I would like to move off of XP, but not sure to what? Help!

We have had this thread before, same question different heading, move on.

how old is your XP machine? XP runs pretty lean compared to more modern operating systems that require a lot more CPU and RAM. You may need to buy a new computer to run them.

I'm stuck forever with XP. In the early '80's, I had a Commodore64. There were no relevant programs available for my line of work so I wrote my own in BASIC. I'm still using them. They run under DOS. XP32 will run BASIC and DOS programs. No Window OS's above XP32 will run DOS programs satisfactorily. Lately I have been having problems with hardware as well. I have had to backtrack on hardware items to get them to run DOS.
Long live the XP 32-bit!

Windows 7 hands down - if you can find a copy you can afford! It is possible to get used computers for $400, with good processors, and good amounts of RAM.

Windows 7 is currently either selling for the full price of $300, or not selling but you may be able to find it at that price. It isn't being sold by Microsoft, as of last thing I heard. If you're willing to get an edition of Windows 7 that you can only ever install on one mother board, you can get it from Walmart or some of the office and computer stores for around $95, as of a couple of months ago.

I would NOT go with Windows 8.

The alternative is Linux. Not bug free, but it is there and not deliberately designed to become unworkable. Especially as a newbie it is a good idea to get Clonezilla, and use it to create an image of your system regularly atleast until everything is installed and before doing installations and upgrades, etc. The Linux system is easily hosed - or atleast that is true of Ubuntu and its offspring.

You will have to do workarounds to get most of your Windows software to work, and some of it may not. There are two workarounds that people usually use for that.

Linux offers Linux programs that do most things you have done in Windows; e-mail, browsers, office software, that sort of thing.

Dora

Hi Lee,
Last Fall, I finally made the switch from XP to Win 7. Dell was still shipping Win 7 systems to small businesses, and I liked their top-of-the-line Mobile Precision Workstation line, and needed to uprgrade my laptop-desktop replacement anyway, as my 5-year-old Dell Latitude D830 was dying. I'm a small businessman, too, but fortunately my S-I-L is a big-time techie, and a good friend, the former head of Ashton-Tate Development. Both recommended Win 7. I'm just a productivity user who stayed with XP until last fall. I went to Win 7 Pro. At that time, Win 8.1, which apparently you can change to the Win 7 interface with just a flick of the switch, was just coming out. I don't adopt OSes that are just coming out. I like a little age on them. Used to be on the bleeding edge back in the days of Mac OS 7x, been there, done that, want everyone else to take the arrows for me first! So, I would say, if the buzz is that Win 8.1 is cool in Win 7 mode, go for it. Apparently Win 8 has some nice security features under the hood that Win 7 lacks. Having said that, I'm on Win 7 Pro and don't intend to switch to anything else until this computer doesn't function well anymore. I figure 3-4 years from now, as I bought an i7 screamer with plenty of high-spedd RAM and a solid state disk drive. Nothing like "spontaneous computing." Reminds me of the old Lotus 1-2-3 days!

If some one could produce a good OS that had a windows feel and could work with a touch screen it would take the world by storm Microsoft and apple just wont make an OS for the customer they make it for them and that's why they are incapable of making a good product.

In 2004 I worked for A US Government agency and they were still using Windows 98. So sometimes older is better. If it isn't broke, use it. I use Windows 7 and yes some programs will not work with it. Stay away from any Windows 8's. Got a lot of virus problems with the 8's and had a computer crash 1x because of it. A local University I went to always uses Apple and they seem to like it. I am not a professional. I have been around using home computers since the Commodore 64 Dark Ages of Computers. I like trying them all and XP was good to me and I am happy now with 7 for what I do at home. Good luck.

As a user of Windows 8 since fairly soon after inception, and have since purchased another for my son, plus another small touchscreen PC/Tablet for travel... I've absolutely no time for folk who ramble on and put other folk off; and I suspect most of them have never used it. Yes, the metro interface is there and I don't use it as my first choice. Yes I load ClassicShell and have the choice of the new metro interface (like a tablet has so what's the big deal????) or the start menu.

That aside I use VM Ware for the odd application that I cannot run in it. My Pronto remote controller software (3 devices need editing from time to time) and my HP scanner. That would have a cost for you BUT its a quality solution and simple.

You don't need the hassle of Linux, Wine or VirtualBox (and note that VirtualBox doesn't handle USB peripherals as well as some would have you believe.) If its business critical you wont need the hassle of that failing, or you corrupting it either! Plus you'll need a backup strategy and that'll add more complexity.

