8/11/2019 Moving on from Windows XP

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APRIL 2014 e Costco Connection 17

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J O H N

G O L D S T E I N

IT WAS AUGUST OF 2001: If you were an avid com-puter user, you picked up a copy of MicrosoftsWindows XP, a new piece of software that would goon to become one of the most successful operatingsystems in history.

Fast-forward to 2014 and Windows XPmachines still represent a nearly 30 percent marketshare, says tech consultant Net Applicationseventhough many Windows (and Mac) platforms cameafter it. But as the saying goes, all good things mustcome to an end. On April 8, Microsoft will discon-tinue support for Windows XP.

This doesnt mean your XP-based PC will stopworking after this date. Rather, you wont be able todownload updates, which could create a serioussecurity risk for your PC, nor can you call Microsoftfor tech support. If youre one of the many who needto move on, here are a few options.

Upgrade to Windows 8.1If you want to run Windows 8.1 on your exist-

ing PC, youll need to make sure the machine meetsthe minimum requirements. This includes a 1 giga-hertz (GHz) or faster processor; 1 gigabyte (GB) ofRAM for the 32-bit version or 2 GB for 64-bitmachines; 16 GB of hard-drive space forthe 32-bit or 20 GB for the 64-bit;and a Microsoft DirectX 9com-pliant graphics device.

To find out your PCs specs,right-click on My Computerand select Properties. Or, visit Windows.com and searchfor the Upgrade Assistant,which will analyze your com-puter to see if it can handleWindows 8.1.

To upgrade to Windows 8.1,youll need to install it from a Windows8.1 DVD (from $119.99) and perform aclean installation. This means you wont be able tokeep any files, settings or programs. Therefore, itscritical that you back up all your important files.

Be aware that not all of your XP programs willwork on Windows 8.1. To find out, visit theCompatibility Center at Windows.com.

The CostcoConnection

Costco carries PCs, laptopsand tablets in the warehouses

and at Costco.com. You can alsopurchase Microsoft Windows

8.1 at Costco.com. Computerspurchased at Costco come

with free tech support throughCostco Concierge Services,

1-866-861-0450.

Buy a new PCAnother option is to

pick up a new computerwith Windows 7 orWindows 8.1. Newer com-puters have a much fasterprocessor, better-lookingscreens, tighter securityand support for a lot moreprograms and accessoriesthan your older PC.

Windows 8.1poweredmachines also take advantageof newer trends, includingtouch screens and cloud com-puting, smooth multitasking,faster searching and app storeswhere you can buy software.

You might consider switchingoperating systems altogether, perhapsopting for a Google Chromebookbutexpect a learning curve as youre switchingfrom the familiar Windows interface and features.

Tablets and 2-in-1sAnother option is to switch to a

new 7- to 10-inch tablet. Tabletsoffer a number of advantages over

a laptop or desktop: an ultra-thin and light form factor,instant-on access (no waitingto boot up), 10-hour batterylife and comfortable fingergestures, and they double ase-book readers. Theyre also

relatively affordable.On the other hand, the lack

of a physical keyboard might meana tablet is more difficult to use for

typing-heavy tasks (though you can pickup an external keyboard). Also, tablets have onlyabout one-tenth the memory of a laptop, the screensare smaller so multitasking isnt as easy, and its notas easy to transfer files, since most tablets dont haveUSB ports or SD card slots.

For a best-of-both-worlds approach, theres anew breed of Intel-powered Windows 8.1 devices,aptly called 2-in-1s. These computers support akeyboard and trackpad, but also let you use yourfingertip to tap, swipe and flick on a multi-touch

display. And when you dont need the keyboard,the screen can flip around, fold down or detach.There are a lot of choices in the post-XP world.

It all depends on what your needs are. C

Moving on fromWindows XP

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