Computer Help and Support

pokerfan

(27,677 posts)

5. Before you abandon the old hardware

Tue Jan 10, 2012, 08:14 AM

Jan 2012

you might want to give Linux a try. You might be surprised at the new life it gives your old machine. And it will be supported indefinitely with free updates and upgrades. Wherever it winds up, that six-year-old box is going to need something once XP support ends.

I just don't like to see people spend money when they really don't need to. Linux is free and doesn't suffer from the malware that Windows seems to attract. If you can find your way around various Windows desktops (XP, Vista and 7) then Linux really shouldn't be any challenge.

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XP Home should I keep it? [View all] madmax Jan 2012 OP

You have a couple of years assuming you're on Service Pack 3 pokerfan Jan 2012 #1

The Wiki link madmax Jan 2012 #2

Before you abandon the old hardware pokerfan Jan 2012 #5

I'll do some research re: Linux madmax Jan 2012 #6

No need to be scared of it. Many of the mainstream Linux distros are very easy to learn. totodeinhere Jan 2012 #11

Just because XP support will end doesn't mean it will magically stop working. hobbit709 Jan 2012 #8

I'll add to what Pokerfan said: Go to the manufacturer's site of the computers and do a search.... BlueJazz Jan 2012 #3

Yes, been through the 'can't find the drivers' routine. madmax Jan 2012 #4

XP is a lot leaner than Vista and has fewer problems. HopeHoops Jan 2012 #7

You can run XP virtually on 7 Pro and Ultimate Mnpaul Jan 2012 #9

It's not really a virtual version of XP canetoad Jan 2012 #13

Interesting - ohheckyeah Jan 2012 #10

If it works OK, does what you want canetoad Jan 2012 #12