Three Free And Secure Windows XP Alternatives

Microsoft finally pulled the plug on Windows XP on 8 April, 2014. Computers running Windows XP won't get any further security updates-patches. This means that the computers running Windows XP have become more vulnerable to the security risks even if they are running latest anti virus-malware products because operating system level exploits are beyond the scope of these products.

So what is the way forward for the people who are running Windows XP on their computers? Well they can obviously buy either Windows 7 or Windows 8. This is exactly what Microsoft wants! But what if you happen to have a computer with Windows XP and you don't have or don't want to spend money on buying Windows 7-8? Or You have a Computer that is not powerful enough to run Windows 7-8?

No need to worry! I'll give you not one, not two, but three alternatives that you can replace Windows XP with. And they all are free! And they all are far more secure than even Windows 7-8!

Here they are ladies and gentleman, Three wonderful free and secure operating systems you can use to replace your ageing and now vulnerable Windows XP.

1. Linux Mint:

What Is Linux Mint?

The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use.
Started in 2006, Linux Mint is now the 4th most widely used home operating system behind Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS and Canonical's Ubuntu.
Some of the reasons for the success of Linux Mint are:

• It works out of the box, with full multimedia support and is extremely easy to use.
• It's both free of cost and open source.
• It's community-driven. Users are encouraged to send feedback to the project so that their ideas can be used to improve Linux Mint.
• Based on Debian and Ubuntu, it provides about 30,000 packages and one of the best software managers.
• It's safe and reliable. Thanks to a conservative approach to software updates, a unique Update Manager and the robustness of its Linux architecture, Linux Mint requires very little maintenance (no regressions, no antivirus, no anti-spyware...etc).

A Few Screenshots of Linux Mint:

Linux Mint Documentation:

Linux Mint user guide is available in more than 20 languages. You can get it from the following link,

Linux Mint Official Documentation

Where To Get Linux Mint?

You can download Linux Mint 16 Petra with Cinnamon from here,

Download Linux Mint 16 Petra 32 bit version

Download Linux Mint 16 Petra 64 bit version

2. PCLinuxOS:

What is PCLinuxOS?

• PCLinuxOS is a free easy to use Linux-based Operating System for x86 desktops or laptops.
• PCLinuxOS is distributed as a LiveCD, and can also be installed to your computer. The LiveCD mode lets you try PCLInuxOS without making any changes to your computer. If you like it, you can install the operating system to your hard drive. Locally installed versions of PCLinuxOS utilize the Advanced Packaging Tool (or APT), a package management system (originally from the Debian distribution), together with Synaptic, a GUI frontend to APT for easy software installation. PCLinuxOS has over 12,000 rpm software packages available from our software repository.
• PCLinuxOS has a script called mylivecd, which allows the user to take a ‘snapshot’ of their current hard drive installation (all settings, applications, documents, etc.) and compress it into an ISO CD/DVD image. This allows easy backup of a user’s data and also makes it easy to create your own custom live CD/DVD.
• PCLinuxOS has additional support for over 85 language through our simple Addlocale interface.
• PCLinuxOS is safe and secure. You never have to worry about viruses, adware, malware or trojans infecting your computer with PCLinuxOS.

A Few Screenshots Of PCLinuxOS:

PCLinuxOS Documentation:

The best place to get PCLinuxOS related information is PCLinuxOS Knowledge Base. Here is the link to the official page,

PCLinuxOS Knowledge Base

Where To Get PCLinuxOS?

You can get the latest versions of PCLinuxOS featuring KDE from here,

Download PCLinuxOS 32 bit version

Download PCLinuxOS 64 bit version

3. SolydXK:

What Is SolydXK?

• SolydX and SolydK are Debian based distributions with the Xfce and KDE desktop.
• SolydXK aims to be simple in use, providing an environment that is both stable and secure.
• SolydXK is an open source alternative for small businesses, non-profit organizations and home users.
• The SolydXK team provides an extra layer of testing to ensure your computer’s stable and secure operation. Use the Software Manager to satisfy all your software needs from trusted repositories, thus avoiding the risks associated with internet downloads.
• Install SolydXK and never worry about installation again. Once installed, everything is ready to use out of the box. Immediately surf the Internet, watch videos and DVDs, use social media, email co-workers and friends, or write and print documents.
• The rolling release model delivers the newest versions of software for the home editions, or security patches for the business editions. The Update Manager icon in the tray notifies you of current updates. Just click and install.

A Few SolydXK Screenshots:

SolydXK Documentation:

SolydXK team has created some nice tutorials. You can view them here,

SolydXK Tutorials

Where To Get SolydXK? 

Latest editions of SolydXK built upon XFCE can be downloaded from the following links,

Download SolydXK 32 bit version

Download SolydXK 64 bit version



There you have it. Three wonderful alternatives for your computer running Windows XP. As usual feedback, suggestions, questions are more than welcome.

Cheers!!!