desk top pC advice

[schutzen-jager]

Big Tom - no problems with current unit - just tired of M/S windows - failed downloads, total lack of free support, do not need or want windows 11 features, + etc. - looking for a user friendly OS - senior citizen + not a tech wizard -

[Land Owner]

I use the Linux operating system Ubuntu on ALL of the church computers when they are wiped and placed for resale. It is downloadable free, supports ALL of the software with which I am familiar from 40+ years in engineering (LibreOffice and LibreCad are installed and for keeps), so you don't have to spend one dime.

[Wag]

Linux is definitely a good idea. I've used Ubuntu and liked it. Add Libre Office and and you're probably good for everything.

--Wag--

[Sasquatch-1]

The only problem for me with switching to a different Operating System is that I have too much invested in programs I run. It would cost me as much to replace the programs as it would to buy a high-end gaming computer.

[GhostHawk]

I have installed and tried Linux Mint several times over the last decade. I currently have a laptop that was a win 8 laptop running Mint.

So it is possible. However, while it is Windows user friendly, there are some changes, especially with storage and installation that you will have to learn to adapt to.

I have arriving monday a pair of 17" HP laptops with Windows 10 on them. Yes they are still out there.
Mine will get tweaked, software installed, setup, passwords to everywhere working, etc. And then shut down to await the need.

That is the other option.

Or get someone to set you up a dual boot system with win 10 and Mint. This is perhaps the best of both worlds.

Good luck!

[HATCH]

Unfortunately there isn't many inexpensive options.

Lets talk about your needs.

What exactly do you want the PC to do for you?


If you use Office then most of the current offerings will require the purchase of Office 365. I personally am running Office 2003. Yes, I have used it for over 20 years. When I get a new PC, I just reload it. I don't share documents with anyone so I don't need it to save it in the current format that is being used on the newer Office offerings.
Yes, Before people pipe in, there are several other options out there. Open Office, Google docs, google sheets, etc. but I am familiar with how Office 2003 works so I stick with it.

If your PC is having issues (slow or complete failure) then I would suggest just purchasing a decent used one.

On Ebay right now there is a dell 3040 SFF (small form factor). Ebay # 326206874084
256gb SSD (solid state drive AKA hard drive), 8 GB of ram, and is running Win 11
You would need a HDMI to VGA adapter most likely but overall it would give you years of service. The best part is that it's under $70 shipped

Now if you are tired of windows and you basically just use the PC to surf then you could get a Chromebook. New ones are fairly cheap and if you shop around you can get a decent used one for a little bit over a $100 (ebay # 326160310582). They are pretty much all notebooks/laptops. They have made several chromebook desktops but they are most expensive and I am not sure if it would meet your need anyway.

I have seen members tell you to try Apple. If you have been strictly a Windows user then it may not be the best choice plus to get a decent one its not going to be cheap.
I am not extremely familiar with Macs to be honest so I can't tell you which ones are still being updated and which ones aren't. Used ones start around $80 for something that will most likely run the latest OS build.

If you want to send me a PM, I am more then willing to help you pick out something that is both economical and meets your needs

[MrWolf]

Instead of purchasing office, you might want to look into the LibreOffice suite of programs. They are free and closely follow Microsoft from what I have seen. I have only used the spreadsheet (monthly) and their Writer - Word (occasionally) with no issues at all. Upgrades are easy and they do accept donations if you are so inclined. Good luck.
Ron
https://www.libreoffice.org/

[trebor44]

Recently did the Win 10 update on two different computers (desktop & laptop). The desktop I selected to keep my files and settings, on the laptop I did not keep anything. Both required me to update the system post install. But other than the time spent doing updates, all was well. Be aware the update will give you what Microsuck thinks you need (NOT want)!

[schutzen-jager]

Recently did the Win 10 update on two different computers (desktop & laptop). The desktop I selected to keep my files and settings, on the laptop I did not keep anything. Both required me to update the system post install. But other than the time spent doing updates, all was well. Be aware the update will give you what Microsuck thinks you need (NOT want)!

one of several reasons in want to drop M/S windows after 3 + decades !!!

[abunaitoo]

I have a friend who get a rebuilt computer off of craig's list.
Was under $300.
Last one lasted over 10 years.
Might be something to check out.

