Computer Help and Support

So many of you are so locked into Windows you can't see the solutions are right in front of you.

1. Microsoft prematurely obsoletes perfectly good systems just to scare and arm twist you into buying a new computer....with a newer version of Windows. (funny how that works) Because of this there are huge numbers of perfectly good computers floating around in thrift stores, yard sales, recycle shops etc. I haven't bought a "new" computer since somewhere around 2010. In fact both my laptops are freebies. (they work fine and both run versions of Linux)

People are basically giving computers away because they've been sold a bill of goods from Microsoft about being more "secure" with each new version of Windows. Oddly each new Windows version still needs antivirus anti malware anti spyware yada yada but somehow its more secure than the previous version. (rolls eyes)

2. As one poster mentioned move your older system to Linux.
Most people don't need Windows specific software. Most users need an up to date web browser, an up to date email program, a word processing program, a few games and not much else. Linux runs many of the same applications you might use in Windows. Linux versions (distributions) release regular updates to those applications so your system stays up to date and secure.

As a mostly retired IT guy my advice is to take advantage of the glut of decent free or cheap used computers out there. Most any computer released during the 2011 to now period will run Linux better than they ran with Windows. Invest a little time in learning some basic computer survival skills such as installing your own operating system and updating software once the system is installed. Its not that hard. If you can change spark plugs in a car or install a kitchen faucet you're capable of learning some computer basics. A little knowledge in this area goes a long way towards saving money. Throwing money at a new version of Windows won't magically grant you better security or solve your computer woes.

After all, if you can find a used computer for free, or cheap, what is there to lose if you dive in and use it to learn the basics? Give it a little time and you can free yourself from the reliance on "New" over priced computers, and, if you can make the move to Linux you'll never have to deal with Windows and all its issues ever again nor send more money to Microsoft.

How nice would that be?

BTW, as long as you keep the software up to date in that old Dell you'll be fine. Just use different software than what comes from Microsoft. For instance Google Chrome or Firefox instead of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Edge. LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office. Thunderbird email instead of Microsoft Outlook. A decent anti-virus software etc. As long as those non Microsoft software vendors release updates your system will be fine. Keep your firewall/router updated as well with the latest firmware updates or replace it should updates cease. If the old Dell is still working, relax. If it starts billowing smoke and making weird clunk sounds...ok....look for another computer.