donnas ... Virus program you might want to make sure the program itself is upgraded to latest version. And then keep the virus definitions updated daily.. should be ok for a while.. how long of a while would be strictly a wild guess. edit; Here is a list of anti-virus programs and their estimated end of life dates with xp .. at MajorGeeks site Personally if I had an XP computer, I don't think I would feel comfortable with online banking or bill paying or anything that might affect monies in the future. hald ... you can manually download and install 8.1-update1. Might save you from downloading it twice,,, once on each computer. See the link below. You need to make sure you have KB2919442 installed first.. before installing the about 700mb KB2919355, after that's installed run windows update again and it will offer about a 200mb custom version of the 355 to finish it off with all the other kb's built in it. Here is a link that might be useful: Answers.Microsoft.com forum page with links This post was edited by mikie on Sat, Apr 12, 14 at 7:41

Here's some info from fixya.com. It follows along with owbist's suggestion. "Create a new folder on your desktop and name it newhpdrivers(substitute your manufacturer in new name). Un-intall printer and printer software completely. Go to manufacturers website and navigate to their drivers/downloads or support menu. Select your model, choose the relevant software and download to the new folder you created on your desktop. Power down your computer. Reconnect the printer to the computer and turn printer on. Power on pc. Windows will detect new hardware and ask if you have the manufacturers install cd or a location to check for install files. Direct the wizard to your new software, follow the rest of the setup instructions and your (you are?) done."

Hate it. Had to get it last March after XP computer toasted itself. Just this past weekend I received an e-mail from HP asking if I wanted to extend the warranty - with the ability to call a tech for assistance. I took it. I called them a lot during the early days since Best Buy sold me a printer and a flash drive for factory back-up that were compatible only with Windows 7 and the key card for Word 2013 - and I hate it - could only be used once and of course it didn't work the first time. Best Buy was useless and there is no way I should have had to pay the Geek Squad to hook up a basic printer - I didn't, I called the printer manufacturer and HP. HP had already sent me a warning re making sure my computer could handle Win 8.1 - I decided to just not even try it. The tech I spoke with when I bought the extended warranty suggested I not do it. Our Internet provider does not support Win 8 or Internet 10 so that is another problem. And if your problem is anything other than the Internet connection failing they transfer you to a "specialist" and charge you. Cdns. already pay a lot for basic services. Then there is the e-mail issue. My husband's office is going to stick with Win 7 and Word 2010. I can't pay to switch back to Win 7 because I never had it. But the difference between Win 7 and Win 8 is great - same with Word 2010 and Word 2013. All I use the computer for is Word, Internet and e-mail. I don't shop or belong to Facebook etc. I use a keyboard - and HP added a few keys so I am making mistakes that I never did before despite typing 120 wpm! I helped a friend book an air ticket using her tablet - I don't want a tablet - I need a real mouse. The future is looking grim computer wise. Then there is the cell phone issue. I don't have one - did for 2 years. I don't text. I would just like to have a plain cell phone that functions only as a phone. I have the phone that I used for the 2 years but it won't accommodate a pay as you go card. I don't understand how people can watch TV on a tiny little screen while driving yet need a 60 inch screen at home. I guess I am just too old!

I don't think she was considering upgrading her current pc to a newer version of windows but updating by getting a new pc with a newer OS. I would not recommend trying to put one of the newer versions of windows on a very old pc it would have to be checked for compatibility before hand and likely would have a lot of things that would need to be changed and updated if it would work at all. Some other articles and videos that help explain and give you a look at what it is all about. Windows 8: 8 Things You Need to Know Is Windows 8 for you? #8. Getting Started With Windows 8 - Pro's N Con's and the new 8.1 coming out soon MEET WINDOWS 8.1 PREVIEW For those with windows 8 if you want to upgrade to 8.1 Microsoft makes Windows 8.1 more DIY-friendly with full versions Microsoft Windows 8.1 free to Windows 8 users, $119.99 and up for others First look at Windows 8.1 for those that are used to smart phones or tablets will see some similarities with this version of windows and how our phones and tablets work. I think the touch screen options are great, I am so used to them on my phone and tablet when I get back on my desktop I keep trying to pinch my monitor LOL! It does not like that. My thought is don't be afraid of the new technology it gives us a chance to work out those brain cells. But again don't let someone else tell you what you need!