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General Discussion => Computer Help => Topic started by: Perry on April 07, 2014, 08:23:07 am

Title: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Perry on April 07, 2014, 08:23:07 am
Given what I have read on this on another thread, and my computer probably needing a cleaning anyway, what should I be looking at in the way of an upgrade that is affordable?
I don't even now what's out there.  :-[
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: camero7 on April 07, 2014, 08:30:51 am
I upgraded to Windows 7 and am very happy with it. Also it's cheaper to buy now. Check Ebay
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: iddee on April 07, 2014, 08:34:14 am
I can have XP removed and Windows 7 installed for 35.00, but if buying new, look at the Mac "all-in-one". I got the Mac a year or so ago and don't ever plan to buy another new windows PC. Maybe a used one for50 bucks or so to play with, but the Mac has the PC beat hands down, IMHO.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: blueblood on April 07, 2014, 08:35:02 am
Operating system: 7 is my favorite.  However, 8 is on two of my four devices I use daily.  I am getting used to it.

Computer: HP makes some decent desktop units for reasonable prices.  You have Best Buys up there in the cool north?
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: G3farms on April 07, 2014, 08:40:12 am
Windows 8 takes a little bit of playing around with to figure out, but I like it.

Wife bought me a new laptop a while back, an ASUS has more bells and whistles than I will ever figure out.

You just have to define affordable and go from there.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: tefer2 on April 07, 2014, 09:45:27 am
A bunch of window xp machines don't have the memory to run a windows 7 upgrade.
I'd wait for windows 9 to come out or buy a mac.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: riverbee on April 07, 2014, 10:15:26 am
win 7 perry.  the macs are nice, but you said affordable..... :D

Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: BoilerJim on April 07, 2014, 11:53:41 am
Perry, I concur with Iddee about the MAC. I was getting tired of updating or replacing my microsoft computer every 18 months. They were nickle and diming me to death.  :sad:  Four years ago I bought a MAC and love it.  :)
This year I spent a little money and had it updated - but I went four years before I did and then I didn't "have to" I just "wanted to".

Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: LazyBkpr on April 08, 2014, 08:56:45 am


   Interesting thread you have started here Perry...

   WIndows 8 is my nemesis..      I have been perfectly fine going through files, finding whatever I need.  I have had no problem with windows from the time it was initiated. In fact I had no problems working in DOS before that...   now Windows 8 shows up and I am completely lost.  I cant find anything. I cant navigate, and in fact its so bad that I have stopped using the Windows 8 computer for anything more than watching Netflix.   I passionately hate Win 8..    I'm sure if I had someone to show me how it all works I could figure it out...  but I prefer to spend that time doing something I actually enjoy.

    So... Mac's...   I have always avoided them for the fear of difference. programs that wont run on a mac etc...  Have they advanced to the point that "windows" programs will run on them? Or do you still have to look and see if there is a "Mac" version of that program somewhere?
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Jen on April 08, 2014, 11:31:02 am
I'm in need of a new laptop. We work on Windows Vista, it's a nightmare. I haven't yet heard of anyone who has a Mac that doesn't like them. I miss Windows XP, undestandable and easy to navigate.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: riverbee on April 08, 2014, 11:40:55 am
LOL vista.....

fyi i invited microsoft to view our thread........... :D :D :D
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: BoilerJim on April 08, 2014, 11:44:05 am
LazyBkpr,

The only thing that I can think of I bought was Micro Office made for MACS because I am so used to WORD. I use it at work and at home so I had to buy the MAC version. The Microsoft version will not work with the MAC. I am NOT a computer GEEK so the MAC is simplified and suits me to a tee.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Jen on April 08, 2014, 12:04:43 pm
""LOL vista.....""

I know hu?!!  I inherited my sons Dell laptop, and he regretfully installed Vista, big mistake. So I'm on the hunt for a new one.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Slowmodem on April 08, 2014, 12:16:08 pm
LOL vista.....

fyi i invited microsoft to view our thread........... :D :D :D

I'm sure they'll give it all the attention it deserves!   ;)
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: camero7 on April 08, 2014, 12:50:27 pm
I'm in need of a new laptop. We work on Windows Vista, it's a nightmare. I haven't yet heard of anyone who has a Mac that doesn't like them. I miss Windows XP, undestandable and easy to navigate.

I had the same experience. Updated to Windows 7 and never looked back.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Perry on April 08, 2014, 12:59:51 pm
From what I have been able to piece together, Windows 7 will stop being available in 2015 but will be supported until 2020. Is #8 any better?
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: riverbee on April 08, 2014, 01:52:56 pm
by then perry you will need another pc or laptop anyway...... :D

on my older laptop, i fought with vista, but once i figured it's quirks, good to go.  after 5 years, i wanted a bran spanking new lap top, i checked out win 8, like lazy, forget it.....so i went with win 7. 
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Slowmodem on April 08, 2014, 03:15:33 pm
The desktop I use is a Dell from 2001.  But it ISN'T named HAL! 

