Windows XP - olden times...
Windows XP (now outdated by vendors but still being used a lot) has been a landmark as compared to its predecessors. Windows XP seemed unmatched for its speed, efficiency, functionality, compatibility and neatness. On the other hand, it pathetically fails when talking about security of data and security of OS in general. Right now you should consider using it only if you do not use internet, USB drives, CD/DVD Drives, LAN or Wifi. Why? It has very poor strategy for access controls. Also its resource management is really poor that makes it vulnerable to virus and other malicious software (such as badware, trojan horses, keyloggers etc.) If you are in a LAN or shared line connection, you are even more vulnerable to this even if you reputed antivirus software. I still remember my Windows XP computer on which I tested new software. I always needed to install the OS every month on an average as it frequently became unstable.Windows 7 - the revolution
It was two years ago that I felt too lazy to switch to Windows 7. I feared it would not support the software I use on Windows XP. Finally, I dared to install Windows 7 on my system and I really didn't have to regret at all! Everything worked like a charm. For most of the hardware on my system I did not even have to install drivers as they come bundled in the OS itself. And for majority of the remaining ones, Windows 7 did the hard job of finding them and installing for me.
Compatibility: You do not have to worry about it. Windows 7 is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and even older software! Even there is a powerful compatibility wizard for sorting out any compatibility issues.
Security and Integrity: Windows 7 is highly secure and stable OS even after thousands of amazing features! System drive (C) is very well protected. Access classifications are awesome! Programs are not given Administrator access without your permission. What that means to you is that no program can access core features of your system without your permission and it cannot cause any damage if it is bad. Even the in built firewall is much better as compared to the one in Windows XP which seemed more like hiding yourself behind a transparent curtain. Even system's resource management is much better in Windows 7 that makes your system more efficient.
Windows 7 is intelligent and knows how to fix it: Gone are the days when one had to install the OS when even a little component went berserk. Windows 7 can easily fix itself automatically by connecting to internet. When an application or process crashes, you would be presented a popup where solution to that crash can be found.
Better safety and security for your data: You can easily encrypt your data with the in-built encryption features. Also there is in-built support for backing up data in various forms including making a blind image.
Conclusion
If you are still using Windows XP, you must switch to Windows 7 not only because it is cool and has more features but also because it is much better from every angle and would save you from a lot of labor on your system. I recommend using a good Anti-virus and firewall software too on Windows 7.
I have read through your opinion and some of what you said is true as it relates to better data security and built-in programs, but it's clear that you lack the full knowledge of Operating Systems! You are referring to the old XP, but not the different series of XPs...Home, Professional, XP Ultimate bundle, etc... in-terms of stability, robustness, fault-tolerance, and locating files and documents XP will always be a Champion! Yes its poor on security and crashes a lot if infected with viruses.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, you have not used all series of XPs because then you would know that XP is number one for games and apps..it has a good bond with these applications.
Now for Windows 7, security, built- programs, locating drivers effortlessly, beautiful to look at; yes go with Windows 7, but if you running serious business apps and need speed to call your programs with just one click of your mouse, then XP is your winner! I am certified IT professional with 20 years experience under my belt, and windows 7 & 8 will never replace XP all-to-gether, they both still have compatibility issues, lack robustness and most of all the speed that XP is knowing for!
Food for thought Did you know that XP can go with out program updates for years? I use both XP and Win7, and I ran XP for two years before updates were downloaded, but Win7 requires monthly updates!