Windoze 8.1 or Not

Speak not to loudly, Billy-boy has friends in high places and somebody is listening

I too feel your pain...

One day I'll go Linux

Del

Del, It's Linux, not Lynx - don't go getting all frisky !

I have a laptop with 8.1, OMG is it crap. Just saying, had I known then what I know now 7 would have been my choice. Old saying buyer beware! Means a lot with your buddy Bill.

About 2 weeks.

Win 7 is OK, but migrate back to XP - it was far better, and I still have it running on a couple of machines. Even though 'expired' it gives me less grief than Win 7. As for Win 8, what's the point unless you have a touchscreen ?

You coud go the whole hog and instal WFWG - who the heck will be writing malware fro that ?

Full on agree!

There's SO much not to like about Microsoft and their business practices.

They have become the meth of the computer systems.

We've let ourselves become addicted to them to the point that they can dictate our IT lives and how we live them.

Rental software over which we have no control, cloud storage, like it or not, planned obsolescence, the list is too long to stomach.

Win 10 will still dictate the programs I run and where I let my data reside, until stolen, and how much I pay for all those "services".

I've pretty much decided to go Win 7. It'll do everything I need to do at home. At work, we'll hang with Win 7/ XP, hopefully.

Thanks.

I'm with you on this.

Microsoft can afford to be fat and uncaring since they have such a huge share of the market. I'd switch to a Mac or learn Linux if I didn't need specific programs that run in a Windows environment. --Maybe they'd run in a Linux environment, but I don't have the time or patience to chase down incompatibility glitches.

I avoid cloud storage. I know of a few programs, the latest version of Adobe Photoshop for instance, where using the cloud is required. I refuse to use it or other programs that require the cloud. I share data and programs between my XP and Win7 machines and I back-up using flash drives. The only instances of cloud storage that I use are email accounts like yahoo and the company email account where I work, but I don't depend on them, nor trust them, for storing important data.

Adobe was the first major software supplier that screwed its users by making them rent their OS.

Rental software and the cloud ARE NOT BETTER for the end user. Windows 8.1 is a fraud.

They are cash cows for their pimps.

I have an external hard drive on my desk at work and two here at home.

Unfortunately the future holds no justice for us mortals. We are indentured slaves to Lord Bill and the rest of the thieves.

I think you already know I've used Macs since '84. I did have Parallels and WinXP installed on my Mac laptop a few years back, but I used it so seldom that I didn't bother to transfer it to my last two Mac Laptops. In case you weren't aware, the last two versions of the Mac OS (10.9 and 10.10, also known as Mavericks and Yosemite) are free of charge.

I understand that Autocad just came out with a Mac version...

The last time I had to deal with a virus was 1998. I haven't bothered with virus protection since around 2k.

Try a Mac!

The true "mark of the beast" has manifested itself.

I share your pain!

I tried out Linux for several weeks last year (not the latest version today anymore) and I was more than pleasantly surprised. I know that a few weeks is not a long enough test, but I had Win7 as well for my laptop and I did not know about "Wine" at that time (a Windows type of environment for running software that would run on many versions Windows!) and a lot of paid for Windows software.....

What also may be attractive to you, is Windows and Linux in a dual boot situation.. the only trouble being if Windows dies, it may take Linux with it.....

Either way you can run your older Windows software as well as learning Linux, where there is a huge amount of free and cheap software, all easily downloadable with far less effort than searching for WinDoze software!

Most of the Linux office programs are easy to understand and are free, as are the usual browsers....with almost no "optical" difference to their Windows version!

If I had known about "Wine" last year, I might never have got back to W7 at all.....I hear lots of good things about it from others....

I even tried it for a short time earlier this year with no problems, but my W7 got problems (nothing to do with Linux, it had USB 3.0 errors) and I had to reload it again....

Watch this space in 2015........

I run Linux and I use a virtual machine for Windows software that won't run under Wine. Been doing it that way for 10 years now. No Viruses, and no major issues with update bugs. Yippy!

WOW!

I may come back to you on that one day. OK?

Which Linux?

Ubuntu Linux and Virtualbox with Windows XP usually but also with Windows 7.

It has been months since I used any windows VMs though. The only windows app I use any more is Pokerstars.net and I use that in Wine.

I also run a VM with XP - I can't get rid of the annoying warning XP is not supported - got any fixes?

Where does the message come up? is it in XP or in the VM software?

