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How to move an old Windows XP PC to Windows 7 or Linux
That PC could be 10 or 15 years old, but you could still use it for something other than a fishbowl.
PCWorld | APR 14, 2016 7:44 AM PT
Someone gave Shilissa Stimpson an old Windows XP PC. She asked what she can do with it.
Windows XP is a dead operating system. Microsoft no longer supports it, which means that it’s no longer safe to use. But that doesn’t mean an XP-era PC is only good for recycling. It could have other uses.
[Have a tech question? Ask PCWorld Contributing Editor Lincoln Spector. Send your query to answer@pcworld.com.]
You might be able to upgrade to Windows 7. It’s not free, but it might not be unreasonably expensive, either.
First, download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It may tell you your PC will run Windows 7 just fine. If not, it may tell you what pieces of hardware need to be upgraded to make it Windows 7-compatible. For instance, it may insist you buy more RAM and get a better graphics card.
But think hard before sinking cash into improving a computer that could be 10 or 15 years old. It’s likely your old clunker can’t take modern peripherals.
Besides, you can buy a perfectly-good Windows 10 computer for less than $200. And it will almost certainly be more powerful than your XP machine.
If your PC passes the Advisor test and doesn’t need more hardware, you can buy Windows 7 for a reasonable price. Microsoft no longer sells it, but copies are available. Do a Google shopping search for windows 7. I strongly suggest you buy a 32-bit version. It will do better with the older hardware.
various forms. The problem, of course, is that it isn’t Windows. There’s a considerable learning curve (check PCWorld's primer by Chris Hoffman for guidance), and Microsoft Office isn’t available (there are alternatives).
If you want to try the Linux route, I recommend Ubuntu for getting real work done, even though it makes the concept of “free” a little confusing. When you download it, it defaults to having you pay $15 (in five $3 categories). You can mark them all to $0.00 if you wish.On the other hand, $15 is a nice gesture for people who are basically volunteers.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/3045...-old-windows-xp-pc-to-windows-7-or-linux.html
That PC could be 10 or 15 years old, but you could still use it for something other than a fishbowl.
PCWorld | APR 14, 2016 7:44 AM PT
Someone gave Shilissa Stimpson an old Windows XP PC. She asked what she can do with it.
Windows XP is a dead operating system. Microsoft no longer supports it, which means that it’s no longer safe to use. But that doesn’t mean an XP-era PC is only good for recycling. It could have other uses.
[Have a tech question? Ask PCWorld Contributing Editor Lincoln Spector. Send your query to answer@pcworld.com.]
You might be able to upgrade to Windows 7. It’s not free, but it might not be unreasonably expensive, either.
First, download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It may tell you your PC will run Windows 7 just fine. If not, it may tell you what pieces of hardware need to be upgraded to make it Windows 7-compatible. For instance, it may insist you buy more RAM and get a better graphics card.
But think hard before sinking cash into improving a computer that could be 10 or 15 years old. It’s likely your old clunker can’t take modern peripherals.
Besides, you can buy a perfectly-good Windows 10 computer for less than $200. And it will almost certainly be more powerful than your XP machine.
If your PC passes the Advisor test and doesn’t need more hardware, you can buy Windows 7 for a reasonable price. Microsoft no longer sells it, but copies are available. Do a Google shopping search for windows 7. I strongly suggest you buy a 32-bit version. It will do better with the older hardware.
various forms. The problem, of course, is that it isn’t Windows. There’s a considerable learning curve (check PCWorld's primer by Chris Hoffman for guidance), and Microsoft Office isn’t available (there are alternatives).
If you want to try the Linux route, I recommend Ubuntu for getting real work done, even though it makes the concept of “free” a little confusing. When you download it, it defaults to having you pay $15 (in five $3 categories). You can mark them all to $0.00 if you wish.On the other hand, $15 is a nice gesture for people who are basically volunteers.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/3045...-old-windows-xp-pc-to-windows-7-or-linux.html
