What Operating System Should I Use?

You can still use XP for a good while to come. XP isn't going to stop working, they just aren't going to be giving out security patches anymore. As long as your up to current, have a decent Anti-virus check, and aren't going to any unusual sites, I would say XP still has another year or two left. Of Course thats just my opinion. 

As for another OS, what are your hardware specs? Have you ever installed a OS before? 

PS. Might want to check out this article. Does a good job breaking down the options if upgrading/changing OS is the way your going.

Personally, I use a Mac, but I'd been looking for a while for a replacement for an older (read: relic), underpowered XP box. 

I chose Windows 7 because it's the OS that my sister's got on her laptop and didn't wish to confuse here with a different user interface. I've fiddled a bit with Windows 8 and I don't quite feel it's ready for prime time.

Anyway, for what it's worth, the footprint on the newer W7 box is a heck of a lot smaller than the previous one, with a decent (circa 2010) Core 2 Duo processor, 250gig 7200 RPM hard drive, 4GB memory and 64-bit. It's also got almost 10 times the graphic horsepower than the old box. Needless to say it's a Lamborghini compared to the old Fiesta.

Wound up getting it refurbished from Amazon for under $235.

Thanks for your reply. No , the Windows XP came installed on the computer and I have never installed an OS. Umm as to hardware specs I don't know but its a Dell . I would have to find out.

Thanks for your reply also.  If McAfee is going to drop XP support, then, I probably should uninstall McAfee after XP support stops. Why would I need mcAfee if it drops XP support?  OK , I do have Mozilla Firefox installed for security etc. I could probably go to AVG, which was in the computer when I got it and I uninstalled that.    As to the operating system I have no idea what to do other than to try to get Windows 7.  I have been told Windows Vista will be affected when XP drops.?

Thanks, but for $235 I could probably get a cheap laptop or tablet.  I really would like to keep this computer as long as I can. Also I asked Cox about the operating system via email. and They told me to call their technical support.  So cox itself is not much help.

C.E.E. said:
So cox itself is not much help.

Yea, thats because this has nothing to do with Cox. Its a computer issue.

Chances are if you don't know what kind of hardware you have, installing a operating system is a little unrealistic. So that means you might have to buy a new computer, eventually anyway. If your looking for something cheap, I would look into Chromebooks.  There are all different kinds, made by different companies (Sony, Samsung, HP, etc) at different price points, from 200$ to some over 2000$. Be warned, the operating system is very different, and can't do some things Windows can. Your best bet is to go to Bestbuy, or something similar, and just compare PC's to Macs, to Chromebook and see which you like better. I wouldn't suggest buying there, but its a good place to gets hands on. Just watch out for salesman trying to pull one over on ya. Be sure to do some research before you buy.

What do you mean by Hardware? Do you mean Multiprocessor, Disk Drive, Display Adapter? It has a X86 -Genuine Intel  (2)processors.  Also Physical Memory of 2046MB.  ACPl Multiprocessor, NVIDIA GeForce , DVD Drive, 2USB interface.