XP - last "update" installed it and I can't find the way to uninstall it - std Microsoft boiler plate.

Always used Linux Mint LMDE with XP_SP3 in VM for autocad stuff... guess Microsoft & Adobe have some behind the curtain deal for not supporting LInux

I should have probably installed the VM with the SP3 and blocked the updates.

I bet if you went onto a Windows "registry" site, someone could tell you whee it was in the registry that you need to change to block it.

With a good registry editor, you may be able to find and change it yourself....

Neither of my XP laptops shows it and they are both at the highest level of XP.....

You are probably not the only person that it annoys I am sure....

While I agree totally with your post, changing platforms can be confusing. I started out on mainframes and got dragged into PCs, and through all the endless upgrades of MS. To date, for me the only reliable one was XP. I later was talked into using Linux by my grandson and son-in-law; both computer geeks who have since moved away. I have been on Linux ever since, but it isn't all roses. While it is open source, I find it to be much more complex since I couldn't get the hang of commands for software installation. At this point I am just a "user", not a "programmer" and so it is a mystery on how to adapt software; most of which is coded for Windows installation. Good Luck...

That sounds like a very old version of Linux, which version do you have?

Now you have me -i'm up for whicher version of linux ?

As a naivete, how do I know which to got for ? I can duel boot my system (good advice),l but exactly which Linux do I go for. It sems like a hundred versions, and as a virgin I have no ideas which way to go.

Windows seems to many as an ****, but how do I start with Linux. I can boot, even duel boot, to a new syetem and take a chance, but I can't be sitting all day with something that does not work. Linux has more versions than windows.

Put simple, how can I install some version of Linux that gets me up and running. I want internet access, email access, and maybe some basic office stuff would be nice. It's not exactly much to ask. Linux sounds great - why are there so many versions if it's that good. I am no expert, I just want something I can install and run. I've neither time or inclination for technobable -I want a machine that does the job I need. Microsoft are just as bad as Mac. We have come full circle - a damn pigeon would be as good.

If you don't belive, I sent a letter to Scotland the other day by snailmail. It arrived before an email. That has happened at our preril on the internet. One day Sony, the next NK, the next Japan, Get readt for your local supermarkmety crashing - the oft quoted statment is 3 days an we are done, 3 days because that is when supermarkets reun out of food and anarchy breaks out. Past few weeks there have been 3 cyberattacks.

I'm just saying, and will gladly be proved wrong,

The Ubuntu 13.10 disk I pulled from the Ubuntu User magazine last year allowed me to run it off the CD on my laptop without installing. Run it, see if you like it, install it if you want to. How's that for options? You could download it off the internet to a CD, along with install info, or check your local magazine rack for Ubuntu User.

My fault, I forgot to mention that I was talking about versions of Ubuntu.

My apologies.....

Try Linux Mint - my son claims it's pretty good and just gave me a CD with it. I'm going to try it on an old laptop before I commit.

Other than this laptop running Vista, all my others still have XP and are happy - I use McAfee for security stuff, and I also use free download of Malwarebytes as a backup double check.

You mileage may vary...

NOT!

The typical Microshaft offerings:

XP - Good

Vista - Crap

Win7 - Good

Win8/8.1 - Crap

See a pattern here? Every time they put out a crappy OS, they get paddled, then actually put something out that the customer wants.

The next one coming out Win10/Threshold, should be a good one, but won't be available till ~ mid 2015. You can get Win7 and then upgrade when/as needed. I just got my daughter a Win7 laptop, and plan on upgrading my wife's Win8.1 laptop, just as soon as they get to Service Pack 1 on Win10.

Lyn, if you can live with XP pro, you can buy a non upgrade version (i.e. new install) from ebay BIN for $8, or less if you want to bid. And you can download all the service pack updates through the end of support last year.

It's true that they are not providing updates, but hackers are working on win7/8/10. And assuming you use a decent antivirus, your extremely safe. More the problem now is hardware that requires drivers. But if you have existing old XP era hardware, why upgrade to even win7.

My complaint is every version makes changes for the sake of change, with no improvement of human interface.

"changes for the sake of change" begets money.

I'd not be so opposed to Bill's raping us if they didn't hide prominent features of the last release to convince us that the "new" release is somehow better in some way other than gaming updates.

Then the gamers are free to develop "new" games that hog even more memory and the cycle begins again.

Thanks for the hint about e-bay. I may just do that.

