The long-anticipated death of support for the over-a-decade old Windows XP operating system happens on April 8. For those who are still stuck on the XP ecosystem, here are a few tips for how to move on.

Why Move On?

The first thing that needs to be addressed for Windows XP holdouts is why they need to (at least eventually) upgrade to a new system. When the clock strikes midnight on April 7, your XP computer will still run (assuming it's still running), but Microsoft's technical support, security updates, and other bug fixes will stop flowing to your machine.

The upside? Eventually, there will be no more annoying Microsoft update bubbles popping up on the left-hand corner of your screen when you log in.

The downside? What's already one of the most virus-prone computer operating systems in existence will suddenly lose nearly all ability to prevent new viruses from messing with your computer. Updates to Microsoft's anti-malware software (not to the OS) will continue for a year, but that will offer limited protection.

This may not personally be a big deal in the first months after XP support ends, but eventually, you'll have to expect anything you do on your machine -- banking, typing in passwords for your favorite sites, and simply using the computer in a semi-functional way -- to be as tenuous as eastern Ukraine's borders.

How To Move On: A New Computer

In most cases, if you're running XP because it was pre-installed on your computer, it's probably time to invest in a new piece of hardware altogether. 

It's not a nice position to be in, for those who have kept their XP computer because buying a new machine is a big investment, but there's some help on the way.

Discounted Windows 8.1 Laptop from Microsoft

First, to help get people off of Windows XP computers, Microsoft has discounted several laptops on its online store and in its retail stores by $100 for upgraders who present their XP bone fides. However, the deal is only good until June 15 of this year or "while supplies last," and the cheapest new computer is still $600.

$100 Discount at Best Buy on Any Computer

Best Buy is also offering a $100 discount, and you can find cheaper deals on some computers than Microsoft is offering, especially if you switch to a Google Chromebook. But Best Buy's offer is only valid until May 3, and the $100 discount is in a gift card, $100 is the maximum you can get for trading in your XP machine, and "trade-in value may vary," says Best Buy -- especially if you're getting rid of an old computer (which, if you're switching from XP, is very likely), your trade-in value may only be the minimum of $25.

Upgrading Your Operating System

If you have a (relatively) new computer, and are not sure about investing in another piece of hardware yet, there are options for getting out of the XP virus trap without shelling out hundreds of dollars for a Windows 8.1 computer or switching to an unfamiliar OS like Chrome.

If your computer has the system requirements, you can buy and download -- or get an install DVD in the mail (probably the easier option) for a clean install -- for Windows 7 or Windows 8. 

Windows 7 - The Easiest Step for XP Users

If you're worried about the touchscreen-ification of Windows 8, Windows 7 is probably the way to go. Although Microsoft is pushing Windows 8 very hard, you can get Windows 7 online for cheaper, it's a lot closer to XP, but with the added benefit of not being the trainwreck Vista. It also has compatibility mode for your old XP apps, and a specific XP mode for apps that won't work any other way. Here are the system requirements, and keep in mind that buying and installing a RAM upgrade is cheaper than a new computer, and for many that might be the only thing holding them back.

Windows 8 - What Microsoft Wants You To Do

Windows 8 has similar system requirements, if you're willing to try out the new interface, which Microsoft has been kind enough to update with a Start button for old-school Windows users. Microsoft is selling Windows 8 for a little over $100, so if your computer can handle it, that might be the way to go.

Keep in mind with all of these upgrades, you'll want to backup your data. But with a Windows 7 installation, you can keep much of your files and settings without migrating everything back. Installing Windows 8, though, means performing a clean install and losing everything you haven't backed up on your hard drive.

If you have a Windows XP computer, what are you planning to do? Will you tough it out on XP for as long as possible, buy a new machine, or upgrade your system software? And which OS will you go with? Let us know in the comments.