For some it means being able to call in and for a minimal or no charge get help. For others it's patches.
OK, the days of free support are closing so for a fee you can still get support for xp.
You can try the Windows 7 and 8 readiness tests before you do this but I think Microsoft and makers are losing a lot of folk to tablets and new machines as Windows has never been that easy to install. Well, it is for me but I know the basic order of drivers to install and to look for help apps to turn on wifi and more.
Bob
When I purchased my Dell XPS 210 in late 2006, Win Vista was included in price, but it arrived with Win XP (probably b/c Dell had these in stock!). A few weeks later I received 2 installation disks for "installing" Vista.
Unlike many users, Vista has worked well for me, so I've kept using it. Now I'm giving this computer to my son. I've had it thoroughly "cleaned" (so it runs well) and I'd like to upgrade it to Window 7.
First, is this a good idea? When will MS discontinue support for Vista? For Win 7?
Secondly, am I correct in thinking it would be too much to attempt to replace the Vista OS with Win 8.1?
Is Win 7 available for installing on an older computer? Is this something a non-tech could do? Would it be advisable to pay the Geek Squad (or s.o. else) to do?
I realize that this is a well-worn question, one that's been answered many times, but I haven't found these answers. So I'd appreciate very much any comments Forum members make -- info, advice, warnings, etc

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