It has been estimated that over a third of all computers are still running Windows XP - which made it's debut in 2001. With Windows 7 having been on the market and available to consumers since October 2009, many users that are still working with XP continue to hold out, wondering… “is it safe to upgrade from XP to Windows 7 now?” After all, it's been reported that only about 19% of XP users made the switch to Vista, and the vast majority agree…it was a step in the wrong direction.
Can you upgrade XP to Windows 7?
Well, we are happy to report that Windows 7 definitely shows some solid improvements over its predecessors. When providing IT Support for clients of Landon Technologies, we have been upgrading my clients regularly now, and the majority of the users are quite happy with the new improvements. Following are a few key reasons why upgrading to Windows 7 is a great idea.
1) The driver support is greatly improved over Windows Vista, which had so many users frustrated and sometimes downright angry that they simply couldn’t get their older (but not necessarily old) products to work.
This problem has been addressed in the new version of Windows and many more products are compatible and can be easily installed.
2) Security is always a great concern. I know when I provide IT Support, my clients regularly make it clear that security is of primary importance. The security in Windows 7 has been greatly improved over earlier versions and now includes UAC (User Access Control), DEP (data execution prevention), ASLR (address space layout randomization) as well as improved operating system kernel protection. Plus, the Ultimate version includes BitLocker and BitLocker-to-Go encryption, which protects your files from loss to hackers or theft.
3) Keep up with technology. Now that we know that Windows 7 is a solid and widely accepted new Operating System, we can be sure that support for the older versions of Windows will disappear soon enough. Not to mention, Microsoft has recently announced they will be ending support for Windows XP in April 2014. When performing IT support Fort Lauderdale FL services, I always made sure for the clients of Landon Technologies, that they keep up to date. As us technicians know, our clients like their new toys… and few things are more frustrating than bringing home a new device just to find out it won’t work with your outdated computer.
Windows 7 XP Upgrade
The biggest deciding factor in upgrading from XP to windows 7 probably won’t be whether or not you should make the move, but rather should you make the move NOW? Windows 8 is due to be released in October of 2012 but promises to be a much different experience for users versus Windows XP or Vista. To answer the question, Can You Upgrade from XP to Windows 7 will be decided by the age of your current computer.
Windows 7 from XP upgrade
If your current computer was purchased before July 2009 more than likely it came with a version of Windows Vista or XP. Then it might make sense upgrading Windows XP to Windows 7 sooner rather than later so that you can take full advantage of all of the new features as soon as possible.
If your computer however is several years old, then you’re probably best off waiting until it’s time to replace your computer completely, where Windows 7 will come preinstalled. As Windows 7 is more powerful than its predecessors, it also requires more powerful hardware to run it properly, and your older computer might not be equipped to handle it.
Windows XP debut was August 24, 2001 and was released to the public October 25, 2001.
Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 is a crucial step towards a modern, secure, and compatible computing experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can smoothly transition to Windows 7 while preserving your files, ensuring software compatibility, and enjoying the benefits of a more advanced operating system.
I hope this post regarding giving up Windows XP has been helpful for you. As always, if you have technical questions or are in need of business IT consulting, we would be glad to assist you. Call us at (888) 596-3998.