That has roughly the same chance of being legit as a 9-bob note
Windows Licenses CANNOT be sold without accompanying software.
The ONLY places where downloadable licenses are available are from MS, Dell, HP and the MSDNAA/Dreamspark providers.
Your XP retail copy qualifies you for Win7 Upgrade version which runs around $100 shopping online from a legit retailer here in the states. You'll do best going with a major retailer so there's no chance of getting ripped off.
I see doing a search right now that MS still has a $40 Win8 Upgrade online so that's also a consideration since it's upgradable from XP retail, too. Clean Install with Windows 8 Upgrade
Your analogy of your friend giving you the bootleg to not asking him if his car is registered when he pulled you out of the ditch is a bit off. The equivalent in this case would be a stolen car since piracy is stealing, not an infraction.
So what about windows 8 for £24.99
Buy Windows - Microsoft Windows
Maybe that would be stretching my old hardware too far.?
Run the Upgrade Assistant and see what it has to say - but the specs for Win8 are pretty much the same as for Win7
Generally if it will run Win7 well then it will also run Win8.
But to be sure look over these minimum specs: Windows 8 system requirements - Microsoft Windows
If it meets those then run the Upgrade Assistant Windows 8 scanner to see how your hardware will work with Win8. It will even offer you a download so you can compare the price.
The Upgrade Assistant should offer you a download to buy and install after its scan. I wondered what the price is now since they're on the verge of raising the price 2/1.
It's £24.99 till the end of the month.
Is it alright or is it like vista was compared to xp?
It has an unusual button screen GUI interface for desktops, more like the Ipad GUI meant for touchscreens. Some like it and some don't. For a productive desktop experience like Win7 it can seem jarring to have the wall of buttons slam down instead of the Start Menu.
But if you don't like it you can replace that or toggle it on/off with Windows 7 Start Menu for Windows 8 freeware and even kit out your desktop with identical 8GadgetPack - Gadgets for Windows 8. This winds up with a slightly better-performing version of Win7. The only issue then is if you want to keep the Ipad-like apps or replace them with your own (e.g. Adobe Reader) keeping an eye on Control Panel>Default Programs since the preinstalled crApps are already rooted there.
I'm tempted to get 8 because I don't like changing, so if I did get 8 then I should be able to use it for a long time.
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