Windows XP ends on April 8, 2014

The support for Windows XP will end next month and Microsoft wants you to upgrade or buy a new computer, if you haven't spend all of your tax refund. But there are alternative operating systems

Linux

Ubuntu

Lubuntu - Lightweight version of Ubuntu

ReactOS - Windows NT-based operating system. This is still in alpha. You may want to test it with a live CD or on Virtualbox because it still has a lot of more kinks to work on. Using Adobe Flash and Java on this operating system will not work and even give you a BSOD. Other software will still work, including 7zip, VLC media player.

Zorin OS - Linux based OS.

Also to those, if you upgrade to Windows 8, you cannot dual-boot because of it's secure boot, you can't even use VirtualBox on it and also Microsoft may sue you if you try to disable secure boot just as trying to jailbreak a phone. So do not upgrade, do not use Windows 8 in Virtualbox, and use these alternatives.

Update: There are false claims that a Windows XP end support message is a virus. It is not. The message is legitimate if you have Home Edition.

While Microsoft Offers Laplink PCMover Express for migrating to Windows 7 or 8, do not call the toll-free number.