Let’s start with Windows XP. It’s like those old pair of shoes you love. The ones that feel just right when you put them on, but you’ve had them so long they are starting to get a bit worn. We all know the new shoes might not fit just like to old ones, but we also know that over time those new shoes become your favorite. It’s like that with Operation Systems. At first they feel awkard and tight. They haven’t had time to adjust to your “feet”. They will adjust and you will adjust. You just need time.
Now on to some reasons to finally dump Windows XP. One of the main reasons is Direct X. What is Direct X you say? Check out the Direct X wiki link if you want to know the full details. DirectX
Direct X is basically what handles the Video and Multimedia experience in Windows. Why does this matter to you? Grab a chair and I’ll be happy to enlighten you my young grasshopper. The current release of Direct X is 11. Windows XP will only run Direct X 9. Ahh, I can see the expression of enlightenment on your face. Yes, Windows XP is BEHIND. Two versions behind as a matter of fact. Now, a caveat: If you only use your Windows XP computer to view websites, check email and do your online banking, then you are not missing anything graphically. But, what you are missing is something security wise. Windows XP support will be terminated at some point. Microsoft dropped support for Windows XP w/ Service Pack 2 on July 13th 2010. This means that if you are not running service pack 3 you have no support from Microsoft. I’m just mentioning this because service pack 3 was the LAST XP service pack. So we are getting to the end of service life for XP. It’s time to donate those old shoes to Goodwill.
Ahh, I can see you in the back young grasshopper. You with your hand raised. You are about to tell me Vista runs Direct X 11. That Vista still has a long life left. Then why would I recommend dumping Vista. Windows 7 was done right. In all of my trips to various customers who have Windows 7, I have not heard ONE who does not like it. Microsoft finally got it right. Windows 7 merges the best of XP with the best of Vista. It’s easy to install, it’s easy to learn and it’s got a lot more features.
This brings me on to the next question I hear a lot, do I buy a new computer or do I upgrade the one I have? My normal answer to that is what type of processor does your current computer have? How much ram does it have? And how old is it? But, I’m going to tell you none of that matters. What? How can none of this matter? List up my eager computer apprentice, this holiday season will be one FULL of computer deals. There will be deals on top of deals for computers. This is the time to BUY a new computer. I am hearing rumors that prices are going to come down so much that it will be cheaper to BUY a new computer then to upgrade your current one. Take this example, you own a computer a year or so old. So you decide to upgrade, so you buy Windows 7 Home, then you realize you need more ram. And low and behold your computer only has so many ram slots so your old ram is useless and you need to buy new ram. Now you need to have a tech install it and upgrade your system. You are looking at 2-3 hours of tech work. And shame on you, you went to the local computer store. They charged you $199.00 to do the computer work. Did I mention it took 4 days? I’d say you should have called us, but today that is not the case. What? Yes, you heard me. With the price of Windows 7, the ram and the tech work you are in the $500.00 range already. DO NOT DO IT. BUY NEW. One thing we pride ourselves on here at Redline: We will not sell you something you don’t need. So yes, it’s time to wipe clean your old computers and hand them down to the kids or grandma. You will be amazed at the deals this season offers.
My friends, it is time for a new pair of shoes!
redlineitinjax
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