polloloco51

What is everyone's favorite era in technology? Mine is The early-mid 2000s Palm PDAs Flip phones Windows XP Plasticky laptops and towers Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon fight A tamer, simpler internet. No social media like we have today.

After using Windows 11 for more than month. I went back to Windows 10 yesterday. This is the 3rd Windows I blew away, over the past two decades. The others being, Vista and 8. Observations from use

1. Not as reliable yet for production use. The reliability history was riddled with errors, not previously in 10. Also, freezing on the desktop. This never happened with Windows 10.
2. UI is a step back from Windows 10. Dumbed down start menu, buried context menus, etc.
3. Other issues, like strange, intermittent Microsoft sign in problems.
4. Gaming seemed less in Windows 11 (FPS). I am not sure if it's my imagination. Or perhaps, an unoptimized driver for the older card?

I might install Windows 11 again, in a year or two from now. Windows 11 is honestly not bad, it just needs another year of refining, patching, and finessing. It might be perfect then! Note: My PC is a 2018, Dell XPS 8930 with an I7-8700, 16GB RAM and GTX 1060. It meets all the requirements and is not the issue.

Yesterday, I installed Windows 11 on my main desktop.

It is actually not so bad, and a cleaner experience than Windows 10.

Annoyances so far:

1. Start menu needs improvements.

2. Taskbar needs task manager right click shortcut back asap.

3. Centered taskbar icons are quite difficult to get accustomed to. I changed it back to left side immediately.

4. UI is still inconsistent. Example, Vista theme still exists in disk management.

Overall, Windows 11 is just fine. It definitely needs some refinements!

 

 

15 years ago today, Windows Vista was released! January 30th, 2007 A major Windows release that got dragged down by it's system requirements, driver compatibility, and leaner faster Windows XP counterpart. It really doesn't seem that long ago!  

What does everyone here use, for late January 2022? Me Smartphone: Google Pixel 4a 5G, excellent phone still, battery life still holding up Laptop 2018 Razer Blade 15 Base, excellent processor, display and decent graphics. The keyboard is atrocious Desktop 2018 Dell XPS 8930, with i7-8700, 16gb RAM and a GeForce GTX 1060 Home Automation: Amazon Alexa with Philip Hue lightbulbs throughout house. Also a Furbo for my cats! They actually come running when it tosses out a treat. It's quite a spectacle!    

Anachronous Question What is the best current (malware free) CD/DVD to ISO extraction software? I'm looking to make an ISO for Call of Duty 1 (2003), without having to use the discs. Thanks! 🙂          

Has anyone here upgraded to Windows 11 yet? I am still using Windows 10 across all of my machines. I really cannot see any compelling or justifiable reason to upgrade! Windows 10 is stable and works perfectly.  

With PlayStation 5s and Xbox Series Xs being extremely scarce right now. Great alternatives still exist! 1. PlayStation 4, graphics still look great, games are still being made for it ( cross platform), easy to find and much more affordable! You can actually find a refurbished console, for under $200. Which makes this a bargain. 2. Xbox Series S, slightly less powerful, excellent graphics, cheaper, same game library, and easier to find. 3. Nintendo Switch. Much easier to get, huge library of game, cheaper. An all around excellent console! While everyone is going one way. Why not go the opposite direction for gaming console Christmas presents this year?

What gaming PC setups does everyone here have, if applicable.

Me:

A modest Dell XPS 8930 with a i7-8700, 16gb RAM and a GeForce GTX 1060. A great all around productivity and gaming PC.

Albeit, the graphics card could be upgraded to something better. That obviously wouldn’t be for a few years (supply & prices).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is everyone's favorite past, ultra premium PC? Me: The 2006 Dell M2010 laptop/desktop convertible. One of the most interesting PCs of the time. It had Centrino Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a detachable keyboard and a desktop like monitor! The Sony Vaio UMPC line. It had a Core Solo Processor, 1GB of RAM, and Windows Vista. A full fledged computer, in such a small form factor!  

What is everyone's worst tech related catastrophe? Me It has to be, getting a trojan virus on my Compaq Evo N620c Windows XP laptop back then. What a nightmare! Thankfully, with Windows 7 and up, I have never gotten a virus since (knock on wood)

What smartphones does everyone here use, in Fall 2021 Me: I use a Google Pixel 4a 5G Phenomenal camera, great battery life, vibrant display and mostly reliable!

According to Notebook Check, someone actually installed Windows 11 on a 2006 Pentium 4 661 processor!

Windows Update worked too, according to the article.

 Link

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Windows-11-hardware-requirements-made-a-mockery-of-by-an-Intel-Pentium-4-processor.573808.0.html

 

 

Over the years, I’ve visited numerous Windows news websites. Including Winbeta, Neowin, Windows Central, etc.

Here is why Thurrott.com is one of the best.

IMO

1. Years of experience of reporting from Paul, Brad and others.

2. No gleeful and bubbly defending of Microsoft’s actions. Only when warranted and rightly deserved.

3. Real world reviews of products. Not corporate backed or paid.

4. Great community of commenters and readers.

5. Always updated news/information.

6 In-depth, technical articles.

7. Overall, a trustworthy and reliable Windows website!

I must say, while other sites like Neowin and Windows Central are very good as well. I do visit this before other websites.

The clean design of the website is another factor! Easy to find articles, and not a convoluted mess of stories and ads, like some others are!

