New Computer

[Griff]

Well... the bouncin' and vibration finally did in the old computer... 3 years! About average. And you just can't go out and buy a 4 year old computer to replace it with the same model.

New computers all come with Windows 8. What a crock! Slow getting acclimatized! Oh... do you know where your program discs are? But, it's a lot lighter and thinner. Screen is brighter and while the rated size is the same as the old one, the new is wider, but isn't as tall.

[Mescalero]

Do you see what we have been reduced to?

[Griff]

What I found interesting, is that I COULD order a new 'puter with Windows 7... but the wait was at least 2 weeks. Kinda hard to get around with all my records on a computer... grrr....

[Grizz]

on the advice of my genius son, I heartily recommend W8.1. It is vastly superior to 7, and can be made to look and feel like 7 if you wish, with all the benefits of 8.1, which, according to genius, are many..., one main one is mouse friendly AND right click menus, plus a start button if that's wanted.

I'd say forge ahead and get ahead.

The only reason I know of to use old hardware, como mi, is to use linux.

Grizz

[pwl44m]

U will get used to it, I have. It definitely is different. It is like a Detour in the road, U just have to learn a new Route and then find that U like it better.
Perry

[crs]

Griff,
Congrats on the new laptop.
You can have Windows 7 installed on your laptop for a pittance and avoid all the known and unknown problems of W 8.
Marty bought W7 for her used, but very nice HP with 15 inch screen and the Geek Squad will install it as soon as we get time to run it in to McKinney.
In the world of professional computer users, W8 is despised even more than Vista was when first released. Vista eventually matured and became useable, but was so despised that Microsoft had to bring out W7, which turned out to be what Vista should have been.

End of rant.

[pwl44m]

Winows 8 = poop. W 8.1 mucho gooder. So which one did Urs come with- standard or upgrade ?
Perry

[vancelw]

I bought a new laptop last fall while I was recliner-bound with my busted leg. It came with Windows 8 which immediately upgraded to 8.1.

It took some getting used to... I am so glad I spent the extra money to get a touch screen. Early on, there were several times I could not figure out how to do something without just reaching up and swiping the screen like a phone. I have finally figured out most of the keyboard commands and have it set to look like a more normal desktop.
Still...there are times the only way I can find something is to Search for it.

I was so tempted to go back to Mac...but the price of replacing all my software was too daunting (since all my old stuff was RISC chip based)

[Hagler]

Good people,

What I do not like about Windows 8 & Windows 8.1 is that it is actually TWO systems in one: the old-style, desktop kind, and the new, "Metro"/ Immerisve type. The "Start Button" is really not a start button, and all of the menus have been organized in an illogical fashion, with new labels. Every aspect of Windows 8 is designed to keep your computer connected, at all times, and to make your "experience" a live quick, live one. Many of the easy-to-control aspects of the older Windows opperating systems are gone. Now, many monitoring & security functions are hidden, and the information displays are too complicated. I received no startup discs, and Windows 8 is making it nearly impossible to make a backup DVD. I will have to break down, and get an external hard disk drive, for that function.

Shawn

[Griff]

New 'puter came with 8.1. Yes, mucho bueno'r than 8.crash-test dummy! Am s-l-o-w-l-y getting "used" to it... by default. Either I do or I fail. Good to hear that your Geek Squad in McKinney can do the Win 7 install, the guy here in Rockwall won't, can't, or don't know how! Went to have him transfer my stuff from Win 7 machine to Win 8.1 and got a "we're not allowed to do that" response. I've got my main programs transferred, except things like Excel, Word, & Outlook... guess I'm just going to buy a new copy of "Office" an go on... One more program from the company I'm leased to is downloading now. Hmmm... where's that crossed-fingers smilie? Gotta get outlook as I've forgotten more passwords than I care to think! (I limit myself to 4, but I didn't use to)!

[JB]

I've been ordering everything with Windows 7. I don't like 8 and won't make the move till I have to.

[Griff]

...Windows 8 is making it nearly impossible to make a backup DVD. I will have to break down, and get an external hard disk drive, for that function.
Shawn

I already use TWO external backup drives... don't like losing data!

[Old Time Hunter]

New 'puter came with 8.1. Yes, mucho bueno'r than 8.crash-test dummy! Am s-l-o-w-l-y getting "used" to it... by default. Either I do or I fail. Good to hear that your Geek Squad in McKinney can do the Win 7 install, the guy here in Rockwall won't, can't, or don't know how! Went to have him transfer my stuff from Win 7 machine to Win 8.1 and got a "we're not allowed to do that" response. I've got my main programs transferred, except things like Excel, Word, & Outlook... guess I'm just going to buy a new copy of "Office" an go on... One more program from the company I'm leased to is downloading now. Hmmm... where's that crossed-fingers smilie? Gotta get outlook as I've forgotten more passwords than I care to think! (I limit myself to 4, but I didn't use to)!

Just got my new 'puter up and running. No Windows 8.1...currently totally useless for Windows Office Professional applications. Does not allow interface with my company server and does not support "GroupWise" which is our company e-mail.

So, got a brand new Dell with all the bells and whistles, couple of T digital hard drive, max out the RAM, double core I5 max IC...AND WINDOWS 7 PROFESSIONAL. Also have the Windows Office 2013 Professional Suite...NOT THE WINDOWS OFFICE 365 or any "cloud" system. Even though this is my personal computer, our company does not allow us to put ANYTHING in a cloud system.

Have 3 computers in the house with Windows 8.1...if you do not play games and/or want video based flash...they are useless. Try running any decent engineering design program on them and you will be pulling out your hair...totally useless. Want XP Pro back and get rid of all the flash heavy websites...yech

[Blaine]

With WiFi so widespread these days, I've been thinking about a tablet or pad that uses WiFi for the road, or as a back up if the I-Mac ever needs service....Is this sound, or silly?

