topic Re: Computer and windows 10 in Electronics

Computer and windows 10

chlema — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 16:37:39 GMT

I have this 7 year old computer that works perfectly - and fast. It has windows 7 which in January will no longer be supported by microsoft. I wonder if I can buy windows 10 and install it on this computer or do I have to buy a new computer for $$?

Re: Computer and windows 10

tends2dogs — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 17:15:58 GMT

What does that even mean "no longer supported by Microsoft" ? You won't get the updates? I find that a nusiance and never an improvement.

As you can tell, I have no idea . We have Windows 10 and it took some getting used to after 7, but that was several years ago. We won't switch until we need new computers. These are good enough for what we use them for.

I hope you find the answer you want and need, @chlema .

Re: Computer and windows 10

MKR14 — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 17:25:14 GMT

Microsoft means that they will no longer have any more updates for Windows 7. It does not mean that your computer will not work. It will work fine unless there are updates that would affect not being upgraded on your computer.

If you want to put Windows 10 on your computer you can go to the Microsoft site and I believe there is a place you hit to check your computer to see if it is eligible for the update.

You have to have enough ram and enough space on your hard drive to handle Windows 10.

If you want to get a new computer that is up to you and what you can afford to do.

I hope this helps.

Re: Computer and windows 10

FranandZoe — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 17:22:52 GMT

My laptop - Windows 7 - is a little over 10 years old and works just fine. If it ain't broke don't fix it is my opnion. You might not have enough memory/storage to support Windows 10. Not sure what you'd need MS support for anyway actually.

Re: Computer and windows 10

SilleeMee — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 17:39:09 GMT

If it's an old computer then that means it has old hardware which might not support 100% of Win10 OS or some of its updates and that might leave you vulnerable to security breaches. You may even experience problems while visiting certain websites because of compatibility issues with your software and theirs. In other words, using your old computer may be functional but it still lacks up-to-date hardware to handle security protection. Proceed with caution or just buy a new one. There are valid and relevant reasons why old computers need to be replaced with new.

Re: Computer and windows 10

Foxxee — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 02:04:55 GMT

Windows 10 is compatible with Windows 7.

However, your computer and its parts have a lifespan. At 7 years, I'd buy a new one. You have an elderly computer. If you don't want to buy a new one...

I'd make sure your computer is compatible...hardware. Your computer may run fast now, but much slower with Windows 10. Windows 10 is a hog. Do you have enough memory, etc? Upgrading your computer might be costly. See:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-compatibility

https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-10-specifications

If you have an older printer, all of the functions may not work, though. I bought an HP laser at the time I was using Windows 7. HP offered a generic driver for new versions of Windows. My printer no longer prints on both sides of the paper with Windows 10. HP pretty much said, "Buy a new printer if you want that function."

I'm still using Microsoft Office Suite 7 and it's working fine with 10.

If possible, I would do a clean install of Windows 10. Remove 7, then install 10. It's not necessary, but I have a few glitches that would be solved if I had done a clean install. I would use technical support from the manufacturer to do it for you, or find someone you know who knows how. Local techies. Best Buy or other computer stores.

If you don't want to do that, you'll need to download it from Microsoft over Windows 7. I would do it before Microsoft stops supporting 7.

Also, when I downloaded 10, Microsoft gave me a year free support. So, if you run into snags, they will help you with the download. Don't know if they still offer that.

I would use technical support to do a clean install, but others here may suggest otherwise.

Re: Computer and windows 10

chlema — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 17:46:50 GMT

@SilleeMee LOL, yes, according to microsoft they will not be supporting windows 7 after this month, so no updates.

Tried to buy a Dell computer this morning on their website with cyber deals but they are all sold out and hate to spend almost $700 for a new desktop when this one is just fine.

Re: Computer and windows 10

SilleeMee — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 18:03:46 GMT

Think of it like driving an old car, for example one that has no seat belts...like an old computer with old outdated hardware for instance. Well you can drive that old car just fine. But if you get into a crash then that's when the problems start. @chlema

Re: Computer and windows 10

Still Raining — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 18:15:38 GMT

One problem with anything this "old" that other thing age out. I have had problems with printer drivers and such.

Keep looking, there are deals out there.

Re: Computer and windows 10

KingstonsMom — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 19:29:45 GMT

We were facing the same thing, but DH (an engineer and computer tech) opted to purchase new laptops (from the manufacturer) because he said the same thing that others here have said, other things on the computer have had 7 years of 'wear and tear'.

Re: Computer and windows 10

gardenman — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 21:17:40 GMT

Buying Windows 10 will cost you $100 (more or less) so you'll want to keep that in mind as you make your decision. You can buy refurbished desktops with Windows 10 preinstalled for under $200. Walmart.com sells an HP 6300 with an Intel i5 3.2 gz CPU, eight gbs RAM, 1tb hard drive for $179.96. It's not a bad option. Newegg, Tiger Direct, Amazon and others also sell lots of refurbished computer options in similar price ranges. You can get refurbished laptops or desktops, even Chromebooks. Lots of businesses, schools, and offices rent computer hardware and give them back when the lease is up. There's a glut of used computers out there these days.