When did everyone here first discover this site, and Winsupersite back then?

Me

Probably 10 years ago, around Windows 7

What is your favorite/memorable PC from the past?   Me: A 2009 eMachines laptop, with Windows 7. It was a $199 Walmart Black Friday special laptop! It was actually a pretty good laptop initially, with a vibrant display and nice full keyboard. It played some games too! The Athlon TF-20 single core processor, really choked performance, and limited long term use.

Windows 11’s system requirements are completely arbitrary. This fact is backed up, by installing the October 5th release on a 4th Generation i5 Dell Inspiron, with absolutely no problems at all.

Here is how to do it.

First

Download and create a Windows 10 and 11 installation on two USB keys, from the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool

Then

Once the two USB keys are finished. On the Windows 10 USB key, go to the “Sources” folder, and delete or backup “install.esd”. It should be about 3GB in size

Next

Copy over the Windows 11 “Install.esd” file on the Windows 11 USB key from “Sources”, to the Window 10 USB key, in “Sources”. This should be about 3GB in size as well..

After this, just remove the Windows 11 key and reboot. You will see the purple Windows 10 install splash screen. Go through the process of deleting and creating new partitions and install.

After rebooting again, you’ll be greeted by the Windows 11 set up screen.

Alas, you’ll have Windows 11, despite Microsoft threatening, no entitled updates, or your PC will spontaneously combust.

It is unknown, how long Microsoft will allow this. This process does work perfectly and Windows 11 functions.

Windows 11, is the most truly bizarre and perplexing version of Windows to date! It is the first version, Microsoft doesn’t want anyone to have. Both consumers and Enterprise.

Microsoft kneecapped their initial install base, by imposing completely phony hardware requirements. People have in fact been able to install it on PCs with 2nd Gen Processors without TPM or secure boot.

Microsoft still has time to fix this debacle right now! Fix the hardware requirements and allow most any to have it. Sure, if they let anyone install it, even Core 2 Duos, they’ll have to continue supporting it- So what? Microsoft is a multi-billion dollar company, that generates it’s revenue from business, and other departments.

Getting everyone onto one version of Windows was Microsoft’s original goal. That goal has just been exploded completely. Now, Windows actually makes computing less safe, with two versions of Windows, Microsoft needlessly created.

Windows 10 PCs, could very well become zombie PCs in 2025, directly because of Windows 11. With the chip shortage, buying a brand new PC in a year or two from now is not a good option for most!

 

 

 

 

According to ZDNet, 55% of enterprise cannot upgrade to Windows 11, because of the arbitrary requirements.

This is a major problem for Microsoft. One they manufactured themselves and could have easily avoided!

Most workstation PCs, have very robust hardware and security built-in too!

Upgrading expensive workstations in a few years, is not an option for many businesses.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-half-of-enterprise-workstations-dont-meet-the-new-system-requirements-says-survey/

Has Microsoft given an actual, valid, believable reason for why Windows 11 cannot run on an i7-7700 or a i7-6700 versus a i7-8700. Or a 6th and 7th gen Intel vs, a 8th?

 

Other than the system crashes statistics?

 

Also, the rumored Spectre Meltdown bug reasons?

 

I have personally yet to be convinced otherwise. Especially as, I’ve tested Windows 11 on a 7th generation i5, with no serious issues. This was on a laptop with world class security too.

Microsoft should bring back Windows Phone! Here is a 11 step revival plan, to bring it back!

1. Drop the Windows Phone name, and call it “Surface Phone”
2. Use the Windows 11 kernel/system and Android sub-system, and port it onto phone hardware
3. Quietly relaunch it on Microsoft’s website and into stores. No special events, only word of mouth (blogs, new websites, social media)
4. Have the full set of Windows 11 applications (paint, file explorer), along with android apps.
5. Use the Surface tablets, as the design template (obvious)
6. Don’t advertise like in the past. Just advertise “Surface Phone”, the way Google does with the Pixel.
7. Sell the Surface Phone, as a phone that transforms into a full PC, with mouse and keyboard support. Something more utilitarian than Android and iPhone.
8. Price it competitively below most high end Android and iPhones.
9. Only two models, a 128GB and 256GB with expandable storage
10. Emulate the camera quality of the previous Luminas.
11. Have full fledged Office Apps, that transform into desktop apps, when plugged into a monitor. This would be great selling point.

Microsoft certainly has the resources, to relaunch Windows Phone again! Hopefully they will sometime in the future.

Will you upgrade to Windows 11, when it’s released on October 5th?

Me:

I might clean install Windows 11, on just one desktop when it’s released. This will be a test bed for my other PCs.

PCWorld published an article today, "Windows 11 will require 8th Gen Intel Core processors or higher".   What your PC will need to run Windows 11 | PCWorld   That would cut out a highly significant chunk or an ocean of current PCs, including Surface devices and much more.   I hope this is not true!

There was an article published by PCWorld today, "Windows 11 will require 8th Gen Intel Core processors or higher".   What your PC will need to run Windows 11 | PCWorld   This is clearly erroneous reporting, right?   That would cut out a highly significant chunk of current PCs, including Surface devices.