I use a Mac. All the new OS updates are free.

The other alternative is linux.

If I have to use Windows I run Win 7 (running in Parallels on my Mac), but 98% of the time it's OS X.

Is it perfect? No. but much better than the sharp stick in the eye that seems to be included in every Microsoft DVD.

Just the other day I was researching laptops on the Costco and Best Buy websites. There's plenty of selections with Win 7 installed.

I think Microsloth has quit trying to market 8.1 finally.

FWIW.

Hooker

Installing classic shell on 8.1 at least gives you a better start screen that is much like the older versions.

Fully agreed!! I loved XP.... I can deal with Win 7....

Win8.X yuk!!!

I spoke to a computer shop near me and THEY suggested classis shell!

Changed my new computer from an unusable lump to a barely useable nearly Win7-ish system....

I feel your pain! I went through the same thing a year ago. They gave me a new Win8 computer at work and I absolutely hate it! I use my own personal WinXP machine at work for most things.

I would suggest you opt for a new custom laptop from someone like MSI. You have load your own operating system on it. Keep in mind a few things: WinXP will NOT WORK on a solid state hard drive. Also, solid state drives are not without problems, and their life really isn't much better than spinning disks. Finally, Win7 support will end in about a year, they're trying really hard to force us into their new garbage.

I built 2 new Win7 machines earlier this year and I downloaded the WinXP Mode for them. This is a FREE download from Microsoft, but I don't know how long it will be available. It doesn't work for all versions of Win7. I've got Win7 Pro, and it does work on them. Setting it up was a royal pain, but after about a week, I got it. I can run most of my old programs, but can't use my scanner without buying a new driver for $40. Therefore, I use an old WinXP machine for that, save the data on a USB drive, then transfer it to the Win7 computer. WinXP Mode on Win7 WILL work on a solid state drive.

A friend of mine got a Mac for Christmas, his first. I spoke to him tonight and he said he was just about to throw it out the window. And don't buy the crap about 'Macs just work', they have as much trouble as PCs. Got another friend that bought one last year for over $2K. It's on it's third hard drive...

Right now, I've got 7 WinXP machines (I think), 3 Win7, 1 Win98, and my employer has put a Win8 computer in my office that I try to avoid.

Good luck!

Do you have some data to back up your statement that solid state drives don't last longer than spinning drives? I regularly repair computers, and so far I've only come across a single SSD that failed, shortly after installation. The replacement SSD has been working flawlessly for something like a year.

I sure love my SSD! Its only a 250GB, which could be considered small, but with regular housekeeping, I find it quite adequate. The best part is booting from dead off to full running in 11 or 12 seconds, and launching Word in about 2 seconds, for example.

Clearly the best way to do anything is close to the way you are used to doing it, so anyone trying to switch systems needs a friend who is familiar with the new system. Your friend who is "just about to throw it out the window" needs to get some help from a Mac person, Just as I commonly have to get help from a PC person whenever I try to do something on a PC.

Similarly, I'll have to disagree that Macs "have as much trouble as PCs". In the two and a half years that I've had this MacBook Pro with no significant issues, My boss has had his PC laptop replaced two or three times, because the IT guys "couldn't resolve issues that prevented its use". This of course is anecdotal personal experience, and we each have our own biases...

Why won't XP run on SSD? You stated:-

WinXP will NOT WORK on a solid state hard drive.

I looked around and found that some manufacturers of SSD do not support XP, but others do...seemingly..

Look here:-

Running WinXP on SSDs

Several here have it up and running fine (as expected by me!) on various SSDs....

Thanks in advance for a technical answer from you.

WinXP Mode on Win7 WILL work on a solid state drive.

I have only an SSD installed and I run XP mode on Win 7.

Win7 Prof 64 bit, service pack 1, 8GB memory, Samsung SSD EVO 1TB

Mine worked straight away!

ACAD 2000i is touchy (flaky) on Win 7 and fiddly to install, but installs and works solidly on the XP VM mode.

Windows 8 = Windows hate.

Latest Microsoft Office is also an epic fail.

I would add that Win 7 Home Addition does not support XP emulation, but I understand there are some hacks available that can circumnavigate this.

My Dell D600 is still running XP Pro and quite happy with it

Oh yeah, IF IT"S NOT BROKE DON"T FIX IT!!

