I think my computer is ready to bite the dust

[sfreeman8]

I’ve been having a lot of problems with it lately and now the screen is hassling me, too, going blank at times. Been looking at maybe buying a refurbished laptop but don’t know much different in the OS lately. I heard a lot of complaints about Window 8, but how is Windows 7? Anyone know? 

What’s the difference between a regular laptop and a notebook? They don’t seem to be any different except the size of the screen.

I’ve been working on Windows XP since 2002. I can buy another one with that OS and I know support has ended for it, but I'm comfortable with XP. This one comes with a 3-year warranty. The other ones, only a 1-year warranty. They all come with at least 2 GB processors, 4 GB memory except the XP-it has 3 GB, and all have 500 GB hard drive. I don’t need more than that. It’s what I have now and it’s only half-full.  They all say Intel Core Duo processor. All come with a DVD/CD-RW, too.  The XP comes with a lot of upgrades and includes a mouse and the software CD’s (legal, he says), while the others don’t include the CD’s, but the others hare pre=loaded and don’t mention the CD’s coming with it.

 They’re all Dell Latitude 6400 (if that helps) and difference in price is only $10 between the XP and Windows 7.  They all have Certificate of Authenticity (the Microsoft COA you need if problems develop).


Or I can go with another desktop for $30 less, but I was thinking of a laptop because I could use it anywhere. I had one before a long time ago, paid a fortune for it and loaned it to my son for “a week” while his computer was getting fixed. Never saw it again even though I asked quite a few times and never saw the Targus bag that I bought to carry it around either. He said the hard drive crashed and he got rid of it. Truthfully, I think he sold it.

 So, if anyone knows anything about operating systems and the difference between laptop and notebooks, I’d love your input.

Thanks,

[luvh8tragedy87]

My other computer that had Windows XP went waaaay down hill after Microsoft stopped updating it last year. Last August I got a Toshiba laptop with Windows 8 and I never had any problems with the OS. A few weeks ago I updated to Windows 10 and still haven't had any problems. I can't speak on how Windows 7 is but I'd upgrade if you can.

[BlackSheepNY]

Only differences I can see between a Laptop and a Notebook is that a Laptop is bigger in size, thickness and weight.  Maybe all your "old" computer really needs is for you to update the drivers to the newest versions.  You said your screen was going blank at times - see if there's an update to your Video driver.  You already know that Microsoft has ceased support for XP, so there's not much else you can do with the OS.

To be honest with you, I didn't have any problems at all learning Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 (and I went from XP to 8 ).  Never had Windows 7, but from what I read about it, it's pretty close to Windows 8.  If all of these updates and OS versions are confusing to you, why not visit a store that sells computers and ask a lot of questions?  I'm sure they can answer them to your satisfaction, and maybe even SHOW you the differences so you can get a "taste" of Laptop vs. Notebook, and the different OS versions.  It doesn't mean you have to "buy" from them, but it can give you an idea of what's out there before you DO buy.  Good luck!

[aflyingmonkey]

I heard that the term 'laptop' is being phased out because people literally think it is meant to be used on your lap and some people don't realize or are able to feel how hot the computer gets & are getting burn injuries. 

You'd have to read the comparisons, laptops and notebooks terminology are being used more frequently in 2015 to describe the same type of computer (laptop)

[sfreeman8]

Only differences I can see between a Laptop and a Notebook is that a Laptop is bigger in size, thickness and weight.  Maybe all your "old" computer really needs is for you to update the drivers to the newest versions.  You said your screen was going blank at times - see if there's an update to your Video driver.  You already know that Microsoft has ceased support for XP, so there's not much else you can do with the OS.

To be honest with you, I didn't have any problems at all learning Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 (and I went from XP to 8 ).  Never had Windows 7, but from what I read about it, it's pretty close to Windows 8.  If all of these updates and OS versions are confusing to you, why not visit a store that sells computers and ask a lot of questions?  I'm sure they can answer them to your satisfaction, and maybe even SHOW you the differences so you can get a "taste" of Laptop vs. Notebook, and the different OS versions.  It doesn't mean you have to "buy" from them, but it can give you an idea of what's out there before you DO buy.  Good luck!

I have an antivirus program that also lets me know when programs and drivers need updating and I do update when told by the programs themselves (Adobe, Flash).

I just think my computer is worn out. It is 23 years old. I have one that's even older that held up until 2 years ago. Both the old one and this one had their power supplies die same day. Sounds odd, doesn't it?

Anyway, my son had given me a computer that he used with a TV but I can't use it because he had a 40" flat screen and I have a 19" monitor and we can't change the size. When turned on, it gives a warning but are unable to get into the system tools to change the size. It's probably the same year as the one I'm using.

I was looking at other laptops yesterday and I think I found one I would really like...even has a backlit keyboard, which would be great for me but I'm a little nervous about Windows 8 because of all the complaints I heard.

