One way or another, you WILL use Windows 10

[OldAirmail]

My main objection to Windows 10 is that I have some professional software that will work with Win 7, but WILL NOT work under Win 10.

That software now costs just over $700. Within the next year or two I'll be semi-retired, and there is no way in heck that I'll spend $700+ on new software.

I suppose that I'll just have to skip upgrading my computer.




Skylake users given 18 months to upgrade to Windows 10

And next generation processors, including Intel's Kaby Lake, won't be supported in old Windows.

[BaronRouge]

Hi,

Maybe the Oracle virtualbox software is a solution for you. With this software you are creating a virtual computer inside the host windows os. This virtual computer will run, next to other os'ses, windows 7 and then you can run your precious programs inside this virtualbox. Have a look at it.
I'm in no way attached to Oracle and the likes!

Regards,
Koos

[ftldave]

At the university where I work, Windows 10 has run everything we've tested except a 1994 Kodak printer utility based on .Net 2.0. Everything in this world has a life cycle, especially software. I expect your "professional software" is pretty long in the tooth.

[Fozzer]

I find it so annoying that all my zillions of old DOS games will no longer install and run on my Windows 8.1.... ...!

...and there isn't even a slot in my Tower Computer now, for all my boxes of 3-1/2 inch floppies!.... ....!

...and I cant even get 2-hour Dial-Up Internet now!.... ...!

All this modern stuff is so frustrating... ...!

Paul... ... ...!

[expat]

My wifes computer upgraded itself to 10 even though he clicked on don't do it. I was rather annoyed at the time, but I have to say, it I have had no problems with it at all. My own lappy, I have also have work software that is not 10 compatible, so I will be holding off for as long as possible.

Matt

[Apex]

Here's my scoop on Win10:

One of the CPA's I work for, and who's office I use once a week for my stuff, accidentally downloaded Win10 in early December. Previously with Win7.

No going back. Status: By the time I got to his office to check things out, he had set Win10 to function like Win7, same icons on our desktops, etc.

Of course, I don't have FS installed on the office computer, but the few other programs I use are functioning just fine, including Excel 2002, the old format.

The main differences I see are mostly visual (or maybe I should say cosmetic) and concern the basic appearance of menus. Whereas I prefer the Win7 for better visuals,
it took very little time to get used to Win10.

At home, I am still on, and will stay with Win7. Excel 2002 is vital to everything I do, including doing accounting, the new Excel format is terrible, so cannot take any chances there. I also have a 2nd computer around loaded with Win7 and Excel 2002 in case.

At home, I have turned OFF those Microsoft updates, I've had them off since March 2011 when I got my current computer. No problems with the turn off, and I do not get those annoying "Upgrade to Win10" pop ups.

At home I use Firefox, it updates itself every so often, so it's always current, unlike MS Internet Explorer.

My advice is that if you're OK with Win7 and it's functioning OK, might as well keep it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I am not clear on any big differences between Win7 and Win10. It might have something to do with apps, which Win10 is capable of, but Win7 is not (I don't think). But as far as improvements, in my opinion, it's more like a "side-ways" grade rather than an "up" grade. If you ignore the apps stuff, Win10 functions just like Win7.

Now if I may be excused, I need to upgrade to a beer. All this tech talk makes ya thirsty.

[OldAirmail]

BaronRouge

I've been using Oracle VM VirtualBox for over two years to run various forms of Linux.

Linux is great for a number of reasons, but it falls short in many areas too.

My big hope for Linux was Wine. I figured that if Wine would run windows games, surely it would run what amounts to a glorified database program.

Nope.


Still, I think that Linux offers some advantages, and using Linux in Oracle VM is both quick AND easy to do.


Essentially, I use Comodo antivirus running in Ubuntu Linux inside of an Oracle virtual machine when I do online purchases & banking.

Foolproof? No. But I believe in making thieves work for their my money.



ftldave

"At the university where I work, Windows 10 has run everything we've tested...."

Well, I guess that says it all. But it might be possible that you missed one or two pieces of software.


Yes. My"professional software"really is professional, no BS.

And yes, it is old. It was written to run on XP. The software deals with a fairly static data set, the primary enhancement of the new version is the ability to run on Win 8.x & Win 10.

I see no need to buy a new copy at this stage in my life if I can still use the older version.


Windows 7 Professional users can download Windows XP Mode directly from Microsoft. With one proviso:

Some virtualization programs as Windows Virtual PC requires a processor capable of hardware-assisted virtualization with AMD -V ™, Intel ® VT or VIA ® VT enabled in the BIOS.

