Windows 7 / 8

navegante88 on 29/03/2014 - 07:12

Hi All

As most of you know, XP is no longer being supported and I will have to depart with my beloved XP after so many years. I'm just wondering, where is the best / cheapest place to get it.

I get a little confused as whether windows 7 or 8 is better and even worse when stores sell OEM versions?

My computer is fairly outdated and mainly use it for internet surfing and word processing (long live PC gaming).

I think my comp is starting to get fairly slow but not too willing to upgrade for the purposes of web surfing.

Do you guys think 7 is better than 8?

Should I get 64 bit or 32 bit versions?

Thanks for all your help.

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • ethereal88 on 29/03/2014 - 07:35
    +1

    If its a Pentium 4 8.1 might not even install (some P4's are missing a certain CPU extension) and even if it would install it would run like a dog, seeing as modern smartphones are as fast as a P4. If its a Core 2 should be fine. Specs?

  • humdingaling on 29/03/2014 - 08:55
    +1

    imo win 7> win 8

    many articles about it on the web….the odd one says 8 is better but those are few and far between

    OEM version - note almost always there is a *terms and conditions apply next to it
    must be bought with other hardware (believe Motherboard is suffice) and gets locked to your motherboard
    so you will need to find someone who actually sells retail if you dont plan on upgrading

    also computer specs is required

  • derpdeder on 29/03/2014 - 10:18

    Don't worry about changing from XP until you get a new computer. XP will still work just as it is now for you - just because it is not supported does not mean it will cease working.

    • navegante88 on 29/03/2014 - 12:27
      +2

      I am more scared about the security issues. Doing internet banking is probably a big nono and all that other nonsense…

      • chipstss on 02/04/2014 - 16:52

        Understandable but if you were truly concerned about security issues you would have dropped XP by now.

  • scrimshaw on 29/03/2014 - 11:46
    +2

    Before upgrading, run the Windows 8 Upgrade advisor to see if you meet spec requirements.

    If you have a .edu address, whether from TAFE or university, you are eligible for student pricing from Microsoft, which should significantly lower the cost of upgrading to Win 8.

    But if you aren't eligible, then you'd have to buy an OEM kit (cost $109) which many stores will sell you even if you're not buying or building a new PC.

    And it's a no brainer nowadays to just go x64, since modern computers nowadays now support beyond 4GB of memory.

    Should you get 7 or 8? It's up to you, for just a web browsing PC choosing either 7/8 doesn't make much of a difference, though if you need a compelling reason, Windows 8 does perform a lot smoother than 7 does, and has several improvements under the hood that improve security and ease of use. You just have to install Classic Start if you want the legacy start menu back.

  • navegante88 on 29/03/2014 - 12:27

    Thanks for all the tips guys.

    My computer is not THAT old

    Off the top of my head, it is core 2 duo. only 2gb ram though..

    It is about 6 -7 years old and it was very good for its time.

    Too bad I never really used it for gaming.

    I will give the univeresity thing a go since I still have my uni email from a while back.

    My mum also uses a crappy pentium 4, will probably chuck it out, bought it for $30 from the government haha

  • imolared on 29/03/2014 - 14:26
    +3

    A little bit off-topic, but as you posted, you only use it for web surfing and word processing. Have you looked at alternatives to Windows such as Linux? Specifically Linux Mint? I've had a few dozen mates who's switched to it and is fairly happy that they still get to use their "old" computer.

    • navegante88 on 29/03/2014 - 20:48

      That is an option. Is it more secure than a non supported xp?

      • scrimshaw on 29/03/2014 - 22:57

        Linux gets updated more often than Windows. So the simple answer is yes.

        So long as you stay on top of updates and don't run an outdated kernel, you should be safe from major exploits.

        • navegante88 on 30/03/2014 - 08:53

          wow cool! does linux have like a microsoftword equivalent? I am fairly open to trying new things , but just need things like word and excel to run. I know i could run free version type software like googles versions but would much rather having word based on familiarity and compatibility with other Pcs etc

        • retiredfeline on 30/03/2014 - 09:22

          libreoffice

        • scrimshaw on 30/03/2014 - 12:43

          If you have Microsoft Office 2007 ~ 2010 already, you can use it in Linux! It does require you to use WINE, but the process is well documented and very simple.

          http://www.liberiangeek.net/2013/04/installing-microsoft-off…

    • DARK KHAOS on 30/03/2014 - 10:06

      Give mint a go. you have nothing to lose.

  • ethereal88 on 29/03/2014 - 15:21

    2GB RAM is cutting it fine, you'd want at least 4GB minimum for 7/8 64-bit. Buying 32-bit Win 8 is rather backwards. As for Linux, its still a pain.

