Chubber Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Well, finally I admit I will have to change my old Compaq Pressario V5000. 15" Laptop runnings Windows XP. The imminent withdrawal of Windows support has forced my hand although I would like something that reacts more quickly. Even using something old fashioned like Microsoft Photodraw for my drawing needs is slow, I have tried Corel Draw but it almost grinds to a halt! SWMBO has a two-year old ADVENT running with Windows 8, I hate it, and I don't want 'touch screen' neither do I want to play 'Shoot'em up' games on the internet. I don't do Face Book or any 'Soshal Meeja' either. I want something which will - Handle emails and internet Run a moderately capable drawing/photo editing suite Do 'Word' type things Run a photo/file archiving system that I understand like FastStone Play videos/stream films and, as my eyesight deteriorates further, run an 18" flat screen monitor work with fast enough graphics to handle 'Virtual Railway thingie' programmes and be reasonably future proof. So, if you have had the patience to read thus far may I ask What is/was Windows 7 and can I still get it? Is an Apple Mac the answer on a budget of £500 max to include any necessary software, bearing in mind I have 'Windows Office Pro' already? Were I to live in UK I could visit the relevant outlets but they would assuredly all tell me something different to suit their own sales targets etc. I should be visiting UK in the early part of this year and choose to source a replacement there as I want a QWERTY keyboard etc. So, as RMWebbers and railway modellers what advice would you be prepared to give me? [Think along the lines of explaining Particle Physics to a five-year-old...] Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HLT 0109 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Doug, I don't know how much I can help but I have just replaced my XP computer for a high-spec Windows 8.1 computer and have not found any difficulty in switching between operating systems. Unlike Windows 8, 8.1 is not touch screen and I use a mouse/keyboard in the same way as with XP. I have just had a quick look on the Dell website and they appear to sell computers with Vista so that suggests to me that Windows 7 might also be available if you wanted it. However, I would suggest that, if you can get the computer you want with Windows 8.1, you will not be disappointed. A word or two of caution - existing software may not work with 8.1 and may require upgrades (or even replacing); printers will need updated drivers and you may find that the printer manufacturer does not do a suitable driver. Harold. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodenhead Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 For office software, look at libre office, it's freeware with the look and feel of the last proper office, 2003. It works nicely with windows 8.1 and supports MS Office file types including modern xlsx, docx etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted February 2, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 2, 2014 With a budget of £500 mac is not the answer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Traxson Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Doug, I don't know how much I can help but I have just replaced my XP computer for a high-spec Windows 8.1 computer and have not found any difficulty in switching between operating systems. Unlike Windows 8, 8.1 is not touch screen and I use a mouse/keyboard in the same way as with XP. I have just had a quick look on the Dell website and they appear to sell computers with Vista so that suggests to me that Windows 7 might also be available if you wanted it. However, I would suggest that, if you can get the computer you want with Windows 8.1, you will not be disappointed. A word or two of caution - existing software may not work with 8.1 and may require upgrades (or even replacing); printers will need updated drivers and you may find that the printer manufacturer does not do a suitable driver. Harold. I agree with this having also had my hand forced by "mickey soft" I too have had to upgrade. I bought an office suite to suit at the same time. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am the original computer luddite /numpty but, having paid for all my useable data from my XP system to be transferred, I only had one or two minor shouting matches with Windows 8.1 before I got used to it. I also have to say that despite what I had heard "PC World/Currys" in Derby they were extremely helpful and managed to explain what I needed to know in non technical language and set up the mouse and keyboard system to suit me very well after I had given them a similar brief to Doug's. They also set up a system for my wife whose disability means that touch screen is out of the question, again very helpful. Paying extra for a tutorial from them was very worthwhile too. Phil T. Port Wynnstay Models Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted February 2, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 2, 2014 Every time I have a PC breakdown - and I only buy desktops, because they are far better specified and value for money - I simply wander into the nearest large supermarche and buy what's on offer as a simple base unit. That way the monitor - 24" ones are now cheap as chips - and all the hard-drives and so on simply transfer. Ok, I have to dump the new azerty keyboard, but so what. Leclerc, Carrefour, Auchan - whatever is your local bigger shop - all have something to offer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenBR Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Hello, Hate laptops love desktops. Linux could be the answer (mint) is the closest to windows Windows 7 is good open office / libre office is free gimp is free works in win and Linux The choice will always be YOURS. Win 7 runs "xp mode" so you can run your old progs that are not compatible with win 7 / 8 When a desktop breaks you replace the bit that is broken. When a laptop breaks you are stuffed and need to take it to a shop to have it repaired (usually) Just a few thoughts Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Do NOT buy anything with Windows 7 - MS have announced that they are ceasing support of that system in April 2015 I'm sticking to XP Pro till it breaks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold traction Posted February 2, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 