If your computer uses Microsoft’s Windows XP operating system, and you are not prepared, you may be in for a shock, come next spring.
Next spring, on April 8, 2014, Microsoft will end all support for its still widely-used Windows XP operating system. That means no more updates, no more patches, no more security fixes; you will be on your own. A criminal hacker’s field day will begin, as new security problems are found, but no more fixes will be possible. From then on, it will no longer be safe to put a Windows XP computer on the Internet.
That means that millions of people around the world will need to buy a new computer.
To be more precise, experts say about 570 million computers worldwide will need to be replaced or substantially upgraded, which comes to about one-third of all the Windows computers in the world. The United States represents only about 10% of that total, meaning that only 57 million computers will be hitting the trash heap. The country with the biggest Windows XP problem will be China, lumbering in at 65%, meaning that over 370 million computers may end up in Chinese landfills.
If you are using a Windows XP computer, I urge you to make the change sooner, rather than later. I have a feeling that next April, I am going to be very busy, because millions of people will all realize on the same day, “Oh, no, I need a new computer!” and they will all go to “the store” at the same time to buy one. My advice is to avoid the rush and prepare now.
Fortunately, the holiday season can be a good time to buy a new computer, as all the stores are trying to out-sell each other. Even so, be prepared to spend at least $500 to $600+ on a good desktop or laptop computer. If you also need to replace an aging monitor, that will add another $150, or so. While you can find el-cheapo computers in the $300 range, I cannot recommend you get one. I’ve taken too many “bargain” computers apart to think they are anything other than cheap, shoddy junk. Spend a little extra on something well-built and you will be happier in the long run.
Computer shopping can be confusing for many people, as they don’t know what to get. For a Windows-type PC, I recommend at least an Intel i5, i7 or AMD quad-core processor; at least 8 gigabytes of RAM (memory) and a 500 (or larger) gigabyte hard drive. Everything else, like wireless capability, hot-shot graphics cards and fancy video options are things to be tailored to your individual situation. I buy computers for people all the time, as I have lots of practice negotiating the maze of computer options. If you don’t know what to get, ask someone who does to help you.
You may not even know if you use the Windows XP operating system, or not. To find out, turn off your computer and then pay attention as it comes back on; it should tell you. You can also go to Control Panel and double-click the “System” icon. A window will open up, telling you which operating system you have.
I’m sure that, come next April, the “death of Windows XP” will be widely reported. This is your advance notice; don’t wait until next April to get your act together. Prepare now and have peace of mind, later.