Whether it's Quicken or another antique its maybe time to look to the future. Whatever it is really needs an update/upgrade or you are going to have issues going forward. Me... I'd get a new PC, install VMWare, Load XP in VMWare as a stop gap, and look at migrating your business app to something new. You can't scrimp OR play around with solutions; just get some quality. Win8 and VMWare, OR Win7 with VirtualXP (I used that before Win8); test it whilst your current PC still works!

Its time to look to the future, not hold onto the past!

Let me answer your main question first, then get into some nitty gritty.
For a smooth transition go with Vista. I found it is a good step out of the XP realm. (it might be tough to find, though)
Lets say you can't get Vista. Then go with Server 2008 which is a cousin to Vista. It's not hard to set up, and runs
nicely. I run 2008 Enterprise and it has worked out for me.
Now down to the nuts and bolts of it all. First and foremost, a killer firewall is the "real key" no matter the OS.
Being the cheap sort that I am, I did a DIY after my commercial unit finally ticked me off. (and the one I replaced
wasn't cheap at all, which really set my tail on fire. lesson learned)
I run many computers here, and the OS list is: MSDOS 6.22, Win98se, XP, Server 2003, Linux, Server 2008, and
finally Win7 Pro. These run all the time. My biggest issue with XP was running out of virtual memory. This drove
me crazy, as there wasn't a real reason for that to happen. (here is the cool thing) I built the new firewall and my
troubles with XP ceased. The firewall log showed some -------- in L.A. just banging the heck out of things. Now
this person is rejected. Why this person targeted the XP machine is anyone's guess.
What really annoys me is that Microsoft thought it would be cute to make Windows Defender the advertisement
to up grade. Its all red, flags pop up, etc. Now, the funny thing. (and yes, I chuckle about this) They still send
security updates to the XP machine. How quaint !!! So as the song goes, rock is dead, long live rock.
Of course I know that by the end of the year there won't be anymore updates, but for now, its all good.
Now, when I changed over to Server 2008 I was running a Beta Test version of Win7. When I did the change,
I just installed it and let the chips fall where they may. As it turns out, 2008 saved all my stuff into the "old"
area. That was nice. Getting back up to speed was less painful than I had counted on.
I wish you lots of luck on making your choice Lynn.
Mike

I feel exactly the same. I have a few programmes that were from Windows 95 and 98.
One in particular is Turbosolve Pro. That is on 3.5 floppies.even XP takes a long time to load it. It is a magic programme for writing crossword puzzles and can't be replaced with a CD written one, simply because it was never put on a CD. .Many of my other programmes also will not work on the new 7 - 8 - or Vista systems. My feelings are why should I be forced to pay hundreds of pounds to update when I am satisfied with XP.
I count it as a form of blackmail by Microsoft that they have stopped XP support.
If the new systems were to be compatible with the old one fair enough, but they seem to have adopted the stance "Upgrade or else" However I am a 90 year old on a more or less fixed pension and can't afford pay out hundreds of pounds to help fill the pockets of folk that are already billionaires. I have the feeling that because I was loyal to stay with Microsoft I am now being kicked in the teeth.

As a Mac user who also has had extensive experience with Wim 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 95, NT 4.0, XP, Vista, 7 and some 8, the only version I've actually detested is 8.

If your program only runs on XP and not on 7's XP compatibility mode, I'd recommend a Mac running XP in Bootcamp or a VM. If you have Mac friends, test it first!

Personally, I found 8 to be extremely bizarre compared to either Win 7 or OS X, and if you're upgrading systems, adapting to OS X may be easier or not much more different. Also if you have any iOS devices, they'll be happier on a Mac. Macs also have certain advantages over Windows (which is why it's my preferred OS) but I won't go into them.

OTOH, if your program does run under Win 7's XP compatibility mode, you may want to switch to Win 7 since that will have the lowest learning curve. Just be aware that Win 9 is still an unknown.

Don't get Windows 8, or a Mac.

If a big concern is an expensive program running on XP, Linux or Apple won't help as they are probably not compatible either. W7 Pro comes with a virtual machine / computer with Windows XP that might work. All but a few of my old XP programs run on it. Photoshop runs and works well but the virtual machine uses lower graphics settings so you can't see the true colors of your work till the file is viewed outside the machine. W7 32 bit also runs most of my old XP programs including Photoshop well and might be worth a try. If you don't need the internet on the XP machine with expensive program consider a KVM switch. That would allow you to hook two or more computers up to share one mouse, monitor, and other device like a printer. My brother in law still uses a W98 computer offline to run a $10,000 machine with it's $2500 program. My KVM switch attached XP computer has really speeded up now that it's offline and free of internet security programs! I use USB flash drives and even email to send files back and forth between the KVM attached W7 and XP computers. I set up a friend's small business with a KVM switch and with a push of one button can do accounting work offline with an expensive program on an XP machine then surf the net and buy stuff with the W7 machine.