2, 2014 So they are ceasing support Windows 7 in 2015!!!!! That didn't last long, and by all accounts it's better than Vista! There again though, so what if there is no support, what does it actually mean to us home users? I still have a Netbook using XP and I will keep on using it, will the lack of support suddenly render the Netbook completely non functioning? As I only use the Netbook to run Hornby RailMaster I really can't see it being a problem myself. Cheers Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete 75C Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Can I ask why the so-called "support" is important and is enough to make some people dash out and buy a new computer? In this house, we have PCs running XP, Vista and even an old laptop my daughter uses for schoolwork running Win98! Admittedly that has had more memory thrown at it and a bigger hard drive. As for the OS, the PCs switch on, connect to the net and do what they've always done (albeit probably too slowly for games etc). If Microsoft stops providing "support" for an OS, it doesn't mean the computer's useless from that date onwards. Sorry, I'm not particularly tech-minded but the cessation of support seems like a ploy to make you all dash out and buy the very latest computer. Apologies for the cynicism, but I just don't get it... Pete (happily living in the computer dark ages)... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold traction Posted February 2, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 2, 2014 The Ploy seems very apt to me, I'm sure Apple Idiot do the same thing with the different versions of the Iphone. I think this sums it up nicely! Or is that too cynical? Cheers Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Dan Randall Posted February 2, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 2, 2014 Love it! Regards Dan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete 75C Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Or is that too cynical? Probably! Funny though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZiderHead Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Do NOT buy anything with Windows 7 - MS have announced that they are ceasing support of that system in April 2015 Win7 Mainstream Support ends Jan 2015 - this includes phone/email support. Win7 Extended Support ends Jan 2020 - this includes security and product updates, drivers, bug fixes etc. Ive never used their support system but if its important to you, you have another year for help with installation. Otherwise Win7 will be fine to use for at least another 6 years. Win7 is still available as a downgrade option from HP, no idea when that will end but going on previous OSes I'd guess 2 years? Maybe longer since Win8 is such a dog's dinner. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nimbus Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 So they are ceasing support Windows 7 in 2015!!!!! That didn't last long, and by all accounts it's better than Vista! There again though, so what if there is no support, what does it actually mean to us home users? I still have a Netbook using XP and I will keep on using it, will the lack of support suddenly render the Netbook completely non functioning? Legit copies of XP still arise on eBay. I got one, to run in VirtualBox on my MacBook. But I wonder how long it will be before MS switch off their authentication servers so that new installs of anything other than their favoured OS becomes impossible? The Nim. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewartingram Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Can I ask why the so-called "support" is important and is enough to make some people dash out and buy a new computer? In this house, we have PCs running XP, Vista and even an old laptop my daughter uses for schoolwork running Win98! Admittedly that has had more memory thrown at it and a bigger hard drive. As for the OS, the PCs switch on, connect to the net and do what they've always done (albeit probably too slowly for games etc). If Microsoft stops providing "support" for an OS, it doesn't mean the computer's useless from that date onwards. Sorry, I'm not particularly tech-minded but the cessation of support seems like a ploy to make you all dash out and buy the very latest computer. Apologies for the cynicism, but I just don't get it... Pete (happily living in the computer dark ages)... Similar drift? I run a 2001 Rover 75. Rover closed down in the mid-00's, so no support**. BUT the 75 is still going (just run in at 175K) and will do for a good while yet. **No support from Rover, but XParts are still the spares chain; Many consumables still available from Rover's sub-contractors. I'm sticking with XP Pro. Doing as I always do, replace a hard drive here, a DVD drive there as time goes on. My desktop (can't stand laptops) is still my original PC from Windows 3.1 days, though over time the case, mother board, drives and all periphials have been changed! Stewart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob F Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Similar drift? I run a 2001 Rover 75. Rover closed down in the mid-00's, so no support**. BUT the 75 is still going (just run in at 175K) and will do for a good while yet. **No support from Rover, but XParts are still the spares chain; Many consumables still available from Rover's sub-contractors. I'm sticking with XP Pro. Doing as I always do, replace a hard drive here, a DVD drive there as time goes on. My desktop (can't stand laptops) is still my original PC from Windows 3.1 days, though over time the case, mother board, drives and all periphials have been changed! Stewart Not quite a valid analogy as after April when XP support ends there will no longer be any security patches from Microsoft. This means that when the next major vulnerability is discovered (which it will be) there will be no fix and if you use your PC online you are much more likely to be compromised. Certainly the machine will not stop working after April but you are much more likely to vulnerable to any sort of attack. ROB Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold traction Posted February 2, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 2, 2014 Thats answered my question really about Windows not supporting older versions. Yes there is no support, but it will still work OK, until new software can only run on the latest OS. I think I will stick with Linux Mint and run Windows in Virtual Box, that way when I go on the Internet I will be using the Linux system so safe from attack. Windows is only there to use those programs that don't run in Linux. Cheers Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold mcowgill Posted February 2, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 2, 2014 Not quite a valid analogy as after April when XP support ends there will no longer be any security patches from Microsoft. This means that when the next major vulnerability is discovered (which it will be) there will be no fix and if you use your PC online you are much more likely to be compromised. Certainly the machine will not stop working after April but you are much more likely to vulnerable to any sort of attack. ROB However most of the vulnerabilities can be dealt with, we have a number of machines that I look after at work that can't be moved off XP so we work to minimize the risks. 