AND yeah I was SCREAMING TOO

One of my laptops is a Mac, the other runs Ubuntu Linux. Both have Virtualbox installed, so can open a WinXP install in a window. Works well as I use the main OS to browse the net and the XP (7 works too) for MS specific software.

I have had no issues with connectivity of peripherals - I use an MS based OBD reader for car problems.

Linux is so much easier than 5 years ago.

Hi Lyn,

Well,..... we all have preferences and we all get used to different ways of working. You can, if you wish, stick with XP for some time. Personally I wouldn't (hypocritically writing this on an XP computer) it's time to move on, XP no longer supports much of what the modern world does. Moving in any direction is going to involve a hassle. Mac / Linux are both valid options and Libre Office on Linux is great. Both have issues. Linux can lack the breadth of available software; Mac is a pain to configure if you're used to a wider range of features. Plus.... Mac users. If you say something like "where's the delete key gone? That was useful", the friendly smiling hippy designer with a polytail turns into a flaming daemon, screams, "heretic!" attracts other daemons and you get thrown into a pit with spikes in the bottom for daring to criticise a Mac.

8.0 is laughingly bad. 8.1 is really W9 released ahead of the normal revenue realisation point in order to decrease the criticism levels. 8.1 is (whisper it not) actually OK. It's faster than any other Windows I've used, ever, and if you set it to desktop mode you avoid the pre-school pwetty squeen that it would otherwise start with. Get an app like "start is back" to reinstate the basic functionality and..... suddenly you've got a machine that looks and functions pretty like W7, but is much faster. OK, it's annoying that you have to tweak it to get it to work in the real world but when you have it's OK, honest. I.... I like it.... (goes for a lie down at this point).

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to buy a PC or laptop with Linux installed and not have to pay a supplement to Billy Bow for having crap installed.

Del

This guy is good at explaining things to simpletons like me. In this article he explains that Win 8 is really just Win 7 with an additional user interface, and, more importantly how to by-pass the W 8 interface.

http://ask-leo.com/theres_just_no_need_to_hate_windows_8.html

I know I've said it before, but, given their record I can't believe they went with a name which could be pronounced "WAIT".

I was forced to use Linux. I didn't want to upgrade my laptop; I found Windows XP was sucking up viruses so Linux was the only solution. It's a very good one too; I use an electrical simulator program and it runs perfectly under WINE, and there are some music programs that are alternatives to the one I normally use. I do like the fact that it's stable, doesn't slow down and doesn't (seem to have) viruses.So although I don't object to Microsoft (I bought Win 7 but couldn't install it) I think Linux is a valid alternative and I will probably continue to use it.

You can become familiar with Ubuntu (a FREE, user supported, version of Unix) on a pcDuino3 (a little $79 single board computer), plug in a HDMI monitor(nearest late model TV) USB devices (expander, keyboard, mouse, printer) and it will boot up and link into your wifi. It has a port for a hard drive or you can use a 30gig sd card for storage.

The magazine 'UBUNTU user' (WWW.UBUNTU-USER.COM) is a quarterly that publishes an annual update disk, with articles on how to install and use. The GUI (graphics user interface) gives it a windows feel. Once you make sense of the terms that are used (something necessary even with Apple computers), you can load it on your laptop and be free of Microsoft forever, or you can purchase one of the custom versions $$.

Damn, I haven't heard this much whining since I quit working in nursing homes.

You's guys just kill me somedays.

So you're whining about the wining?
Do you actually have anything to contribute to the discussion?

Del

Yes Del, I am.

And I love Win 8.1. Have an HP 21 touch screen system at home that has posed no problems, done everything I have asked, Integrates smoothly and seamlessly with my tablet and my Smart phone, Both Windows based. my Company IT loves me because they are much easier to secure on our system (BYOD) with far less added extra adaptive programing and hardware that all other OS devices require when running on a Windows based corporate server. That move also inspired our IT dept to set me up with a brand new Surface 3 pro, also Win 8.1 for the office.

I currently have my old Win 7 machine booted up with Windows 10 developer release and am enjoying working on that software too.

All I can say is that it works for me and what I use a computer for.

As far as your information security goes, Windows is the benchmark in the corporate world.

Wait, Wait; Hate, Hate; Windows Eight, Eight.

All I wanted for Christmas was

a Non-Windows One Two Eight

In some ways this thread is useless, because the replies are so divergent. Somebody likes most anything. I received no consensus as to which way to jump--luckily I don't need to jump right now; I'm using Win 7 and it is OK so far except that my OCR program got lost in the change from XP.