Re: Computer and windows 10

Alison Wonderland — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 21:26:36 GMT

@chlema wrote:
I have this 7 year old computer that works perfectly - and fast. It has windows 7 which in January will no longer be supported by microsoft. I wonder if I can buy windows 10 and install it on this computer or do I have to buy a new computer for $$?

Can you? Maybe so. You can check the specs required for Windows 10 against those of your computer and decide.

Should you? I probably wouldn't. It depends on what you use the computer to do.

Maybe you don't need to do either. Depending on what you use your computer for, you may be able to get away with a Chromebook, which doesn't have the power or memory of a complete laptop or computer, but MAY suit your needs.

Re: Computer and windows 10

chlema — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 23:29:06 GMT

I probably will replace my old computer, but not sure what to replace it with. I like your suggestion of a refurbished computer but is there a worry that there may be something on it that could be dangerous? (can you tell that not only is my computer old but so is the user lol)

Re: Computer and windows 10

gardenman — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 01:02:34 GMT

@chlema wrote:
I probably will replace my old computer, but not sure what to replace it with. I like your suggestion of a refurbished computer but is there a worry that there may be something on it that could be dangerous? (can you tell that not only is my computer old but so is the user lol)

It would be very unlikely that anything dangerous would be on the refurb computer. Most refurb places wipe the hard drive or replace it completely, and do a fresh Windows install. The businesses that had the computers really want them wiped clean before they're resold. The last thing they want are their marketing plans or inside information getting loose. One of the quirky things with refurb computers is that sometimes the refurbs were never used by the leasee. They'll often lease spare computers in case they need them later, and they just sit unused in a storeroom until sent back. You can sometimes get an essentially new computer if you're lucky. Some you get might look like they've been in a war if you're unlucky. Refurbs are a good, low-cost option if your needs aren't too extreme.

Re: Computer and windows 10

chlema — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 02:28:48 GMT

Well no, my needs are far from extreme @gardenman lol. I do my email, facebook, shopping and pay my bills, that's about it. Thanks for your advice re refurbished computers, just may go that route.:-)

Re: Computer and windows 10

SilleeMee — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 03:04:36 GMT

@chlema wrote:
Well no, my needs are far from extreme @gardenman lol. I do my email, facebook, shopping and pay my bills, that's about it. Thanks for your advice re refurbished computers, just may go that route.:-)

If thats all you do with a computer @chlema then you might like a Chromebook, especially the price. Chromebooks have their own maintenance-free operating system and they come with built-in security...no anti-virus needed. Just sign on with your google account and go. Simple, user friendly and worry-free automatic updates. This link here will help answer some questions you might have about Chromebooks:

https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/3265094?hl=en

Re: Computer and windows 10

Nuttmeg — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 13:56:44 GMT

@chlema wrote:
I probably will replace my old computer, but not sure what to replace it with. I like your suggestion of a refurbished computer but is there a worry that there may be something on it that could be dangerous? (can you tell that not only is my computer old but so is the user lol)

You may want to consider a refurbished Dell XPS desktop. A basic desktop has decent specs and this model comes one year on-site warranty. I buy my monitors new the warranty is better. Dell site explains the three different types of renewed products.

Here are good basic specs.

i5-9400 processor

8 GB of RAM

2GB graphics card

1 TB 7200 drive

CD-DVD drive

You may want to call CS to help you find a monitor to match the connector on the graphics card.

Re: Computer and windows 10

glb613 — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 11:05:14 GMT

@chlema wrote:
I have this 7 year old computer that works perfectly - and fast. It has windows 7 which in January will no longer be supported by microsoft. I wonder if I can buy windows 10 and install it on this computer or do I have to buy a new computer for $$?

I recently revived an older HP notebook computer with Windows 7 installed to do work for an organization I volunteer. I don't do any banking or shopping, have antivirus installed along with other security software. I plan on using it long after Microsoft DCs support. If it was my main computer, I wouldn't.

The amount of money you save buying a refurbished computer isn't worth it for me. You can buy a new computer for a reasonable price. As far as learning Windows 10, you will need to eventually so why not now?

Re: Computer and windows 10

Boehm Collector — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 13:24:49 GMT

@chlema wrote:
I have this 7 year old computer that works perfectly - and fast. It has windows 7 which in January will no longer be supported by microsoft. I wonder if I can buy windows 10 and install it on this computer or do I have to buy a new computer for $$?

@chlema .. I have the same issue with my computer at work. My IT person told me that not all computers take kindly to switching from Windows 7 to 10. Before he got to check it out for compatibility I decided to just purchase a new computer. Since mine is old (as old as yours or older)..... I decided I don't want it to die on me and be left without a computer for work. So I ordered a new Dell .. on sale. It arrived on Saturday. I will have my IT person install it ASAP.

Re: Computer and windows 10

Boehm Collector — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 13:29:51 GMT

@FranandZoe wrote:
My laptop - Windows 7 - is a little over 10 years old and works just fine. If it ain't broke don't fix it is my opnion. You might not have enough memory/storage to support Windows 10. Not sure what you'd need MS support for anyway actually.

@FranandZoe .. there won't be any more security updates for Windows 7. Although my computer works fine (in spite of being old) I would not take the risk. So I ordered a new computer for work.