Support for Windows XP is ending soon

Can you?

Do you have the technical know how (even with step-by-step instructions) to backup your data, wipe the computer, install some (did you pick a version yet) Linux OS, get the proper drivers and such installed for the internal and external hardware, get it connected to your network, install whatever (if any) compatible software you are currently using (the Linux counterparts of whatever Windows software you are used to) and copy your data (in a usable format) to the system and use it?

Or will that cost money?  Possibly more than the 200-400 USD you might spend to get a refurbished Windows 7 system from some place like Tiger Direct where some (if not all) of what you are used to utilizing will still work and you don't have to do quite as much as you would learning a new OS based on a completely different platform all togetherness Han what you currently use?

That's all something only you can answer for you...

I have been using XP ever since i have seen a computer. I have only 512 mb RAM and too low hard disk space. I don't want to upgrade my h/w. What OS should i use now? Should i keep using XP or not?

I found this post here that tells a lot about using Linux. Should i switch to Linux or what?

Not a very good argument, IMO.  

Windows XP was sold for just under 9 years to the general public.  During the same decade that saw a huge increase in computers being in the home as well as business sectors in great numbers.  It was sold in the same places that normal people got their other everyday supplies and was out without a replacement for longer than any other Microsoft operating system - which dominated(s) the OS market at that/this time.

In less than half the time (I'd say less than 1/3 actually) Windows XP was available (and there was at least a year of overlap, if not more) the Windows 7 installation base took over the OS market share by a large percentage and still dominates the overall market with well over 40% of the systems running it.

when you consider that likely half or more of the systems being reported as running Windows XP are likely found at places (businesses) such as banks (ATMs), retail POS equipment, hospitals/equipment, etc. - that just shows the apathy in some fields of business, not that Windows XP is any better than anything else.  It costs a lot to change, particularly when dealing with businesses who did not make IT part of their long term planning strategy and cost analysis.

So, Windows XP does have a large market share - but to assume it is because *it* is doing something right is assigning the credit to something that, like its counterparts, only does what it is told to do.  It's still dominant, in my opinion, due to longevity, poor planning, complacency and possibly economics.

The critics when XP was first released called it and ugly, crayola-inspired and insecure deviation of what Windows 2000 was to the business world as well as the home market.  (Paraphrased of course.). Surprisingly, (not!) that same cycle repeated twice since then.  Reject, accept, reject, accept, reject...

Windows XP is an Old, Out of Date and Obsolete Operating System. You really need to update to a Newer OS like Windows 7 or 8.1      If you don't like Windows 8.1 at least update to Windows 7 (Don't bother with Windows Vista, it's BAD!!)