Tony Blair was Prime Minister, the likes of Craig David, Destiny’s Child and Westlife were storming the UK pop charts and Manchester United were doing well as they headed towards another Premier League title – when you think of it like that, 2001 seems a VERY different place to 2014.
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| Well over a decade has passed since the start of the new Millennium and a lot of things have changed since then
March 25, 2014 |
Well over a decade has passed since the start of the new Millennium and a lot of things have changed since then. Our once favourite pop stars have had their time in the limelight – er, whatever DID happen to Craig David? – and have passed the baton on to the likes of Jordan Derulo and Lorde. Technology also comes and goes; in 2001, Windows XP first arrived on the scene, and throughout that time it’s been a great operating system helping hundreds of millions of people to get online and be productive. But 12 years later, times and technology have evolved, and Microsoft will officially be ending support for Windows XP next month, on Tuesday April 8, which was first announced back in 2007 – support for Office 2003 will also expire on the same day.
Incidentally, if you’re reading this blog, it’s unlikely you are doing so on a device running Windows XP – but you may know someone who is or have even served as their tech support, so do please spread the word. If you are unsure if you are running Windows XP or not, you can easily check by visiting this website – http://www.amirunningxp.com/.
And what if you do need, or know someone who needs, to switch before April 8? Well, Windows 8.1 is the perfectly logical step forward – with a wide array of Windows devices on sale at your local retailers. Not only do these modern devices offer the full power of Windows 8.1 but they also include great services such as OneDrive, and new and improved tools and apps for when you’re on the go.
Of course if you have bought a new computer in the last decade, the upgrade process might seem daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. Over the past few months Microsoft has provided tools and resources to make the upgrade process easier – and here’s a step-by-step overview and link to share
- Step one: Confirm that the machine is running XP. If the home screen hasn’t been personalised you’ll see the familiar XP wallpaper when you boot up, but you can also confirm by clicking the Start button, click Run, type winver, and then press Enter.
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| Step one: Confirm that the machine is running XP
March 25, 2014 |
- Step two: Choose a new PC. The easiest path to Windows 8.1 is with new hardware and there are offers and deals for consumers out there. Stay up to date on the latest offers on Windows PCs and tablets via the Windows Buying Guide and learn how to choose a new PC.
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| Step two: Choose a new PC
March 25, 2014 |
| Downloads: Web |
- Step three: Transfer your files. Our PCs hold memories full of photos, files and music and you’ll want to access on a new device. There are several options for transferring files, either using cloud storage or using an external hard drive.
- Step four: Get to know Windows 8.1. Once the right PC has been chosen and files migrated, you’ll now be set to explore Windows 8.1. Follow these videos to understand how to get the most out of Windows 8.1.
These four simple steps will help you – or others – upgrade from Windows XP. And don’t forget that even if you are a chart topping pop music legend like Westlife, nothing lasts forever.