    • Ramrunner on 30/03/2014 - 11:21
      +1

      When was the last time you used Linux? I work in the industry and believe me, older people and others that don't like change GENERALLY have more problems going XP -> 8.1 rather than XP -> Linux mint.

      Linux is absolutely NOT a pain and I guarantee it will work with a Core 2 Duo era PC better than Windows 7/8.

      Now, I only have Linux on TWO PCs out of the 7 in the house, so won't say it rules the roost here but it is FAR more stable and easier for familiarity.

      Saying it's a pain is just plain ignorance. That is very obviously your opinion, even though you seem to make a general statement. I urge the original poster to ignore you. Linux is even more than fine on 2Gb RAM.

      THE ONLY problem with Linux is Windows applications are NOT guaranteed to work on it. You can get some versions of Office to work on it, but Office 2013 is still a no-no. Apparently there are rumours with the recent iOS and Android ports that Microsoft will also release a Linux port but I have no confirmation.

      LibreOffice, which is an OpenOffice derivative, is an EXCELLENT office suite and will actually give you everything you need for your uses. However, you say it has to be compatible with Microsoft Office. Last few times I've tried it, it is VERY close, but I frequently got formatting issues I had to fix between the two file formats unfortunately. Not quite 100% compatible I'm afraid.

      I hate to say stick with Microsoft or Mac OS if you want Office, but at the moment for 100% compatibility with Office 2013, this is what you have to do.

      BUT

      Nothing stopping you trying Mint or Ubuntu or something like that out before you fork out your money.

      • ethereal88 on 02/04/2014 - 14:57

        Drivers are still hit and miss. No way around it.

        • Ramrunner on 03/04/2014 - 08:50

          Maybe on obscure hardware, sure.

          Standard stuff? Simply not true mate. The major manufacturers have been backing Linux for years now. Even AMD is coming to the party now. I think you'll find it generally just works out of the box. Sure, nVidia's drivers still aren't open source and I see people complaining about that for example, but they aren't open source on Windows either.

  • anna10 on 30/03/2014 - 07:58

    Win 7 is like XP, if you like XP go for Win7. I went for win8.1 based on the shop's advice. (that point 1 is important) and it is a whole new learning. I have had no end of trouble getting everything working. It has been back to the shop once and I have had a lot of telephone support thank god from my ISP and the shop and one visit to sit down and look at their set up. It depends on your level of understanding, current laptop capability and time available to be down. I suggest you will need an on site support to set up win 8.1, I didn't have that. The worse thing was when microsoft locked me out as there is NO microsoft phone support.

  • Soundwave on 30/03/2014 - 08:28

    I would buy a copy of Windows 7 64 bit. Now 64bit is mainly for PCs which have 4GB RAM in total or more. Your PC has 2GB of RAM plus whatever graphics card you have. 64bit would be pointless at this stage, but if you ever upgrade or buy a better spec PC atleast you'll have a 64bit version. Also if you invest in a new PC that has Windows 8 and you don't like it, you can install Windows 7.

    Windows 7 at the moment is more user friendly because it has a familiar layout.

  • Ramrunner on 30/03/2014 - 11:40

    In the Windows 7/8 debate I'd like to vote the other way. Microsoft has made it clear to me at their events that Windows 9, 10 , 11 will ALL be sporting the modern user interface so I think buying a copy of Windows 7 is a complete waste of time, as you're postponing having a PC with the modern user interface. You're going to get one if you stick with Windows rather than OSX or Linux, so I would suggest making the change sooner rather than later. Living behind the current generation is going to do you no favours.

    Having said that make sure you get Windows 8.1! The .1 is important. The 8.1 version will detect whether you are using a touch screen and set the computer accordingly. If you don't, it basically installs desktop Windows that your are familiar with by default, and leaves the modern UI to the people who ask for it by clicking on the Windows logo or hitting the Windows key on their PC. Version 8 dumped you in the modern UI by default which didn't suit too many people.

    You can even turn the hot corners off to make it easier to stay in the desktop, and the Windows background now is the same if you want it when you DO go to the modern UI so there's less of a shock.

    Basically the modern UI is what the start menu was. I really do not understand the hate. It is much faster for me to select programs from the icons in front of my face rather than start, all programs, (Name of folder), click on program icon. 1 click instead of 3 but hey, it's different and obviously it scares some people.

    Plus the numerous other improvements (less memory needed, faster and more stable networking, faster start, more repairable - the list is huge - look it up).

