Computer Gurus..........

[USMC_5-Echo]

Why are people freaking out over this. Just keep running what you have. Most of the updates you download from Microsoft are crap you dont need anyway. Its not like your computer is just going to stop working. Get a good antivirus, like you should regardless, and be happy you dont have to use windows 7. Its Y2K all over again.

If this is all hype then why don't you run Windows 95 or even 3.1 maybe? This is a security risk because as time goes on no one will be fixing the holes. Yes a good firewall and/or antivirus will work for awhile however security should be completed in layers and not at a single point of failure.

[Zundfolge]

Why are people freaking out over this. Just keep running what you have. Most of the updates you download from Microsoft are crap you dont need anyway. Its not like your computer is just going to stop working. Get a good antivirus, like you should regardless, and be happy you dont have to use windows 7. Its Y2K all over again.

^This

Hell I still have XP machines here at the office running SP1 and they haven't burst into flames or been hijacked by Russians or Nigerians yet.

[Musashi]

You know you can check out Newegg also for refurbs for less than $500 Bert - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=1&PageSize=20

I would avoid Vista like the plague

[MED]

Depending on your browsing habits and awareness, you can stay on XP. However, the vulnerabilities will stack up and increase your exposure to an exploit, and there are numerous attack vectors that antivirus does not detect. I certainly wouldn't keep anything private on an unsupported PC unless it is locked down in a secure zone. A really good option is using a bootable Ubuntu CD, and bring up an OS for browsing.

I use Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Short for Long Term Support). With Ubuntu, you can be on the cutting edge with biyearly releases and time limits to update or you can choose LTS, which is a version supported for five years so you can develop applications knowing the OS is supported for a long time.

I use Ubuntu 12.04 LTS at home and work with windows applications installed in Wine so I can run them in my native Linux environment. I do keep a Windows VM installed in VirtualBox to run some applications that won't load in Wine. However, system security is my job so I prefer the tool set available in a Linux/Unix environment.

Windows is relatively easy compared to Linux, but the difference in performance is staggering.

[colorider]

It's all just a big ol money grab from micorsoft. XP is and was one of their best OS. They are trying to force people into their new crap. Just an opinion

[BPTactical]

Well I am going to have to buy some time. Updated the security (webroot) and I will back up all three machines and sneak up on this.
I would like to play with a Linux and Unbutue machine to see how they work.

[merl]

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/deskt...re-you-install

[Zundfolge]

I would like to play with a Linux and Unbutue machine to see how they work.

Most Linux distributions allow you to boot to the OS from a "Live CD" and run it from there to play with it before you install it (which will involve erasing and reformatting your hard drive).

That way you can get an idea which flavor of Linux you prefer (or want to use Linux at all). Keep in mind that the OS will run slower from the LiveCD so don't hold that against it.

As for the Ubuntu vs Mint debate, I think you'll find Mint easier to use.

[Ripper]

ebay still has some deals on win 7 disks with COAs

[Danimal]

If you could post your specific computer specs a very accurate solution could be given. Some linux versions are light and fast, others will be slow and unusable on a machine with too old of hardware. It would be very easy to swap one computer over to a new OS, and really if you want to get into it I am sure a couple of us on here could walk you through the install process and any other recommended changes. But the first step is to select one of the machines that you want to try out and list the specs accurately. This is what you do to get your specs:

Right click on the "My Computer" icon on the desktop and select "Properties". This should list your processor and RAM. Also the size of your hard drive is useful.

With this information a more accurate solution could be given because there is quite a range of hardware that was used while XP was installed.