It seems to be still available. Before I get started, I wanted to ask if there are any things I should be aware of, look out for. Be aware that you are addressing a nearly computer-illiterate person. TIA!!!!!
I can't imagine using 7. What exactly do you not like about Win10?Yea i had hoped to like 10 after a while but at this point i don't think i'll ever adapt to it. I still have unsupported 7s at home.
If you use anything Google, you've already gone down that road but to an exponential degree.One troubling thing I read about Win10 is that it's intrusive, always making suggestions, pushing products, etc. I wish I'd copied that, but I didn't. Anyway, an OS that intrudes with ads is the last thing I want. Does it do that?
Edit: apparently it is true, but that stuff can mostly be disabled: https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/
It's a great way to try out Linux and still be able to go back to Windows as needed. I've done it before. The only downside is you have to allocate part of your hard drive space to only Linux (windows won't be able to see it) so you need a big enough drive. For example, if you have a 500gb drive you could allocate 100gb to Linux. Windows would now see it as a 400gb drive.I have so many doubts about Win10 that I am looking into Linux. Here's an article that describes a way to have both Linux and Win7 on your computer. I am interested, but scared of this kind of maneuver.
https://www.howtogeek.com/509508/how-to-upgrade-from-windows-7-to-linux/
I just reread the Win7 End of Support info and found this: "While it is possible to install Windows 10 on your older device, it is not recommended. "Ultimately, if you have a slow hard-drive the operating system may drive you crazy. SSDs are much less expensive now and it's worth upgrading.
Sometimes it is the right time to get a new laptop, that's for sure.So I have pretty much decided to get a new Win10 laptop with SSD.
If you use and want a CD drive, here's the latest suggestions on those still available, also there are a lot of just recently discontinued models, many of which are still in stores and online that offer them, like the Thinkpad E570 models that included them:I just reread the Win7 End of Support info and found this: "While it is possible to install Windows 10 on your older device, it is not recommended. "
So I have pretty much decided to get a new Win10 laptop with SSD. I'll keep my old Inspiron 1764 to do stuff that doesn't involve the internet, like my photos and financial records, etc., at least until I feel comfortable with Win10. Maybe I'll get up the nerve to install Linux on it, once I have the new laptop for insurance. I appreciate all the replies in this thread; they were helpful.
If folks have any advice for me re laptops, I'd love to hear it. Right now I'm inclined to get the Dell 15 5000, just the result of a process of elimination, although I'd prefer a keyboard without the number keys on the side, which I don't use. The new laptops don't seem to have CD slots, apparently.
I have not used CDs or DVDs in years. You can always get one of those external ones that use USB to connect.The new laptops don't seem to have CD slots, apparently.
Neither have I, in my computer, so I'm not sure I care all that much, but I was struck by it. Back in the day, I transferred lots of my LPs to the computer, then burned them to disc, but I am done with that, I think. Anyway, the external ones are only about $35.00.I have not used CDs or DVDs in years. You can always get one of those external ones that use USB to connect.
I am very drawn to Macs, but friends tell me there will be a shock going to them from Windows. I would like to be able to still use Windows office, because my husband and I share Excel files, etc., but I think that's possible on Macs, yeah?For daily use, there is absolutely no question that Macs are a superior product to me. For professional (non-tech world) use, windows still offers the better experience to me. For gaming, windows.
My parents constantly have troubles with their windows computers but don't know how to sort them out. Switching them to macs was a godsend. All they want to do is browse the internet and play stupid games. Virtually no reason for them to worry about viruses and the susceptibility that comes with windows.
It's very possible, but there are minor differences you will need to adjust to. Unless you are using macros and VBA in excel though, it is almost identical. Word feels exactly the same to me. To me, the biggest shock moving to an mac was the simplicity of it and not having a right-click (just tap with two fingers on the trackpad). Install a program? Just drag it to the application folder. Uninstall a program? Just drag the icon to the recycle bin. Having wifi issues? Just type wifi in the search bar. Want to put an icon in your doc? Just drag it there and pin it. It's all very very very practical and easy. There isn't much that requires you to jump through hoops.Neither have I, in my computer, so I'm not sure I care all that much, but I was struck by it. Back in the day, I transferred lots of my LPs to the computer, then burned them to disc, but I am done with that, I think. Anyway, the external ones are only about $35.00.
