Support for Windows XP stopped April 8^th and Microsoft’s no longer providing updates. Using XP now is painting a target on your PC and network; continued use of XP will make you allot more susceptible to serious “zero-day” infections and can “splooj” your whole network.

What should you do?

Move off XP as soon as possible.  Look at the software and hardware on your XP PC and figure out what you need to take with you to Windows 7.  You need to research and make calls to find out if your old stuff will run on Windows 7.  In some situations, we can set you up for vitualization which will allow you to use all your old hardware or software on Windows 7.  This will allow you to avoid having to buy a bunch of new stuff and can save you ALLOT of money.

Should I buy a new PC?

You don’t have to buy a new PC.  There are plenty of refurbished Windows 7 machines out there If you’re not in a hurry or trying to save money.

When Should I buy a new PC?

If you’re running any sort of business or non-profit, don’t buy refurbished if you can help it.  We are adamantly against buying refurb machines except for personal use or where it doesn’t matter as much.

Where Should I buy?

If you’re buying refurb, we like e-bay or Amazon but we NEVER buy from Craigslist.  If we’re buying new PCs, it’s always directly from the manufacturer, either Dell or Lenovo.

What type of PC’s should I consider.

New or used, we only buy Windows 7 PCs.  New or used we only consider certain PCs because they have a good track record.  If you’re considering a desktop, consider a Dell Optiplex or Lenovo ThinkCentre M series.  If you’re considering a laptop, consider a Dell Latitude E6 series or Lenovo ThinkPad T series.  If you need something for engineering or gaming, graphics, consider the Lenovo ThinkStation or Dell Precision workstations.  ALL of these machines in one way shape or form can be requested with Windows 7.  ONLY consider buying machines with Windows 7.

What about Windows 8?

NOPE.  We dislike Windows 8 especially for existing businesses.  Locate a good Windows 7 machine.  You can find plenty that are sold both new (from the manufacturer) or used (on E-bay, Amazon, etc).   Windows 7 is time tested, it’s backwards compatible with most software, and it won’t give you allot of heartache in terms of learning curve and other idiosyncrasies.

Call us if you have questions.  We’ve helped numerous clients and businesses migrate off Windows XP to new platforms.  We can be reached at 843.276.6551.  We are Delson Computer in Charleston SC, Aspirin for your tech headaches.