Windows 11 Debate Thread: Is Windows 11's system requirements really, truly about security, or about driving new PC sales (license revenue for MS). I'll kick off by saying: Windows 11 worked absolutely fine on my Thinkpad T470, with a 7th generation, I5-7300u. It has top notch, hardened security built-in too (TPM 2.0 etc). I say, Windows 11 is inherently just a huge marketing ploy to drive PC sales. Just to scare people into thinking, they'll need new PCs in a few years. If this is all true, this is one of the worst thing's Microsoft's ever pulled.    

If you had to switch to a Windows alternative right now?   What would you switch to or install? Either Linux Distros or other systems? Me: Ubuntu on my main machine, using Microsoft apps online. Laptop ThinkPad T470, with either Debian, Ubuntu or Elementary OS. Still utilizing online Microsoft apps Chromebook for casual use and secure banking. Gaming My main machine along with a PlayStation I feel I could live without Windows just fine. It is really not the only operating system in existence. It is certainly not 1998 anymore, with all the choices.  

Today, I installed Windows 11 22000.160 on my 2017 Lenovo Thinkpad T470, with a i5-7300. 1st impressions Interface The Windows 11 UI feels like an incremental improvement over Windows 10. While the rounded windows and new icons are welcoming. I don't see this as a big reason to upgrade to Windows 11 right away. Albeit, the UI could change in a few months. The start menu is alright, but definitely feels like downgrade from Windows 10. Performance Windows 11 feels about the same as Windows 10. I have encountered some bugs already, with the desktop right context menu, crashing Windows UI. I have tested Portal 1 and ran without any hiccups. Everything opens as it should and the resources are utilized about the same. This is to be seen over time. I have not tested intensive gaming yet, as my Thinkpad lacks a discrete graphics chip. Web browsing and everything else is fine too. Start up time Windows 11 boots about the same as Windows 10, no significant difference here. Login Screen Nice and refreshing, like Android almost. Conclusion While Windows 11 is a nice refresh over Windows 10. I personally don't see any compelling reasons to upgrade, when it's released. I would recommend waiting a few months after RTM. That's if your PC can even run Windows 11. Hopefully my relatively new Thinkpad t470 can run it!  

Hello,

I recently acquired an Alienware Aurora R9, with an air cooled i7-9700. Has anyone here heard any issues with overheating, or heat issues with 2019 Alienware Aurora computers?

I have seen a lot of forums, people encountering high temperatures because of the case design (lack of air flow).

The i7-9700 CPU temperature ranges from 38° C to as high as almost 70° Celsius (according to open HW monitor). The GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card gets to around 70° Celsius, playing Spyro the Dragon Trilogy on Steam.

Thanks!

Update 8/12/2021

After performing a “Reset this PC” , the Alienware seems to be running cooler. The fans seem to be much quieter, and the CPU & GPU temps are within a reasonable range, playing Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Idle temps of the CPU and GPU, are better as well (RTX 2070 @ 32 C and I7-9700 @ 36C).

Windows has always been highly adaptable to virtually any hardware! As long as your PC met the REASONABLE requirements!

 

Windows XP required 64MB of RAM and almost any 32 bit processor. It needed 8MB VRAM for DVD support (as I recall).

Windows Vista required 512MB, an Aero capable graphics card, and a 32 Bit Processor. I

Windows 7, 8, and 10, all could run on the same hardware. Except 8 and 10 needed at least a late Core 2 Duo to run well.

 

Windows 11 really can’t run on anything! The requirements, are not consistent with the value of Windows (an adaptable OS)! Why is Microsoft doing this?

 

Does Microsoft actually think they will boost hardware sales? Windows 11 cannot even run on their on Surface Line! The unreasonably high requirements will actually backfire, in that, millions of current PCs will be stuck with Windows 10 indefinitely.

 

Microsoft still has time to reverse course, and nix the requirements! Microsoft could make Windows 11 the greatest OS to date, if they just listen!

What "tech finds/bargains" have you come across, recently and in the past?   Me I scooped up a Microsoft Surface Book 1 (256gb, I5-6300, GeForce), for $100. It had Ubuntu installed and was slightly beat up. It was also missing the pen. The touchscreen and eject but wasn't working. After installing Windows 10 it came right back to life! Hopefully it will go to Windows 11!      

What is everyone’s favorite and most annoying tech/tech related commercials?

Me

Most Annoying:

The Discovery Plus commercials! The spam of the airwaves!

Best:

The recent Apple iPhone purple commercial. Well done, and captivating.

In the past, users on Facebook have reacted to newsfeed posts, with either just a like, or commenting.

Not so long ago, Facebook added reactions, like laughing, love, and angry emoticons.

This has lately become a serious problem, with "people" (or bots?) inappropriately reacting to news posts, using laughing emojis. Especially, serious news posts of people suffering and dying, during this pandemic.

Facebook needs to step in, and add an option to disable this feature!

Currently, there is no way to disable this by users, and actually hurts efforts to combat misinformation (laugh reactions create impression, some news is not serious).

What is the oldest PC, you got Windows 10 running and installed on?

Me

A Dell Latitude D420 with a Core 2 Duo U2500 and 1.5GB RAM, from 2006. I was actually quite surprised, it installed on this!

What was your favorite/most memorable Windows XP computer, you used back then (2000s)?

Me

It was a Compaq Evo N620c! It had a Pentium M 1.4Ghz, 512 mb of RAM, and Radeon 7500 graphics. It could actually play Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, nicely!

What smartphones does everyone here use:

Now and then (10 years ago).

Me:

Then

A LG Optimus S, with a laughable 3.2″ display, 600mhz processor, 256MB of RAM. A dinosaur by today’s standards. It played Angry Birds reasonably well then!

