10 features that helped Windows XP achieve legendary status
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It's been two years since Microsoft stopped releasing
security updates for Windows XP, which first landed on PCs 15 years ago.
You can, of course, continue using your PC running the
creaky-at-the-knees operating system, but doing so ramps up the risk to your
security and privacy.
Over time, support for your favorite apps will end too, so
perhaps an alternative approach is called for. That approach obviously means
moving on from Windows XP, either to a new version of Windows or even a
completely different platform.
But what does the future hold for your trusty old PC? Read
on to find out what to do with it should you decide to finally part ways with
XP.
1. Upgrade it to Windows 7 or 8 (or Windows 10)
If you're still attached to your old PC – perhaps for
financial reasons – then ask if you might be able to upgrade it to a later
version of Windows. The obvious candidates are Windows 7 and 8, because both
will be familiar to you, and don't have demanding system requirements.
If your PC has a 1GHz or faster processor, 1GB RAM, 20GB
free hard drive space and a DirectX 9-compatible graphics card or chip, it'll
work with the newer version of Windows. Performance won't be as fast as in XP,
but it should be acceptable, particularly if you don't run too many programs at
once.
Before taking the plunge however, download and run either
the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor or Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant to get a more
detailed compatibility report – you may find the cost of upgrading or replacing
different parts of your PC is more expensive than simply replacing it.
Of course, you could upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 10,
but bear in mind that there is no way to upgrade while keeping your existing
files, programs and settings unless you manually back them up. If you're
thinking of doing this, it's also worth bearing in mind that your ageing PC's
hardware may not be up to the task of running Windows 10, and putting the cost
of a license for Microsoft's latest operating system toward a new laptop, 2-in-1
or desktop PC may be a more cost-effective move in the long rum.
Once your new PC is up and running, wait until you're happy
you've transferred over all the documents, files and other data you need from
your old PC before taking steps to securely shred all personal data from the
drive.
If you're planning to pass the computer on to someone else,
use a free tool like Eraser to wipe sensitive files from the drive, then
restore it to its factory settings before using Eraser to securely wipe any
free space for added security.
If you plan to dispose of the computer, use Darik's Boot and
Nuke tool to create a bootable CD that will completely wipe the drive of all
data, allowing you to then take it to your local recycling center or pass it on
to a charity such as Computers 4 Africa.
3. Switch to Linux
It's relatively straightforward to install and you'll find
our 25 Ubuntu tips for beginners piece a handy starting point. Look out for a
switcher's guide in a future issue of Linux Format.
4. Your personal cloud
Check out our guide to building a low-powered Linux-based
file server, or take a look at ClearOS.
5. Build a media server
Another possible use for your old PC could be as the focal
hub for your videos, photos and music, collecting them together in one
convenient central location and then piping them over the network (and wider
internet) to other devices, including computers, tablets, phones and even smart
TVs and set-top boxes. Check out our guide to building a Raspberry Pi server,
substituting your old PC for the Pi. It's by no means a powerhouse, but the
Raspberry Pi 3 is a more than capable computer if all you want to do is surf
the web, stream video and even undertake some light image editing.
6. Convert it into a home security hub
If you've got a big hard drive installed and are willing to
shell out £40-50 ($65- $85) for a wireless security camera, you could convert
your old PC into a dedicated CCTV system using Ubuntu Server and the free
Zoneminder CCTV software following our guide.
It's designed to run headless, which means you won't need to
connect a monitor or keyboard/mouse to use it; instead you'll access the system
through a web browser on another device to remotely administer it as well as
take a peek at what the cameras have recorded.
7. Host websites yourself
8. Gaming server
Depending on the age of your PC, you may find it's not
capable of handling large numbers of players, while the speed of your broadband
connection (as well as your ISP's T&Cs) may hobble any plans you have to
play over the internet.
But for small-scale gaming parties during which three or
four of you fancy shooting the heck out of each other using a classic game like
Counter-Strike or Unreal Tournament, your old PC may be just the ticket,
particularly if the game in question runs on Linux, allowing you to ditch XP at
the same time
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