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Currently have Windows XP - Upgrade path?

C

cinqo

n00b
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Messages
7
Hi everyone,

I am currently running Windows XP on my computer. I refused to play with Vista when it came out, and for various reasons (out of the country for extended periods of time) I never upgraded to Windows 7.

However, now that I am working in the country again, I'm starting to upgrade my system. When it comes to OS, however, I'm a bit stumped. XP is feeling especially dated, so here are the options I'm considering:

a) Upgrade to 7 now, then to Windows 8 when it comes out later in the year for the discounted price ($40 for pro, based on what I've seen).
b) Hold off on any upgrades until 8 ships, then upgrade to WIndows 8 when it's released.
c) Download Windows 8 Enterprise (90-days free), then upgrade when 8 is released.
d) Download Windows 7 Trial (90-days free), then upgrade when 8 is released.

My first reaction is to hold off until Windows 8 ships, then get Windows 8 Pro for $40. However, I've seen so many rumors and different prices/upgrade paths/restrictions that I figured I'd ask the people I trust most about this. Will I be able to upgrade from XP Pro directly to Windows 8 Pro with this method?

I'm also not entirely sure about the Enterprise editions - would this be more trouble than it's worth? Would it prevent me from upgrading?

Thanks, as always.
 
say goodbye to xp and dual boot options c & d, use the 90 days to decide between them. win 8 is fast, you might like it, or not ;)
 
Ubuntu !!


(sorry, that seemed like the next logical answer)


serious note: D4rkn3ss has the correct answer, don't let anyone tell you which is better, try it out for yourself.
It only takes about 30 minutes or less to fully install each.
 
Thanks for the answers so far.

How about when price is taken into consideration? Most estimates I've seen are that the speed differences between 7 and 8 are roughly 1-2%, depending on quite a few factors. Either way you slice it, it will be a LARGE upgrade from XP Pro in terms of speed, security, and usability.

a) Wait until Windows 8, take advantage of promo upgrade price ($40 XP -> Windows 8 Pro, if I'm not mistaken).
b) Upgrade now to Windows 7 ($139 for OEM @ Newegg - would this be the cheapest route for me?)

As I am in the process of buying my first home, price IS a consideration. Are these my two most reasonable routes for me to upgrade?

P.S. - While I do take the Ubuntu suggestion as a serious alternative, I do need to have a Windows OS running for work purposes.
 
cinqo said:
Thanks for the answers so far.

How about when price is taken into consideration? Most estimates I've seen are that the speed differences between 7 and 8 are roughly 1-2%, depending on quite a few factors. Either way you slice it, it will be a LARGE upgrade from XP Pro in terms of speed, security, and usability.

a) Wait until Windows 8, take advantage of promo upgrade price ($40 XP -> Windows 8 Pro, if I'm not mistaken).
b) Upgrade now to Windows 7 ($139 for OEM @ Newegg - would this be the cheapest route for me?)

As I am in the process of buying my first home, price IS a consideration. Are these my two most reasonable routes for me to upgrade?

P.S. - While I do take the Ubuntu suggestion as a serious alternative, I do need to have a Windows OS running for work purposes.
Click to expand...

Is that Windows 7 Professional? If you don't need the features in Professional, you could opt for something cheaper like Windows 7 Home Premium ($119) instead. See here: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/cat/categoryID.44066700 or $99 at Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
 
Download the Windows 8 Trial, use it for a while. If you like it, upgrade to the real deal for $40.
 
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