XP user here - should I go with Vista or Windows 7?

[TorchTheWitch]

I just found out on DU that XP is going to be unsupported after this April. Which is better though, Vista or Windows 7? In another thread there were pretty even complaints and cheers for both, so I have no idea which one I should get, and I DEFINITELY don't want the one that is set up less like XP.

I also have no idea how to get a new version or if I have to buy it. I'm also really worried that when I make the change that it might cause problems with some of my programs especially the expensive ones like PaintShopPro and Flash. I don't have discs for them since I was really lucky that years and years ago the place where I worked had all kinds of good programs and let us take the discs home to install them on our home computers.

The only time that I've switched what OS I use is when I had gotten a whole new computer and with this one XP just happened to be what it came with. My first and only other computer I just used 98 which is what it came with as well. Is there somewhere online that I can see what they both look like at least?

I'm going to be really pissed off if I have to purchase either Vista or Windows 7... it certainly wasn't my idea to stop using XP, and I just can't afford it (I hope I can by April, but money's been tight for quite a few years). And a huge POX on Windows for stopping support for XP! It's the only thing they did right!

[PoliticAverse]

1. Windows 7 is Vista improved. Go with Windows 7. Also...

with a little effort you can make Windows 7 pretty much look like XP.

Can you tell us about your PC, how much memory does it have and what processor?

[TorchTheWitch]

12. it's an Intel Pentium 4 516

That's what the sticker on the front says anyway.

It also says the memory is 1024 MB DDR Duel Channel

I have no idea what any of this stuff means.

Thanks. Everyone seems to be saying Windows 7 is the improved Vista. I remember all the howling over Vista and how bad it was.

[PoliticAverse]

17. 1024 isn't much memory these days, Windows 7 really should have at least 4 x as much. n/t

[TroglodyteScholar]

33. Your computer is totally underpowered for Vista or Windows 7

You should either just keep using XP and take the risk that comes with the end of security updates...

OR

Buy a new/used computer.

Do N-O-T spend a penny on a new OS for that old machine--it will not meet the minimum requirements for any modern non-Linux OS.

[TorchTheWitch]

36. AAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHH!

That's exactly what I was afraid of.

What would I need for Windows 7? And about how much would it cost for a new one?

[TroglodyteScholar]

38. You may be a bit out of your depth, but you aren't helpless...

Don't let the anxiety of the situation make you forget that.

A simple Google search can give you plenty of info about what's on the market these days.

Furthermore, people with more knowledge will feel better about helping someone who is willing to do a bit of work in the process, too. Pricing is something you don't require an expert for.

Bottom line: if you have a 10+-year-old computer that's still kicking, count yourself fortunate that it's lasted that long. Staying up with technology, though, will require some investment from time to time. Looks to me like you've hardly spent the first cent in over a decade. Time to make a change.

One obvious benefit of waiting so long would be that your improvement in user experience will be vast (once you've adjusted). Even the sorriest PC on the market today will blow any P4 out of the water. How much time do you spend each day waiting for that thing to respond to commands? I imagine it can't be insignificant....

[TorchTheWitch]

39. my major problem is that I'm broke and unemployed

I can barely afford to pay the bills and buy food lately, and I have no idea if or when I can finally get a job again. I can't afford the new OS much less a whole new computer even though I'd like to have a newer computer anyway.

[Duer 157099]

41. Try Craigslist

People very often give older computers away, and these days, a Vista or Win7 computer is considered "too old" for some people.

I'm in the same boat as you, happily using my XP box and dreading the Spring.

[A Little Weird]

2. XP was nice

I always liked XP too. I upgraded to windows 7 a few years ago and I like it. It has a similar look and feel to XP. I skipped Vista but I've seen it in action and I think it's pretty similar to Windows 7. Between the two, I would choose the newer one - Windows 7.

But either way, you are going to have to buy it. If it were me, I would buy the latest version of Windows (Windows 8) even though it is very different. It's just a matter of time before support stops on Windows 7 and you are left with the same problem you have now. It sounds like your computer is older though, so you should probably figure out if it meets the requirements to run the newer operating system (whichever you choose).

I'm not sure if you can install a new operating system without re-installing your other programs. If you don't have the disks, you are probably out of luck there. I use a program called Paint.net which can be downloaded for free from Cnet.com.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

[TorchTheWitch]

8. Damn - how much will it cost?

When I got this computer I had those most important other programs on it. I used PC Relocator to transfer everything over from my old computer to this one, and everything transferred fine except for my Word Perfect, but somewhere I have the disk for that.

I'd never be able to use Paint for all the stuff I do with PaintShopPro. That one I HAVE to have. I also HAVE to have my Nero.

