Bringing up to date an old notebook laptop

Weird_Nev

Dear Emerald:

You have a laptop, running XP, and it currently runs. It doesn't run WELL, however.

What I would suggest you do, is:

• Complete the windows updates and let it do that.
• Uninstall any programs that you don't use on the computer control panel. (Add/Remove programs If I recall)
• Run malware bytes or another reputable anti-malware program.
• Renew your anti virus. Anti virus scans are one of the things that can slow your computer down more than anything. Download "Avast" - it's free, relatively small and lightweight, and doesn't slow down your computer too much. It just needs an email address. Then, uninstall your old anti-virus (especially if it's macafee or nortons) and install Avast.
• Run a virus scan. This can take time.

COmputers slow down because they are bogged down with too much "crapware"! The hardware doesn't get slower with time, it just gets more clogged up. A bit of attention and servicing can dramatically improve performance, just like with a car. SO, clear out stuff you don't need or use, choose programs that run swiftly (for example chrome may run faster than firefox, or you may simply prefer internet explorer. Nothing wrong with that.



With people suggesting the Linux route for you, they are suggesting (IMO) emigrating to avoid the weather. I've played around with Linux since 2000, I've always had at least one computer running it since then, and right now I'm on a 7 year old Laptop running Ubuntu, which is a flavor of LInux. However, I would not recommend it to my mum, and I would not recommend it to a less experienced computer user. IF it all works, out of the box, then you're lucky, and you can crack on getitng to know it. If however, something is slightly amiss, and with older laptop technology it frequently is, it can be a world of pain to fix. In particular, if you lose internet connectivity, that can be your one way of sorting the computer (through advice) GONE!

IT's also quite an alien environment for someone used to windows. By that I mean that all the programs you've grown used to are either slightly different, or completely alien. YOu have to use libre-office or open office to word process, which can cause file format problems. Picassa runs through an emulator called "wine" which slows it down. Otherwise, you have to use a different program (i use Fotoxx) which is frustrating and difficult to get your head around. Things like webcams, digital cameras, iPhones, may not work, or may be very difficult to get working if they are not properly supported under Linux by their manufacturer.


So whilst those people are only trying to help, and promote their experience of a different operating system, I really don't think it's the best solution for everyone.

"Linux is only free if your time is worth nothing"

It was true in 2000, it's true today. Try cleaning up your laptop and freshening it up a bit before doing anything drastic like formatting the computer or starting from scratch with a completely alien operating system, no matter how "amazing" it may be.

NiftyDigits

emerald21 wrote: »

Lol to be honest I don't know what the hell I m doing , it's just trial and error and more error think. I've put the original windows cd in but it won't work because it's an older version that's already in it ATM. First I would like to restore it to factory settings but as it's not f8 that gives me the option I don't know what is

We'll get around to that. You haven't told if you can read the Product Key on the COA sticker.

I also recommend that you buy more RAM, taking the machine to at least 1GB of random access memory. Otherwise it will likely be annoying slow to open programs, even after a clean install.

Here is an example of a 2 x 512MB RAM kit. Takes just a few minutes to fit. A worthwhile upgrade for £10.
Before purchase, write to the vendor stating the model number of your laptop, for confirmation of compatibility with your laptop and the ability to return if it isn't.

emerald21

Weird_Nev wrote: »

Dear Emerald:

You have a laptop, running XP, and it currently runs. It doesn't run WELL, however.

What I would suggest you do, is:

• Complete the windows updates and let it do that.
• Uninstall any programs that you don't use on the computer control panel. (Add/Remove programs If I recall)
• Run malware bytes or another reputable anti-malware program.
• Renew your anti virus. Anti virus scans are one of the things that can slow your computer down more than anything. Download "Avast" - it's free, relatively small and lightweight, and doesn't slow down your computer too much. It just needs an email address. Then, uninstall your old anti-virus (especially if it's macafee or nortons) and install Avast.
• Run a virus scan. This can take time.

COmputers slow down because they are bogged down with too much "crapware"! The hardware doesn't get slower with time, it just gets more clogged up. A bit of attention and servicing can dramatically improve performance, just like with a car. SO, clear out stuff you don't need or use, choose programs that run swiftly (for example chrome may run faster than firefox, or you may simply prefer internet explorer. Nothing wrong with that.



With people suggesting the Linux route for you, they are suggesting (IMO) emigrating to avoid the weather. I've played around with Linux since 2000, I've always had at least one computer running it since then, and right now I'm on a 7 year old Laptop running Ubuntu, which is a flavor of LInux. However, I would not recommend it to my mum, and I would not recommend it to a less experienced computer user. IF it all works, out of the box, then you're lucky, and you can crack on getitng to know it. If however, something is slightly amiss, and with older laptop technology it frequently is, it can be a world of pain to fix. In particular, if you lose internet connectivity, that can be your one way of sorting the computer (through advice) GONE!

IT's also quite an alien environment for someone used to windows. By that I mean that all the programs you've grown used to are either slightly different, or completely alien. YOu have to use libre-office or open office to word process, which can cause file format problems. Picassa runs through an emulator called "wine" which slows it down. Otherwise, you have to use a different program (i use Fotoxx) which is frustrating and difficult to get your head around. Things like webcams, digital cameras, iPhones, may not work, or may be very difficult to get working if they are not properly supported under Linux by their manufacturer.


So whilst those people are only trying to help, and promote their experience of a different operating system, I really don't think it's the best solution for everyone.

"Linux is only free if your time is worth nothing"

It was true in 2000, it's true today. Try cleaning up your laptop and freshening it up a bit before doing anything drastic like formatting the computer or starting from scratch with a completely alien operating system, no matter how "amazing" it may be.

Thanks for taking the time to write all that. I ll have a good read and take it all on board.

emerald21

NiftyDigits wrote: »

We'll get around to that. You haven't told if you can read the Product Key on the COA sticker.

I also recommend that you buy more RAM, taking the machine to at least 1GB of random access memory. Otherwise it will likely be annoying slow to open programs, even after a clean install.

Here is an example of a 2 x 512MB RAM kit. Takes just a few minutes to fit. A worthwhile upgrade for £10.
Before purchase, write to the vendor stating the model number of your laptop, for confirmation of compatibility with your laptop and the ability to return if it isn't.

Hi yes I can read the product key on the COA sticker