Now

A Google Pixel 4a 5G: An excellent phone so far, with a great camera, performance, and a rich beautiful display.

One of Valve’s Biggest, Dumbest Mistakes:

Half-Life Alyx

Valve thought, VR was the future of gaming. Much the way, a tablet tile interface on a PC was. People had the cash to buy a $60 game, and $500 VR hardware. On top, having the high end hardware necessary to power the VR experience.

This was a terrible, foolish mistake on their part!

Valve cut out, a sizable portion of their loyal HL fan base, by doing this! Fans that have been anxiously waiting well over a decade, for a 3rd iteration of Half-Life. 

Still waiting for Half-Life 3

Valve should make a traditional, non-VR version of Half-Life Alyx. Something that can be done expeditiously, with modifications in the game’s code.

Now, with most of everyone receiving, their “lucky pot” of $1,400 gold today (in the US). Here’s a quick list, of “Best Gadgets to Spend your $1,400”

Either all or a portion of it!

1. Microsoft Surface Pro. A solid choice for anyone!

2. Google Pixel 4a 5G, an excellent phone, with money left over.

3. Current, Dell XPS tower, with the 10th Gen I7 processor, GTX 1650 processor ($1,200 right now on Dell’s website). A solid choice for everything, and always upgradable

4. The, Lenovo Thinkpad T490 or earlier model. Best in class keyboard and everything!

5. A Samsung Evo SSD. Best way to significantly boost your computer, without buying a new one. Prices have gone down significantly too! 1TB is $119 on Amazon

6. Amazfit fitness watch! 1/3 price of the Apple Watch, that gives all the essentials, including built in GPS and heart rate monitoring

7. A new, TV. Prices of flat screens have gone down tremendously. There are excellent ones, with HDR that will not break the bank!

8. The Klipsch Promedia, computer speakers. Excellent sound and a good upgrade from crappy OEM desktop speakers, that come with most PCs

9. The PlayStation 4. Prices have gone down alot since the PS5 release. Right now, is a good time to scoop one up!

10. Smart lightbulbs for your home! These are great for keeping your house secure (while away), customization, and long term savings!

Does anyone here, experience this too?

After, installing a new, Radeon or GeForce graphics driver. The Windows 10 Start Menu, refuses to open?

Note:

*Restarting Windows does, always fix the issues. Or, restarting explorer.exe in task manager.

It appears, this is still an ongoing, unresolved bug, with the Windows 10 UI. Although very minor, it shouldn’t be occurring, after 6 years of feature updates!

What browsers(s), does everyone here use, in 2021?

Me:

Chrome mainly, across machines (and phone).

Also:

Trying to use Edge more, to experience it's features!

Hello,

I was wondering, what SSD/HDD setup, everyone here uses (home PCs)? I am currently looking to migrate, from a HDD to an SSD?

I am considering, a 1TB SSD (system & programs), and a 2TB HDD for photos. Or, a 2TB SSD for everything, and a 2TB for back up purposes.

Thanks!

Does anyone here, use a Google Pixel 4a, 4a 5G, or the 5?

If so, what are your thoughts? Like, the reliability, software, camera, battery, performance, durability etc.

Thanks!

What old (Windows) programs, does everyone here still use?

Me: I still use Office 2007 because, it just works! Even the online functionality, like clip art, still functions perfectly!

Windows over the years, always had several themes. Windows 7 and Vista, had Aero Glass, Aero Basic and Windows Classic themes. Windows XP had the Luna and Classic style themes as well. Windows 8 even had a (deprecated) theme, called Aero Lite, which was a variant of the main theme.

Now, with Windows 10, there is only 1 theme. That is the, flattened remnant of what was formally Aero Glass, from Vista and 7. While it is just ok. It is not very eye pleasing, like how Aero Glass was.

Microsoft needs to allow, or bring back themes! Either Microsoft, should have a theme section in the Microsoft App Store. Or, Microsoft should freely allow users to install, any 3rd party, custom theme they desire. For instance, if a user want's Windows 10 to look like Windows 98 or even Vista. They could simply download and install this theme from official Microsoft App store.

What do you think? Should Microsoft bring more themes to Windows 10?

Meanwhile with Internet Explorer.......still waiting for new features. LOL ?

Note: Image is originally from Breaking Bad.

What was everyone's, first laptop (or desktop) with Windows 7, back then?

Mine, was a very cheap, Black Friday deal, laptop with AMD Athlon processor. It had a nice vibrant display, which really made Windows 7's Aero Glass, a joy to look at it. The processor was quite sluggish. Thankfully, it was a cheap laptop, in the end! ?

With Windows 7 support set to end, tomorrow. What was everyone's first impressions of Windows 7, back in 2009?

Me:

It was clean, fresh and beautiful! It seemed similar to Vista, but not totally. I loved the superbar, as it was innovative and utilitarian!

What is everyone's favorite, 2010 tech and/or tech stories?

Me:

The Acer Iconia 6120 from 2011.

It featured, dual touch screen displays, and was quite interesting. It featured custom software, tailored for the two screens.

The PlayStation Vita (2012)

The successor to the PSP. It was solid, powerful hardware, with great games. However, the peripherals were pricey and never truly took off. It also, launched in a time, when smartphones were prevalent.

