Windows 10

[BobG]

Thank you Albie.

It's 32 bit. The BIOS dates from 2005 so I guess it's somewhere about that age. It's got plenty of RAM

Now I've watched the vid you linked, can I ask a few more questions though please?

1) Is everything, everything, wiped when Linux is installed? Apps as well as OS?
2) The guy blithely said 'check for updates' once Linux is installed. Won't I have to set up the broadband first?
3) Will all the programmes I've been using with XP work with Linux? Firefox, Thunderbird, VLC, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Picasa, AVG, printers, ZoneAlarm? I bet I haven't got the install discs for half of them now.....
4) Should you back up just my data? Or the whole caboodle?

Many thanks chaps. This is all a bit worrying! I'm a numpty with pc's.

Bob

[albie]

Bob,

If you are really anxious about it, get a computer pro to do the grunt.
I like tinkering, but not everybody is like that.

1) Yes, Linux will wipe your hard disk completely if you choose to install it.

You can also create a live CD, which will operate independent of the hard drive if you choose. Given the age of your computer, it is likely it will not boot from USB, so a DVD is the best option.

You can install Linux alongside XP if you want, but it is a bit more difficult to do. See video;
How To Dual Boot Linux Lite with WindowsXP - YouTube

The bottom link explains it in writing, under "install guide".

You don't have to do this though. I just backed up my docs and wiped Windows from the hard drive.

That is why you need to take back ups of everything you wish to save. Any photos, music,       documents.

2) It is best to connect to the web with an ethernet cable when doing this.

Plug in to the back of the router.
After installation, you need to put in your wifi details to connect your new operating system.

3) Linux comes with its own suite of software, but each Linux OS offers different combinations.

Linux Lite has Firefox and VLC, and comes with Libre Office as the default Office package. The idea is that you can add compatible software of your choice from the repository.

There is a Linux firewall, but no real need for anti virus protection. There is a AV called Clam for Linux, but most do not see the need.

4) Everyone should really back up their data, and have a recovery disc of their operating system to reload it should the need arise. Windows used to supply one with earlier systems.

If you download Linux, and burn it to DVD, then you have the OS for future re-installation.

You can buy a Linux system on DVD here;
Linux CD Shop - : UK Linux Shop supplying Linux CDs, DVDs & USBs with Free UK Delivery, 24Hr Dispatch.

To find out more, the Linux Lite manual has some useful explanations;
Linux Lite - Help Manual

Check out the install section.

Good luck.

[BobG]

Thank you Albie. Brilliant advice. Now I need to find a weekend with nothing happening don't I? As it's the end of the cricket season almost I might have a chance of that soon.

Many thanks again

BobG

[albie]

Donny Wolf

I hope you got sorted out. Without seeing the CNET article it is difficult to know what is missing.

This might help;
Update to Windows 10 Headache Free With A Pre-Upgrade Checklist

Bob G

New version of Linux Lite out today. On their website.

[mugnapper]

I can't believe I've read through 3 pages of this topic to prove I am the ultimate dinosaur.

I get the free upgrade thingy but am ignoring it as this laptop does everything I need ie Switch on and enable me to go on the internet. (Is it still called the internet or am I behind there, too?).

What new features are in Windows 10 that will possibly enhance my usage of Windows whatever I'm on now? (I have no idea what version of Windows i'm on. How do you know?).

[Rios]

What new features are in Windows 10 that will possibly enhance my usage of Windows whatever I'm on now? (I have no idea what version of Windows i'm on. How do you know?).

Press the Windows and R keys together.  In the box that pops up type in    winver

[Donnywolf]

Donny Wolf

I hope you got sorted out. Without seeing the CNET article it is difficult to know what is missing.

This might help;
Update to Windows 10 Headache Free With A Pre-Upgrade Checklist

Bob G

New version of Linux Lite out today. On their website.

Hi and thanks again albie

That is exactly the type of guide I needed ! It is far more comprehensive than the CNET thing which only ran from 1 to 5 (of 9)

As my OP stated and concurring with mugnapper 2 posts above I keep thinking "why" ? I am on a hiding to nowt as if I change to W10 and it ballses up I will be kicking myself - but if the upgrade is easy and goes without a hitch I still probably wont notice the differences

Nevertheless I will continue to mull it over and use the article from Howtogeek which will be very very useful

Cheers again DW

[mugnapper]

Thanks Rios.
How the feck do you know stuff like that? Are you young? Do they teach it in schools?

[Rios]

Thanks Rios.
How the feck do you know stuff like that? Are you young? Do they teach it in schools?

Working in IT for twenty years, you kinda pick up useless stuff like that.  I'm glad I'm not young though, one of my younger collegues was absolutely dumbfounded when he had to fix a problem and couldn't "google it"!  You'd be surprised at how little proper computing they teach them in schools, it's dumbed down to how to use Excel, etc.

[RobTheRover]

Exactly. I did an induction with an intern at work last week,  and part of that involves them contacting the IT help desk to have their user account unlocked for first use. The It help desk internal phone number is 'Four Thousand",  and the intern asked me if thousand was 3 zeroes.

