No more updates to Win XP after April 8th 2014

I use a Mac and run a version of the Microsoft Office Suite for Macs on it and have never had an issue. I used Microsoft products at work and it's probably a preferences things, but I find the Mac far easier to use.

All that said I got fed up with Windows a few years ago particularly its need for constant security updates. If you spend a day, yes that's all, learning to use a Mac then you'll never go back. There, that even rhymes!

To be fair, Window's need for constant security updates isn't because Apple products are somehow magically made without potential security flaws. It's more because of the ubiquity of the Windows platform. You know the old joke: Someone asked the bank robber why he robs banks. Answer, "Because that's where the money is." Hackers attack the Windoze platform because "that's where the computers are".

If you simply desire a less common (therefore, less commonly attacked) platform, you don't need to spend thousands for a fancy Apple product. An older PC with Ubuntu will do the same job for almost nothing! Ubuntu comes equipped with the applications a normal person needs, browser, word processor, etc. and it's free! Do you remember that old Windows computer in your closet that got slower and slower until you finally replaced it? It will probably run Ubuntu just fine!

And now the ultimate killer argument: Ubuntu must be good, that's what Februs uses.

I just received 4 more updates today (April 9) on my Windows XP. Since we received a notice that we would not be receiving any more updates after the 8th, I am wondering if anyone else received these.

I got eight!

I got five!

I agree with Februs. Now may be the time to switch to Linux. There are a large number of Linux variants ('distros'), although some of the main ones (e.g. Ubuntu) now seem to be geared towards tablets rather than desktops. However, if you are an XP user, I would suggest trying Linux Mint Cinnamon. It is sufficiently similar to XP to feel familiar, but has none of the irritations. It can be downloaded for free and you can install it side by side with Windows until you feel happy with it.

If the newer Windows versions were more like XP instead of what I have heard they are like, and not so blamed expensive I might have gathered the money by now. I could also do without the pressure tactics. They might have held off until Win 9 was out and updated. :/ Yeesh. There's a reason so many of us have continued using XP, Mr Gates.

Because of the constant bloat of operating system design, I have never "upgraded" an existing computer, because my existing computer is never capable of efficiently running the next version of its operating system. So, starting from the move from DOS to Windows 3.1, I have always been dragged kicking and screaming to the next Microsoft product because it comes packaged "free" with my expensive new computer.

It's all about planned obsolescence and extracting treasure from your wallet.

Not to beat a dead horse, but the various Linux products represent a step backwards in bloat, thus bucking that expensive trend. Your old computer might very happily run a free (or cheap) version of Linux.

Here is a little tip: One of my friends is running Windows 8.1 and have told me, that she uses the free program "Classic Shell" (http://www.classicshell.net/) which is a collection of usability enhancements for Windows. The main features are: Highly customizable start menu (Classic Start Menu is a clone of the original start menu, which you can find in all versions of Windows from 95 to Vista) with multiple styles and skins, Start button for Windows 7 and Windows 8, Toolbar and status bar for Windows Explorer, and Caption and status bar for Internet Explorer.

Personelly I run Windows 7 - and will continue to do so as long as possible, because Windows 7 Professionel have the possibility to install "Windows Virtually PC" where it is possible to run "Windows XP Mode". Not all old programs can be run here - but it is better than nothing.