I am very drawn to Macs, but friends tell me there will be a shock going to them from Windows. I would like to be able to still use Windows office, because my husband and I share Excel files, etc., but I think that's possible on Macs, yeah?
If you have someone who can help you when you get stuck, you could be flying on a Mac in less than a week. Mrs. HPC was very reluctant to switch at first, and she benefited from being able to ask me stuff.I am very drawn to Macs, but friends tell me there will be a shock going to them from Windows. I would like to be able to still use Windows office, because my husband and I share Excel files, etc., but I think that's possible on Macs, yeah?
These things are also available in W10.To me, the biggest shock moving to an mac was the simplicity of it and not having a right-click (just tap with two fingers on the trackpad). Having wifi issues? Just type wifi in the search bar. Want to put an icon in your doc? Just drag it there and pin it.
You can. We have 16 people on my team, 2 use macs and many have tried. The issue is that many of our macros that were built w/ windows office simply break or are unreliable on macs. Work sometimes, other times don't. There are still occasional compatibility issues and formatting issues that pop up here and there as well.@crow216 :Why couldn't you use a Mac at work? What functions would be missing?
@HriniakPosterChild, I only know one person who has a Mac, and she can't help because it was set up for her, and she knows nothing but how to browse and a few other things. My husband is a Windows guy and is a bit opposed to the move, so I would be bugging you guys. (And OJ isn't around anymore.)
Simplicity is natural in macOS. It is accidental in Windows. You modified my post to remove the other examples that windows makes painstaking. Blink while you're installing a program on windows to play MP4 files and you'll accidentally install 9 searchbar add-ons and 6 trial versions of Norton antivirus. My mom calls me once a month to ask me whether its okay that her computer is alerting her there is a threat only to find out windows just needed to update its virus definitions....because windows still needs virus scanners. And spam removers. and all that bullshit. The bottom line is that if you are browsing the internet, doing some photo and video stuff, watching movies and netflix, using non-expert level office stuff, macs are just plain better.These things are also available in W10.
It's funny how I used a Mac in college in the late 80s and I had to switch to a PC/Windows in the corporate world because no one used Macs back then. Now, it's much more common.
I find it really interesting this is the use case you're going with as pro-Mac. Doing design work and the like, makes sense. You're all in on the apple ecosystem with your phone, watch, etc, I get it. But if your user is a tech novice and just wants to browse the web, do e-mail, basic photo editing, and watch videos, a chromebook fits the mold at a much more palatable price point.The bottom line is that if you are browsing the internet, doing some photo and video stuff, watching movies and netflix, using non-expert level office stuff, macs are just plain better.
Why bring Mac into the post... you can Chromebook and Lenovo all you want. Just get their support to get you from 8.1 to 10. As someone that uses both ecosystems in depth, once I transferred my non-tech save family members to Mac's my phone now longer rings... their stuff "just works!"I bought an Lenovo laptop to be able to play some games on a while back and the timing seems to have put me into a weird purgatory where I'm stuck on Windows 8.1. I tried using the key to register so I could upgrade, but Windows says the key does not exist even though it is in the BiOS and on the label on the bottom of the laptop. Anyone have any ideas how to move from 8.1 to 10 without buying a new license?
I find it really interesting this is the use case you're going with as pro-Mac. Doing design work and the like, makes sense. You're all in on the apple ecosystem with your phone, watch, etc, I get it. But if your user is a tech novice and just wants to browse the web, do e-mail, basic photo editing, and watch videos, a chromebook fits the mold at a much more palatable price point.
Does the key that Belarc Advisor reports agree with the label?I bought an Lenovo laptop to be able to play some games on a while back and the timing seems to have put me into a weird purgatory where I'm stuck on Windows 8.1. I tried using the key to register so I could upgrade, but Windows says the key does not exist even though it is in the BiOS and on the label on the bottom of the laptop. Anyone have any ideas how to move from 8.1 to 10 without buying a new license?