Should I download Windows 7
You will notice by all the innuendos 
that Fox and Hairy Biker can't pass up the chance to do a bit of Windows-bashing v Linux superiority. However, they do have a point and Linux is very good (plus it is free of course). For instructions on how to dual-boot with one of the Linux distros feel free to hop off to the Linux forum where they would just love to make another convert by telling you how wonderful Linux is and exactly how to install and run same. 
As for the question, you can stick with XP until they stop supporting it I suppose (don't know the exact date) but I would say that yes, if you can run to the cost then go for it.
I would prefer to get a new machine rather than upgrade 'cos then you will have all the benefits of a fast processor, better graphics, plenty of RAM etc etc.
Don't know what you do with your computing but most folk just do fairly basic stuff like surfing/email etc so you could argue that you might as well just stick with XP.
The difference is that all this can be done on W7 but it's nicer.
that Fox and Hairy Biker can't pass up the chance to do a bit of Windows-bashing v Linux superiority. However, they do have a point and Linux is very good (plus it is free of course). For instructions on how to dual-boot with one of the Linux distros feel free to hop off to the Linux forum where they would just love to make another convert by telling you how wonderful Linux is and exactly how to install and run same. As for the question, you can stick with XP until they stop supporting it I suppose (don't know the exact date) but I would say that yes, if you can run to the cost then go for it.
I would prefer to get a new machine rather than upgrade 'cos then you will have all the benefits of a fast processor, better graphics, plenty of RAM etc etc.
Don't know what you do with your computing but most folk just do fairly basic stuff like surfing/email etc so you could argue that you might as well just stick with XP.
The difference is that all this can be done on W7 but it's nicer.
In the days when I struggled with Windows, the fact that it was supported or unsupported made little difference.
Are you planning to give Microsoft a ring and say "I think this bit isn't working?"
If your OS works now, then it will continue to work until you want to run some program that requires an OS that was written a bit more recently.
Actually @poppy I am cursed with having to have both XP and Windows 7 machines.
Speaking as an occasional user, XP is slow but easier to use whilst Windows 7 is just a pain.
Windows 7 generates more irritating messages of the kind that say "are you a moron?".
Are you planning to give Microsoft a ring and say "I think this bit isn't working?"
If your OS works now, then it will continue to work until you want to run some program that requires an OS that was written a bit more recently.
Actually @poppy I am cursed with having to have both XP and Windows 7 machines.
Speaking as an occasional user, XP is slow but easier to use whilst Windows 7 is just a pain.
Windows 7 generates more irritating messages of the kind that say "are you a moron?".
@Poppy I did not mention Linux in my post at all, I just asked the Q about availably I don't use W7 or Vista and haven't looked at d/ling either. If I want to try a different OS I just d/l a sample and if it doesn't work all I have wasted is a cd ...
yup if you dont know the answer to a windows question, dont answer 
Well, it doesn't irritate me whatsoever - in fact I find it amusing. When I referred to it it was only meant as a bit of fun.
We are all different and it is what makes life interesting and stimulating.
Carry supporting your OS boys - it's no worse than supporting England!
Sorry about the interruption idlewis so will get back onto topic. You could use the analogy of traveling by train first class.
You will still get to your destination in second class but when you arrive you will feel all the more relaxed and contented should you
pay the extra and go first. Now that I am used to W7 (didn't like it at first - predictably), I find it very stable and pleasant to use.
If you have a pal or family member running it why not go and ask to try it?
We are all different and it is what makes life interesting and stimulating.
Carry supporting your OS boys - it's no worse than supporting England!
Sorry about the interruption idlewis so will get back onto topic. You could use the analogy of traveling by train first class.
You will still get to your destination in second class but when you arrive you will feel all the more relaxed and contented should you
pay the extra and go first. Now that I am used to W7 (didn't like it at first - predictably), I find it very stable and pleasant to use.
If you have a pal or family member running it why not go and ask to try it?
Thank you for all your replies. I will consider whether I should get Windows using the opinions in the thread.
Thanks again for all your advice.
Thanks again for all your advice.
Quote from: poppy Sorry about the interruption idlewis so will get back onto topic. You could use the analogy of traveling by train first class.
You will still get to your destination in second class but when you arrive you will feel all the more relaxed and contented should you
pay the extra and go first. Now that I am used to W7 (didn't like it at first - predictably), I find it very stable and pleasant to use.
If you have a pal or family member running it why not go and ask to try it?
Unfortunately I do have W7 in the house.
Don't like it.
If you install something it gets its own entry in the list of programs that can be run.
Finding the program you want is tedious.
I seem to remember that Windows 3.1 was just as bad though.
Unfortunately, not being a geek, I don't know about all those registry hacks that you have to do to make it work.
Thats all very well and good, But keep it on topic with linux rather than hi-jacking windows threads all the time, You know its not really the done thing, And you know it makes sense. Oh and @ HB, Please dont patronise me buddy, I never said you dont help out here or words to that effect!! Perhaps tis you that cant stand a little ribbing hmmn?
Quote from: poppy Carry supporting your OS boys - it's no worse than supporting England!
Maybe I Am being thick but WHERE did I suggest the user try Linux in this thread?
I "don't hijack threads all the time" to promote Linux, I make suggestions about solving the problem, or about having had the same problem in the past. I feel that the 2 of you are being super critical, is it because England is loosing?
(If they are? I don't follow footy but there has been a definite lack of "England scores again" in the news)
I "don't hijack threads all the time" to promote Linux, I make suggestions about solving the problem, or about having had the same problem in the past. I feel that the 2 of you are being super critical, is it because England is loosing?
(If they are? I don't follow footy but there has been a definite lack of "England scores again" in the news)
@Idlelewis I apologise for going off topic, I'm outta here 