The Microsoft Surface Pro (2012)

It was a significantly, more robust, innovative, and utilitarian tablet, over the iPad. It offered, a full computer experience, in a tablet form. Unlike, an Android tablet or iPad, the Surface could run full Photoshop and games, which was a game changer!

According to Valve's official Twitter account. Valve has announced a new Half-Life game, called "Half-Life Alyx".

It is apparently, going to only be for VR.

If true to the end, this will severely limit the reach to the Half-Life fan base, and new players. Especially as, not everyone has virtual reality.

Link for more info:

https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/18/valve-officially-announces-half-life-alyx-vr-game-reveal-later-this-thursday?sf112711871=1

When Windows 8 came out in 2012, it was a considerably controversial Windows release. It featured the traditional desktop, with a new tablet centric UI (start). In the first iteration, it launched users to the start screen. After a year or so, Windows 8.1 came out, and fixed many of the issues, like reintroducing the start button, and boot to desktop.

Now, with Windows 10. Microsoft brought back the start menu, but completely redesigned the updates. Instead of a 10 year phase of security and bug updates. Microsoft changed it to, yearly feature updates, which has decreased the quality of Windows. *Although, there is a long term support branch of Windows 10.

Windows 8, even with it's divisive start screen. It is basically Windows 7, but much improved and faster, and modern (on the desktop). It is still supported, until 2023, and will continue to remain the same, until then. No new feature updates, just bug and security updates.

Yes, Windows 10 is still a free upgrade, to Windows 7. However, it is changing yearly (feature updates), and is not as stable and solid, as Windows 8.1 is today.

What do you think? Would you jump to Windows 8 after Windows 7? Or, just upgrade to Windows 10?

If anyone here wants to pay tribute to Windows 7, here is a thread! My Tribute: When Windows 7 was released in 2009. I was impressed by the fresh, clean appearance, faster boot time, and the new features, like super taskbar. It was a considerable improvement over Windows Vista, and especially XP. I used Windows 7, several years, across many devices. Some included an Intel Atom N455 netbook, a tablet, and more. Around 2015, I upgraded to Windows 10, on all my devices. Although Windows 10, is a vast improvement, over Windows 7, in many areas. Windows 7's simplicity, of being a traditional Windows OS, will always be it's greatest legacy! Not to forget, the reliability, of just working. Now, support comes to an end, after a long 10 year run. RIP Windows 7 You will always be missed! ?      

Is anyone here, still using Windows 8(.1) in 2019? If so, what is your experience? Especially, reliability and usability wise?

Has anyone discovered, any modern apps not working, or removed from the Windows Store?

Is anyone here, experiencing WiFi issues, after installing Windows 10 1903?

I noticed, after installing 1903 on my ThinkPad T470, and Dell XPS desktop. The WiFi just randomly disconnects.

I never experienced this, using Windows 10 1803.

When Windows 10 came out in 2015, it was supposed to be, the last version of Windows (it was not).

However, Windows 10 has been increasing in versions, from 1607, now at 1903. From my perspective, Windows 10 is just meandering, with no real goal or vision. Sure, Microsoft has included new themes, and refinements to the OS. They are also, getting rid of bloatware, and unifying the system settings. Something that was messy in Windows 8.

Windows 10 is still, fundamentally the same OS. It still has the same start menu, the same old file explorer (no tabs still), etc. At some point, people will eventually become bored or unexcited with Windows 10. Many people already are right now.

This is why I feel, Microsoft should just do a complete reboot of Windows again. Release a new Windows, called Windows 11 or something else. Release a totally new theme, or keep the light theme they have now. Additionally, make Windows 10 even further lighter and resource efficient. Most importantly, make it with less major system updates, and only with feature and app updates. Updates, that you don't have to perform an entire OS upgrade. This would entice, especially business users.

What are you thoughts?

What is your favorite, past version of Windows (before 10)?

Me: Windows 7

It pointed Windows in the right direction after Vista. Windows 7 was clean, fresh and crisp at the time. It was faster booting, more reliable, more resource efficient, more compatible with drivers, and overall a solid OS.

Windows 7 was released, nearly 10 years ago. Since then, Microsoft has released 3 operating systems, Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Yesterday, I clean installed Windows 7 on a netbook with only 1GB of RAM and a Intel Atom N455.

Above: Screenshot of Windows 7 Starter from Google Images.

First, I had to find the Windows 7 32 Bit ISO and download it from heidoc. After downloading, because the netbook had Windows 7 starter. I had to then, strip out the Ei.CFG file. This essentially now created a universal Windows 7 ISO. Now, onto installing Windows 7. I used Rufus to burn the files onto a USB. After about 10 minutes, I stuck the USB into the netbook, and installed Windows 7. This was the easy part of everything.

After getting to the desktop, I had to install a series of servicing updates, to get Windows 7 to actually update. 40 minutes later, all the updates were installed, and then onto installing the drivers. Unlike Windows 10, that installs all the drivers automatically, I had to install each driver on the netbook, manually. This took several minutes and restarts.

Finally after getting all of this completed. I had to download and install an additional 500+ MB of updates through Windows update.

Conclusion

Although, Windows 7 was a excellent, rock solid version of Windows back then. It is honestly, not worth reinstalling now, unless you absolutely have to (older hardware, software etc). Additionally, Windows 7 extended support officially ends on January 14th 2020.

What netbook did you own back then (if you had one)?