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: efmesch on April 08, 2014, 03:39:22 pm
I have Win 7 and am  pleased with it  but--
1. It costs money and
2. You have to pay to install "Office" and other selected programs.

Perry, Allow me to climb out on a branch and sggest you give a try to Ubuntu.  It takes some getting used to but the learning curve isn't really that hard for the basic needs of one who writes emails, surfs the internet, talks on Skype, visits the forum and posts pictures.
It is totally free and comes with thousands of free programs you can download from the internet.  Even better, it is not plagued by viruses so you don''t have to pay for virus protection.  It updates constantly with no costs or problems.

Most people who stay away from it do so because it is an "unknown".  But remember, it is free so you have absolutely nothing to lose from trying it. 
I have one computer dedicated to Ubuntu, connected to my home network by wi-fi and find it to be quite acceptable.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: riverbee on April 08, 2014, 05:30:04 pm
"You have to pay to install "Office" and other selected programs."

what i did ef, was kept my 'office' disc from 2007 and loaded it onto my win 7 laptop, wasn't going to pay for the upgrade. this wouldn't work for perry in his situation, not sure how much perry does in excel..... :D or one note......or even word, but there are a number of free word processor programs, and also some free open source office programs similiar to microsoft office.....

perry we making your head spin yet?......... :laugh:

Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: LazyBkpr on April 08, 2014, 05:38:08 pm
Hrm...  I still have my Win 95 disk..
   I still have Dos flopys somewhere but these new computers don't give you any places to slide them in..  tried to use the CD drive but it kept scrunching up the floppys......
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Slowmodem on April 08, 2014, 09:42:58 pm
"You have to pay to install "Office" and other selected programs."

what i did ef, was kept my 'office' disc from 2007 and loaded it onto my win 7 laptop, wasn't going to pay for the upgrade. this wouldn't work for perry in his situation, not sure how much perry does in excel..... :D or one note......or even word, but there are a number of free word processor programs, and also some free open source office programs similiar to microsoft office.....

perry we making your head spin yet?......... :laugh:

Go to CNET and download Kingsoft office.  It's free and works well for me.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Slowmodem on April 08, 2014, 09:48:56 pm
Hrm...  I still have my Win 95 disk..
   I still have Dos flopys somewhere but these new computers don't give you any places to slide them in..  tried to use the CD drive but it kept scrunching up the floppys......

Trivia of the day:

Brian Eno (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Eno) wrote the startup sound for Windows 95. (And he wrote it on a Mac!   :laugh:  )
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Perry on April 09, 2014, 07:16:15 am
perry we making your head spin yet?......... :laugh:

It actually fell off a few posts ago. :-[
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: iddee on April 09, 2014, 07:45:07 am
I like Open Office. It is free, has all the features of ms. office, will accept a ms. office file, will do what ms. office will do, and you can even save a file to ms. office to send it to someone who uses ms. office.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Buzzbee on May 25, 2014, 06:22:42 am
If you want to keep your old machine, Ubuntu is a good choice for low memory machines.Windows & works well with 2 gigs of memory, I believe * likes a bit more. Windows 8 with update to 8.1 will bring back the things like the start menu and conventional desktop known in previous versions.
Open Office is a good office replacement,free too.
Windows XP is still safe to use. Just be responsible.
Use a web browser thats going to be updated, like Google Chrome or Firefox.
Set up a non administrator account for accessing the web(Standard user). Make sure your administrator account is password protected. That way software cannot be installed without your permissions. This should be done regardless of windows operating system you use. Malware needs your permission to be installed. Did ya ever get one of those toolbars or search engines you didn't bargain for? These come from places like Cnet and download .com that wrap other software with what you intend install. Be careful through the install prompts.
If possible, go directly to the software writers direct links for download. Freeware from repository sites often comes with extra gifts :sad:
But by all means, if continuing to use XP avoid the Internet Explorer browser. It is the biggest threat to your online presence.
 I know most people have some type of Google account. Set up a free google drive     www.drive.google.com  and store your important documents there as well.(Use a good password on your google account as well).These docs then are available across any mobile or desktop system you have.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Buzzbee on May 25, 2014, 06:27:00 am
And remember, use a good password manager, and change passwords often at sites with your sensitive information. :)
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: robo on May 25, 2014, 06:48:23 am
Give Ubuntu a try.   You can actually run it off a DVD or USB stick to see if it works on your machine BEFORE you install it.   This way you know if all your hardware is recognized.  Linux is much better at supporting older hardware than Windows.   Chances are that if your running XP now that your machine won't be "good enough" for Win8.   Best part is Ubuntu is FREE.....

