Welcome to Shaun Luttin's public notebook. It contains rough, practical notes. The guiding idea is that, despite what marketing tells us, there are no experts at anything. Sharing our half-baked ideas helps everyone. We're all just muddling thru. Find out more about our work at bigfont.ca.

Windows XP Questions (and Answers)

Tags: tech-cafe, library

Sunday, April 27, 2014 2:02:10 AM

I have found the following the Top Questions web page extremely useful. Here are some other questions (and answers) that people have asked me.

What are the consequences of no more support for Windows XP?

There are two main consequences of the end of support for Windows XP:

  1. Lack of privacy for data that you want to keep secret (e.g. usernames and passwords).
  2. Lack of protection for data that you want to keep safe (e.g. resumes, photographs, nostalgia).

You will also experience a decrease in performance. That risk pales in comparison to the risk of losing data you want to keep safe and of having someone view your private data.

Why is Microsoft doing this to us?

While I cannot be sure, my own sense is that Microsoft has two motivations.

  1. Earn money.
  2. Push forward with new technologies.

How does the lack of Microsoft support impact other software? Will the other software continue to update?

I am not sure of the impact of “no support” on other software providers. Any knowledge of this will be a best guess at best. Other providers might continue to provide updates. Whether they do or not, Windows XP will have two main issues: your data will be neither secret nor safe. For examples, anti-virus software updates will be less effective for Windows XP than they will be for Windows 7 or 8.

How much does it cost to upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP? How about Windows 8?

Windows 8.1 is $119 and Windows 8.1 Pro is $249.

Windows 7 is harder to find and to price online. This web page has it as Out of Stock, and in a chat I had with MS Support, the agent said, “We no longer offer 7 through us directly but we do have Windows 8.” I asked whether I could purchase it elsewhere. The agent said, “Yes, you may be able to locate 7 through a third party but I cannot clarify where exactly. You can check with Newegg.com.” So, you might want to talk to a local or online retailer. I have some suggestions below in a list.

Here are some links about the cost of Windows 8.

What can I do with my old hardware?

Microsoft has a buy back program: http://microsoft.cebuyback.com/. You can receive a quote on what your old computer is worth.

Local Computer Sellers on Salt Spring Island

Electronic Ark

  • Sells Windows computers with a service package.

Salt Spring Computer

  • Sells custom-build computers
  • Also provides technical support
  • Ask for Brendan Simmons

Doctor Computer

  • Sells used computers.
  • Provides technical support.
  • Ask for Ken Deaton.

Orca Electronics

  • Sells computers.
  • Sells other electronics.

If none of those work for you, there is always London Drugs (which provides no-pressure sales) and Mother Computers in Victoria.

May you succeed!