1) Using a trusted 3rd party anti-virus solution will give you your first line of protection, these will continue to have their signatures updated regardless of Microsoft's support policy. 2) Stop using Internet Explorer (if you still use it) and switch to something like Firefox or Chrome. The fact that there are no more security updates for your Internet Explorer installation on XP immediately stop being an issue. 3) Either disable Java or make sure you update it to the latest version (7) and keep it up to date. Many of the web security holes are java related and will still hit you on later versions of Windows if you are running out of data Java. 4) Make sure you keep your Adobe products (Acrobat Reader, Flash Player etc.) up to date, Adobe will still provide updates that work on your PC and will plug security loop holes just like Oracle and Java. There's no need to jump ship off XP just because Microsoft don't provide updates for it, it will still work fine. I still have a Dos 6.22 PC at work that's critical to one of our CAM systems. Martin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chubber Posted February 2, 2014 Author Share Posted February 2, 2014 Thats answered my question really about Windows not supporting older versions. Yes there is no support, but it will still work OK, until new software can only run on the latest OS. I think I will stick with Linux Mint and run Windows in Virtual Box, that way when I go on the Internet I will be using the Linux system so safe from attack. Windows is only there to use those programs that don't run in Linux. Cheers Ian sounds helpful.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewartingram Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Not quite a valid analogy as after April when XP support ends there will no longer be any security patches from Microsoft. This means that when the next major vulnerability is discovered (which it will be) there will be no fix and if you use your PC online you are much more likely to be compromised. Certainly the machine will not stop working after April but you are much more likely to vulnerable to any sort of attack. ROB Again I am well loaded with security (antivirus and firewall from other suppliers). Also my method of working (many hard drives/partitions, along with backups) ensures that the machine is as secure as I think it needs to be. So yes I feel it is a good analogy.We are still using Win98 at work (though not everywhere) and our IT does not have any real issues. A reasonable assumption is that Win XP has had a good life WITH support; further vulnerability from security issues is minimal now, most bugs are sorted (nothing will ever be 100%), Microsoft have to move on and feel it is time to do so. The cynical will say, with some truth, they want US to move on too, but in all honesty there is no need to for quite a while. Stewart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold traction Posted February 2, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 2, 2014 sounds helpful.... Hi Doug, A screen shot, showing Linux Mint 15 running in the background, with virtual-box running Windows XP. You can see on the XP desktop Anyrail and Hornby RailMaster, both work fine. I was actually surprised that the Hornby Software would work OK but it actually does. Not only that but I needed to test it to see if it would also control the layout like this and that works too! Just thought it might prove useful. Yes there is a learning curve but I confess I'm no computer geek but reading some of the forums it wasn't too bad. Cheers Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HLT 0109 Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 OP has stated that the withdrawal of support for XP is just one reason for replacing his computer. It appears that, like me, he has found his current computer no longer does what he requires so an upgrade is required. If current software is working slowly, upgraded programs will probably be even slower on the existing computer as they will be designed for later operating systems. If the computer is replaced, it would be foolish to install an obsolete operating system and it would be easier to stick with Windows than get used to something unfamiliar like Linux. Of course, all options are available if Doug has a tame IT expert available but I gained the impression that he has not. Harold. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Oxlade Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 You don't NEED to replace your XP computer just because Microsoft are stopping support for XP. Does it do what you want it to do? If no, then change it, but if it works OK, leave it alone, it'll carry on working OK - for now. If a component fails, replace it, and it'll continue to work. Reasons you may be forced to replace an XP PC: You need to replace some hardware with new equipment that does not have drivers available for WindowsXP You want to run a piece of new software that won't run on XP Other than that, leave well alone. Vista is junk, don't go there. Windows7 is pretty good and I have been using it for "real work" for years. Microsoft had to back-track on Windws8 not having a "start" button and 8.1 is much better - not that I have used it myself. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Jackson Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 personally I'd go for one of these: http://raspberrypi.rsdelivers.com/default.aspx?cl=1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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