Me:

I had a pearl white, Asus EeePC 900A. It was a great (fun) little netbook, and ran Eeebuntu Linux.

Just recently, Flickr has announced major updates to their membership. Starting on January 8th, 2019, free users will have to pay a yearly subscription for Pro, to keep unlimited photos. Free users, will have only a 1000 photo limit. On February 5th, 2019, Flickr will delete Free user’s photos, that exceed the 1000 photo limit.

Here are the details below.

Here is the fine print

The past few weeks, hearing about the quality control issues, with Windows 10 updates. I decided to try Windows 8.1 again, on an old Core 2 Duo laptop I have. Windows 8, is the modern Windows, people have generally shunned for it’s dueling UI. Windows 8 is not perfect in the UI, but definitely makes up, under the hood!

After painstakingly installing Windows 8.1, for 20 minutes, formatting the hard drive, entering the product key, and then waiting through the changing colors. I was actually pleasantly surprised, how not bad Windows 8.1 is. Sure, it has the start screen, and some of the desktop elements are dated, like the clock and the calculator. It behaves, just like Windows 10 currently does.

Windows 8.1, boots up very fast, it has built in anti-virus, it is very stable, and generally fast. The only downsides with Windows 8.1, is obviously the start screen, and missing the modern UI elements like the clock, and others.

Generally, going back to Windows 8.1, is truly not a bad experience. I actually like the start screen now, more than I did, back then. Windows 8.1 did not install the drivers, as smoothly at Windows 10 does.

Overall, it is a pretty good experience.

What are your thoughts on Windows 8.1?

What MP3 player(s), did everyone use back then?

Me:

I had the original Zune, and a cheap Philips Mp3 player. The Zune was a superb MP3 player, with so many great features. Some of the best features were the display, the modern interface, the built in FM radio, and much more!

I also currently possess the original iPod classic, Sandisk Sansa, and the Zune. Now, they unfortunately all sit in my desk. My phone has taken over all the duties now. Albeit, I do use both the Zune and the iPod Classic on occasions.

Recently, I bought used Samsung Chromebook plus, to both use as a second laptop, and also try out Chrome OS. It is a beautiful, thin and light Chromebook.

Here is a quick review

Design

The Samsung Chromebook Plus, is a Yoga style, convertible laptop. It comes with a pen. It is very thin and light. It can be held as a tablet, and on your lap as a laptop. It is about the same size as a Dell XPS 13. It features a beautiful silver, metal finish. The Samsung Chromebook Plus, is reminiscent of a Macbook, slightly.

Performance

The Chromebook Plus is very snappy! It features an Hexa-core OP1 Arm Processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. Apps and web content run, very nicely. The battery life is very good, and can get 8 hours (depending on use) .

Display

The Samsung Chromebook Plus, features a beautiful 3:2 2400×1600, retina like, touch display. Images and videos look beautiful, as well as web content and apps.

Ports

The Chromebook Plus features a MicroSD port, headphone port, 2 USB-C ports, and a removable pen. There is no regular, full sized USB ports.

Keyboard

The keyboard, is no Thinkpad keyboard, but it is good enough for typing a few sentences.

Trackpad

The trackpad is pretty decent and responsive. It isn’t near the level of a ThinkPad or Macbook.

Above: Notice the Macbook like notch

Software

The Samsung Chromebook Plus, runs Chrome OS with Android apps. It is not Windows or Mac. It can get alot of things done, to an extent, like word processing or light photo editing. It can play tons of different games, and run an ocean of apps. You can install, all the Microsoft apps, and turn this into a pseudo Windows device.

Overall

The Samsung Chromebook Plus, is a superb Chromebook. If you are looking for a second laptop, and don’t mind leaving Windows or Mac behind. I highly recommend this!

For anyone who uses Windows 7 still. What are your experiences in 2018, and also rationale for using it?

Me: I no longer use Windows 7, but my father does. It works pretty well for him, on his old Dell XPS 9100.

For anyone who owns and uses a Microsoft Surface 3 (not Pro). What is your experiences so far?

Me:

It is a great tablet, with a beautiful display and excellent portability. However, the experience reminds me of the Compaq Evo N620C I had. It is pretty sluggish, most of the time. I say, the processor is like a old Pentium M. This is just my experience. I may need to do a Windows reset!

Online shopping is usually a fun, safe and trustworthy experience. Except, the other day, I received an email from Newegg, that read, I had owed sales tax from 2015.

This is a result, from CT aggressively going after unpaid out of state, sales tax. Amazon, usually charges a sales tax right at check out for my state. However, Newegg charges no sales tax, as they don’t have a physical presence here. If you live in CT, you’re supposed to now, know to file a “Use Tax” with every purchase you make.

Newegg went behind my back, and handed my personal details to CT, about the purchases I made. This is a massive, betrayal of trust! If you live in CT or anywhere, buy elsewhere like Amazon. I advise, deleting your Newegg account all together!

Here is a link for more info about this:

www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-online-sales-tax-20180214-story.html

Hello, I have a Surface 3 with 4GB of RAM. It's been a great Windows tablet, however, the performance lately has been bad. For instance, it has been choking during basic web browsing.

Are there any performance tweaks, that can be made within Windows? Such as, turning off animations or transparency? Would it be better to reinstall Windows from scratch?

A few days ago, I bought a used, Dell Latitude E7370 business ultrabook.  It is basically the sister of the Dell XPS 13, and is a gorgeous lightweight laptop.

