No more updates to Win XP after April 8th 2014

Just letting everyone know in case you didn't. My computer is older, so I'm in need of something new, but I don't know right now. I was thinking a Mac, but never used one. Anyone use a Mac to send stories? I hear Win 8 is like learning windows all over again and it sucks.

I have Win 8.1 which I do agree never matches up to the older XP programs but I did find my computer would not handle some of the newer programs due to the age and memory capacity.

Never used a Mac myself and never will as Mac wants too much control over things for my liking. If you think learning Win 8.1 is a switch then learning a Mac is a hard learning curve IMHO. I downloaded a Word program on my new computer and things work well for submitting stories.

CS

I bought a new laptop because my old one is physically falling apart, although it still works. Guess which one I still use 99% of the time... the old one. It has Windows 7. I will use it as long as it functions at all. I HATE Win 8. Maybe it is just me or just a learning curve, but it keeps going to places I didn't think I told it to. One particularly annoying thing is opening up that menu on the right side when I try to close a file with the X up in the corner. And, I can't figure out how to even close certain programs, like Adobe Reader. I have to go to the task manager to do that (and I'm not a complete idiot). Thank you for giving me an opportunity for this little rant. I feel better now.

My son has a Mac and loves it, but I agree with CS. They are too controlling, not to mention way too expensive.

What sort of problems may really appear if there are no updates to Win XP?

Microsoft is saying that it's not stable anymore without the updates. Like the Malicious Software Removal Tool and such. Februs tells me different, and I'll go by what he has informed me with. It sounds pretty logical to me. Like: Have a good AntiVirus Software, use common sense on the Internet, Use Firefox (if you like that browser), and I do, and I also make sure my WOT (Web Of Trust) is always on, along with the Norton Toolbar when Firefox updates. I use Norton Security Suite (free with my provider). I don't care for MS-8.1. I've seen it and it's way too confusing. I don't understand when something isn't broken why they feel they have to fix it.

Thanks for your input everyone. Thanks Februs.

Pat

I have 8.1 and it has a Start button which enable one to do much like on Win 7. I like it one heck of a lot better then the original 8 version but to each their own. Updating Win 8 to 8.1 is free and easy.

Yes, 8.1 is what I have. The Start button helps, but I still have those other problems. Maybe if I used it all of the time, I would get used to it or maybe there is some way to disable that irritating part. I haven't found one.

Microsoft are full of crap and simply want people to shell out for their latest abomination of an operating system. I mainly use Ubuntu but I do have some software that I run that needs Windows and I use XP for that. I've had the "updates" switched off for as long as I can remember as in the case of Microsoft, updates very often do not equate with improvements. Bendover has already posted my own view on using XP which is:

- use a free anti-virus program
- avoid Internet Explorer (virus magnet)
- use a firewall (preferably not the Windows one)
- run the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware now and again
- use common sense in regards to what sites you visit and click on
- tell Microsoft to get stuffed

And lastly, even if you do pick up a malware infection, most of them can be safely removed with a little perseverance but clearly not getting infected in the first place is best.

I'm with Februs on this one. If you have XP, I suggest a huge yawn whenever you hear news of "gloom & doom". There are millions of computers in homes and businesses all over the world still using XP, and they're not going away any time soon. Trust your anti-virus provider to watch your back.

Thanks everyone, especially Februs. I have XP and Microsoft has sent me messages that after after first of April my computer will no longer be able to accept updates and that my anti-virus will no longer work, etc. I am so relieved to know that I don't have to worry. I also have two free anti-viruses, one of which is malware.