My 5 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 7 in 2011

PC World - Can we talk? Based on the e-mails I get every day, I know a lot of you are still using Windows XP. I can understand why; it's like a comfortable old shoe. Plus, it's bought and paid for. Windows 7 probably seems stiff and scary, and it's not like Microsoft is handing out free upgrades.

That said, it's time to move forward. Time to put Windows XP out to pasture. Out with the old, in with the new. I hope you'll trust me that I'm not shilling for Microsoft, here, but rather nudging you toward a better overall computing experience.

Here are five reasons I think it's time you adopted Windows 7:

1. It will solve your networking headaches. Windows XP can be a major pain when it comes to connecting networked PCs. Windows 7, thanks in part to HomeGroup, makes it easy-peasy.

2. It's significantly more secure. Windows XP is like a leaky balsa-wood boat floating in a sea of malware. Windows 7 is more like a battleship. I say this based on experience; I'm running nothing more than Windows 7 and a couple free third-party security tools.

3. It makes finding stuff so much easier. Thanks to features like Libraries and the ubiquitous Search box, you no longer have to waste (as much) time hunting for documents, photos, MP3s, and the like.

4. Windows Media Center is awesome, especially if you pair it with the Ceton InfiniTV 4 card. Seriously, it's better than TiVo.

5. It's just...better! Remember, that's merely my opinion talking, but Windows 7 is packed with little conveniences that make life easier. You don't fully appreciate them until you switch back to an XP system and your productivity nosedives.

So there you have my five reasons. Do you have more to add? Or do you think Windows XP is just fine, thank you, and I should keep my opinions to myself? (Fat chance of that! :)