The number one concern should be security/privacy. If it is, than just read the plethora of stories about how smart phones/tablets are easily hacked except for APPLE iOS 7! With that as a starting point, then I'd add on an affordable Mac if you're counting your pennies but in the process of switching out your tech (smart phone & computer). With 90% of all Mac owners being repeat buyers, there MUST be a logical reason. Many claim it's about ego. I'd argue it's about long term value. Read Apple blogs and how people own Mac's and iPhones/iPads for 4 - 6 and even longer. The darn things won't die hence people don't need to upgrade nearly as often. That's value! Before you buy, please sit down with the actual machines for a while and then check this blessed internet for reviews and the why people feel so happy in their Apple world. Saving $70 a year for virus protection you don't need on Mac's goes a LONG ways towards owning a higher quality machine you'll enjoy for years to come.

Some have recommended virtual environments. The reality is this. You, in my opinion, are probably out of luck with the older software on newer a new OS.

I won't go as far to say you can't find a virtual environment to handle ALL of your older software, I'll just say good luck. I do encourage you to look to try to find a virtual environment, and if you find one I'd say go for it. I will also say, you probably won't find one that will handle ALL of your older software. Most likely you'll have to use one VM for one piece of software and another one for others, and it will be tough to do it in a secure way.

I would recommend looking to replace the software.

As far as the "problems of windows 8". I have been using 8 since about a week after its initial release. I don't really have any problems. The only thing that I found odd was the lack of a start button. Not a major item. There is the start screen, or you can create a short cut to the program and then pin it to your task bar at the bottom of the screen. My only problem was when I tried to upgrade from 8.0 to 8.1 (windows). THAT was a pain, but if you buy a new machine just make sure windows 8.1 is pre-installed.

Your other option is to go with an Apple product. I have limited experience with Apples but if you live near an Apple store it is definitely a possibility. My experience when I have needed help and have gone to one (I live near Minnetonka Minnesota). Not sure about other areas of the country. The people there tend to be able to help you on your questions of how to use an apple product. Also they hold training sessions for those that need more help.

I can't really recommend Apple over Microsoft. It's a coin toss in my opinion.

Again, I do recommend ditching your old software and upgrading to something newer.

Use FreeOfCharge UBUNTU V12.04 installed as a "dual boot" which will be "maintained" until 2016 - Search "Ubuntu 12.04" to find this: http://releases.ubuntu.com/12.04/
After downloading from the site the Installer walks you through it all. Do read up and/or ask question first.
I use it now for all my existing Windows file mainenance and new generations; and all on-line work.
I only boot up XP to work off-line with software that is special to XP. It's been terrific.
Make donation only if satisfied and want to. First class, more insulated from virus & malware etc. Read it up.

1. The business program I referred to does indeed have an upgrade for Windows 7-8. It costs about $550 per computer last time I looked, for the upgrade version (it's a specialized billing program for my profession, there are not many other options available, and those that are, aren't as good). I would need it on three computers. Hence, my reluctance to simply upgrade the program.

2. I frequently work from home, using XP's Remote Desktop to get into my office system. I strongly suspect (but don't know for sure) that the client and host machines have to run the same version of Windows for this to work.

3. Thank you for the information about the virtual XP option in Windows 7 Pro. If I remember correctly (and it's been a while, so I may not be) the Windows 7 system I tried wasn't running Pro, and that may be an answer.

4. Thanks to everyone who suggested the technical workarounds in Windows 8. I know eventually I'll HAVE to go there (when one of these systems dies, if not earlier) and it's good to know that I can at least get it to look something like what I'm used to. Now if it'll just run Civilization III I'll be happy!

1. If your critical business software has no upgraded version available to run on Windows 7/8 (which you seem to indicate), then:
a: find a new package that runs on Win 7/8 to do what you want and convert over to it on a new pc. Probably not easy but may be best long term.
b: live with it as is on your XP machine until you can do either a: or c: below. (You can still buy a new pc to do everything else.)
c: Assuming you have your programs installation disks, get a new Windows 7 Pro pc already pre-loaded, activate the VM machine and XPmode, and install your application under XP mode. You will need to transfer over that programs files possibly using its export / import features if available. You will also have to install an XP version printer driver or other unique device under XP to work with it directly from there. Display, keyboard, mouse etc will be fine.

As for availability of new pc's with Win 7 pro see this article:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2105765/3-ways-to-get-a-new-windows-7-pc-in-the-windows-8-era.html

As I said, option a: is the best long term. Good luck.