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Tech News & Commentary
Dave in Dallas, Texas sent us the following question: “What is it exactly I need to do? I have Windows XP, and I’m hearing that it won’t be working in the near future and security issues. SO what exactly do I need to do and what kind of change do I need to make with my computer to make it work without Windows XP.”
Dave, Since April 8, 2014 support for Windows XP is no longer available. You basically have two options now. You can either upgrade your PC or get a new PC. To check if your PC is able to run Windows 8.1, download the Windows Upgrade Assistant and it will help you verify. The older your PC is, the more likely it won’t be able to run Windows 8.1. The second option is to purchase a new PC. If you remain using WIndows XP, your computer will be more defenseless towards viruses and harmful software. [JP]
Of course that brings us to your third option: You could do nothing. Windows XP – contrary to what a lot of people are thinking – will not stop working. What has stopped are the security and maintenance updates. It’s possible that your computer will continue to work for a while. (More possible if you don’t have it connected to the Internet.) But if you go this route, you have to understand that as we mentioned earlier: you will be more defenseless against new threats that pop up.
Just FYI: your upgrade will probably feel like a downgrade until you get used to it. Windows 8 is an acquired taste, or maybe an acquired sense of resignation, either way, you probably won’t like it at first, but you should eventually get used to it.
And honestly, with the cost of a new computer these days being so affordable, it’s probably just wisest to continue using your Windows XP computer until you can afford a new one. Don’t put it off forever, though, because now that Microsoft themselves no longer supports Windows XP, other software companies will begin removing it from their list of supported operating systems. That means, for instance, when a new version of your favorite web browser, or perhaps that photo editing software you like, become available, they may not work on Windows XP.
And when you purchase new devices, the odds that a driver will be available to connect them with your computer are quite small. Not being able to use that shiny new multifunction printer you just spent $100 on would be very annoying.
So the question shouldn’t be “how can I keep going with Windows XP,” the question should be “what is the most cost-effective way to get a new computer running Windows 8.1?”
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
“This Week in Tech History” Weekly Feature with Chris Graveline
Facebook Participation: What role does Facebook (or Twitter or Instagram) play in your life?
Sal in Miami, Florida said: Although I do have a professional social networking page for business connections and promotion as an online presence and alternate means of contacting or staying in contact with us, I personally use Facebook as a distraction as well as to perpetuate my smartass-ism in an otherwise virtual/phony world.
Jacqueline stated: In many ways, it quietly reveals “friends'” sincerity, hearts, and character…
Tom noted: Usually as only interesting tidbits to news I want to read about.
John from Coral Springs, Florida said: Before the 2008 election, it was simply a way for me to keep in touch with friends. Since then, it has been filled with political hate from both parties.
Cheryl in Lublin, Wisconsin stated: Helps me stay sane! Taking care of a child with special needs can be a lot so it helps take me away…and my friends and family on Facebook are there to support me.
Mike in San Jose, California listens on KLIV 1590 asked us: “I went to a place that taught blind people (which I am) how you see a computer that was special and that will talk to us, who was called the Centre Access Foundation in Sunnyvale, California. When I got out of there I tried to get myself a computer, but I found out that the software that is called Window Eyes that I was trained on and also another product Jaws which helps the computer to speak are way too expensive to afford when you are on Social Security disability. I would like for you to look a little more at the different products that there are for blind people to be able to make a computer useable and for them to have access to use it and also pricing.”
Mike, The two programs you used seem to be the standard, they are the ones most people seem to use, which is unfortunate since, as you found out, they’re around $1000 each.
There are some alternatives you can try, don’t expect them to necessarily be as good or have all the features of the ones you already know, but they may be good enough. The first would be NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) is open source, built by the community, and free. It seems to have a reasonable user base, but keep in mind that it’s free and less popular than it’s $1000 competitors, so adjust your expectations accordingly. NVDA can also interact with braille displays, which may be a plus if you happen to have one already, and there’s a flash drive version that you can take with you to make other computers accessible when you’re on the go.
Another free alternative is Thunder, a screen reader that also offers a portable version for when you’re out and about, and Webbie another program by the same people that focuses on making websites accessible.
For a more affordable paid version you could try Serotek’s System Access, frankly their website reads like the script for an informercial, they have version to fit every lifestyle, you know, in case you’re composing a letter while surfing in Hawaii or climbing Everest… but their software sells for $400, which is less than half the price of their paid competitors and they offer free updates, which is not something their competitors do, and they offer monthly plans, which might make it easier to afford the product. They also offer a trial version, so you may be able to install all the different options, paid and free, and see what works for you and whether paying makes sense. At $400 for the cheaper paid version, you may even be doubling the price of buying a computer, so the free options are worth a try, but keep in mind that there are free options and the very expensive paid ones are still around, so don’t get too excited until you find out if they’re good enough to fulfill your needs.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Guest Segment:
Ken Higgins, Director of Branded Sales – HGST
helps organizations harness the power of data through a broad portfolio of proven
CEA Update with Samantha Nevels
Did you know that recycling electronics is almost as easy as purchasing them? Samantha Nevels with the Consumer Electronics Association explains what the consumer electronics industry has been doing to increase recycling – in this week’s CEA Update.
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
Other World Computing (OWC): Nuguard KX phone cases for Samsung Galaxy S4, iPhone 4/4S and 5
Phone Halo: StickR TrackR — Find any object you attach it to with your smartphone
PURE: Jongo Wireless Adapters — Allows you to stream all your music wirelessly to your home audio system.
Tylt: A plethora of USB charging cables for iPhone and Android phones and iPhone battery cases.
“Into Tomorrow”: Microfiber Screen Cleaning Cloths with Dave’s cartoon on them, for all your smartphones, tablets, TVs, camera lenses and computer screens!