However, if you can use Windows XP Mode, it's free.

Install and use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

Windows XP could still run under a different VM, but foolishly I tossed out my XP disks years ago.



Fozzer

A virtual computer is VERY easy to set up.

PROBLEMS
* You'll need your Windows XP disk & authentication code.
* You'll need someone to transfer your floppy disk programs to a CD/DVD.
--- You may have to create a virtual "key disk" if the game requires it.

It's worth a try.

[Fozzer]

Fozzer

A virtual computer is VERY easy to set up.

PROBLEMS
* You'll need your Windows XP disk & authentication code.
* You'll need someone to transfer your floppy disk programs to a CD/DVD.
--- You may have to create a virtual "key disk" if the game requires it.

It's worth a try.

Sorry OAM.... ....

...I was only joking.... ....!

I just miss the old, familiar, Dial-up Internet screechy sounds. (I have to rely on my Sinclair Spectrum 48K data loading for that luxury now)... ...!

...and playing all my old Windows DOS Games is just a distant memory now, which I have to suffer!

Paul...a Happy Bunny with my Win 8.1....and....my Classic Shell "windows display"!

[ftldave]

ftldave

"At the university where I work, Windows 10 has run everything we've tested...."

Well, I guess that says it all. But it might be possible that you missed one or two pieces of software.

Your assumption "that says it all" is really kind of silly. We run software for video production, graphics arts production, financials and accounting, applications related to all the sciences, advanced networking, database management, Adobe software, Microsoft software (of course), you name it. A huge diverse library of software. And we're doing just fine so far with Windows 10, thanks very much. Like Fozzer says, Classic Shell is a must-have for Win10. I use it as do most people I know who have upgraded to Win8/10.

Time waits for no one, and neither does technology. I don't know how long it has been since you bought any software but, actually, $700 is not that expensive when compared to the costs of many other "professional" level software programs.

[OldAirmail]

Perhaps I misunderstood what you were saying.


When you said "At the university where I work, Windows 10 has run everything we've tested....", I thought that having tried everything of importance, you considered anything lesser to be pointless.

"That says it all," if you will. "Useless", even. "End of story". "No point in arguing", you have spoken.


As you said - "Everything in this world has a life cycle, especially software."

But what if the software still functions as intended? It even looks the same. The only REAL difference is that the one that I bought in 1998 will not run on newer versions of Windows.

Oh well, out with the old, in with the new. That's the important thing, right?

I suppose that Pi should be retired too. By your reasoning anyway.

Sad. I guess that I'll have to toss out my Roman coin collection, not to mention those useless old stamps.



As to the $700 being trivial, that's a matter of perspective.

This year will probably see me forcibly retired.

Ask the retired people on this site if spending $700 for software that you already have, is a good use of their money.

Perspective, as I said.

You're fairly young, I take it? $700. Chump change.

[EVVFCX]

Seeing as win 10 is not supported by the simulator i use it will never find its way onto my system

[OldAirmail]

You're using FSX Gold, and it's not compatible? Or does Win 10 give you too many problems?

Or you just don't like it, which is valid too I suppose.


So far, no one that I know is using Win 10 so I have no clue.

[Flacke]

You're using FSX Gold, and it's not compatible? Or does Win 10 give you too many problems?

Or you just don't like it, which is valid too I suppose.


So far, no one that I know is using Win 10 so I have no clue.

Hi OAM, I use Windows 10 and both FSX Gold and FSX Steam Edition work flawlessly from day one.

[Fozzer]

Hi OAM, I use Windows 10 and both FSX Gold and FSX Steam Edition work flawlessly from day one.

But....

...BUT...

.......BUT...

Can it put your shoes and socks on...

...and make you a nice cup of tea first thing in the morning?..... ...!

.....thereby begs a Windows 10 question!.... ...!

Paul...a nice cup of Tetley please....milk, and two sugars!.... ...!

[OldAirmail]

You're using FSX Gold, and it's not compatible? Or does Win 10 give you too many problems?

Or you just don't like it, which is valid too I suppose.


So far, no one that I know is using Win 10 so I have no clue.

Hi OAM, I use Windows 10 and both FSX Gold and FSX Steam Edition work flawlessly from day one.

Seeing as win 10 is not supported by the simulator i use it will never find its way onto my system

His signature says FSX Gold. Just wondering what he has that isn't working in Win 10.


ftldave does have a very valid observation in that when things change, other things may be lost along the way.

But it boils down to a personal decision: are you willing to accept the loss?