CardsFan
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
I have not been computer shopping for quite a while. Current lap top is a 9 year old HP G60-535DX. Originally supplied with Windows 7, but updated to Windows 10 (Probably a big mistake). Lately it is VERY slow browsing the web, which is the primary use. Never bothered to buy Windows Office, as Windows Works was adequate for our simple word processing and spread sheet needs.
I am not a computer geek. One of the perks when I was working was the IT folks were willing to help with problems/questions, even if it was not the company laptop. I know there are many here with far more knowledge than I, so I am looking for a little guidance. In no particular order, here are a few areas for discussion:
SSD vs Traditional hard drive: Increases the price, and the capacity is smaller (without going crazy on price), but the cost of memory sticks is so low I could just put all the photos on sticks, and cut the HD storage in half. Make sense to go this route?
Memory: currently have 4 GB. Looks like new PC's come with a minimum of 8 GB, and 16 GB is pretty common. Is 16 GB really better, or will 8 GB be adequate.
Word Processing and Spread sheets: looks like Works is obsolete, and no longer provided free with Windows. I don't have disks, so I don't think I can transfer it to a new computer (or can I?) MS is pushing Office 365 subscriptions. I just can't see spending $70-100/year for the very limited needs we have. Ideas?
Brand: I have been happy with the HP, have a HP printer that works fine for now, so will probably stay with HP, all else being equal. Comments?
Where to buy: I have looked at Sam's, Walmart, Best Buy and on-line. I like the idea of having access to help, so leaning to Best Buy. Ideas?
Making the transition: The last time I did this the old computer was so old, and our internet use was so low, that I simply transferred a few files, and recreated everything else. Does it make sense to pay for some one, like Geek Squad, to transfer files (guessing this costs $100 or so), or is it still simple to DIY? My biggest concern is not transferring any malware, bugs, etc. that may reside on the current PC (I did just run Malwarebytes, and do use McAfee, provided by ATT internet provider). Related to this, should I be using McAfee, or is Windows 10 Defender adequate? I do NOT back up to the cloud, and don't have any back ups. I will fix that with a new back up drive at the same time. Primarily use Chrome for browsing. Will my favorites transfer automatically when I make the change, or it there something I need to do?
Sorry for the long post. If you are still with me, I would appreciate any guidance you can provide
I am not a computer geek. One of the perks when I was working was the IT folks were willing to help with problems/questions, even if it was not the company laptop. I know there are many here with far more knowledge than I, so I am looking for a little guidance. In no particular order, here are a few areas for discussion:
SSD vs Traditional hard drive: Increases the price, and the capacity is smaller (without going crazy on price), but the cost of memory sticks is so low I could just put all the photos on sticks, and cut the HD storage in half. Make sense to go this route?
Memory: currently have 4 GB. Looks like new PC's come with a minimum of 8 GB, and 16 GB is pretty common. Is 16 GB really better, or will 8 GB be adequate.
Word Processing and Spread sheets: looks like Works is obsolete, and no longer provided free with Windows. I don't have disks, so I don't think I can transfer it to a new computer (or can I?) MS is pushing Office 365 subscriptions. I just can't see spending $70-100/year for the very limited needs we have. Ideas?
Brand: I have been happy with the HP, have a HP printer that works fine for now, so will probably stay with HP, all else being equal. Comments?
Where to buy: I have looked at Sam's, Walmart, Best Buy and on-line. I like the idea of having access to help, so leaning to Best Buy. Ideas?
Making the transition: The last time I did this the old computer was so old, and our internet use was so low, that I simply transferred a few files, and recreated everything else. Does it make sense to pay for some one, like Geek Squad, to transfer files (guessing this costs $100 or so), or is it still simple to DIY? My biggest concern is not transferring any malware, bugs, etc. that may reside on the current PC (I did just run Malwarebytes, and do use McAfee, provided by ATT internet provider). Related to this, should I be using McAfee, or is Windows 10 Defender adequate? I do NOT back up to the cloud, and don't have any back ups. I will fix that with a new back up drive at the same time. Primarily use Chrome for browsing. Will my favorites transfer automatically when I make the change, or it there something I need to do?
Sorry for the long post. If you are still with me, I would appreciate any guidance you can provide