No way on earth I'm getting Windows 8. I can't believe they'd be getting rid of Windows 7 so soon. XP came out in 2001 and Vista in December of 2008, Windows 7 couldn't possibly have come out more than a couple of years ago, so why would they be getting rid of it soon?

I can't understand why so many people upgrade to every newer version especially since XP is the best one they came out with.

[PoliticAverse]

16. Windows 7 is good until 2020 (and I do think it is a bit better than XP).

Windows end of support dates: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

[A Little Weird]

30. They're not cheap

I can't remember what I paid now but I think probably around $100 give or take. Looking at the specs you posted, you would probably be better off to buy a new system with Windows 7 on it. Your system may not be able to run 7 at all but even if it runs, it won't run well. I've seen some pretty decent computers for under $200. I think the desktop market it getting squeezed by so many people using phones and tablets instead of PCs.

Paint.net is not like the Paint program that most people are familiar with - it's got a lot more features. But I understand - I used to use PaintShopPro a long time ago and it was hard to beat. I never used either program heavily.

Someone down thread mentioned that you could keep using XP even after support ends. That's probably true, I don't know what kind of updates you would be missing out on. If I were you, I would be vigilant with backing up your data and try to save up for a new computer.

[TroglodyteScholar]

34. From a technical standpoint, XP is far from the best OS they've released.

Bear in mind that the OS you look at on your machine today was likely the recipient of 3 service packs and countless other patches to make it what it is right now. It's a cobbled-together mess, and it's amazing that it still works for anything at all.

Paint Shop Pro is an alright program, but what exactly are you doing in it that's so important? There are tons of other programs, many of which are free of charge, that will do some fairly sophisticated stuff with your images. Don't let yourself get locked in just because it's what's familiar. The very worst reason to do something is "well, that's what I've always done." I'd start by taking a look at the GIMP. There will be a learning curve with the different UI, but it's powerful and documented pretty well.

As for Nero... what a piece of garbage! That program hasn't been worth using since literally 2003 or so. Again, there are free options that will do the job great. ImgBurn will burn discs for you, Exact Audio Copy will rip audio CDs, etc...

The main problem with "end of support" is that you no longer get security patches. This leaves you vulnerable to hackers. If you absolutely MUST keep your old programs, I'd suggest leaving the machine just how it is after the final XP update...and then disconnecting it entirely from the Internet. Keep it stand-alone style for continuity, then, while you learn Windows 8.X on the low-cost laptop or desktop that you've picked out for yourself. An adequate system can be had these days for $300-$400 if you watch the sales.

My point: end of support isn't the end of the world, but it shouldn't be taken lightly. It doesn't break your computer, it just makes it untrustworthy for network use. So keep it as long as you want to, but you will ultimately have to deal with a modern operating system at some point.

[hobbit709]

3. It won't stop working just because you don't get any more "updates". It may work smoother.

Vista held the title as M$ biggest POS until 8 came out.

As long as your XP machine is working fine, use it. I know someone with an ancient laptop with 95 on it. It still works and it does what she wants it to do, which is word processing. I know someone else who has 2000 on their computer and it's still working fine.

XP will be around for years yet. 90% of the updates are to fix problems with Remote Access(which I don't use), Outlook(which I don't use), Internet Exploder(which I don't use), and compatibility with other MS products(which I don't use). On my XP computer I use about 10 of the over 200 updates and it works fine.

Counting my laptop and tablet, I have 7 computers here. One has XP Pro with dual boot to Mint Linux 15, One has XP Pro X64, 2 have Windows 7 Home Premium X64, the tablet has Android 4.2, my HTPC has Mint Linix 13, my laptop has 8 but I spent about 3 hours tweaking it and it looks and feels like 7 now.

If you don't have the install disks you could have a problem with your software. If you know the product keys for your software, you might be able to work around that but it will be a hassle.

[TorchTheWitch]

11. I don't use remote access either

But I'm wondering what updates might be important that I won't get anymore.

Is there a way to somehow make your own program disks?

[hobbit709]

19. If you can download an .iso of the program from their website.

But most of them don't do that. you might contact them to see if you can get a replacement disk if you have the product key.

[TroglodyteScholar]

35. I believe the poster already stated...

...that the software was "borrowed" from the workplace, i.e. totally illegal.

I'd rather use free software than steal it, anyway, and I wouldn't probably be blabbing all about it on a popular message board if I had illegally installed commercially licensed software on my aging home PC.

[hobbit709]

37. Could have been totally legal and licensed at the time, you don't know and neither do I

If she was using her home computer for work related things, IT could have installed a valid copy. She just doesn't have the disks.