[DaveDRFC]

Upgraded to Windows 10 last week, not really had a chance to try it out until last night. Can't say I'm impressed, I'm pleased they brought the Start Menu back but the main issue I have is it's so slow! On 8.1, even though I didn't like it, my machine (nearly 2 years old but AMD quad core processor, 8GB RAM, 1TB hard drive) was pretty quick but everything just takes an age to run now. Will persevere for a bit but might have to go back to 8.1.

[RobTheRover]

I upgraded another of my laptops at the weekend (Core i3, 3GB RAM) and it runs like a dog with 10 on it.

Think I'll install Linux Lite and see how that goes instead.

[RedJ]

Finally cracked it.

Not keen on the start menu thing having the tiles.

[RobTheRover]

You can remove all them and have the ones you want instead.

[Rios]

Finally cracked it.

Not keen on the start menu thing having the tiles.

This will give you the Windows 7 start menu back...   http://www.classicshell.net/

[Muttley]

Upgraded to Windows 10 last week, not really had a chance to try it out until last night. Can't say I'm impressed, I'm pleased they brought the Start Menu back but the main issue I have is it's so slow! On 8.1, even though I didn't like it, my machine (nearly 2 years old but AMD quad core processor, 8GB RAM, 1TB hard drive) was pretty quick but everything just takes an age to run now. Will persevere for a bit but might have to go back to 8.1.

My laptop sneakily installed a Norton backup utility and a McAfee virus I don't want which sucked up massive amounts of CPU time. I think this is linked to Windows 10.

Have a look in Task Manager for stuff that you didn't install yourself.

[RobTheRover]

Both linked to Chrome and Adobe Flash/Acrobat installations. Sneaky drive-by downloads.

[albie]

Drive by downloads are a curse and should be illegal.

Anyone putting stuff on your computer that you have not requested is basically foisting malware your way. I know some of this stuff is not damaging as such but the people responsible have no real idea of the issues that may arise for some users.

I see Microsoft are at it again with Windows 10;
How to Stop Windows 7 or 8 from Downloading Windows 10 Automatically

If that article is right it means that users have to take action to stop these things happening. Informed consent works the other way round.

[Donnywolf]

Hi thanks for that Albie and if you look at my OP it was exactly what I was afraid of !

Now I have a dilemma for sure. Download 10 so I have a modicum of control or block 10 sticking with the 8.1 that they sneaked over the top of my 8

[wheatleylad]

I have upgraded to 10. There seems to be a few cosmetic improvements but nothing major which is of interest to me. Annoyingly though, when I start up my computer it doesn't recognise the router until I restart, then it does!

You try getting Microsoft to answer technical questions. You have to register and have passwords etc. More passwords are just what I don't need!

[bobjimwilly]

has anyone experienced a "popup" security issue when clicking regular web links in emails (to websites you are familiar with)?

[Bentley Bullet]

I experienced a "popup" when I (accidently) clicked on some porn the other day.

[RedJ]

For research purposes, don't you mean?

[albie]

Oh dear, Microsoft have decided to take over your computer;
Microsoft's Windows 10 to 'automatically download' from next year | Tech | Lifestyle | The Independent

What makes them think this is reasonable behaviour?

I suppose it allows them greater control over their customers, locking them in to more Microsoft products in the future.

[Donnywolf]

That really is a S**t !

I went through the "agony" of deciding yes or no in the Posts above and decided to stick with 8.1 as I just could not see any benefit to having 10 especially when the risks of stuff going wrong was factored in !

I was afraid that they would sneak 10 on my PC just as they had done with 8.1 when I did not want that either ... but now it appears they aint going to sneak anything on ... just overtly do it and f*** the "customers wishes"

What will happen I wonder if people DONT prepare and do back ups and all the other recommended "stuff". Bet Microsoft wont send a man round to fix their s**t !

[BobG]

I suspect Linux might be the way....

Not that I've actually gone and done it yet! Still on XP SP3 me...

BobG

[Glyn_Wigley]

Oh dear, Microsoft have decided to take over your computer;
Microsoft's Windows 10 to 'automatically download' from next year | Tech | Lifestyle | The Independent

What makes them think this is reasonable behaviour?

I suppose it allows them greater control over their customers, locking them in to more Microsoft products in the future.

It's already happening, it's been reported in Computer Active and Web User for a few issues now. However, it's just downloading a big file 'in preparation' for a customer switching to Win10. If you don't go to Win10, it just sits on your hard drive taking up a lump of space but doesn't change the OS.

[albie]

Aye, its a rum do is this.

I feel sorry for those with older hardware whose capacity might not big enough to carry the extra. They will end up buying new kit when there is not really any need, all because Microsoft is clogging up the works;
Next year's Windows 10 auto-upgrade is MSFT's worst idea since Vista • The Register

Still, it seems that it is all tied in with the Windows phone, and that is where the next big profit is to be had.

These days it looks now that control of personal information is the product for tech companies. For some reason it always calls to mind this old Monty Python sketch from time was;
Monty Python - Blackmail - YouTube

[Glyn_Wigley]

Just set up your PC with a hooky version of Win7. Win10 detects that it's hooky and won't ask you if you'd like to upgrade!

[albie]

Looks like they are at it again;
Beware, latest Windows 10 Update may remove programs automatically - gHacks Tech News

Beware. Here be dragons.