    If you have Windows XP with your desktop icons and taskbar icons, just do the same in Windows 8.1 - set up your desktop shortcuts, taskbar shortcuts. It will be exactly the same. It's how I've been using 8 (yep, even the original 8) since it was brought out.

    I remember when lots of people stayed with Windows 98SE because Windows XP was so radically different. It really wasn't but the perception was there and once the media got hold of it I had a hell of a time explaining how good Windows XP was. Look at the world now. Having to pry Windows XP out of poeple's hands is extremely hard even though it's a 13 year old operating system.

    It's the same with Windows 8 people. Really. Out of the 4 family PCs here, one runs Vista, two Windows 8, and one Windows 8.1. We didn't skip 7, we've had it since it came out. I upgraded first to 8, my wife bought a new notebook with 8 (AND LOVES IT!!!), and my 6 year old at the time wanted it after he saw it on our PCs as he actually liked the way it worked. He also had 7 before that.

    I know 6 year old will adapt easier then more mature people, but if you're not a techo, the Windows Store with it's free apps, is far easier to work than any setup DVD.

    Think about it. Windows 8.1 is not the monster people make out.

  • skillet on 30/03/2014 - 23:12

    $79 Buys you Windows 8 Pro upgrade. 3UR-00006
    http://budgetpc.com.au/new-products/windows-8-pro-upgrade.ht…
    http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=windows%208%20p…

    Once you installed Windows 8, head to Windows Store and get free upgrade to Windows 8.1
    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows-8/update-from-win…

    I prefer Windows 7.

  • navegante88 on 31/03/2014 - 15:18

    Thanks for all the tips!

    I am going to probably get windows 7

    My mum's crappy comp? No idea what to do……….

    It is like a dell optiplex. Typical government low perform8ng computer

    • scrimshaw on 31/03/2014 - 17:21

      If mom's needs are basic, I'd look into getting another used Dell Optiplex or something. They're built to last and are quite reliable. Starts at $119, but some of those are Win XP and you'll want to avoid those.
      http://budgetpc.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=optiplex

      • altomic on 01/04/2014 - 13:32
        • on the optiplex.

        I have an optiplex as a hackintosh running Ideneb 10.5.6 quite reliably. only problem is no sound through outputs (but sound via a $1.14 usb dongle) and resolution is fixed at 1280 X 1024

        solid, reliable computer

  • anna10 on 02/04/2014 - 07:33

    Someone said Win8 is not a monster. I wish to disagree. I'm still home alone w' this monster that is very difficult. My inability to get some basics working, is embarrassing and a bloody nuisance as far as getting anything done. Eg a simple Skype call.

    • Ramrunner on 02/04/2014 - 08:54

      You can install the desktop version of Skype and it will work 100% guaranteed the same as when you were using Windows XP or 7.

      You DO NOT HAVE to use the modern UI version of Skype if you can't work it.

      You do not have to use ANY modern UI apps or anything if you do not wish to go there. You can just use the computer as you did Windows 7 or XP.

      The ONLY exceptions are that if you have Windows 8 (not 8.1), it's a pain to shut down the computer, and that if your installation programs don't install desktop or taskbar icons, you will have to go into the modern UI just once to add the icon to your desktop or taskbar. Other than that you can ignore it and it's basically Windows 7 or XP.

      OH

      And you really need to get used to the Windows-X key combination, or get used to right clicking in the bottom left corner. Extremely handy for getting to your control panel and other settings.

  • anna10 on 02/04/2014 - 09:44
    +1

    Ok thanks, I might uninstall skype and ditch the 'modern windows ' version and go w' the desktop version.

    • Ramrunner on 02/04/2014 - 10:56

      Cool. Both myself and my son use the desktop version even though we have Windows 8/8.1. The modern UI one is not very friendly for non-touchscreen.

      Skype is starting to annoy me though. I once thought it was pretty and functional, now it seems more about "how many ads can we throw in your face at once". It is nowhere near as easy to use or as friendly as it once was.

      Microsoft trying to recoup their purchase of it no doubt.

    • scrimshaw on 02/04/2014 - 11:01

      Also do yourself a favour and install Classic Start. Or put some cash down and get Start Is Back.

      • Ramrunner on 02/04/2014 - 12:28

        Yeah, I used to teach people to organize their modern UI so that it is actually FASTER than using a start menu. Single clicks as opposed to 3 or so. I did this because every Microsoft event I've been to seem adamant that the start menu will not come back, even in Windows 9. However, I've seen some credible posts by credible writers on the net also that say the menu WILL come back.

        I don't know who to believe any more to be honest.

        Look, I still say give the modern UI a decent look. If you organize your icon groups, I guarantee it can work better for you than a start menu. I still feel this is the way things will go in the future and it would pay you to get used to it.