Most places that have more than one computer, the person running it has no idea where the disks are. With Windows you get a product key sticker but a lot of software all you get is either the # printed on the box or disk sleeve.

[TorchTheWitch]

44. The disks came from the IT guy

Though I never personally used any of the one or two he gave us to install at home for work purposes other people did. It was the idea of the two firm owners to let everyone use whatever disks they had for the home computers of the workers whether they used them for work or not. I wish I had thought at the time to write down the product keys.

I don't see how it's anymore illegal than giving a cd you bought to a friend for them to copy... same thing as loaning a book you bought to a friend to read or a movie you rented to your neighbor to watch.

[PrestonLocke]

15. IMO Windows ME still holds the title of worst m$ os released to date

My experiences with Vista were fine, if the machine had the power to run it properly. Most store bought desktops and laptops did not.

yeah, the UI in 8 is horrible, but the underlying os is stable.

XP is ancient! If I recall the 5xx p4s were prescotts and one of the last p4s to ship.

[hobbit709]

18. ME sucked but at least MS took it off the market after a couple of months.

They're doubling down on 8.

XP doesn't care what the cpu is as long as it's at least a 233MHZ Pentium II, which is even more ancient.
My XP computer is running an AMD FX-8120 8 core.

[PrestonLocke]

20. That's because ME was horrible, what's bad about 8 is the UI, not the underlying OS.

And of course, some people are fine with the interface formerly known as metro. You and I do not seem to be among them.

You must have misunderstood me about the cpu, I'm suggesting it would work fine the other way.

[hobbit709]

21. The problem with 8 is that it's an OS designed for touchscreen.

Which means you're SOL if you don't have one. That and it really hides some of the settings. And the Charms bar really annoyed me until I got rid of it.

Sorry about the cpu thing.

[PrestonLocke]

29. I completely agree, microsoft missed the boat on this one.

hehe, charms

no worries on the cpu, I was not clear with what I meant at all.

[TorchTheWitch]

40. Wait... they're getting rid of Outlook, too????

I so hate Microshit right now.

[Pharaoh]

4. xp unsupported?

where is the link to that? And why would that happen? Never heard of such a thing.

[TorchTheWitch]

5. Microsoft confirmed that as of April 8, 2014 XP will no longer be supported

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/what-does-end-of-support-mean

I'm so pissed about this. I don't want Vista or Windows 7, and I definitely don't want Windows 8.

[hobbit709]

6. It won't magically stop working. That just means you won't get any more updates or call in help.

[TorchTheWitch]

9. What about drivers though?

Or do they come from somewhere else?

[hobbit709]

10. Drivers come from the hardware manufacturer.

and if it's working, why fix it. I've had more hassles with MS update trying to update my NVidia drivers than anything else.

If the driver you installed for a device is working, that's all you need.

If it ain't broke, why fix it?

[TorchTheWitch]

13. I've never updated drivers in all the years I've had this computer

Should they be? Also, I have an emachine which isn't made anymore, so I'm not sure if I should look up drivers for emachines or gateway. How would I even know if I need to update any of them?

Something really odd has been going on with videos I play on the internet. It doesn't matter if they're on YouTube or any other site but they keep freezing sometimes for several seconds, the audio doesn't match the video, they'll get all pixelated now and then, etc. This has been going on for nearly a year and it keeps getting worse. It doesn't matter either if it's a short file of only a minute or one that's over an hours, and a lot of times the shorter ones tend to look worse. It feels almost like being on dialup again (ok not that bad)... does that mean I have to update my video driver or something? It's weird though that if I download the video and then watch it on my computer with a media player (I use VLC) it works fine. It's been driving me nuts for months and months... maybe even a year now.

[hobbit709]

14. If it ain't broke, don't fix it is my motto.

Emachine was taken over by Gateway but you can go to their support site and download drivers if you need them.

freezing on streaming sounds like a connection speed problem. If it plays OK if you download the file first, it's not a video card problem in itself. you may need a newer graphics card to handle HD better.
I'm willing to bet it's just cluttered. Windows never dumps its old Temp files and gets itself all cluttered. I had a computer that someone brought in because it took it 5 minutes to boot up. There were 60,000 files taking up 15 Gigabytes of space in the TEMP folder dating back to 2004. By the time I cleaned it up and tweaked the settings, especially on Startup, I got rid of 25 Gigabytes of junk files and it booted in 45 seconds.

[polly7]

7. I'm buying my mom a laptop for Christmas and

chose one with Windows 7. She had been using XP on her old desktop and I was told by the seller that Win 7 would be just as easy for her to manage. It's also got an option to 'make compatible' (any older programs you may want to install) that I'm hoping will work for all her games and stuff ....... she's stubborn that way and doesn't want anything different.

