A lot of Windows XP users, especially those who also use Microsoft Security Essentials, will know that Windows XP has now passed its end of life (EOL).

This means:

• no more security updates
• increasing risk when browsing the Internet
• reduced support from third-party software vendors

Continuing on with Windows XP is potentially dangerous, as these systems will be increasingly targeted by malicious hackers as time goes by.  Security software, such as anti-virus programs, will cease to support Windows XP, and you will be a juicy target, simply due to the number of Windows XP systems still out there, that the malicious hackers know as well as anyone will never be updated.

The alternatives are:

• upgrade to Windows 7, which is getting hard to find now, especially at big box stores, and will very likely require some major hardware upgrades, or more likely a new computer. (Cost: $250+)
• upgrade to Windows 8, which has already been updated to Windows 8.1 due to lackluster sales and consumer feedback from the radically changed, and some say unusable interface. This usually also requires major hardware upgrades, or more likely a whole new computer. (Cost: $250+)
• upgrade to Linux, which a lot of companies are doing due to the end of Windows XP support.  This usually requires minimal, if any, hardware upgrades, and can do the vast majority of what most people use their computers for, securely, safely, and easily. (Cost: ~$60)

 CB Services has more than 15 years experience in the Linux operating system.  Let us take a look at your system and use case, and see if Linux will work for you.

For home users with capable hardware that's not failing, the price for an upgrade usually runs about $60.  This includes backing up all your personal files from Windows XP, and restoring them on Linux.

For business users, there are potentially network/server/custom software issues that have to be checked, so give us a call and see what can be done for you.