XP Nightmare

[blue4lu]

There appear to be many here who are very proficient at computers so I hope to get some reliable answers. I have an older, (desktop), Compaq Presario with XP. XP support has ended but understand XP is still useable however......

I have a new unit ready but it has Windows 8. I hear Win 8 is crap and to get another version. Then yesterday I read where I can KEEP this old Compaq but download Linux, (puppy or Ubuntu). Is this possible for someone like me who knows diddley-squat about computers?

Could I download Linux on my new unit? I thank you for any advice. blue.

 

[SweetErika]

Possible, yes. Likely, no.

I'm a big fan of Linux and have used several user-friendly versions extensively. However, it's a different OS, so you can't expect it to run just like Windows (in many cases, it's much better, though!) or be able to work with the knowledge you do have of computers. The good news is there are tons of tutorials and help forums for popular distributions like Ubuntu, so if you can google, research, follow directions and ask questions, you can probably make the switch successfully and learn a hell of a lot in the process!

Do you know any more savvy Linux users who could get your computer set up and help you through any initial hiccups? If so, that would be your best bet. If not, you may want to find someone like that (FYI, most Linux devotees are more than happy to help Windows users make the switch, so that's good news for you!).

I was a big XP fan, and we ran that (and various Linux versions) on our computers as long as possible. I'm currently using Win7, and it's fine. I don't know about Win8, but I'd suggest giving it a fair try before you make a judgment. Maybe it's not as bad as you've heard. If it is, you can always put a simple Linux distro on a partition or separate hard drive down the road.

Actually, if you want to play around with Linux without any consequences of actually switching OSs, download a copy to a USB drive, then just run it from there. Then you can see if it's within your capabilities (at least to learn) how to use it. Using a bootable disc/drive is a perfect way to browse porn, too - no chance of viruses, malware, a saved history, etc.

 

[LadyVer]

I recently went from an older XP laptop to a win 8 laptop. I hated win 8 at first until I figured out how to turn the swipe and touchscreen features off. Then there were a few upgrades which helped. My newer HP laptop is much faster, so overall I'm satisfied with win 8 and the pc. I would guess, though, that satisfaction depends on what the user's primary needs are.

 

[NightL]

Is your old XP machine connected to the Internet? If it is not, then just leave it alone. How often do you turn it on?

If you do want it an active computer in the house and connected to the internet and perhaps networked to your new computer - throw an upgrade to Windows 7 on it.

In regard to your Windows 8 computer, just remember every roll out of a new Windows OS has been labelled crap. It is just change and you have learn the differences. The big advantage you have now over the past is that every single question you can possibly think of in terms of running a new computer will have been asked by someone else and the answer and instructions will easily be found with a Google search. Oh, try that rarely used feature called Help built into your Win 8 machine as well.

If you do want to go down the Linux path, ask yourself is the time spent setting it up and learning worth it compared to a fairly easy upgrade to Win 7?

There will be a massive amount of step by step instructions on the internet - for basically anything - including the path from XP to Linux. Put the following words into Google: upgrade XP to Linux instructions

 

[FGB]

Possible, yes. Likely, no.

I'm a big fan of Linux and have used several user-friendly versions extensively. However, it's a different OS, so you can't expect it to run just like Windows (in many cases, it's much better, though!) or be able to work with the knowledge you do have of computers. The good news is there are tons of tutorials and help forums for popular distributions like Ubuntu, so if you can google, research, follow directions and ask questions, you can probably make the switch successfully and learn a hell of a lot in the process!

Do you know any more savvy Linux users who could get your computer set up and help you through any initial hiccups? If so, that would be your best bet. If not, you may want to find someone like that (FYI, most Linux devotees are more than happy to help Windows users make the switch, so that's good news for you!).

I was a big XP fan, and we ran that (and various Linux versions) on our computers as long as possible. I'm currently using Win7, and it's fine. I don't know about Win8, but I'd suggest giving it a fair try before you make a judgment. Maybe it's not as bad as you've heard. If it is, you can always put a simple Linux distro on a partition or separate hard drive down the road.

