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Thread: Computer questions
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23rd May 2018, 10:31 AM #16
Start up time for windows is coffee time
My wife has W8 I hate it with a passion, its like going back to the stone age or trying to cut dovetails with an axe
I have W7 brilliant, rock solid prior to that XP fantasticThe person who never made a mistake never made anything
Cheers
Ray
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23rd May 2018, 04:57 PM #17GOLD MEMBER
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If you want up to date security fixes, stability, and the choice of Windows XP, Win7, Mac etc. - like interface, consider one of the variants of Linux.
I've just put Linux Mint on a friend's laptop, next to Windows, so she can compare, and not toss the hardware out of the window because of, well, Windows.
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23rd May 2018, 05:33 PM #18GOLD MEMBER
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24th May 2018, 12:01 PM #19
I've worked with computers all my life having started as a mainframe operator in 1971. I then progressed to mini computers and finally PCs in the early '80s. I eventually drifted into network and desktop support and programming (I retired 18 months ago) so it would probably be fair to say that I have a better understanding (and fewer problems) than a lot of people.
My recipe for a trouble free computer experience is to start with a clean slate (fresh copy of Windows installed), allow the updates to download, and install as few applications as possible on it. Especially don't install anything that promises to "make your computer faster" or keep it virus free. If you have Windows 10 then the virus protection that comes with it is perfectly adequate. If you have an older version download and install Microsoft Security Essentials - it's free. I've never had a computer virus. The low cost of SSDs now makes them a mandatory upgrade IMO. Once the computer has reached a stable condition use Macrium Reflect (free for home use) to create an image of the SSD. At any sign of trouble restore back to that image. If you decide to install other applications just keep a record of what you've installed so that in the event of a restore you can get it back to how you like it.
If you want to go the whole hog and can afford it buy a new PC (with SSD and Win10 already installed). I typically buy HP Elitebook laptops for other family members and friends. I buy these on eBay, used for about $500. I think the company I buy them from sources them from government agencies. I buy the "A" grade machines which look like new. They come with a twelve month warranty (which I've never had to use). They are fast and have plenty of capacity. When you shut down use the "sleep" option rather than shut down, then it's only seconds before it's up and running when you switch it back on next time.
I've also used and supported Apple devices, and I agree they're pretty to look at and nice to use. But they're expensive and not as trouble free as you might be led to believe. The biggest problem with them however is that really they are just a bit player in the PC market (8.69% vs. 88.59%). You'll always find a Windows PC to work on but it's a lot harder to find a Mac. And because they do things a 'little' bit differently, if you're a regular Mac user you'll just be that little bit slower if you have to use a Windows PC. And if something goes wrong (and it will) try and find someone who knows how to fix it...