Windows Support

[codswallop]

As Windows is about to leave us Vista and Xp users high and dry without any support can anyone suggest a free alternative please?Thanks.

[Guilbert53]

You can buy a new computer for around £300 or so (for a laptop, more for a desktop).

Windows XP came out in 2001 which is ancient in computer terms.

So you have had your money's worth so probably time for a new computer

[Hymie]

If you want to up grade to Windows 7 (to benefit from continued support), rather than paying Microsoft a fortune for the operating system – consider purchasing something like this:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WINDOWS-7-32-BIT-PRO-DVD-WITH-GENUINE-COA-LICENSE-KEY-SCRAP-PC-/262960044728?epid=530532552&hash=item3d39a3dab8:g:YvoAAOSw42dZBbDn#rwid

I have purchased such a disk and used it to install on a PC purchased with no operating system.

If you do decide to buy such a disk, make sure it is suitable for your PC – most important 32 bit or 64 bit (the one above is for a 32 bit PC).

If you search ebay you will see than many sellers are selling what appears to be the same as above – but it is for a PC that already has Windows 7 installed and is only the COA license key. Check the ebay seller's listing carefully before buying.

[codswallop]

Sorry WW about the Windows/Microsoft error.Thank you all for your replies,I've opened my PC a bit late and I'll be of it for a few days as well,so I won't beable to try all your suggestions for a while.Thanks.

[Buenchico]

As has been suggested above, a version of Linux would be one possibility. However you do need to be reasonably technically minded to download, install and run it.

Given that you're obviously not doing any 'high-end' computing (such as advanced video editing or playing the latest video games) on an XP or Windows machine, my own solution in your situation would be to buy a refurbished Windows 7 computer from a reliable supplier. I get my own computers from this firm and I can thoroughly recommend them:
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/product-info/dell-optiplex-360-pentium-e2200-dual-core-2-2ghz-cheap-windows-7-pc-1
(That's a cracking computer for around 65 quid including carriage)