you, and do not have demanding system requirement.
If your PC has a 1GHz or faster processor, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB free hard drive space and a Directx 9-compatible graphics card or chip, it will work with the newer version of windows. Performance won't be as fast as in XP, but it should be acceptable, particularly if you don't run too many programs at once.
2. Replace it
A new desktop PC with Windows 8 pre-installed can be purchased for under £265 (US$300, A$500). If you decide the end has come for your old Windows XP PC, make sure you dispose of it carefully and responsibly.
Once your new PC is up and running, wait until you are happy you have transferred over all the documents, files and other data you need from your old PC before taking steps to security shared all personal data from the drive.
3. Switch to Linux
If you are looking for a modern OS to replace XP that will run smoothly on your old PC, then Linux is the answer. we would recommend that you choose Ubuntu as your linux distribution of choice, and download the latest LTS version, currently 12.04, which will be supported until 2017.
It's relatively Straightforward to install.
4. Your personal cloud
One way to keep your old PC working for a while longer is to convert it for use as a dedicated server of some kind. If It's a low-powered laptop, then a great use for it would be as your personal cloud device, allowing you to back up, archive ans store documents and other files away your new computer.
5. Build a media Server
Another possible use for your old PC could be as the focal hub for your videos, photos and music, collecting them together in one convenient central location and the piping them over the network to other devices, including computers, tablets, phones and even a smart TVs and set-top boxes.
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