replacing XP OS - some advice please

[pruetrading]

XP is ending updates and support in early April, so I need to replace it.  Currently I run automatic operating system updates and use Trend Micro Maximum Security titanium, with XP security protection disabled (I think..). 

But Windows 8.1 has so many bells and whistles that I just won't use - I have an older computer that I use just for eBay, photo editing and email, I don't need touchscreen and support for latest apps etc.  I don't really want to upgrade my computer either, its fine for the basic things that I do, though a bit slow sometimes. We already have other faster computers in the house

Can anyone advise me if I can get away with using an earlier Windows operating system than 8.1? 

Thanks for any help

[barney_rubbles]

i have Windows 7 on my laptop & love it, i found it very easy to adapt from using XP to 7, the interface etc is very similair but it also runs better. Whereas tried windows 8 on friends computers & hated it, its so radically different it just took ages to work out how to do things, much more useful for tablets/phones though i think. What are the specs on your older computer?

[kopenhagen5]

I also like win7.

I think it the best windows ever produced.

Will continue with it until I can.

[clarry100]

We have windows 7 on two computers and seems to be stable and OK mostly.

[davewil1964]

I'm using XP SP3 and haven't updated it in the last 2 years. As I haven't had any problems in that time, I will continue to use it while I can, regardless of Microsoft support.

And it is my main (only) computer. In your situation it should be even less critical.

[go-tazz]

It is better to go to Windows 7 which will be supported till at least 2020,(by which time their next windows 9 which

is due next year should be fully operational and PC friendly).

The main problem with XP will be that there will be no security updates,(which will make the system more

vulnerable to malware.

Why upgrade from XP

[davewil1964]

i haven't updated in 2 years, Corny.

Maybe the scammers are targetting 7 and beyond these days?

[pruetrading]

Thanks Dave and every one else for your replies. Will  upgrade to Windows 7 based  on everyone's advice

Prue

[bright.ton42]

So you've been lucky,  but I think once the Win support finishes for XP the hackers

will have a field day.  Google 'XP security' to see what the boffins say.

I'm also on Win 7 and think it's terrific, so easy to navigate.  I dread getting a new pc and have to use Win 8. 

[xprs1 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can use an OS earlier than Windows 8.1. I use Windows 7 and there is really only 2 caveats I can think of that you may need to consider. Amount of Ram: Firstly, I would recommend 4Gb of RAM if you can afford it and you run several programs at once. I recommend 2Gb as a minimum amount of RAM for day to day work with one or two programs at a time. Older peripheral Hardware: While some device types (routers, keyboards, mice etc) are usually perfectly fine with newer Windows there are problems for older printers, scanners, multi function printers etc. Although Windows 7 (and I believe this would apply with any version of Windows 😎 can support older printers, as it can sometimes work if you install an older Windows XP driver, the Windows 7 support for said printers can sometimes be weak. I would suggest from my experience (as an office admin, and technical support person of many years) that the older your devices are (besides your PC) the less well any newer Windows OS (7 or 😎 will support them. for printers this is because Microsoft did a major revamp of printer support that changed how driver were implemented. Also, in case you can score a free copy of Windows Vista, its support is weak for older Windows XP era devices. As always search the web for upgrading advice for your hardware. PS: Actually I would avoid Windows Vista as I find it to be slow (and with the earlier non service pack versions) buggy.