[pwl44m]

I hope not Blaine cause I just upgraded My Phones to Galaxy s 4 and bought a Tablet also with same operating system. Still wondering if I need it but haven't been on the road yet.
Perry

[Old Savage]

I have the wi fi only model. I would advise that you get the one with both modes.

[madman4570]

New 'puter came with 8.1. Yes, mucho bueno'r than 8.crash-test dummy! Am s-l-o-w-l-y getting "used" to it... by default. Either I do or I fail. Good to hear that your Geek Squad in McKinney can do the Win 7 install, the guy here in Rockwall won't, can't, or don't know how! Went to have him transfer my stuff from Win 7 machine to Win 8.1 and got a "we're not allowed to do that" response. I've got my main programs transferred, except things like Excel, Word, & Outlook... guess I'm just going to buy a new copy of "Office" an go on... One more program from the company I'm leased to is downloading now. Hmmm... where's that crossed-fingers smilie? Gotta get outlook as I've forgotten more passwords than I care to think! (I limit myself to 4, but I didn't use to)!

Just got my new 'puter up and running. No Windows 8.1...currently totally useless for Windows Office Professional applications. Does not allow interface with my company server and does not support "GroupWise" which is our company e-mail.

So, got a brand new Dell with all the bells and whistles, couple of T digital hard drive, max out the RAM, double core I5 max IC...AND WINDOWS 7 PROFESSIONAL. Also have the Windows Office 2013 Professional Suite...NOT THE WINDOWS OFFICE 365 or any "cloud" system. Even though this is my personal computer, our company does not allow us to put ANYTHING in a cloud system.

Have 3 computers in the house with Windows 8.1...if you do not play games and/or want video based flash...they are useless. Try running any decent engineering design program on them and you will be pulling out your hair...totally useless. Want XP Pro back and get rid of all the flash heavy websites...yech

From everything I hear dead right. My SIL is a Senior Software Eng,and told me only Win 7.0 Pro

Said except for using your using a little tablet for entertainment purposes or a small smart phone forget it.

[Grizz]

With WiFi so widespread these days, I've been thinking about a tablet or pad that uses WiFi for the road, or as a back up if the I-Mac ever needs service....Is this sound, or silly?

I have a samsung 7" tab 2 android and like it for travel. you can get free wi-fi with all the associated hazards while on the road. has built-in gps with great mapping that I use for planning, easier to scroll around than the garmin navigatrix.

I use the calendar for to-do lists and the notes for, um, note taking. I browse for wx info ahead of me. iHop has the best free wi-fi and I tank up on protein there when I'm traveling.

It has two cameras, which makes it great for skyping and for videos coming down the mountain twisties, and it has a great panorama feature that automates the whole thing with decent results.

I have a scanner app on it that will tune in a lot of police and fire, and some airport tower traffic too, fun to browse the airwaves.

I find it useful. I have a couple of Bibles and an app that I listen to when I'm away from hometown radio.

It uses a micro-usb connector for data xfr, and now there are double-ended usb flash drives with regular and micro plugs that let you do sneaker-net data management. It has bluetooth and I printed a doc on the wireless printer with it. once. forget how I did it. Hilarious, eh?

So yeah, I find it useful. I plan to root it when I get whatever the next new toy is.

Grizz

[Old Savage]

My business records are on discs that go in the 1986 MacPlus, on Excel 1.03.

[horsesoldier03]

GRIFF

Good luck with learning WINDOWS 8! I have a desktop that is still an XP which recently lost tech support and no more updates. I am sure it is just a matter of time before it is useless for the internet. I am thinking I may go to a pawn shop to pick up a slightly newer version that is in windows 7.

[Blaine]

My business records are on discs that go in the 1986 MacPlus, on Excel 1.03.

Better get those files converted and stored off board on a modern machine....

[vancelw]

GRIFF

Good luck with learning WINDOWS 8! I have a desktop that is still an XP which recently lost tech support and no more updates. I am sure it is just a matter of time before it is useless for the internet. I am thinking I may go to a pawn shop to pick up a slightly newer version that is in windows 7.

Tech support is still available, it's just in the form of self-help on the web.
I still have an XP Professional machine and will continue to use it until a browser is not longer available. I used a Mac G3 until well past it's "best if used by date".

You can buy a new PC with virus protection and warranty (including tech support) about as cheap as you can get one at a used merchandise store. More memory, bigger HD....and no worries about the past user's viruses or child porn on it.

[Griff]

GRIFF
Good luck with learning WINDOWS 8! I have a desktop that is still an XP which recently lost tech support and no more updates. I am sure it is just a matter of time before it is useless for the internet. I am thinking I may go to a pawn shop to pick up a slightly newer version that is in windows 7.

Tech support is still available, it's just in the form of self-help on the web.
I still have an XP Professional machine and will continue to use it until a browser is not longer available. I used a Mac G3 until well past it's "best if used by date".
You can buy a new PC with virus protection and warranty (including tech support) about as cheap as you can get one at a used merchandise store. More memory, bigger HD....and no worries about the past user's viruses or child porn on it.

Yep... I spend less than ½ of what the old machine cost, & got 3 years of "ham-handed, clumsy oaf" protection, more memory, faster processing, in a lighter package. No, I didn't get all the bells & whistles, the only thing I would have liked is an illuminated keyboard... but my old wireless keyboard has that...

[Sixgun]

I remember the not-too-long-ago times when computers never entered our minds and we were all happy with a pen and pencil, a six pack, a pack of Marlboros, and sometimes the luxury of a drive in movie.

Modern life really does suck.----6