Crosswords3 mins ago
Still on windows XP - which upgrade?
13 Answers
I'm looking to buy a laptop but my old desk top is still on Windows XP and that's all I've ever used.
Most of the ones I've seen have Vista but I've heard there were a few problems with Vista.
I can't get one with XP (and really need to get up to date I suppose!) but am I better going for Windows 7?
There do seem to be better deals on the ones with Vista, I suppose they'll be selling them off now the new version is out.
Thanks for any advice you can give me
Most of the ones I've seen have Vista but I've heard there were a few problems with Vista.
I can't get one with XP (and really need to get up to date I suppose!) but am I better going for Windows 7?
There do seem to be better deals on the ones with Vista, I suppose they'll be selling them off now the new version is out.
Thanks for any advice you can give me
Answers
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Windows 7 is definitely the way to go if you're thinking about buying a new machine.
In terms of it's usability it is not harder to get to grips with at first than Vista is, and whilst it is similar to Vista in many ways, it also does away with many of the complaints people had of Vista, namely it's penchant for hogging all your computer's memory even when you weren't doing anything with it. As a result, Windows 7 will run smoother and more responsively on the same hardware when compared with Vista.
If you shop around, the price difference isn't all the much in many cases. Toys 'R' Us isn't somewhere I'd ever buy a PC from, but as an example, they are selling a Toshiba laptop with Windows 7 on it that has better spec than their Vista equivalent, and it actually costs less to buy. I have seen similar deals though. Either, having purchased Windows 7 myself (am using it now) after testing it for a lengthy period, I would wholeheartedly recommend it over Vista if you have the choice.
In terms of it's usability it is not harder to get to grips with at first than Vista is, and whilst it is similar to Vista in many ways, it also does away with many of the complaints people had of Vista, namely it's penchant for hogging all your computer's memory even when you weren't doing anything with it. As a result, Windows 7 will run smoother and more responsively on the same hardware when compared with Vista.
If you shop around, the price difference isn't all the much in many cases. Toys 'R' Us isn't somewhere I'd ever buy a PC from, but as an example, they are selling a Toshiba laptop with Windows 7 on it that has better spec than their Vista equivalent, and it actually costs less to buy. I have seen similar deals though. Either, having purchased Windows 7 myself (am using it now) after testing it for a lengthy period, I would wholeheartedly recommend it over Vista if you have the choice.
Hi again Mobius1 if your still around, can I just pick your brain a bit further seeing as you seem to know what your talking about. I was looking at getting an Acer from the reviews I've read but my daughter has one and has had a few little troublesome issues with hers. Would a Toshiba or HP maybe be better or is there nothing really to choose between them?
Thanks again for your time, Anne
Thanks again for your time, Anne
Tbh my knowledge of laptops isn't the best. I have a 2yr old Toshiba myself (with Vista on it) that has always worked fine for me. I think the level of quality you get for money with laptops these days is amazing. Acer are a very well known brand, although you generally pay more for the likes of Dell, HP, Toshiba, Sony etc.
I think, like you imagine, it is much of a muchness. All laptop brands have their failures. It may just be that your daughter has been unlucky with her Acer and the problems are the exception as opposed to the rule. Others on here might be able to give you better advice on that. My advice is that wherever you're ordering from, be it a shop in person or online, to read as many reviews on the model as you can stomach. You'll get a very good idea for what to expect then and you might find yourself changing your mind before you make your purchase.
I think, like you imagine, it is much of a muchness. All laptop brands have their failures. It may just be that your daughter has been unlucky with her Acer and the problems are the exception as opposed to the rule. Others on here might be able to give you better advice on that. My advice is that wherever you're ordering from, be it a shop in person or online, to read as many reviews on the model as you can stomach. You'll get a very good idea for what to expect then and you might find yourself changing your mind before you make your purchase.
With an update version, you will have to install the update yourself. It's pretty simple and straightforward, but some people don't like doing it if they're unfamiliar with installing or upgrading their own operating systems. Vista and Windows 7 are meant to retain parity between one another when upgrading. Basically, if you install programs and files onto Vista, they will still be there after the upgrade to 7.
I have read some reports however that suggest in a small number of cases, the holdover from Vista can cause some minor issues with 7. Certain programs not working properly, or files missing or located incorrectly. If the DIY approach is something that worries you, go for 7 pre-installed, but if you're confident you can get your head around some basic steps then it's really up to you.
I have read some reports however that suggest in a small number of cases, the holdover from Vista can cause some minor issues with 7. Certain programs not working properly, or files missing or located incorrectly. If the DIY approach is something that worries you, go for 7 pre-installed, but if you're confident you can get your head around some basic steps then it's really up to you.
I have recently (last week) purchased a new Dell laptop with pre-installed Windows7, replacing my previous Dell laptop with XP mode.
I'm a real no-brainer on the IT front, and was initially in panic mode owing to the differences between the two systems. However, my fears were completely unjustified as it is not difficult to grasp, and the back-up provided by Dell (albeit from the third world) is exceptional in my view.
I'm a real no-brainer on the IT front, and was initially in panic mode owing to the differences between the two systems. However, my fears were completely unjustified as it is not difficult to grasp, and the back-up provided by Dell (albeit from the third world) is exceptional in my view.
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