[trebor44]

CPM=issues, CPM-86=issues, MS-DOS=issues, Unix/Xenix=issues, Windows=issues, Linux=issues (All flavors) every OS has its quirks and you either find a solution or live with them. Made by man, resolved by man, just like rocks and arrowheads!

[schutzen-jager]

any truth to my neighbors advice ? keep windows !0 + install PC Matic + will never have to deal with M/S Windows problems again - stated his corporation is still using Windows 7 with no problems at all -

[ascast]

I had a custom box built by local guru. Used two huge hard drives. Have legal copy of Windows 7 on one and Umbuto Linux on the other. I run Win 7 mostly caus I know it but can run Linux any time to learn. Was not expensive.

[Sasquatch-1]

From past experience it seems that every other release from MS is garbage. Anybody remember Vista?

I have found that Windows 10 works well for me. Before I update, I will probably have to get a new computer.

[GhostHawk]

I have to agree with Sasquatch, every other release of windows is trash. 95 sucked, 98 had some issues but was better. Memphis and Vista both blew chunks. 7 is good, 8 is ok on laptop, otherwise iffy. 9 (did it even get released?) I have no issues with 10, but won't touch 11.

With modern drives dual boot is not that hard.

Also I highly recommend having some kind of boot from usb flash drive with a modern OS and a full set of tools.
Like this one.
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/det...ns_bootcd.html
W
My wifes laptop was failing to boot. Was able to get it to boot into this, and fixed it in about a half hour. Well worth the investment of a couple of cheap big flashdrives and some time. Rufus works very well for making bootable USB flashdrives. Simple even.

[Big Tom]

Well, with Windows 7, you can at least be sure that no updates will mess with the OS anymore... Joking aside, you can disable updates on Windows 10 and 11.

Using Windows 7 in a corporate environment is completely irresponsible from a cybersecurity perspective, plus he would not even get paid support if they wanted to. Being cheap could cost them much more in the longer term. There are many similar programs that support basic health / performance checks and take care of updates as well as some security aspects automatically. CCleaner comes to mind.

any truth to my neighbors advice ? keep windows !0 + install PC Matic + will never have to deal with M/S Windows problems again - stated his corporation is still using Windows 7 with no problems at all -

[trebor44]

The Apple OS (Macs) are very hardware dependant and like anything Apple, newer Macs (even used) are going to spendy. Note that Microsuck does own a piece of Apple! Not a Windows fanboy, but it easy to deal with thanks to it being a ubiquitous OS throughout the world! Lot's of third party enhancements etc. to ease the pain and suffering!

[white eagle]

Find yourself a reliable independent computer store that builds desk-tops and go talk to them, face-to-face. Explain your needs and see what they recommend. A good shop can build you a decent system for about half or two-thirds thirds the price of a "name brand" and you'll have access to real, live tech support should you need it.

The system I'm currently using was built by a local shop with top-end processor and video card (needed for my flight simulator and wargame aps) and, with a new monitor and sound-bar, set me back about half the cost of an advertised 'gaming computer'. Maybe even better, you might take a look at some of the later model laptops...two years ago, I picked up a previous year's NOS Lenovo Thinkbook with more capacity than my old desktop for 30% off.

Bill

yes sir that what I did
of course I also took my son along to get me the best for my buck
the operating system is an ad on so you can get what you want
Windows 10 works for me
best of luck it is and adventure for sure

[schutzen-jager]

there are no problems with current desk top - problem is with M/S Windows lack of support, corrupted updates, + numerous unwanted + features useless to me - - neighbor also told me that the one airline not affected by recent hack was still using very out dated Windows o/s -

[jrayborn]

there are no problems with current desk top - problem is with M/S Windows lack of support, corrupted updates, + numerous unwanted + features useless to me - - neighbor also told me that the one airline not affected by recent hack was still using very out dated Windows o/s -

Linux Mint is the solution to this issue. However, IF you use programs that use windows these programs won't run on a linux machine without some technical expertise. You can use a windows emulator (WINE) or, you can also partition the hard drive so you can boot up Windows or Mint on the same machine. If you only surf online, and use basic microsoft office programs (like WORD, EXCEL etc) then Mint is hard to beat.

In example, the laptop I use is at least 15 years old. It goes from off to online in 45 seconds using Mint. I can do anything I need to on a computer that is at least 10 years past its service life using Microsoft...

Try Mint, its actually easy, free if you are handy with technology, and if you are not, get it preloaded on a thumb drive from Amazon for a few dollars.