Windows XP Support Ends in April

Well, it is the end of an era.  A glorious era.

I have been using Microsoft products ever since Windows 3.1... When Windows 95 came out, I held onto it as long as I could... The next decent version of windows was Windows XP and I haven't moved since.

However, the time has come.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/enterprise/endofsupport.aspx

I've done a fair bit of surveying to find out what people think of Windows 7 or Windows 8 and it really seems like everyone is divided.  It also seems like you like one and hate the other, there's no in between.

If you liked Windows XP, then I would suggest that you go to Windows 7.  It is more familiar.  However, if you are a new user or if you don't mind the look and feel of the smartphone apps in a computer, then go straight for Windows 8.

Bottom line is that everything appears to be moving towards the Windows 8 feel, so the sooner we can accept it and become accustomed to using it the better.

I do strongly recommend that you make the move as soon as possible so that you can be in control of the time line since if something goes wrong after the support has ended you may experience unscheduled and very inconvenient downtime.