View Full Version : Using Vista64bit on PC. Is it time for a new computer
I have an HP Pavillion desktop PC that has Vista 64 bit. It works fine, but I have been told by a very thrifty man I won't be able to keep doing things with it due to the old Operating System.
My question is- do I need to replace it? Should I wait until it dies? (that's been my plan and I do a back up of documents - sending to a flash drive if that counts as back up- and photos every few months)
Thanks.
The problem with old versions of operating systems (Windows, OS X, whatever) is not that they quit working catastrophically. It's that the manufacturer cuts support for security fixes and bug repairs. As time goes by, you will find more hardware and software that is not updated for Vista or flat out doesn't work anymore and more virus/malware/adware vectors which cannot be stopped by the software you have.
Vista is now four versions old (Windows 10 > Windows 8.x > Windows 7 > Vista). Microsoft itself quit supporting it as of April 10, 2012 (three years ago).
I would not be running in the Windows world without security fixes or the latest versions of applications like Microsoft Office or Adobe Flash (if you use it). You might want to look at possibly upgrading to Windows 10 or buying a new PC that runs it. It's probably the cheapest way to update. And you shoud update, sooner than later.
ApatheticNoMore
9-19-15, 9:42pm
Microsoft is ending support for Windows Vista (several years ago) as part of an effort to push users to upgrade .... The company will no longer offer free technical support for customers running Vista, nor will they honor warranty claims for the five-year-old operating system, but it will provide basic support.
Customers will continue to receive critical security updates, and will have the option of paying for support through April 11, 2017. After this point customers will be out of luck, and Microsoft will finally put Windows Vista out of its (and our collective) misery.
I think you can keep it until April 2017 then. You could always have someone (a geek or a computer repair place) install a new Operating System on your old computer (Windows 7 would be best, but that's hard to find. Many people don't like Windows 8 but Windows 8 is the easiest Operating System software to find and it will also be what automatically comes with most brand new PCs as well). There is a conversation now (iOS9 thread) on electronic waste and planned obsolescence. Here's my thoughts: yes a lot of people would say buy a new computer but that is electronic waste and planned obsolescence, so I say: DON'T! Install a new operating system instead or have someone else do this for you (the geeks on this board will say Linux, I'd say if your are used to Windows it might be easier to just upgrade to a new version of Windows, but if you've always wanted to switch to Linux then do that).
[ETA: Ok maybe the latest version is Windows 10 now I didn't buy a computer last month or something]
ToomuchStuff
9-19-15, 9:43pm
What things have you been told you won't be able to do?
Mainstream support has already ended for Vista (ended in 2012), extended support goes until 2017. Windows 7 loses mainstream support in January of next year. Not 100% sure what the difference is, but my guess, is normal updates is mainstream, and urgent security updates is extended.
Found it:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/gp/lifepolicy
Another option that at least two of us use here, is to convert the computer to a Linux machine to get extended life out of it, while learning something different.
Another option that at least two of us use here, is to convert the computer to a Linux machine to get extended life out of it, while learning something different.What he/she said! There are lots of free Linux distributions which will work wonderfully for you while emulating, or even improving upon Windows.
I switch back and forth between Linux and Windows, running a dual boot configuration of Linux and Windows 10 on my primary laptop. Unless you're having hardware problems, I'd just upgrade your current machine to one of those operating systems.
So I could upgrade to Linux or does it have to be a Microsoft? I have Norton through Comcast, but does that not work? I use my computer for writing, and the internet. No gaming, no streaming, no complicated things, but I have noticed some sites or some info that is sent to me via email I have use the tablet we have which is Samsung Galaxy 10. I have no idea how to run a dual boot configuration. Would the Linux have the same type of word processing?
Then, if I buy a new tower will my HPW1907 monitor and the printer hp laser jet and the canon scanner work with it? Or are the systems too advanced now? I am thinking a lap top might be the best bet, just hate to get rid of something that is still working for what I do. Thank you all for the input. It's given me more to think about....next I'll ask about upgrading my Trac phone to one that takes pictures.
So I could upgrade to Linux or does it have to be a Microsoft? I have Norton through Comcast, but does that not work? I use my computer for writing, and the internet. No gaming, no streaming, no complicated things, but I have noticed some sites or some info that is sent to me via email I have use the tablet we have which is Samsung Galaxy 10. I have no idea how to run a dual boot configuration. Would the Linux have the same type of word processing?
