Knowing if and how you should break up with your old operating system can be hard. Symantec offers some practical advice to help you resolve your dilemma.

1. 1 Breaking Up With Your Old Operating System

2. 2 Knowing if and how you should break up with your old operating system can be hard. Here's some practical advice to help you resolve your dilemma.

4. Are you still Compatible?

5. Are you getting the support you need?

6. Do you find yourself eyeing other OS’s?

7. Is it time to move on?Evaluate the Relationship

9. Define what you have

10. Identify potential risks and costs

11. Gather resources

12. Formulate plan

13. Stick with the planPlanning D-Day

15. Talk to others for support and advice

16. Build a taskforce

17. Consult with partners who can act as a pilot test for the migration You Are Not Alone

19. Eliminate unnecessary files

20. Evaluate current set of desktop images

21. Throw away duplicate or dated filesDitch the Baggage

23. Flag and prepare all essential files and applications you want on your new OSDon’t leave your things behind

25. Enlist the help of a comprehensive security solution to stay ahead of hackers and malware

26. Use multiple layers of securityTime to change your locks

28. Notify other people that may be affected

29. Work closely with coworkers and key decision makers

30. Keep everyone involved and currentRelationship Status: It’s Complicated

32. Avoid foreseeable busy periods

33. Give yourself enough timeTiming is Everything

35. Don’t look back

36. Cut ties with old OS completely

37. Keep momentum until the final desktop has been migratedWhen It’s Over, It’s Over