        But scrimshaw is on the money. If you really can't be bothered giving it a chance, you can indeed install start menu replacements.

  • Low Punt on 02/04/2014 - 14:33

    Hi,
    My story is similar. I have a few Optiolex's and Dell D820; all ex gov in core2duo. My laptop is 32 bit so I tried Win7 and Win 8.1. Win 8.1 has a desk top similar to what xp has but you locate programs a bit differently. Run the windows 8 comparability wizard and look at YouTube videos to see if you would like 8.1. Since I upgraded I would never go back. 8.1 is faster, easy to use once you get the hang of it etc. I have I only had it a few months and took a day of general use to get the gist of it.
    However on my Optiolex's I run Win7. I'm not sure how tech savvy you are but you want to obtain a copy of Windows 7 OEM, Windows 7 Dell OEM etc and try and install that. Before doing so I would upgrade your BIOS or check what version you have. Some naughty people will download a torrent of this Windows and install for free; I had my copies from other pcs.

    To save time and money and because everyone kept losing their windows product key? OEM versions of windows 7 were built to recognise the bios.

  • Baysew on 11/04/2014 - 12:48

    I was wondering what to do about Windows XP. I wanted to try Linux so I found a discarded PC on the nature strip.

    I have got Linux Mint 16 Mate installed. Works a lot quicker than the old XP. No virus/malware programmes to run.

    I use Dropbox,Google Docs and Google as the browser. I use Libre Office or Open Office as it is called on my Windows computers. All pretty simple really.

    The PC is Optiplex-gx260 Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 1.80GHz 1Gig RAM and about 5Gig free Disc Space.

    Give it a try on Mum's crappy computer, can be dual booted so Linux for Internet use and XP for other stuff.

    Linux is at the right Ozbargain price - FREE !

    • Ramrunner on 11/04/2014 - 14:14

      Welcome to Linux. Linux is indeed a fantastic bargain. It depends on a person's needs, but I'm of the opinion nearly 100% of applications have Linux equivalents.

      Enjoy mate. Encourage others also. I'm a Microsoft reseller so have no stake in Linux, but I use it myself on a few PCs and love it.

      It's great not too many people have faith in it or unwilling to try it and give it time to enjoy and like it, otherwise the Microsoft side of my business would flatline.

  • anna10 on 14/04/2014 - 13:43

    Would you plse adv me on what you think of this. We need something for a student to write some really long essays etc. Getting rid of the Dell 2006 laptop w' XP. Need Win 7 so is this worth looking at?

    http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/canberra-region/desktops/fres…

    • Ramrunner on 14/04/2014 - 15:24

      It's about the same age as your laptop?

      Can't you just put Windows 7 on the laptop then?

      Just can't imagine spending $150 on an 7 or 8 year old PC.

  • anna10 on 14/04/2014 - 15:32

    Ok thanks. How do I get hold of a cheap Win?

    (I didn't mean to dupe my post, I thought I'd put it in the wrong thread)

    • scrimshaw on 14/04/2014 - 20:00

      Your laptop is already on it's last legs (2006 ~ 2014, that's a whopping 8 years).

      You should probably think in the longer term, if you upgrade to OS to 7, that's not going to prolong the working life of the laptop. It will fail eventually and cannot be repaired. When you buy a new system to replace it, it's going to come with an operating system anyway, so your old Windows key will become unused or redundant.

      Instead of spending $ on Win 7, you should be looking at getting a new machine. Some convertible laptops like the ASUS T100 even comes with Office 2013, so that's something to consider if you are a student.

  • anna10 on 15/04/2014 - 07:26

    Thanks, looked at the ASUS T100 and it's a bit too entry level. I'm going to begin by looking at desktops now. What might a spec for a Dell w' Office and Win 7 might be good?

    • scrimshaw on 15/04/2014 - 13:59

      The only way you can get Win 7 packaged with a desktop is if you custom order a business machine from Dell or Lenovo. E.g Lenovo Thinkcentre series, Dell Optiplex series. Their mainstream models won't give you Windows 7 options.

      Office is usually not bundled, and is an add-on (pay $ on top of sticker price). You can get office bundled with laptops and tablets usually, but not desktops.

      If you are a uni student, or know someone who is, you would be eligible to purchase the University version of MS Office 365 which is a 4 year subscription for $99. — it entitles you to use MS Office on up to 2 machines at once and also gives you more cloud storage plus 60mins Skype credits monthly.

      If you're looking for cost effectiveness, you should just take advantage of the desktop deals that come up on the Ozbargain front page, and pay for your own Windows or Office licenses by taking advantage of student pricing.

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