In the 90s and early 2000s you should have seen the junk that I was keeping together, but at least I had no fear of switching out parts and trying things.
Here is what my computer life used to consist of because of being broke.
Posted on 09/28/2014 8:15:14 PM PDT by dayglored
I didn’t remember, but when I recently loaded an old, early XP disc onto a desktop, I saw how crude and primitive it was, going from the original to Service Pack 3 and years of updates was a total transformation.
Agree! It did take some time before XP became the best but it did. Always is the best until you actually have to upgrade and that is true today with Windows 7. It has become the best (with upgrades) so why would you want to try out the new and improved system (which will be the best in about 4 or 5 years), or maybe not since it was designed mostly for mobile devices instead of desktop units. This was a change in design for future devices so it may never become the standard but maybe...
Unless a common OS becomes so problematic that it becomes a hazard to use, it is ok with me. If reliable and has minimal problems..well, then I will stay with it, regardless of whether Microsoft supports it or not!
I always thought that most of us upgrade as just a happenstance of replacing an old computer.
When I had to replace my XP computer I went with the newest Windows available, I had never been interested in just upgrading, to upgrade.
Well, that may be true for many inexperienced computer folks and I guess that probably includes more than I’d expect, but I’ve always built my own computers and installed the computer operating system that I thought was the best - not necessarily the latest.
Thinking about it a bit more, you’re probably right in that most folks buy a computer without thought about what operating system is installed. That is unfortunate since today computers are so plug and play both hardware and software. Might change eventually I’d hope.
Whats sad about it, XP was fine and now my 8.1 is fine.
One of the thoughts about scheduling a new computer buy, is not to buy one with a fading OS on it, I just told a friend that is shopping, to wait another month for Windows 9.
I want my OS to last as long as my computers, so the newer the OS on it when it is bought, the better.
Ah ansel12, If you are not yet building your own computer to your specs, you are missing out on getting the best bang for your buck!
Computers are plug and play these days. All you have to do is pick a case, power supply, Motherboard, CPU, Heat sink, Video card, and any other cards you wish and your off to the races. You will then get the computer of your dreams. The days of buying a prepackaged unit are in the past.
When you build your own, you not only get the best at lower prices but you can then get the operating system of your choice (OEM). Choice is a very good thing!
I know they are easy to assemble, but everytime I looked into it, the savings didn’t seem to be all that much, of course as I said, I would put the newest OS in it.
I don’t want my OS losing support while the computer is still running fine.
Notice he did not say that for Windows 7 users. That's because Window 7 is good.
For the record Apple does not do that with iOS.
Well, the savings are good but better is that you can get so much better performance for that same price!
I do understand the reluctance to build your own for those that have never done it but once you’ve become an expert (takes only once or twice), you will never go back. It is a learning experience and well worth your time.
As far as the OS losing support, Microsoft always provides years of support even after a new operating system comes out. Remember that their support is really only for bug and safety fixes mostly so once that stops - usually two or three years, the system is fairly secure. There is rarely a reason to upgrade for security reasons, only features.
Anyway, there will always be a place for pre-built systems for many reasons. It just takes a bit of experimentation and excitement to go your own way...heh.
Windows 8 was a major change to work with mobile systems along with Desktops. Not a good match in my opinion.
I have removed and installed most every part of computers, and I would still be using my old one from 2003, if XP hadn’t run out of support.
I always recommend not buying an old OS if one keeps their computers for a long time.
Alright, sounds like you are doing your upgrades as things progress so you really are a home computer enthusiast!
Actually, these days it’s rare to keep a computer long enough to need an OS upgrade anyway (6 months seems to be the optimum). I seem to upgrade things - Motherboard, CPU, Graphics, and CPU coolers so frequently that I might as well start from scratch - heh.
Sounds like you probably do the same. In addition, reinstalling the OS was a more frequent event than usual since Windows 7. It seems to be so much more stable.
I sort of agree with not buying an old OS but have only purchased Windows 7 in the last couple years - do not want to go with Windows 8 so I might disagree with you there.
Have three computers networked (for video capture) - all running Windows 7 64 bit with at least two built well after Windows 8 was available but did not want to upgrade. Thank goodness Windows 7 was still available...
I don’t want to spend money on computers so I cannibalize parts from junkers, I don’t upgrade them, I just keep them running, and I won’t spend money to upgrade an OS so I want the one with the longest lifespan left.
Hey, understand... It mostly depends on what you use your computers for. Me, I’ve always been a computer nut having started with the first computer at Datapoint so you will have to forgive me my enthusiasm for them...heh.
You are one of the more sane folks that use computers for what they can do for you rather than how fast, how powerful, or how good they look..ha. Actually, a good thing!
I guess I can’t help it but since being introduced to computers at such an early age, I’ve become hooked!
Probably took up way too much of your time with computer discussions anyway so have a good rest of the evening...
In the 90s and early 2000s you should have seen the junk that I was keeping together, but at least I had no fear of switching out parts and trying things.
Here is what my computer life used to consist of because of being broke.
Ah, damn that brings back some memories...heh. Like you, have been there and done that with some even earlier prototypes...ha.
Great picture though and as I said, really does bring back some memories of the old days. Looks like you were an early computer expert yourself... Thanks for sharing that!
That picture is not all that old.
Oh, and just recognized the books, were you into programming then?
Actually, looks like you were into hardware also?
Now you are scaring me...heh. Actually, from the looks of that lab, it seems that you must have been into hardware design or something similar.
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