Upgrade my Microsoft desktop or get a Nexus tablet? Stick with the Status Quo?

[dctokyo]

whatever you decide, get rid of windows XP. I have seen many articles from reputable web sites (and I am not talking about click bait jokesters like BGR that don't have a clue about anything), warning people that many viruses and exploits are waiting for D day to release on XP.
You will not be safe on XP no matter how good your anti virus is.

. by the way Nearly 30 percent of Internet-connected PCs still run XP

Also Most antivirus solutions will still continue supporting Windows XP. Even Microsoft’s own Microsoft Security Essentials will support Windows XP until July 14, 2015.

The very first month that Microsoft releases security updates for supported versions of Windows, attackers will reverse engineer those updates, find the vulnerabilities, and test Windows XP to see if it shares those vulnerabilities,” “If it does, attackers will attempt to develop exploit code that can take advantage of those vulnerabilities on Windows XP. Since a security update will never become available for Windows XP to address these vulnerabilities, Windows XP will essentially have a ‘zero-day’ vulnerability forever.”

Zero-day vulnerabilities refer to the way in which hackers can attack an operating system or other code before a patch is released, fixing the vulnerability. Since Microsoft will never patch Windows XP again after April 2014, eventually some vulnerability that affects XP will be found.

 

[mayconvert]

. by the way Nearly 30 percent of Internet-connected PCs still run XP

Also Most antivirus solutions will still continue supporting Windows XP. Even Microsoft’s own Microsoft Security Essentials will support Windows XP until July 14, 2015.

Anyone using windows XP is asking for trouble. Anti virus will not stop exploits to the OS that will NOT be patched by MS.
This guy and you can say or do what you want. You could not PAY me $325 to use XP another year or two.

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

Given your nature, I cannot in good faith recommend Windows 8 until 8.1 Update 1 comes out at the very least. While I can depend on and swear by Windows 8, for other people it is infuriating. My mum got used to it and actually really likes it (which surprised me as I categorized her in a similar way and did everything I could to sway her away from W8. More fool me), but it's something to consider. Even as a gamer I love my Windows 8.

Sent from my HTC One using Mobile Nations mobile app

 

[dctokyo]

Anyone using windows XP is asking for trouble. Anti virus will not stop exploits to the OS that will NOT be patched by MS.
This guy and you can say or do what you want. You could not PAY me $325 to use XP another year or two.

I see your using a Android phone,with today's Android's market share, the openness of Android, and the multiple distribution methods available to applications embedded with malware make it the "go-to platform" for those that create malware and launch attacks with it lol. and your worried about XP

Symantec's Mobile Threat Report documented the escalation of malware infections in the threat landscape, with mobile malware shooting up by 58 percent in 2012, accounting for 59 percent of all mobile malware found to date.

 

[JeffDenver]

Re: Upgrading to a Microsoft Nexus or Sticking with the Status Quo?

Oh no. I recommend 8 or more for any PC but that's just me. .

Great. So we agree there was no contradiction.

 

[JeffDenver]

I see your using a Android phone,with today's Android's market share, the openness of Android, and the multiple distribution methods available to applications embedded with malware make it the "go-to platform" for those that create malware and launch attacks with it lol. and your worried about XP

1) Android is still actively supported. Therefore the comparison to XP is not accurate...any security holes will be patched, and quickly.

2) The idea that Android is crawling with malware is a myth.

Android accounted for 97% of all mobile malware in 2013, but only 0.1% of those were on Google Play

Android Accounted for 97% of All Mobile Malware in 2013

So long as you do not disable you security settings (which are on by default), your chances of getting malware on Android are virtually zero. 0.1% is pretty low.

 

[mayconvert]

Jeff beat me to it but he is right.
Android is still supported and I run the most current version 4.2.2 not 1.6
I do not root my phones, I run anti virus, I don't "side load" apps, and I am not a dumb ***.
I have about 10-15 apps that I install on every device from My Apps list.