[ucrdem]

22. Seems a good choice.

Between 8 and 7, I'd go with 7, because 8 will try to update to 8.1, and 8.1 I discovered last night won't run my go-to word processor and scanner progs (WP 11 and a Canon utility). So I won't be upgrading soon.

But 7 won't run everything XP will run. My experience is that 16-bit DOS programs run fine on XP, less fine on Vista, and not on 7. The only way to run them on 7/8 is with an emulator (virtual machine) but so far I haven't found a decent one. Another possibility is a dual boot, where you choose the OS at boot up, but that's a hassle to set up on a new machine if you're trying to add XP, which has a tendency to wipe out everything newer when it installs.

So I guess my suggestion would be to keep the old one around which should make mum happy . . .

[polly7]

23. The thing is, she thinks she really has to push hard on the on/off switch

on the tower to turn it on, and after years of doing this, it won't work anymore. I can't find a switch to replace it - HP Pavilion 6835, or I'd just do that. I don't relish the thought of putting all those old programs on a new laptop and she doesn't want any new-fangled ones! If anyone knows where I might find a switch, or even the front panel / switch for a Pavilion that old, I'd sure appreciate it.

[ucrdem]

24. LOL

Yeah well what can ya do. Does it have another switch? The old ones had a very sturdy power on/off in back but I don't know when they dropped that arrangement. If so maybe you can wire the front switch so it's always on and just use the power switch. If not, maybe find a similar model on e-bay and swap the hard drive?

p.s. the actual switch is usually behind the front assembly if that helps ...

[polly7]

25. I tried telling her to leave the front switch on and just let it hibernate, or sleep

but she thinks that uses waaaay too much power so usually just unplugs it (instead of letting it shut down). I'll have another look at it today and see about that switch on the back. Thanks for the good suggestions! I never thought of that. I've looked for similar models and they're pretty much obsolete and the HP guy I talked to actually laughed at me. .

Want to hear something funny though? She had a rash on the inside of her wrist, and when I first gave her this computer, coincidentally her rash was getting worse and pretty painful. I told her it was from a computer virus (I know, God should'a struck me down but I figured I'm so far gone anyway at that point it didn't really matter). When she went to the doctor to see about it, he asked what was going on .... she said her daughter gave her a computer and mouse with a virus! My dad was sitting there laughing his ass off.

[ucrdem]

26. .

p.s. one way or the other the laptop is a nice gift. I bet the ol' Pavilion has a noisy fan and that's why she unplugs it so even if you patch it up the lappie will be nice and quiet.

And no germy mouse.

[polly7]

27. Hey ..... it was a brand new mouse and mousepad still in the wrapping!

I do sorta feel bad about that, I just wish I'd been there to see her in the doctor's office lol. Actually, her computer was pretty quiet. I used it for years doing books but it just wasn't big enough for some of the programs I needed. I'm going to play dumb with this new laptop though and let one of my brothers or sisters teach her about it ..... it took me literally, weeks, to convince her that just turning on the monitor would not make her computer work .... and starting her games, shutting them down, etc. ..... omg. She's a very smart lady, but absolutely lost when it comes to computers. Hopefully, this new one will be easy to use.

[Duer 157099]

43. I've got a 6545C

Is that similar?

[polly7]

45. It sure looks exactly like it when I do a google image search.

Is it working? Actually, all I need is the on/off part of it so wouldn't really need one that's in good shape, apart from that.

[Duer 157099]

47. I've gutted the insides and the box is just sitting waiting for me to take it to recycle place

so you are in luck if you want the front panel, if you determine that it is compatible.

[polly7]

48. OMGosh, that would be amazing!

I've just done a bit more checking and they seem identical in size and case design. I'll pm you re cost and shipping .... and thank you soooo much.

Edit: The cd thingy is different, but my brother is a computer whiz and I'm pretty sure he can swap out the switch.

[Duer 157099]

49. Awesome!

I hate for things to go to waste!

[Old and In the Way]

51. Power switch is fairly easy to replace, polly 7.

If it is the switch (easy to test with a voltmeter). All you really need is a new switch...and you could even use a 110V house switch in a box with a cable to patch into the computer power leads. Someone who is experienced in wiring could probably do it in about 10 minutes with $3.00 of materials from the hardware store.

Or, you can check out some local PC shops - many keep all kinds of used components onhand that are cannibalized from older systems that are traded in...you might want to check with one of these type of shops.

