Editorial 7 Reasons to NOT stick with Windows XP

You have probably seen an article posted by Gizmodo listing 7 reasons to stick with Windows XP.

Well, there are certainly some reasons for sticking with Windows XP and the one that really makes sense is if your current system is too old to support Windows 7. You may not meet the minimum system requirements or your system may have an odd ball piece of hardware that is not supported.

However, if your system can passes the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor I suggest you bite the bullet and do the upgrade.

If you still have your doubts because the 7 points highlighted by Gizmodoare reason enough,here's my take on Gizmodo's points. You can find the Gizmodo article here.

GIZMODO>> 1. Updating will be a huge pain

No pain no gain...you can make the excuse that you'll have to backup your data, format your hard disk drive, and start from scratch. However, even if you do wait you still have togo throughthe process of backing up your data. If you are not already backing up your data or maintaining it on a different hard disk drive than your operating system (XP) drive you need to rethink your security, backup, and business continuity strategy.

GIZMODO>> 2. Software Investment

You are going to have to reinstall all the applications and what happens if you have lost your CD-Keys? Well, that question again is no different doing it now or later. Later, will be even more of a problem because as we all know, the longer we put something aside the more likely it is we are going to forget. Don't procrastinate. As for compatibility, there is the new XP Mode but you will need to look at Windows 7 Ultimate toget this feature. If you are concerned with application compatibility, my personal experience has found Windows 7 Compatibility mode (not the virtual xp mode) works a lot better than Vista's.

GIZMODO>> 3. Most of what you use your computer for doesn't need an upgrade

What if how you are using Windows XP now is actually wasting your time and effort in front of the computer? Wouldn't it be nice to be more productive just by switching to Windows 7?

GIZMODO>> 4. It's expensive

Is it that expensive? Surely by not having upgraded to Vista before you would have saved up the little amount of cash required to purchase Windows 7 Home Premium or even Professional. Buying now during the launch period is a good idea because you get to enjoy the spoils of freebies or other goodies that are thrown in for good measure. Maybe you'll even get the chance to enter some lucky draw contest worth thousands. If you are strapped for cash you can also consider OEM versus Retail Boxed editions.

GIZMODO>> 5. You can wait for SP1

You may be waiting a long time for Service Pack 1 (SP1). While you wait, the whole world will pass you by and be ahead of you whilst you continue to use the outdated Windows XP. When it is time to look for a job or move to a new prospective job and they say you must have Windows 7 experience you will lose out.

GIZMODO>> 6. Microsoft will keep support XP for a while

Microsoft only provides limited support for XP. Face it, with Windows 7 being the new star kid on the block, XP will get very little attention. Attention that could mean the difference between getting a security patch on time to prevent some malware or hacker from getting into your system and causing serious harm or loss (monetary or personal identity / information).

GIZMODO>> 7. You'll buy a new computer eventually

If you thought the software was too expensive (Point 4) then I cannot imagine what you think of buying a whole new computer system. If you buy a new system, and it is a Netbook that includes XP, why wait. Make sure you exercise your privilege to a Windows 7 upgrade, even if it is only for Windows 7 Basic edition. Your Netbook isn't going to suffer degraded operational use. In fact, you may be more productive given some of the new Windows 7 new features. Microsoft has also taken the necessary steps to help new computer buyers with transferring files from an XP system to a new Windows 7 setup. Check out the Microsoft Easy Transfer utility.

Happy Windows 7 computing.