XP is garbage. And someone said not to use windows 8 until 8.1 is out. 8.1 IS out. after you install 8 you go to Microsofts web site and there is a link that takes you to the install.

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

XP is garbage. And someone said not to use windows 8 until 8.1 is out. 8.1 IS out. after you install 8 you go to Microsofts web site and there is a link that takes you to the install.

Yes, 8.1 is out, but not 8.1 Update 1 (different things, and I use Windows 8.1). I follow WPCentral very closely so I'm up to date with this sort of stuff. And I'll quote my last post and highlight where I mentioned 8.1 Update 1.

Given your nature, I cannot in good faith recommend Windows 8 until 8.1 Update 1 comes out at the very least. While I can depend on and swear by Windows 8, for other people it is infuriating. My mum got used to it and actually really likes it (which surprised me as I categorized her in a similar way and did everything I could to sway her away from W8. More fool me), but it's something to consider. Even as a gamer I love my Windows 8.

Sent from my HTC One using Mobile Nations mobile app

Sent from my HTC One using Mobile Nations mobile app

 

[mayconvert]

Either way Windows 8.1 on the desktop is a million times better and safer than XP . My comment still stands, get rid of XP. I don't care if he sets his computer on fire, just get rid of it.
The only issues with safety on windows 8.1 is fricken Flash and their useless program that just won't die...

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

Either way Windows 8.1 on the desktop is a million times better and safer than XP . My comment still stands, get rid of XP. I don't care if he sets his computer on fire, just get rid of it.
The only issues with safety on windows 8.1 is fricken Flash and their useless program that just won't die...

Personally I'd just unplug the desktop and just stick Windows 8.1 Update 1 when it gets released and then start using it, if I was him. Also, use Metro IE, no Flash there.

Sent from my HTC One using Mobile Nations mobile app

 

[mayconvert]

again, there is NOTHING WRONG WITH WINDOWS 8 RIGHT NOW [redacted by moderator]
NO NEED TO WAIT FOR 8.1 UPDATE. [redacted by moderator]

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

again, there is NOTHING WRONG WITH WINDOWS 8 RIGHT NOW [redacted by moderator]
NO NEED TO WAIT FOR 8.1 UPDATE. [redacted by moderator]

Actually there is. A lot of people cannot get used to the new look. The Metro apps in particular not having an "x" button is causing a lot of issues. And the start screen over start menu is also causing a lot of issues, but I reckon people can get used to that. But the lack of "x" in Metro apps would seem extremely counterintuitive.

Sent from my HTC One using Mobile Nations mobile app

 

[diesteldorf]

Just wanted to give some closure, though I still haven't financially committed to anything yet.

Basically, it sounds like for $200 bucks I could get a chromebook that would probably meet 85-90% of my computing needs. I could also get a a low-end to mid-range Windows 8 Laptop for around $400.

The chromebook looks like a decent option, except I know there will be times when I need full windows support.

I don't really care about portability, so I'm still leaning toward getting a desktop, since I may be able to get a better machine for less, than a similarly priced laptop.

I was able to get more information on the $325 desktop I am considering. It's an Optiplex 780 with a 320 GB Hard Drive, a standard DVD Rom Drive and 4 GB of Ram. I know it is onlya dual core machine and I've seen some better prices online. However, I am OK with paying a little more to support a local business, 1 year warranty support etc. I am not really comfortable with assembling my own system.

I was thinking about upgrading to USB 3.0 for $30, 4 more GB RAM (total of 8) for $60 and a 1 TB Hard Drive for $60. That would bring the total to $475 + tax. It may be a little more because I was going to ask him to put the hard drive and DVD ROM from my existing machine and put them in the spare bays of my new machine. My DVD ROM is unlocked and the firmware has been modified to play DVDs from any region, so I want to keep it.

The total will probably be around $500, but I am sure I'll be keeping it for another 4 years.

