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Honored Contributor
Posts: 26,475
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

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.

Fly!!! Eagles!!! Fly!!!
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,152
Registered: ‎02-05-2018

@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.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,566
Registered: ‎05-22-2010

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)

Honored Contributor
Posts: 26,475
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@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.

Fly!!! Eagles!!! Fly!!!
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,566
Registered: ‎05-22-2010

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.:-)

Honored Contributor
Posts: 39,158
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

@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

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,451
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Computer and windows 10

[ Edited ]

@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. 

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,442
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@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? 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,258
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@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.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,258
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Computer and windows 10

[ Edited ]

@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.  

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