

Your Windows XP migration survival guide.
Fast forward migration
As you’d expect, there’s a load of companies ready to make money off migration – and they’re doing so by speeding up the process. For SMBs, it might be wise to get some free advice over exactly what suits their needs.
As PCWorld Business MD, Alan Ritchie, says: "Newer operating systems have been designed to capitalise on the latest trends, including mobile working, and upgrading may provide the perfect opportunity to build mobility into your business.
"There are numerous ways to address the situation, and they are not necessarily costly or disruptive to day-to-day operations. If you haven’t already done so, you should seek out expert advice to discern the system migration plan that will best suit your company."
For larger businesses, there’s some powerful automation tools from the likes of Dell, whose Migration Fast Forward Service helped French academic institution EHESP migrate 600 PCs to Windows 7 in one month.
Take advantage of Microsoft’s migration tool
Hang on, Microsoft can help with migration too! It’s obviously keen to boost Windows 7 and 8 usage, so it’s teamed up with file sync firm Laplink to offer free file transfer this month.
It works by copying over files and settings from XP to 7, 8 or 8.1. If you need to send over applications as well, then Laplink offers a premium tool – for a price.