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malthaussen

(17,065 posts)
Thu Mar 6, 2014, 02:39 PM Mar 2014

Well, should I get a new computer or what?

Just ruminating. A new computer would put a real strain on my finances. But the box I'm currently running is about as obsolete as it can get: Dual core AMD, "only" 2 GB RAM, a rather old Invidia GeForce 9400GT, running under XP. Which, of course, is no longer going to be supported.

Naturally, the current box does everything I want, but the potential vulnerability of XP after April does cause concern, especially since I know basically diddly about IT security. To say nothing of how badly windoze 8.0 has been panned, although I understand 8.1 is better.

So I'm wondering if getting a laptop primarily for Internet purposes would not be a viable option, and continuing to use the XP box to play my old games (which is the primary thing I use a computer for in the first place, aside from bullshitting on the 'Net). It's not an option I'm in love with, as I am not the tech-junkie type who needs the newest thing. Hell, I still use a rotary phone.

-- Mal

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Well, should I get a new computer or what? (Original Post) malthaussen Mar 2014 OP
My suggestion... Xyzse Mar 2014 #1
Security Essentials has been extended to mid 2015 jakeXT Mar 2014 #2
Well, now, that's a different kettle of fish. malthaussen Mar 2014 #3
Now THAT's good news! arcane1 Mar 2014 #4
Depends on several things. MicaelS Mar 2014 #5
Yeah, it's definitely getting up there. malthaussen Mar 2014 #6
Windows 8.1 is out. This is Windows 8.1.1. MicaelS Mar 2014 #7
This message was self-deleted by its author Prisoner_Number_Six Mar 2014 #8
The computer I'm posting on now boasts an AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3300+ hunter Mar 2014 #9

Xyzse

(8,217 posts)
1. My suggestion...
Thu Mar 6, 2014, 02:49 PM
Mar 2014

Keep XP.
Keep your anti-virus subscription going.
In truth, I have kept a Win 98 machine running in good order for kicks and giggles.

If anything, find a computer place like Microcenter.
http://www.microcenter.com/
They sell re-furbished PCs, but are established and big enough so that even if you buy one from them, you're kinda covered. I saw a cheap lap top for 229 with them for in-store pick up.

I mean, Windows is coming out with another operating system soon any way, at least from what I have heard, so I don't see the point in plunking down with a Windows 8 machine.

jakeXT

(10,575 posts)
2. Security Essentials has been extended to mid 2015
Thu Mar 6, 2014, 02:54 PM
Mar 2014

Microsoft today announced it will continue to provide updates to its security products (antimalware engine and signatures) for Windows XP users through July 14, 2015. Previously, the company said it would halt all updates on the same day as the end of support date for Windows XP: April 8, 2014.

http://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2014/01/15/microsoft-extends-updates-windows-xp-security-products-july-14-2015/

MicaelS

(8,747 posts)
5. Depends on several things.
Thu Mar 6, 2014, 03:22 PM
Mar 2014

(1) Do you have a router? They're not that expensive, and as long as you change the password to something fairly complex, you'll keep the hackers at bay.

(2) Do you have good A/V software? There are good free A/V and anti-malware programs out there. Do some research as to what is best for you. Malwarebytes and Spybot are both very good anti-malware, and both are free. Some A/V will cause massive slowdowns in Ping time, so if you're online gaming they can ruin gameplay.

(3) If you're not going to questionable websites, downloading all sorts of crap, (porn, movies, music) you're probably not going to get malware or viruses.

(4) What browser are you using? If you're using IE, then you WILL have to upgrade at some point because your IE will not work properly on many websites. If you're using Firefox or Opera then you may be ok as long as both support XP.

(5) You can get a laptop for as little as $300. I highly recommend Fry's Electronics, they regularly have laptops on sale.

(6) Or you can go to Newegg. They have LOTS refurbished desktops. For as little as $100. With Windows 7. Shipped

(7) Microsoft is getting ready to push the Windows 8.1. Update 1 out in April. Supposedly it is an improvement.

(8) If you want Windows 7, laptops with it are still being sold. HP sells them.

(9) Some local computer shops still sell Win 7 laptops too. Check around. You might give them a call, and see what they could do for you. They might have some budget or refurbished desktops with Win7, so that can run XP emulator mode, so you still play your old games. But yes your old machine is ancient. Especially with 2 gigs of ram.



malthaussen

(17,065 posts)
6. Yeah, it's definitely getting up there.
Thu Mar 6, 2014, 03:40 PM
Mar 2014

1) No router.
2) Norton Antivirus subscription. Friend signed me up for my birthday many years ago, and 60 bucks a year is sustainable even though there are plenty of free programs.
3) I wonder if the hacks are going to target DU users. I download very little, and no porn at all. But I do have a Steam link, and wonder if they can get at me that way.
4) Mozilla Firefox. Already had plenty of IE problems, so I dumped it a long time ago.

I thought 8.1 was already out, lol. Haven't been paying much attention. The problem with getting 7 is, of course, that MS is going to want to trash that pretty soon, too. The Red Queen problem of computer systems will always be with us.

-- Mal

MicaelS

(8,747 posts)
7. Windows 8.1 is out. This is Windows 8.1.1.
Thu Mar 6, 2014, 04:01 PM
Mar 2014

I would recommend you buy a router. Right now. If you don't want to do that, then I recommend ESET Smart Security 2014 Edition. It has A/V, anti-spyware and a firewall, all in one.

Norton is a POS. One of the the worst A/V out there. It is loaded with bloatware.

Response to malthaussen (Original post)

hunter

(38,263 posts)
9. The computer I'm posting on now boasts an AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3300+
Thu Mar 6, 2014, 05:26 PM
Mar 2014

and 1GB RAM.

It does everything I ask it to.

My favorite laptop is a Pentium III.

I don't upgrade my computers until I find a much better one in the trash.

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