Design

The Dell Latitude E7370 is a beautiful, slim ultrabook, and lightweight too. It came with two options, a carbon or a Macbook-esque metal finish. My model has the metal finish, and it is really nice. The body of the laptop is made of high quality materials and feels very sturdy. The laptop is a featherweight machine, and is effortless to pick up. Unlike the Dell XPS 13, this model has no fan, because of the Intel M5 chip, and makes it very lap-able.

Performance

The Dell Latitude I have features a Intel M5-6Y54 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. The performance, is very good, and seems comprabable to the Intel I5-5300 in my Thinkpad X1 carbon. I haven’t yet tried video editing or photo editing. I am sure those will be fine. All other tasks on the Intel M5, are a breeze.

The Display

My Dell Latitude E7370, has a beautiful edgeless, 1920 x 1980 display and is an IPS panel. It looks really sharp and beautiful. The E7370 also comes with a 4K display with touch also.

The keyboard

The keyboard on the E7370 is actually very nice to type on. It has very good key travel. The keyboard is slightly tight, and takes time getting used to, especially coming from a Thinkpad keyboard.

The Trackpad

The trackpad on the E7370, is really good, and precise. It is comparable to my Thinkpad X1’s trackpad. The E7370 does have physical buttons, which I appreciate highly.

Ports

The E7370 has lots of ports. It has two USB-C, one to charge the laptop. It has a regular USB port, audio, HDMI, and MicroSD slot. It doesn’t feel lacking in this department.

Portability

The Dell Latitude E7370 is very portable, and lightweight. It’s equally as light as a Thinkpad X1 carbon, weighing 2.7Lbs.

The Webcam

The E7370 has the webcam, placed on the bottom of the sceeen, and is only 720P. If you regularly use Skype, this may not be the best machine.

Audio Quality

The speakers in the E7370 sound alright, but not the best.

Battery Life

So far the battery life is pretty good. It has lasted several hours. It isn’t as good as Thinkpad X1, but is good enough for traveling, business or college work.

Overall

The Dell E7370  is an excellent business ultrabook. It is lightweight, beautiful looking, has a beautiful edgeless display. The performace is decent. If you come across a Dell Latitude E7370 under $500 used, I recommend getting one!

Question!

Could you live daily, only on your smartphone, if push came to shove? Or, you were literally stuck on an island with only it?

Me: Possibly

Web browsing it would be ok, but very frustrating. Especially, needing to pinch to zoom for many things. Also, having to use mobile friendly websites.

Videos, it would be alright, especially with my nearly 6 inch display. I could output videos to a second display through USB- C or Miracast.

Gaming: There are lot of fun, well rounded games like Fallout Shelter, Angry Birds, and even a ported Gran Theft Auto Vice City. You can use a controller to play them. However, gaming on a phone, is not nearly as great, as a laptop, desktop or console.

Word Processing, PowerPoint, and Excel: With a Bluetooth keyboard, it would be ok. It would definitely be a far cry from using my Windows laptop and desktop.

Video Editing and photo editing: There are simple photo and video editing apps, but are woefully inadequate. They are not nearly as feature rich or powerful as premiere or photoshop.

Other professional work like web design: Not possible, unless there was a powerful web design app, equalivilant to Dreamweaver.

Yesterday, I acquired an interesting little device at Savers thrift store for only $3.99. While shopping, I noticed the Android logo on the top, and an array of ports on the rear. I immediately grabbed it, and bought it.

After returning home, I plugged it in, and it worked perfectly. It has Android 4.4.2 installed on it currently. After further research, I found it also has a Quad core processor, and presumably 1-4GB of RAM? It also has 16GB of storage.

The mini Android PC has a wide variety of apps preinstalled, from Netflix, to Google’s apps, to a file browser. All the apps open up, very quickly, without any hesitation.

As for ports, it has two USBs, an optical out, AV out, ethernet, another mini USB port, and a HDMI out for TVs or a computer monitor.

Performance wise; the little computer is snappy, and fast so far. It boots fairly quick also. Apps like Fallout Shelter run smoothly, and web browsing does as well.

For the Design; the little Android PC, is pretty generic looking, with shiny black plastic and matte silver. It is also pretty lightweight too, but doesn’t feel cheap.

Overall

This Android mini computer I bought, for $4.00, is not bad at all. It can be used for either a media streaming device, or as a second mini PC! Overall, it’s an interesting little machine, with tons of potential!

What technology do you regret buying in your life?

Me: It was a cheap $200 Emachines laptop on Black Friday in 2009. It was a pretty good laptop, but had an awful single core processor. Also, the ports began failing after a couple of years.

Over the years, Apple has always been the leader in the innovation. However, lately, Apple has begun faltering in a lot things. Here are the top signs, the "Apple Ship" is sinking.