At this point, my current machine is probably running slow and may have minor issues with the motherboard, since I have to reboot and run scandisk periodically. However, I am still thinking about keeping it and getting another 6 months to a year worth of mileage out of it.
I'd rather keep the money, since it is not 100% paramount that I upgrade.

If I was in the market for any new toys, I don't really care about any of the new phones coming out. I've been using my Nexus 7 LTE as a phone replacement since November. However, I may consider the Nexus 7 8" tab that is rumored to come out in 2014, assuming it also comes with an LTE model.

I am also looking at the HP 11 Verizon LTE Chromebook LTE. However, the specs are a little less than I would like, so I am definitely not sold.

 

[JeffDenver]

Just wanted to give some closure, though I still haven't financially committed to anything yet.

Basically, it sounds like for $200 bucks I could get a chromebook that would probably meet 85-90% of my computing needs. I could also get a a low-end to mid-range Windows 8 Laptop for around $400.

You could get a low-end to mid range Win8 laptop for a lot less than that. The ones I set up were in the $300 price range and had 4 gigs of RAM. And that was last year...they are probably cheaper now.

I don't really care about portability, so I'm still leaning toward getting a desktop, since I may be able to get a better machine for less, than a similarly priced laptop.

I don't know that it will be better. But it will definitely be more expandable. You'll be able to upgrade the RAM cheaper and easier and probably the video card too. From what I have seen, the specs on a desktop system in that price range are similar to laptops of the same price. Except for all-in-one systems...which will have the same limitations as a laptop.

The difference between laptops and desktops does not become really apparent IMO until you get to the low-mid range (like $500+).

I was able to get more information on the $325 desktop I am considering. It's an Optiplex 780 with a 320 GB Hard Drive, a standard DVD Rom Drive and 4 GB of Ram. I know it is onlya dual core machine and I've seen some better prices online. However, I am OK with paying a little more to support a local business, 1 year warranty support etc. I am not really comfortable with assembling my own system.

Dual core is plenty for what you're going to be using it for IMO. I use a dual core Win7 system at work and it is plenty fast.

 

[mayconvert]

Daniel, look, stop beating a dead horse. it takes all of 5 minutes to figure windows 8.1 out. anyone who can't figure it out in 5 minutes should sell their computer and quit acting like they need one in the first place.
Windows 8.1 is SO easy to use. I could teach a 2 year old how to use it. I know Left Click and Drag is a Really hard concept to understand.
And that Windows key that has been all but useless until now, you should poke at it and see what happens. Super hard to understand, I know.
oh wait, I think I just taught a million people 99% of everything they need to know about Windows 8....

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

Daniel, look, stop beating a dead horse. it takes all of 5 minutes to figure windows 8.1 out. anyone who can't figure it out in 5 minutes should sell their computer and quit acting like they need one in the first place.
Windows 8.1 is SO easy to use. I could teach a 2 year old how to use it. I know Left Click and Drag is a Really hard concept to understand.
And that Windows key that has been all but useless until now, you should poke at it and see what happens. Super hard to understand, I know.
oh wait, I think I just taught a million people 99% of everything they need to know about Windows 8....

Maybe you can teach people but I've had abuse in the past for trying to help people pick up software and stuff. Dead horse or not it's STILL a problem I see quite a lot. And you're saying it takes all of 5 minutes to figure Windows 8.1 out. By that logic it should take all of 5 seconds to find out where the menu key is on a BlackBerry Curve 8520 correct? Yet it took me 2 weeks. Back then I was your "average customer".

If he can get used to the start screen concepts etc (shameless plug: Check out our sister site www.WPCentral.com if you need help with Windows stuff!), then yes 8.1 is a great OS and I will not deny that. However a lot of average customers aren't as tech literate as us and this is NOT a dead horse to them.

