Ubuntu 14.04 LTS desktop arrives this week as Windows XP alternative

Good timing. The OS as a whole could do with a fair amount of polish for the mainstream but it's still an awesome alternative.

The alternative versions are better if your constrained but older hardware though. Try Xubuntu for that.

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2340343/ubuntu-1404-lts-desktop-arrives-this-week-as-windows-xp-alternative

April 8 - Don't even think about using Windows XP anymore...

You really do need to kill off that XP machine! It's going to be a prime target for malicious attackers. Either move to Windows 8.1 or get a Linux distro as they're dead easy to use these days. Try Ubuntu, or for older machines: Xubuntu.). You'll be more secure and supported for software updates.

The only downside as stated in the link below is there is no easy upgrade direct from XP to Windows 8.1. You need to backup all date and do a clean install. Then reinstall all your programs and drivers.

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/02/microsoft-belatedly-attempts-to-use-friends-and-family-to-get-rid-of-windows-xp/

Whitehall and Microsoft negotiate NHS Windows XP hacker survival plan

I live with two NHS nurses... they tell me the systems are shocking...

Then I had a recent referral... it looked like it had been typed on a typewriter... This was from a central London hospital... They need a proper well managed overhaul.

Do as I say, not as I do comes to mind here *cough* ITIL *cough*

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/02/12/nhs_microsoft_win_xp_extended_support/

364 days until XP is no longer supported at all.

http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2013/04/08/365-days-remaining-until-xp-end-of-support-the-countdown-begins.aspx