Quit whining. You know how it upsets rashavarek.

As the initiator, I think it's very helpful.

I expected a divergence of opinions from some very smart people and that's what I've gotten.

Since the 8086 came out, I've always had "IT people" everywhere I've worked.

So, I'm an appliance user, nothing more.

After the Christmas rush is over and the shelves are replenished, I plan to "test drive" Win 8.1, then decide what to buy.

Hi Lyn,

I just got a new computer with win 8.1. It boots up much faster than win XP, and isn't so much different. It comes up with a picture and icons like XP. Instead of a start button in the lower left corner there is a "window" that brings up "apps". Some of them are good, but you can ignore them all if you wish. Just don't get a Microsoft account, and you won't have the cloud.

-S

So you are comparing new hardware and a new(?) OS (though you did not state if that was a new OS for you!) and saying the new stuff is faster?

WOW! What a surprise!! ITS FASTER!!! Or so you "feel"....

One would always hope so. The questions that others may have are what was the old and the new hardware & old and new OS......

A better comparison for the hardware might have been the same OS on both.

A better comparison for the OS might have been the same hardware for both.

Saying what you said really did not accurately compare anything in a useful manner.....

I have put it simply for you, it is in fact even more complex than I have mentioned, which is why I personally go online to "Tom's Hardware" for help before putting any money out for new stuff.....may I recommend that to you as well?

Total crap when you're using touch pad. Such a drag.

I'm not. But you didn't explain your complaint at all for others.

Are you complaining about how a laptop is set up so your thumb, wrist or palm hits the touchpad while you're typing on the keyboard? Win 8 can make all your work seem to disappear, and you have to leave the keyboard, grab the mouse and find your desktop again. That gets me swearing long and often too.

Windows XP is NOT OK. You shouldn't care how well it runs. Get rid of it. Unless your system is disconnected from any network, it's nothing but an invitation to hackers. You've already been hacked, and pray there is no valuable information on that machine.

The Windows 8 interface is possibly the stupidest decision in the history of computers. M$ deserves to lose the entire desktop market segment over it.

Apple provides valid desktop alternatives. The administrative load is less than that of Linux, unless Linux has evolved a corporate-style user support infrastructure since I used it last.

You should be able to get a Windows 7 installation with your new PC.

It might be worth establishing a relationship with a reputable local PC vendor. You'll pay more but get better support.

agua_doc

Install Synaptic package manager with the software Center, then use it to install/remove packages.

Read the reviews in Software Center for packages you want to install.

On two of my laptops I am still running WinXP. What I fail to understand (please comment, but do consider your comment carefully before posting!) is why I am running a greater risk with the old WinXP, that some here feel I am?

Several posters here are virulent against XP, why? Are they simply supporting the stupid marketing of Uncle Bill G. and MS? That is not for me.....He has screwed up big time before, he will do/has done it again!!

I love Win7 and h-eight both versions of 8.......

I am considering going over to the latest Linux on all my Laptops.....I tested versions 12.x & 13.x on my I7 Toshiba last year and found both great, I have already downloaded version 14.x ready to install.....

I am using Kaspersky Anti-Virus, newest version and kept 100% up to date and since a small "escapade" with malware in October/November, I am also running Malwarebytes Anti Malware in parallel.

Assuming for a moment that both are running as well as they can (I am pretty sure thats the case), why would having a newer OS from Windows improve anything?

Or are people here saying that the programs run differently depending upon the OS? Remember it is exactly the same programs, there are not "other" versions for "other" windows versions......they support all versions of WinDoze since XP with one product.

I must say that the combination not only cleaned up my laptops of Malware (no viruses), but since then only very occasional attacks have been noted and repelled......also my older laptops run distinctly faster (I feel!!), despite extra software running in the background......

Thanks in advance for any well thought out and accurate comments.

In fact it is probably wise NOT to upgrade the OS too much on older computers. The newer OSes are so complex that they need LOTS of RAM.

Just yesterday I was helping a guy who installed Mac OS 10.10 (Yosemite) on a 6-yr-old iMac that had only 2 GB of RAM, and it was painfully slow. He can only upgrade that unit to 4 GB, while 8 is the recommended (by some experts) minimum for that OS. Of course there were other issues besides lack of RAM, including a Hard Drive that was 95% full. Until he gets a new external drive and makes a backup, (his old one died months ago) I can't really repair his drive to say how much of the limitation was due to lack of RAM.

