ANNOUNCEMENTS

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows XP from 8/4/2014

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows XP from 8/4/2014. This does not mean that your PC will stop working, however you will no longer receive any updates for your version of Windows.

This means that any security holes and exploits found after support has ended will not be fixed; it is highly recommended by Microsoft and IT experts across the world that you upgrade to a modern operating system for both usability of your system in the future and the security of your information.

We, at Macrochip Computers, are able to install a new operating system onto your computer to help keep it up to date. All of your important data such as photos and documents will be safe, your system will be secure and you need not think about another upgrade for many years to come.

To help facilitate your migration to a more stable and secure computing environment, we have created three easy upgrade options for you to choose from.

1. Windows 7 Home Premium ($132 + cost of OS)
A very similar desktop experience to Windows XP but much more robust and stable with support from Microsoft till January 2020.

2. Windows 8.1- Now update to WINDOWS 10 ($132 + cost of OS)
Microsoft's newest desktop operating system, designed for a touch interface but can still be used with mouse and keyboard, supported by Microsoft till January 2023.

3. Ubuntu 12.04 (2 hours installation and upate time + $178)
Open Source operating system. Standard programs designed for Microsoft Windows will typically not operate on Ubuntu, however that also means that viruses, Trojans and other nasties won't work either. Supported by Canonical till April 2017.

What you should do before you bring your PC for an upgrade:

1. Back up everything that you believe is important on your system. While we will make a backup before we do any work to your system, it is always good to have a copy for yourself just in case of worst case scenarios.

2. Find installation discs and licence keys for programs that you have installed on your system. Programs like Microsoft Office require a licence key to be installed and without this key, reinstallation is usually impossible due to legal reasons.

3. Make a note of all commonly used passwords that you do not remember. When your PC is upgraded, there is a high chance your PC will "forget" passwords for websites you usually visit, leading to stress and headaches.

4. If you have a lot of important contacts and emails, it is recommended to make a backup of these. Online webmail (Hotmail/Gmail/Outlook.com) is stored on servers around the world, so this is already backed up for you.

What you should tell us when you bring your PC in for an upgrade:

1. If you use a program dedicated to sending or receiving emails such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird or Windows Live Mail. We will usually be able to save and re-set up your email account details and all your emails.

2. What programs you need us to install. If you have the disks and licence details, we can install what you want onto your system.

3. Any problems you are having with your system (if any). Sometimes an error is more than something little. If your system "freezes" or "bluescreens" on a frequent basis, an operating system update may not help you. You may have other problems that will need to be identified before installation of a new operating system.

Things to note:

Microsoft Office 2003, XP and all before are not supported from Windows 7 upwards, so you will need to acquire a new version or use an alternate office 2016. If you have Microsoft Office 2007 or newer, you are fine.

Some programs that you used previously may not work anymore. As technology marches on, certain things become left by the wayside. Most software that worked on Windows XP will work on Windows 7/8.1and now windows 10, however not every program is compatible. Many of these incompatible programs have a newer compatible version out, however, which will work.

We are not able to reinstall every piece of software that was previously on your system. Installed programs usually do not work when taken from other installations, and when they do work, they can cause problems.