Sent from my HTC One using Mobile Nations mobile app

 

[mayconvert]

if it took you 2 weeks to find the menu button on a blackberry 8520, you should stop buying electronics... cricket makes a good phone for people like you. it has a green button and a red button and 12 others. lucky for you, 10 of those are numbered..

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

if it took you 2 weeks to find the menu button on a blackberry 8520, you should stop buying electronics... cricket makes a good phone for people like you. it has a green button and a red button and 12 others. lucky for you, 10 of those are numbered..

Cricket? What's that? I'm British, and please if we're going back to old school, it's gotta be a 3310. And since that mess up with the BlackBerry I think you'll find I'm now the person that my friends usually go to if they have a problem. Remember, people can change. I did, I now follow tech very closely. Took me all of 3.14 seconds to get to grips with Android, and Windows Phone, once I finished with BlackBerry. Also, when I had that BlackBerry escapade, I wasn't following any tech blogs like CrackBerry, etc. I had to figure it out myself.

I'm using my own past experiences before I stopped being your average customer to detail what your average customer still goes through. You're saying people shouldn't get a computer because they can't work Windows 8 but can work Windows 7 (which is a perfectly valid OS in and of itself). Telling them they shouldn't buy electronics because they don't understand counterintuitive things is just a way basically to absolve the company of all responsibility, as if they can do no wrong.

Like let's say Samsung released a version of TouchWiz for the S5 that was so complex it required a degree to work, you're saying if people can't work it they shouldn't buy electronics. I actually believe that if your average customer can't work it to at least a basic extent (making phone calls, accessing apps, etc) then you've not designed it correctly, especially if you're marketing it to the masses, as Microsoft and RIM (as they were known back then) are, you need to make it so the average customer can work out your products.

Now the BlackBerry thing I'll chalk up to my own user error as it took longer than it should have, but the fact remains is that Windows 8 is unintuitive if you're not using a touch screen. Until you stop saying that people just shouldn't buy electronics because they can't work it out though, I'm not debating this anymore with you. Your responses bear similarities to the medical model of disability (that person is disabled therefore they can't) over the social model of disability (what can we reasonably do so they can do that). In this case the social model would be what Windows 8.1 Update 1 is bringing.

Sent from my HTC One using Mobile Nations mobile app

 

[STARGATE]

I haven't read any posts in the thread besides the original post, but if you don't need to do printing (or if your printer is Wi-Fi capable), it sounds like your needs could be met by a chromebook. I don't even like Android, but I really, really like my chromebook. IMO, chromebooks are the best pure internet browsing devices on the market today. You can buy the Acer C720, probably the best introductory model chromebook, for $200. In all seriousness its internet performance will probably blow both your Windows XP desktop and Nexus 7" tablet away when it comes to browsing speed.

If you don't feel comfortable going the chromebook route, I suggest buying a cheap Windows 8 laptop, probably with a touchscreen. Think about if you want a relatively large screen laptop that is less portable (most of the cheapest Windows 8 laptops are 15.6" models, which are very big IMO) or something more portable with a smaller screen (I have an Asus VivoBook XE202 that has an 11.6" touchscreen). There are some decent touchscreen laptops available for under $500. You could also buy the Asus Transformer Book 100, a 10.1" convertible tablet device (i.e. tablet with a keyboard dock) for $400 or less.

One other thing I should note - Windows XP has been around since 2001 and is three Windows generations ago. It is a little unfair IMO to say to imply Microsoft is being unfair with its decision to cut XP support (which incidentally doesn't mean you can't use the computer; it means Microsoft won't try to keep it updated in terms of anti-virus/malware protection) when Android has basically been around for only 5 years.

I agree!

Sent From Inside The TARDIS in a Galaxy S4 Away!

 

[Paul627g]

If we can't have a civil discussion without insulting others then please don't bother posting. Nobody should be participating here or any forums for that matter and have to deal with someone making a cheap insult or dig regardless of anyone's level of skill or knowledge.

We applaud those that are here to help, not insult and drive people away.