To think I used to repair my own computer and I even built one in the stone age!!!!   Now i'm so dense where technology is concerned.

[monnee]

Then it's better to get a new computer because there're more faster and up to date on the current softwares. 

[bigedshult]

befor u give up on it go to some one and have them look at it.

[oldbuddy]

An operating system has one function in my opinion and that is to run the program you want. Right now I use XP, Win7, Win 8, Win 8.1 and Linux (PCLinuxOS) and they all accomplish the same task with ease.

By the way, Microsoft will upgrade your legal Win7 to Win10 for free. I just haven't had time to dedicate to upgrading yet, but I am sure I will.

[alice44]

I wish I knew more and could help you.  I have been using windows 7 for a long time now and don't look forward to upgrading it.  Windows 10 is about to become available!  If you upgrade you will eventually get use to it and wonder why you waited so long 

[BlackSheepNY]

Only differences I can see between a Laptop and a Notebook is that a Laptop is bigger in size, thickness and weight.  Maybe all your "old" computer really needs is for you to update the drivers to the newest versions.  You said your screen was going blank at times - see if there's an update to your Video driver.  You already know that Microsoft has ceased support for XP, so there's not much else you can do with the OS.

To be honest with you, I didn't have any problems at all learning Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 (and I went from XP to 8 ).  Never had Windows 7, but from what I read about it, it's pretty close to Windows 8.  If all of these updates and OS versions are confusing to you, why not visit a store that sells computers and ask a lot of questions?  I'm sure they can answer them to your satisfaction, and maybe even SHOW you the differences so you can get a "taste" of Laptop vs. Notebook, and the different OS versions.  It doesn't mean you have to "buy" from them, but it can give you an idea of what's out there before you DO buy.  Good luck!

I have an antivirus program that also lets me know when programs and drivers need updating and I do update when told by the programs themselves (Adobe, Flash).

I just think my computer is worn out. It is 23 years old. I have one that's even older that held up until 2 years ago. Both the old one and this one had their power supplies die same day. Sounds odd, doesn't it?

Anyway, my son had given me a computer that he used with a TV but I can't use it because he had a 40" flat screen and I have a 19" monitor and we can't change the size. When turned on, it gives a warning but are unable to get into the system tools to change the size. It's probably the same year as the one I'm using.

I was looking at other laptops yesterday and I think I found one I would really like...even has a backlit keyboard, which would be great for me but I'm a little nervous about Windows 8 because of all the complaints I heard.

To think I used to repair my own computer and I even built one in the stone age!!!!   Now i'm so dense where technology is concerned.

Don't be silly!  If you did it then, you can do it again (build your own).  If your computer is 23 years old, I would definitely say it's time for a new one!  As I stated earlier, go in to an electronics place and ask them if you could see and play with a Windows 8 computer.  It's really not horrible at all and not hard to learn.  You may surprise yourself.  Don't be afraid!  You're quite capable of learning and there really isn't much to learn (at least I didn't see it that way).  Go treat yourself and get yourself a new computer.  Let us all know what you picked! 

PS:  Your anti-virus program will NOT show you any updates for your hardware (like video card, sound card, etc.).  For that, you'll need to know what's installed in your computer.  Look in the "Device Manager," then you could visit the Manufacturer's website to see if there are any new drivers.  However, being that the computer is 23 years old, I wouldn't count on it.

[masked_brown_guy]

it just sounds like you computer needs an os that is not very over the top like windows 8.

[sfreeman8]

Wow! My eyesight is really getting bad!!!!  My computer isn't 23 years old! It's 13 years old.  If it was that old, I would sell it as an antique!

Sorry for the mistake.

After reading up on the different OS, etc., I think I'm going to go with a Dell N5010 with Windows 7 (since I can get a free upgrade to 10) and the computers with Windows 7 are less expensive than the ones selling with Windows 8 or 8.1,. and going with Intel i3 processor if I can get one and second choice would be the Dell Latitude.. I don't need the fastest but don't want the slowest computer either.  I did read where Windows 8 was a nightmare but who knows? Different strokes for different folks.

I also checked into building my own and it would cost more than just buying one so I hope I'm making the right choice.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

[cwillard1]

I was going to say do not get windows 8 installed.   Windows 7 is great and I am  hearing pretty good things about windows 10.  Some of our staff is using as a trial .   Good luck with your purchase.

[oldbuddy]

When you get your new computer working, you should download a free copy of PCLinuxOS and install it on your old one. It may surprise you how much better it runs.

[sfreeman8]

When you get your new computer working, you should download a free copy of PCLinuxOS and install it on your old one. It may surprise you how much better it runs.

I've never use PCLinux but I've heard so many good things about it working uch better than Microsoft. At the time, I was working and had to use what the company forced on us.

I'll have to check into it. Thanks.