A World Without XP: Change You Can Believe In

Hundreds of updates and hotfixes, a ton of blue screens and three service packs later, we need a change. A change that is compatible, quick, reliable, and superior…

Remembering XP

Windows has come a long way since the early days of 3.1 and 3.11. Windows 95 marked the first time that the user interface had been drastically transformed into what we now know as Windows. The advent of the Start button and the accordion-like programs menu was a new way to view software and applications. Windows 98, ME and 2000 were very much similar to the previous flavors of the Microsoft OS, XP would be the next time we’d see an obvious change in the way windows looked.
The first time I can remember seeing Windows XP, I was blown away at the bright colors, 3D-like buttons and re-configured start menu. It was on an 800 MHz Hewlett Packard and at that time most users were still using CRT monitors and a ball mouse. That was more than a decade ago and programs have changed, hardware has increased in power and capacity and yet there are some who will hold on to XP until they are literally pulled, kicking and screaming from their 10 year old operating system. I am still a big fan of the aging OS, but I no longer feel the need to use it as my primary operating system. Sure, I might keep it in the closet and pull it out every few years for nostalgia sake, but to continue using it as my main OS doesn’t make much sense. Does XP still handle pretty much everything you can throw at it, yes, but there will be a point and it will come soon when it will no longer satisfy all our needs (e.g. RAM limitations).

Start Menu

To switch or not to switch?

Sure, you could make a great point for not switching from XP to Vista because of the software compatibility issues, driver support, performance drop and bad press, but with Windows 7, most, if not all of those things are no longer an issue. There will be some software that will not work, that’s a casualty of war. I have yet to find a device that I could not find a working driver, even though I know the problem of incompatible hardware does exist. I’m one of those who can’t wait for the next installment of something and Windows is no different. Usually, I have to sacrifice compatibility for a new UI and a few new features, that has not been the case thus far. In writing this article, I have honestly searched for a compelling reason to continue using XP, and other than a few programs that will not work on 7, I have found none. Windows 7 will even include a virtual XP mode to help businesses make the switch. Money might be a reason for not making the switch, but you get what you pay for and Windows 7 certainly delivers.

Windows Explorer

Before it’s too late

How will a world without XP function? I think we’ll be alright. We may not be there yet, but I think it’s coming sooner than we’d like to think. Why wait with those clinging to something that has served its purpose, but is quickly fading into history? Windows 7 is almost here and Windows 8 will not be too far ahead. If there ever was a time to abandon ship, that time is now and it’s Change you can believe in.