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/try-ubuntu-before-you-install
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: robo on May 25, 2014, 06:52:07 am
I like Open Office. It is free, has all the features of ms. office, will accept a ms. office file, will do what ms. office will do, and you can even save a file to ms. office to send it to someone who uses ms. office.

Then you'll love LibreOffice......


OpenOffice was bought by Oracle.  All the folks that created left and started LibreOffice.    So basically OpenOffice is a corporate owned (slow to change  or fix),  and LibreOffice continues on where OpenOffice stopped.   Give it a look, it is what I use.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: robo on May 25, 2014, 06:59:17 am
Go to CNET and download Kingsoft office.  It's free and works well for me.


I'm not familiar with Kingsoft office,  but I would advise everyone never ever use Download.com (CNET).   They put an install wrapper around the programs you download and if your not careful and read all the options during install and uncheck boxes you will get all kinds of garbage installed on your machine (browser tool bars, etc)

I recommend always going the website of the company who wrote the application to download,  not only do you get the latest level,  you are not exposed to extra crap being installed.

Kingsoft office -> http://www.kingsoftstore.com/
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: efmesch on May 25, 2014, 07:02:27 am
Nice link Robo.  Thanks!!!
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: DMLinton on May 25, 2014, 07:03:21 am
I have to second Robo and Buzzbee.  You want inexpensive, reliable and almost no malware risk? Linux is the way to go.  Not sure that I would recommend Ubuntu but rather Debian which Ubuntu is built upon.  You can download a live CD, which is true for almost all Linux flavours and try it out without installing anything. 

You can install Debian in a dual boot system where you keep your XP until you are up and runing on the new system.  Debian is fully open source that you could, for example, download it, install it and add every application you could possibly need all without ever touching your wallet or even getting out of your chair.

I use Debian for everything.  LibreOffice (formerly OpenOffice) is also open source and fully compatible with MS Office .... and will run on either Windows or Linux.

See http://www.debian.org/intro/about (http://www.debian.org/intro/about)
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: robo on May 25, 2014, 09:20:50 am
I suggested Ubuntu because it is more beginner-friendly.   Nothing like the need to try and find and install a .deb to quickly turn off a neophyte.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: efmesch on May 25, 2014, 10:38:46 am
This thread has come back to life----I'm still in the camp of DM and Robo.  You can check back to post #18.  My opinion has not changed.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: DMLinton on May 25, 2014, 12:23:07 pm
I suggested Ubuntu because it is more beginner-friendly.   Nothing like the need to try and find and install a .deb to quickly turn off a neophyte.
True enough but Ubuntu and Debian both use the Synaptic package manager so there is actually no difference on that front..
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: robo on May 25, 2014, 06:08:35 pm
This thread has come back to life----I'm still in the camp of DM and Robo.  You can check back to post #18.  My opinion has not changed.

I guess I missed that in post #18.  That is what I get for just skimming the responses.

So I guess DM and I are in YOUR camp.....
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Intheswamp on May 26, 2014, 11:00:39 am
Somebody coming out of the WinXP environment and into a linux/unix one might want to check out "Linux Mint".  I haven't used it in a couple of years, but it always worked very well for me, solid, and had a very strong smiliarity to WinXP as to it's GUI.  It's totally free and lots of linux utilities for upgrading, adding programs, etc., are built-in.

Ed 
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: Buzzbee on January 03, 2016, 12:53:26 pm
I know this is an old topic, but I have been toying around with Linux Zorin. It may have a more familiar feel  to windows users and It adapts quite readily to most hardware ,including network printers ,bluetooh and any connected devices you might have.
As with other versions, if you burn the iso to a flash drive or dvd ,you can run it live without actually installing it ,so you can get a feel for the operating system if you want before installing.
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: iddee on January 03, 2016, 01:16:45 pm
Can it be used on a mac?
Title: Re: Best replacement for XP?
Post by: efmesch on January 03, 2016, 01:49:09 pm
Give this link a read:
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/install-linux-macbook-pro/
Note, that they advise you to be sure to have adequate backups before you make the new installation.

I mentioned earlier that I have a computer that is dedicated to use with Ubuntu (a Linux distribution).  A new (free) upped-level installation came out recently (Ubuntu 15.10).  It's a cinch to download and install these distros and "just for the fun of it" it's worth giving it (or any other Linux "distro") a try. 

Winter time is just made for beeks who have free time, to give it a try.  I have found that in the process of experimentation with Ubuntu I've learned a lot of computer "tricks".  The nicest shortcut I've discovered is how to "copy-paste": press the left button and run the mouse over the text you want to copy, thereby marking it, place the cursor where you want to paste and press down on the scroll (middle wheel) button.  Puff--it's done.