1. Root, This is a major, absurd flap by Apple, and a one of many cracks forming in their tight ship.
2. The iPhone X. The iPhone X is frankly terrible looking. It has a noticeable notch on the top, and they removed the finger print reader. The iPhone X looks like a prototype phone to be honest
3. Mac OS: Mac OS is stuck in the 2000s with it's dated UI. Many UI elements have not changed in 15 years.
4. It's product lineup. Apple has a frankly lackluster product lineup compared to others. They have the regular iMac, Macbook, iPad, and iPhone. This is the same lineup from 7 years ago. They have not made anything truly revolutionary.
5. The slowing of iPhones. This is definitely a big crack in Apple's ship. To slow down people's phones, without them knowing, is terrible. Isn't iOS a lightweight mobile OS already?
6. The Macbook Pro keyboards. The new Macbook Pro keyboards are truly awful. They offer no tactile feedback or resistance. To implement such a keyboard on a "Pro" device, is another crack in the Apple ship
7. The regular iPhone. Apple is still selling the dated looking iPhone 8, alongside the improved iPhone X with the edgless display. If Apple wants to innovate, they should go all in, and retire the old iPhone design
8. Headphone jack. There is no rationale to remove a tried and true IO port on a phone, like the headphone jack. Especially, if the USB C offers the same audio quality. Also, now users have to buy a dongle to charge their phone and listen to music, simultaneously.
9. The iPad Pro. Apple continues to tout the iPad Pro as a PC replacement. Yet, it can't do a lot of the things a Macbook or Windows PC can, like heavy duty tasks.
10. Value and competitiveness of their products. Back in 2007, the iPhone and Macbooks, were like the Mercedes of tech products. A Dell Inspiron felt like a cheap Hyundai Accent in comparison. Now in 2017, there are so many other excellent laptops and smartphones, that really give Apple's bread and butter products, a run for their money!

Over the years, we only really had two operating systems on PCs, Windows and Mac. Now, we have Chrome OS and Chromebooks, being sold. Chromebooks are pretty good, for casual users. They offer a streamlined, and safe experience, where people can't screw their computers up.

Recently, Chromebooks have begun getting Android apps, apart of the operating system. Chrome OS, originally was just a browser based operating system, with the bare necessities, and a file explorer. Now, it is inching closer to something more useful, especially with Android apps. Albeit, Android Apps are still not nearly as sophisticated as desktop Windows programs, yet.

Imagine, if Chrome OS further matured, and offered tools, that could be found in Windows? Also, imagine if you could run Adobe Premiere, Lightroom, or Photoshop. If Chrome OS, matures to a point, where it maintains it's fast speed, and also usefulness for power/advanced users. Could Chrome OS and Chromebooks, soon challenge Windows and Mac PCs?

What do you think?

10 years ago, if you were Christmas shopping for a gaming or ultra high end laptop. These are what you could get!

Here is one the top of the line, 2007 Dell gaming laptops. These had Windows Vista, that just was released. This laptop (Dell XPS M1730) also could have dual GTX 8700M graphics, which could play Crisis and Fallout 3 later on.

This model, is still selling for a pretty penny on Ebay, despite being 10 years old.

If you were looking for something, sophisticated and cool in 2007. You could get this, for $2,500. This had a detachable keyboard, a external like display, and a freaking handle, for carrying around! Imagine, bringing one of these into work, or college!

Although times have changed quite a bit since 2007. These laptops are pretty nice still!

Back in 2009, I had an Asus EeePC 900A, running Eeebuntu. It was an amazingly portable, little laptop. It wasn't a powerful laptop, by any stretch. It's portability, well made up for it. You could fit the EeePC in a glove box or a purse even.

Above the Asus EeePC 900

Many netbooks back then, were pretty awful for typing on, and many weren't good for a lot of things. Especially due to their small screens, cramped keyboards, tiny track pads, and slow atom processors.

However, there were very good netbooks, like the Thinkpad X120E, and the later Asus EeePCs, that improved upon many things.

Above: ThinkPad X120e

Now, with the new Windows on ARM laptops coming out, that offer 20 hours of battery. Also, 'always on' technology, like we have in our smartphones. Could netbooks make a successful comeback? Would you buy a modern ARM based netbook?

What do you think?

Hi Paul,

I greatly enjoy reading your articles on Thurrott.com. I noticed an uptick in premium articles recently. Will all articles in the future, be premium-tized, this frequently? Especially about noteworthy subjects like this below?

Thanks!

10 years ago, 2 or 4 GB of RAM was decent and very good. Over the years, applications have become bigger, and so has the need for more RAM. Now, 16GB is not even enough for some. People are putting 32GB or even 64GB of RAM, which is crazy!

Now, with Windows becoming less resource intensive. PC manufacturers have been shipping lower end PCs with only 2GB of RAM. This has to end, now! PC Makers should be putting a minimum of 4GB of RAM in low end PCs. 2GB of RAM just will not cut it anymore. Even with web browsing, having multiple tabs, will consume a lot of memory. Some (small) Windows tablets had a shocking 1GB of RAM, which is inexcusable. I still see some new Windows tablets, with only 1GB of RAM.

Just imagine, someone who bought a brand new laptop, last black Friday, with only 2GB of RAM, loaded with crapware. Then they try, web browsing. Then down the road, install other programs. It would be horrible experience.

Manufacturers need to stop shipping out 2GB of RAM, in low end laptops. How much does it truly cost, to add 2GB more of RAM? Many laptops have RAM soldered in, so something with so little RAM, is old right out of the gate. There is really no excuse to shortchange PC buyers with such measly RAM installed. If adding 2GB of RAM increases the price by $20, so be it..

Even though Windows now can technically run on 2GB RAM, and run acceptably for web browsing. Microsoft should increase the requirements of Windows to 4GB, to make for a pleasurable, and flawless computing experience. By increasing the requirements, it will force PC manufacturers, to stop offering 2GB of RAM in low end $200 laptops.