A solid state drive would help a lot, but RAM deficiency is not a good thing.

The problem with not upgrading is:

1. You start to limit the available software you can run...

2. You expose yourself more to virus and hacking.

Upgrades are always a two-edged sword.

Exploits remain unpatched and are still being found in Windows XP. It was a decent OS and still suffices for most uses. I'd still be happily using it if M$ hadn't forced PC makers to adopt their newer stuff. But M$ stopped supporting it a while ago. Any vulnerabilities discovered since are unfixed.

The Target and Home Depot hacks that occurred in the US last year were based on exploits of Windows XP.

I would suggest if you're tired of windoze, check out Ubuntu as it's a free AND well supported version of Unix, written and cared for by people tired of Microsoft's grip on the industry. Another free compilation set is Yocto which comes from an Intel site and I have running on a Galileo SBC. More time consuming than the Ubuntu which is already installed on the pcDuino3.

This thread is primarily an opinion piece, granted.
Still, the original poster would help himself make the right choice simply by defining how he uses his system.
I am still working. I work for a very large global company.
I have to be able to interact with people from all over the world at all hours of the day.
It only makes sense that I run the latest Windows OS and have all my devices on the same page so to speak. That page is Windows since Windows runs the world of business.
I believe I listed what I use in a previous post. This is why. Whether on my phone, in a car on my tab. in an airport on my Surface or sitting in my office or in my shop at home I can access everything I need from my office computer over our hyperRAS network securely. Since they are all Windows I know they will work with each other. If they don't, corporate Tech support can correct it remotely without me ever breaking a sweat about it.
I use my personal machines for online purchases, banking etc. so it definitely demands I stay current both with my OS and my security.
If you are using you system simply to browse and do email, your need for security is minimal.
If all you do is play games online use what ever system runs your games the best but do not have any personal info on the system. Keep in mind that Sony playstations have been hacked several times now and lots of personal financial info was compromised because you can make in game purchases. MS Xbox is similar although not as easy to hack due to MS commitment to security.
If you use your system to make purchases, do your bank statement, or in any other way link it to your personal information, then I would not be running XP. You need to stay up to date both with your OS (your choice) and your security suite.
If you are working and handle sensitive corporate information or have access to company servers then you need to use what they tell you to use.
So this question is really about how you use your computer as much as it is about preference.
As for Win XP. it was a good OS but it is obsolete.

Not if you can find something else.

I recently repaired an Windoze 8.1 laptop and it took me more time to navigate to the control panel and other settings areas than it did to completely tear down, diagnose, repair, and rebuild.

One of the most aggravating things about 8.1 is the lower right scroll button, if you hesitate too long while scrolling, the scroll function changes to a 'select' function and opens another page, I'd be reading down a page, and suddenly I've selected a Mouser ad. Then I had to delete the page to get back to what I was reading....a new 'feature' change from 7 to 8.1.

OK, I broke down and bought a cheap windoze 8.1 HP laptop.

I've ordered a restore disk for the old one, but I just figured I'd cave and get back up and running.

Using my phart smone as the primary link was too cumbersome.

So there, I've prostituted myself again.

Well, it's been week now and I can say without a doubt that I hate POS 8.1 with even more fury that Bill himself.

The enslavement to MS is criminal.

Apps? APPS???????????????

Come on, we don't need no stinking apps, we need a usable laptop that doesn't, once again, require you to spend days trying to undo simple keystroke mistakes that leave you cursing silently and wishing Bill had a cob up his nose, or some place south of there.

I'm at a loss to understand why they insist on the games....................the insanity of hiding things in the name of improvement.

It SUCKS!

Told ya so!!!

Google "Windows 8 no metro." I got my POS to boot to the desktop with a few well-placed selections.

I was just flagged about a post of interest on 'Instructbles.com', titled "Breathe New Life Into An Old Computer" by Noobt. It has interesting comments on different versions of operating systems by people in the comments at the end. The OP is about versions of Unix, Linux, Ubuntu, e.cet.

I ordered the system recovery disks and installed them last night. I haven't tried to re-install my files from the back-up drive yet.

you may need Windows 7 Administrator Password Reset Tool in case of password forgot

More Windows management and protection check Password Manager http://www.passwordmanagers.net/resources/One-Safe-Secure-Password-Manager-105.html for free.