Posted on 03/01/2014 11:56:11 PM PST by cva66snipe
I always run at least one OS behind - since the bugs are worked out. Thats why I am on XP right now. Will be upgrading to Win 7 in April. Win 8 is a pig - thats why they are trotting out Win 8.1. I won’t be upgrading to Win 8.1, because it is also bound to have bugs.
You need to first check to see that your PCs are Win 7 compatible:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor
I can tell you right now, you need minimum 1 Gb physical RAM - 2 Gb is better [about 50 bucks]. But, you also need to find out if the other components of your PCs are compatible. The upgrade advisor will tell you.
Here are some other specs for Win 7:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements
Thanks that cleared up a few more things for me. The part that has me most puzzled was using the Full System Disk over an upgrade disk and with my connection speed issues I’ll have to go full system disk.
Is this a better investment for $279.00 and $5.00 shipping? Can’t you install your modem card in it?
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i3-3220T (2.8GHz)
3MB Cache
Processor Core: Dual-Core
Memory: 8GB DDR3 (PC3-12800)
Max Memory: 16GB
Memory Slots: 2 (1 occupied)
Graphics: Intel HD 2500
Hard Drive: 1TB SATA (7200rpm)
Optical Drive: SuperMulti DVD±RW
Audio Codec: Integrated Realtek ALC662
Sound: HD 5.1-Channel Support
Or this Dell for $220.00?
Dell Optiplex 755 Intel Core 2 Duo 2300MHz 80Gig HDD 4096mb DVD ROM Windows 7 Professional 32 Bit + 19” LCD Desktop Computer - Refurbished - 755LP-2.3C2-4-80-DVD-7P-9DV
If you scroll down the page at that Dell link, you will see several desktops with free shipping and prices from $195.00 to $260.00.
I played around with a refurbed machine with 7 on it for about an hour a couple weeks ago. I didn't have any major problems navigating it. As a matter of fact I could buy it for $125. But I'd have to put a modem in and it's only got a 80 GB HD. I'd also be very happy to pay $125 to MS if they would simply re-license XP and support it. That's not going to happen though. LOL
Money’s too tight right now. I trust my machine as well as I would a refurb. Granted all machines eventually crash beyond repair but even my old 98/2 will still boot up. I use it sometimes to copy CD to CD. I’ve looked a refurbs at Dell and $220 would upgrade my desktop this month and laptop next month. Thanks for the info.
Why do you need to upgrade the OS?
What programs and stuff do you need this computer for that you can’t live without?
Do you have a Linux live disc?
I am not sure you have enough memory to run Windows 7 or 8. It might be okay to keep XP and load up Linux when you go online.
As far as a modem goes, doesn’t this take care of that for $15.00?
did anyone ping SA?
You'll need more memory for 7 or 8. Something like this:
http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/Dell-memory/Inspiron+Desktops+/Inspiron+530s-upgrades.html
For basic operation, Win7 Starter with 2GB memory is a reasonable choice. It is missing some bells and whistles, but Starter is lean enough that it is adequately fast even on low-powered netbooks. Run the Windows 7 compatibility checker linked in a post above to make sure it will work with your system.
If you want to spend no money at all, and you can get by with a Firefox browser, Thunderbird email client, and LibreOffice word processing/spreadsheet/etc., the modern Linux operating systems (e.g. Ubuntu, Mint) are a hell of a lot easier to install and use than they used to be.
Win XP [and also MS Office 2003] are losing MS support as of April 8. That means no more patches and updates for vulnerabilities found in the OS and software.
Continuing to run XP and Office 2003 after April opens yourself wide open to hacker attacks ...
I suggested keeping XP and simply using a free Linux distro to surf online. Easy and free.
Security updates stop next month. I access some legitimate sites that I do business with I just assume not have my info hacked. That and the fact the browser compatibility with them is getting a tad bit difficult sometimes.
What programs and stuff do you need this computer for that you cant live without?
Printer, access to Humana's website, the drug store, a few medical specialty supply venues, access to take care of other personal business.
Do you have a Linux live disc?
No.
I am not sure you have enough memory to run Windows 7 or 8. It might be okay to keep XP and load up Linux when you go online.
For what I do 7 or 8 should work. I tried a Linux disk once. I could not for the life of me figure out how to get it to work with dial up. For that matter I have an old Compaq with XP on it I could put Linux on but unless I could go on line what's the point?
Personal preference being what it is (a matter of opinion) I prefer Windows 7 over Windows 8 hands down. I just don’t like 8 and I know I am not alone in that assessment. Again. personal preference.
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