PCs running Linux can do pretty much everything that PCs running Windows or Macintosh OS X can do. They may not have all the same programs or accessories available, but there are equivalent applications for just about anything you'd want to do. I'm a little puzzled that there are file formats or URLs which have to be opened on an Android tablet rather than a PC, but I'm sure I'm missing something there.
But based on the kinds of questions you're asking, nswef, I'm not sure you're a good candidate for moving to Linux unless there is someone nearby who can help you with it. If there is, full speed ahead! :cool: Otherwise, though, and especially if you can't devote some time to learning about the differences, I think you're in for some unnecessary frustration.
Then, if I buy a new tower will my HPW1907 monitor and the printer hp laser jet and the canon scanner work with it? Or are the systems too advanced now? I am thinking a lap top might be the best bet, just hate to get rid of something that is still working for what I do.
Depends on how old they are and how they connect to your existing PC. The good news is that there are adapters available to change just about any connection, though some of them are not cheap and almost all of them are no substitute for a plain ol' cable between the two devices. The bad news is that the software that lets the PC talk to the printer/scanner/whatever sometimes is not updated for newer operating systems. The printer I had before our current printer was just fine (we hardly print at all) and the connection was no problem at all. But it was so old that neither current Windows or Mac OS computers could talk to it so it was no longer useful to us. :(
next I'll ask about upgrading my Trac phone to one that takes pictures.
Bring it on! I'm sure we can help with that. :)
I'd have to agree that Linux may not be your most satisfying choice. If the only problem you have with the old computer is an outdated operating system, I'd vote for replacing Vista with Windows 10 if your machine meets the minimum requirements for the new OS. Microsoft recommends a 1 GHz or faster processor and 1 Gigabyte of RAM for a 32 bit system, 2 Gigabytes for a 64 bit system.
You can get more information on switching at the Microsoft Store (http://microsoftstore.com)
ApatheticNoMore
9-20-15, 10:10pm
If the only problem you have with the old computer is an outdated operating system, I'd vote for replacing Vista with Windows 10
I agree, talk to a computer repair place to see if someone could install Windows 10 for you, unless you know someone geeky who can help. Installing an Operating System oneself is more stuff computer geeks will recommend, just get help if you need it.
I've actually had the job role before of translating the geek speak into human speak :)
ToomuchStuff
9-21-15, 1:39am
I'd have to agree that Linux may not be your most satisfying choice. If the only problem you have with the old computer is an outdated operating system, I'd vote for replacing Vista with Windows 10 if your machine meets the minimum requirements for the new OS. Microsoft recommends a 1 GHz or faster processor and 1 Gigabyte of RAM for a 32 bit system, 2 Gigabytes for a 64 bit system.
You can get more information on switching at the Microsoft Store (http://microsoftstore.com)
Allen, would you really recommend Windows 10, or would you recommend (since it is still readily available) 8.1 with something like ClassicShell? (where she could make it still look like Vista)
Also, might check both systems requirements, as the machine may meet one better then another.
I get the feeling that the reason some URL's open on one machine over another, is some plugin that isn't installed (or updated for the old OS), over the other.
Installing Linux, is NOT an UPGRADE in the way they are probably used to. Us that use it, consider it an upgrade because of the features verses the problems, not the way it installs. Linux can be used via a USB stick and I did that for years on one machine (never booted to Windows on it, shrunk the partitions and made a home directory on the computer). Personally, I would rather see them save their money towards a new machine and think of using this one as the learning machine, or printer server if the current Windows didn't support her printer. (take this computer off the internet link, but not the intranet/internal network)
On a display computer, they might be able to use it for a few minutes to see if their printer model is supported directly from Windows now.
Also the recommendation to see if there is a local Linux users group is a good one. (find out what they generally recommend for newbies), and their is Distrowatch to see a lot of distro's (think Mint is currently still number 1). Also watching Youtube on Linux, can help answer some questions and provide visual (try before installing, or using a bootable USB stick).
PS, and Allen....
He.
I try to keep things general, as I have some trust and people safety responsibilities.
Allen, would you really recommend Windows 10, or would you recommend (since it is still readily available) 8.1 with something like ClassicShell? (where she could make it still look like Vista)
Also, might check both systems requirements, as the machine may meet one better then another.
Yes, I'd recommend anyone skip 8.1 altogether unless they just happened to have a copy laying around, and then I'd only install it in order to then qualify for the free upgrade to 10. For anyone who doesn't know, every Windows 7 and 8.1 user with a valid license is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10. Unfortunately, Vista does not qualify.