[polly7]

52. Thanks so much ....

I did take it into the only computer place around here (out in the sticks) and was told he couldn't do anything with the switch. A kind DU'er up above has got one that may work, and hopefully my brother will be able to just replace it. Thank you very much for the great tips though, I will definitely keep them in mind.

[Old and In the Way]

53. My pleasure, polly7!

Your best option is to replace the current switch with something that is equivalent...but, no biggie if it doesn't fit. It's a switch to control the power out of the wall, so it doesn't need anything special.

Seriously, this needs a 110V switch and 15A capacity...which your wall switch is designed to deliver. So you can easily make this an external switch. The only caution is if there is a bridging capacitor...which I doubt. Remove the existing switch and see if there is any electrical components between the mechanical switch and the power leads...I doubt if there is. If there is. consult an electrician...just to be safe. Otherwise, connect and you are good to go.

[polly7]

54. Awesome!

If it's ok with you, I'll print this out and give it to my brother. It all sounds too technical for me but I'm sure it will help him a lot. Thank you again

[ohheckyeah]

28. Windows 7.

Vista is terrible, especially on laptops. I replaced Vista on my laptop with Windows 7.

The only programs I had that won't work on Windows 7 is QuarkExpress, but you have to have the disks to put the programs on the computer.

I have XP on my backup desktop and if I upgrade it I will use Windows 7. I'll probably just keep XP and not worry about the updates.

[BlueJazz]

32. There's not much to worry about. I doubt if you go to any dangerous sites and...

...therefore your main concern will be compatibility regarding your browser (Internet explorer, firefox..etc) but as time goes on, just change to one that works for you.

Also....there are a lot of techs here that will GIVE you memory or a hard drive if you need one or a copy of XP Pro.

(Like Myself)

[TorchTheWitch]

42. they're not discontinuing XP Pro?

How is it different than XP? I always thought that was for networked computers... or does it matter? Wouldn't someone have to live near me to actually give me memory or XP Pro?

[BlueJazz]

50. Xp Pro is basically the same. ...and no, it doesn't matter.

To receive the memory or disks, you'd have to trust one of us. (to ship to your address).

....or we could put it on ebay as a book and put the memory/disk in the book...but you would still have to trust one of us.

PS: You buy the product key...not really the disk. A Microsoft XP disk will work with 10's of thousands of product keys.
Each disk is a series of many Keys.
I have a few that are no longer in use (product keys) ...and yes, I paid for them at one time.

[TorchTheWitch]

55. Wow, you would do that???

Of course I'd trust you or anyone else that's been here to send me XP Pro and more memory (I have a TON of stuff on this computer though I've gotten rid of everything I can, and I don't have a back up external thingie to get stuff off... most of the stuff taking up space is videos that still need to be burned to DVD's, I only have a handful of banks left and can't afford now to buy more), and they take hours to burn just one... it's been a long and tedious process that's been taking me a couple of years.

The only problem is though that I never have any kind of package mailed to my home since my mailbox is tiny, bolted on the porch rail OUTSIDE of the porch, and the lid fell off years ago because it got so rusted... it rains and snows in my mailbox. What may be worse though is that there's people on this street with sticky fingers... it's common to have packages stolen that are mailed to anyone living here.

I could probably have it delivered to a friend or one of my brother's though. Would you really do this for me??? OMG, that would be so incredible! I just don't know how to thank you!

[BlueJazz]

56. Sure...no problem. You'll have to wait for about a week though. I'm going to a friend tonight..

....(in Fargo, ND) I'm in the Tampa bay area.
I'll still post here

[TorchTheWitch]

57. No problem

I need to ask someone if it's ok to have it sent to their house for me. I've had to do this many times before, so I don't see a problem. Just let me know what info you need from me.

I'll need some basic instructions or where to find them since I've never added memory to a computer before. Actually, I've never put an OS on one either since both 'puters I've had it was already on there. I guess I just pop the disk in and it walks me through what to do? I also have to use an external dvd/cd machine since the one that came with my computer crapped out just after the one year warranty expired. I've never used it to upload programs though since when I did that stuff the one in the computer still worked. Will I have to do something so that the disk knows what device to use? I'm dumb as a box of hair with this kind of stuff.

Thank you sooooo much!

[Duer 157099]

46. The best advice imho was upthread about disconnecting it from the net

and using it as-is as a standalone non-networked machine, for stuff you can do locally (graphics, etc). That way you don't have to worry about changing any software or drivers or anything, and you will always (as long as the hardware works) have a machine for doing your non-internet stuff.

You'll have to work on getting a Win7 box for internet; try Craigslist Free listings as I mentioned upthread. It may take a few months but you have a few months to find one. Good luck.