Actually, if you want to play around with Linux without any consequences of actually switching OSs, download a copy to a USB drive, then just run it from there. Then you can see if it's within your capabilities (at least to learn) how to use it. Using a bootable disc/drive is a perfect way to browse porn, too - no chance of viruses, malware, a saved history, etc.

I am using Windows 8.1

I have yet in two months to find the fucking "Start" and then "Programs" Menu they claim can be accessed in the lower left hand corner or anywhere else!

I think there is a program to be bought for about $35.00 US that will make put the Menu back close to what Windows 7 is and I probably will end up buying it.

I have stuff like Microsoft office 2014 that I can not even start up because I can't find where to start it at! 8.1.1 or windows 9 seem along ways off!

Go with windows 7 for now. unless you are app crazy! then just buy you a freaking IPhone!

 

[amofiga]

Most older computers that are running XP can be upgraded to Windows 7 with no problem. Windows 7 will probably be supported for another 5-6 years and is more like XP than Win 8. I've upgraded my Win 8 unit to 8.1 which is a little better but I'm going to take my desktop XP to Win 7. I currently also have a laptop that runs Win 7 and I think it's ok. Good luck.

 

[NightL]

I am using Windows 8.1

I have yet in two months to find the fucking "Start" and then "Programs" Menu they claim can be accessed in the lower left hand corner or anywhere else!

have a look here
http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-find-your-installed-apps

and read it all through

instead of getting frustrated look for the answer on Google, and Youtube is great if you learn quicker visually

Watch this one all the way through
Windows 8.1 Tips - New Start Screen Management and App Install
http://youtu.be/si4t8WAlJOU
applies to finding installed programs as well

 

[NightL]

Most older computers that are running XP can be upgraded to Windows 7 with no problem. Windows 7 will probably be supported for another 5-6 years and is more like XP than Win 8. I've upgraded my Win 8 unit to 8.1 which is a little better but I'm going to take my desktop XP to Win 7. I currently also have a laptop that runs Win 7 and I think it's ok. Good luck.

To add to this - there is an upgrade path from XP to Win 7, meaning you don't have to reinstall all your programs again. There is no direct upgrade path from XP to Win 8 - you would need to reinstall every program.

In saying that, a fresh install of OS and programs will probably make your old PC feel a LOT faster.

 

[LadyVer]

When my new win 8 pc boots up, it automatically goes to the desktop, and the start button is in the left hand corner. I think the latest win 8 upgrade gave the desktop as a start-up option. When I need to use an app, I either click on the status bar on the bottom of the screen where I've pinned a few apps or go the the desktop or go to the start screen via the start button. The apps I use the most are pinned to my status bar.

 

[silverwhisper]

blue: if you aren't a heavy duty IT guy, i'd urge you to avoid linux, esp if your sole OS experience involves windows. win 7 can still be found, so "downgrading" to win 7 might be your best bet.

ed

 

[Vixandra]

I'm running an HP desktop and from a few days after I got it, HP had released a start menu for their computers, which makes life easier. I've also found it to be a pretty stable OS on my rig so far. Don't see a lot of difference with 8.1 now but then I had it set up how I wanted it from the get-go.

Try it for a week before you start down grading or upgrading. As for your XP box, back up everything on it and give Linux a shot. Learning a new OS can be a bit rough but if its not your primary computer then use it to experiment with.

 

[blue4lu]

Wow - I Thank All Who -

I would like to thank every person who responded to my post with such informative answers! For a "non-tech" guy I learned something from each reply and I thank you. One thing I learned was the talk about Win 7.

I guess I have had XP for so long I must have slept past the roll out of that program. I'm assuming it came out AFTER XP?

Can I download Win 7 off the internet or do I have to purchase it from an electronics store?

Once again many thanks to you posters for all the info! blue.