It's hard to give advice on subjects such as this in an anonymous environment because you never have a good feel for the OP's comfort level and expertise. If a person likes to tinker and learn, I'd recommend Linux on an older machine. If they just want something that works reliably and doesn't have a steep learning curve, I'd recommend they upgrade to the newest version of their current operating system if their machine will support it, and if it doesn't, replace the machine.
The cheapest option is to convert the old machine to Linux (free), followed by upgrading to the newest Windows at a cost of something over $100, and finally, replacing the entire machine at a cost of somewhere between 3 and 10 times the cost of a Windows upgrade. Only the OP knows which option best suits their combination of need and abilities.
Installing Linux, is NOT an UPGRADE in the way they are probably used to. Us that use it, consider it an upgrade because of the features verses the problems, not the way it installs. Linux can be used via a USB stick and I did that for years on one machine
This is something I think a lot of people may not know. If they are curious and would like to try any of the various Linux distributions, most can be successfully run from a USB stick or DVD without actually installing it on their machines. Just boot their machine from the specific media, load the operating system into memory and explore. If they don't like it, re-boot from the hard drive and they're right back where they started. That's how I tested a dozen or so of the newest Linux flavors before settling on Mint as my go-to Linux distro.
Whew! Thanks for all the ideas. I've been looking at an all in one, but might see if I can upgrade. I'm not sure if the 2009 computer I have meets the system requirements. I will chen ck the microsoft site. The linux system, does it have security updates? I am under the impression that is the problem with vista now. I shop and bank on line so want to take care of the security stuff.
The linux system, does it have security updates? I am under the impression that is the problem with vista now. I shop and bank on line so want to take care of the security stuff.Linux is inherently secure against viruses and malware and all the variants I've explored over the last several years perform daily checks for updated security releases to all included components.
If you're seriously considering this option and would like the most Windows like experience, I'd recommend looking at Ubuntu (http://ubuntu.com) or one of it's variants listed below:
Distribution
Description
Edubuntu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edubuntu)
A complete Linux based operating system targeted for primary (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_education) and secondary education (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_education). It is freely available with community based support. The Edubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Edubuntu Manifesto: that software, especially for education, should be available free of charge (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratis_versus_Libre) and that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities.[54] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-54)
Kubuntu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubuntu)
An official derivative of Ubuntu Linux using KDE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KDE) instead of the GNOME (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNOME) or Unity interfaces used by default in Ubuntu.[55] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-55)
Ubuntu GNOME (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_GNOME)
An official Ubuntu variant[56] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-56) that uses Gnome Shell as its default desktop and GDM as its display manager.[57] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-57)
Ubuntu MATE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_MATE)
An official derivative of Ubuntu using MATE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MATE_(software)), a desktop environment forked from the now-defunct GNOME 2 code base, with an emphasis on the desktop metaphor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_metaphor).[58] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-Sneddon01Mar15-58)
Lubuntu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubuntu)
Lubuntu is a project that is an official derivative of the Ubuntu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(operating_system)) operating system (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system) that is "lighter, less resource hungry and more energy-efficient", using the LXDE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LXDE) desktop environment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_environment).[59] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-Distrowatch11May09-59)[60] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-LXDEBlog-60)[61] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-61)
Xubuntu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xubuntu)
An official derivative of Ubuntu using Xfce (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xfce). Xubuntu is intended for use on less-powerful computers or those who seek a highly efficient desktop environment on faster systems, and uses mostly GTK+ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GTK%2B) applications.[62] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-62)
Mythbuntu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythbuntu)
Based on Ubuntu and MythTV (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythTV), providing applications for recording TV and acting as a media center.[63] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-63)
Ubuntu for Android (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_for_Android)
Designed for use with Android (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)) phones.[64] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-64)
UbuntuKylin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UbuntuKylin)
An official derivative aimed at the Chinese market.
Ubuntu Server (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Server)
An official derivative made for use in servers. Ubuntu Server handles mail, controls printers, acts as a fileserver, can host LAMP (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAMP_(software_bundle)) and more.[65] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-65)
Ubuntu Studio (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Studio)
Based on Ubuntu, providing open-source applications for multimedia creation aimed at the audio, video and graphic editors.[66] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-66)
Ubuntu Touch (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Touch)
Designed for use with touchscreen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchscreen) devices.
Ubuntu TV (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_TV)
Designed for use with TVs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_TV).[67] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-67)
Or one of the third party distributions based upon Ubuntu such as Linux Mint (http://linuxmint.com)
I've been using Ubuntu for years (I'm posting from it). It's easy to install and maintain, but I do computers for my work so my opinion may be a bit slanted.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.