Computer Replacement

Thread Starter

EVETS

Joined Jan 29, 2011
21
With Windows XP going obsolete and since we all obviously use one to get to the forum, I was just wondering if there's anybody like me who has to replace one and what you'll replace it with. This 6 year old high-end Dell desktop will become a new high end controller for projects once I figure out what I want to get. I haven't started looking yet. Anybody else in the same situation?
 

bertus

Joined Apr 5, 2008
22,270
Hello,

If you want to use your "old" computer, why not try one of the many linux versions around.
Here is an overview of all distros available:
http://distrowatch.com/
To get the look and feelings of linux, you can always try a live version.
This will boot from a CD or DVD and give you a linux envirement to work with.
Here you can download one of the many live versions of linux:
http://www.livecdlist.com/
One of the most used live versions is Knoppix, wich can be downloaded here:
http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html
I am using openSUSE for quite a while now:
http://www.opensuse.org/

Bertus
 
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Ian Rogers

Joined Dec 12, 2012
1,136
XP isn't a device... Its software...

XP is 12+ years old... I use Windows 8 now, I have used windows 7 before that and windows vista before that...

You could use Linux or windows... Or you can get a Mac, or you can get a Chrome book, or you can get a tablet..... The options are limitless....
 

wayneh

Joined Sep 9, 2010
17,496
...and since we all obviously use one to get to the forum...
I've never once used a Windows OS of any flavor to access this forum, or anything else for that matter. Mac user since 1984. :D

An awful lot of website traffic these days is from mobile devices, phones and iPads and such. It's a practical solution worth considering if you don't want to stay tethered to a traditional box. I mean, if you're going to carry around a supercomputer in your pocket anyway, maybe you can drop the laptop or desktop.

As a former power user, it was too hard for me to imagine not having certain apps and capabilities available. So I bought a laptop. But the reality is, the vast majority of my daily usage could be handled by a smartphone, if I could see the darn thing. A big-screen phone might do the trick.
 

Thread Starter

EVETS

Joined Jan 29, 2011
21
With a 6 year old desktop with small memory and hard drive, I'll replace it. I'm thinking Windows 7, I see a lot of issues with 8. Just wondering if anybody else is in the same situation and if they've been shopping and have recommendations. The Dell will make a really good dedicated controller.
 

bertus

Joined Apr 5, 2008
22,270
Hello,

What is small memory and harddisk?
I have installed openSUSE on my old IBM thinkpad T42 laptop.
That has only 512 Mb memory and a harddisk of 40 Gb.
It is working fine with this linux.

For Windows 7 an internal memory of at least 2 Gb is needed, 8 Gb is recommended.
Also the processor should be at least an 64 Bit Dual core one.
Also a videocard with 3D capabilities is recommended.

Bertus
 

tcmtech

Joined Nov 4, 2013
2,867
Why do you need to replace your computer just because it's software is going obsolete? :confused:

AFAIK all the computers running windows XP are not going to mysteriously shut down and become permanent bricks when the software expiration date hits.

As I understand it after that date they just loose their factory support.
 

shteii01

Joined Feb 19, 2010
4,644
With a 6 year old desktop with small memory and hard drive, I'll replace it. I'm thinking Windows 7, I see a lot of issues with 8. Just wondering if anybody else is in the same situation and if they've been shopping and have recommendations. The Dell will make a really good dedicated controller.
My mobo is from 2006. It supports 8 GB of RAM. It runs my C2Q Q6600 and Win 7 64-bit.

If you have pre C2D cpu (P4, PD), then yeah, get more modern comp. If you have C2D or later cpu, then you are talking some silly nonsense.
 

Zerotolerance

Joined Sep 18, 2011
55
I haven't tried Windows 8, nor do I ever feel I will have a desire to try it until I am forced to by purchasing hardware that is no longer compliant with Windows 7.
 
I have win 8.1 but also have XP on my PC.
I still have 16 bit software that is really good but it wont run on Win 8.1

Just because MS aren't going to continue to support XP doesn't mean I have to bin it.
 

Gdrumm

Joined Aug 29, 2008
684
I have a lot of XP COA's for when I run across an old PC I want to fix up and sell.
Once re-installed, it requires an activation phone call to MS.

Does anyone know if that function of MS will still exist, or will I have to eat the cost of those COAs?

Thanks,
Gary
 
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BReeves

Joined Nov 24, 2012
410
No reason to replace a computer or OS until you find something the one you have won't do that you need to do. I'm still running XP on several machines and will for as long as I can. I'm slowley migrating to Windows 7 but only because I'm being forced to by customers.
 

Thread Starter

EVETS

Joined Jan 29, 2011
21
My concerns with XP are mainly security. MS will no longer have security updates available. I guess with a good enough anti-virus program you don't have to worry, but a couple of people have told me it'll leave it wide open to hackers. Who knows?
 

BReeves

Joined Nov 24, 2012
410
My concerns with XP are mainly security. MS will no longer have security updates available. I guess with a good enough anti-virus program you don't have to worry, but a couple of people have told me it'll leave it wide open to hackers. Who knows?
The hackers will abandon XP (quit developing specifically for it) for the same reason they leave MAC's alone, not worth the effort as the installed base will be dwindling.

<Edit> BTW: I have never found a need to run any anti-virus software. I just follow a few simple rules and have never had a problem. Never click on an email link and never go to a game or porn site. Pretty simple realy.
 
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shteii01

Joined Feb 19, 2010
4,644
My concerns with XP are mainly security. MS will no longer have security updates available. I guess with a good enough anti-virus program you don't have to worry, but a couple of people have told me it'll leave it wide open to hackers. Who knows?
Avast provides anti-virus program that still supports Windows 2000.

My advice. Get good anti-virus program and leave bad advice with people who don't know jack.
 
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