 

[NightL]

Do a little research for Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - if you go that path or indeed a fresh install of either Win 7 or 8 you may wish to find out if your computer can install a 64bit OS.
http://superuser.com/questions/251014/how-to-check-whether-my-hardware-is-64-bit-capable-in-windows

If you are heading down that path - do the check - if it can install a 64bit version then do so. If not you can install a 32bit version of either. I would be inclined not to bother if your old PC does not pass the test. People are throwing away computers that are capable of a 64bit OS.

To your question - yes you can buy directly from Microsoft or other on-line retailers or
go to a shop if you want a disc. If you have a good internet connection buy on-line.

Do you need two computers? Are there people in your house who will use this? Don't waste time and money on something that is not going to be used. Simple really. Is there a use and purpose - if not dump all files off and move them to your new computer.

It is all to easy to get caught in a time and money consuming trap for no purpose.

 

[NightL]

Since this thread has moved around... some stuff I dumped on another doorstep re. making win 8 a little easier to deal with

the following links help
Windows 8.1 Tips - New Start Screen Management and App Install
http://youtu.be/si4t8WAlJOU
This one will help you organise those apps

Put a shut down button on Desktop & task bar & Start area in Windows apps
http://blog.laptopmag.com/how-to-shutdown-windows-8-in-just-one-click
In the instructions you will see reference to shutdown /s /t 0 - the Zero at the end means shut down immediately (0 seconds) - I would suggest changing that to at least 10 - I have read it is better for the computer.

Add icons/shortcuts to the desktop or taskbar
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows-8/create-desktop-shortcuts-icons

or easier/different way way

How to create software shortcut methods in the desktop mode of Windows 8
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2820848

How to Boot to the Desktop in Windows 8 & Windows 8.1
http://www.7tutorials.com/how-boot-desktop-windows-8-skip-start-screen

How to bypass the Windows 8 password screen
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2015587/how-to-bypass-the-windows-8-password-screen.html

or easier/different way way

How to create software shortcut methods in the desktop mode of Windows 8
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2820848

How to Boot to the Desktop in Windows 8 & Windows 8.1
http://www.7tutorials.com/how-boot-d...p-start-screen

How to bypass the Windows 8 password screen
http://www.pcworld.com/article/20155...rd-screen.html

 

[blue4lu]

Overload?

Wow NightL, that's a wealth of info there. I may have to get help just to disect it, lol. But you have provided much here and I do appreciate you going to the trouble. Thank you. blue.

 

[Privates1stClass]

XP nightmare

Could I download Linux on my new unit? I thank you for any advice. blue.

Yes, you can, but you might want to load it on your old XP computer instead. XP was my favorite Windows product, but unfortunately Microsoft has chosen not to support it anymore.

I have an old Dell 2400 XP machine which is at least 10 years old. It was too old to run a 64-bit operating system like Win7 or Win 8, but I had some old programs on it that I still wanted to use, and have lost the CD's they came on, so I couldn't transfer them to a new computer. I installed Linux Mint on it, and now it works like a brand new computer.

There's a program named "Wine" which runs on Linux that lets you run Windows programs. I've used it for awhile, and have been impressed that many Windows programs I want to use run under Linux, so I don't have to boot XP in the first place.

Here are some other reasons you might want to load Linux on your old computer:
1. Linux lets you dual boot your computer, so you can boot XP if you want.
2. Linux can read and copy your Windows files, so it's handy for making backups of Windows files.
3. Linux is free, and it comes with free software like LibreOffice (which can read and write Microsoft Office files).
4. Linux has fewer virus/malware problems than Windows.
5. Linux Mint has a graphical user interface, much like Windows XP. While there might be a bit of a learning curve, you won't find a huge change when running Linux Mint. Yes, if you want to get geeky, you can use the command line--but the same argument goes with Windows. How many people still use the Windows command line?

Although I have a Win 7 computer, I find that I spend most of my time on Linux.

Good luck with whatever solution you choose.