Can anyone recommend a laptop?

DoaM

Whilst it's feasible to clone the existing disk, you really are better doing a fresh install. (After first backing up your data, program installers, licence keys).

grumpycrab

I also suggest trying a clean install of Windows 10 to a new SSD. Make and model number needed and/or clear pciture of the back of the laptop to see how easy(or hard) it is to swap hard drives. And 4GB is fine fo your needs.

martinthebandit

AndyPix wrote: »

No,
The 5400rpm spinning rust platter and the N series processor are the problem.
And of course the many pups and malware that are likely riddling this machine.


Away with you and your daft suggestions.


Why do people in these threads default to suggesting a novice user (no offence OP) who just wants to surf the web and do 'day to day' computer stuff, install a new OS on their computer that they will have no idea how to use ?


OP that processor is dire
And the hard drive very slow.


I would suggest you can turn it into something very usable by following the above suggestions to fit an SSD.
That coupled with a clean install of windows 10 will transform this machine, and although its not going to win any prizes for speed - it will be like night and day from what it is now.


It might sound a bit daunting if you are not familiar with this sort of stuff - but its MUCH easier than you will imagine and we can talk you through it

1. The OP said in their opening post that they would be happy to change their OS.

2. In many ways installing Linux is much easier than installing a new hard drive especially in a laptop there are plenty of easy to follow guides to both installing and using Linux.

3. This is a money saving site, why shouldn't the OP try the free solution first.

4, The spec on the existing laptop is more than adequate to do what they want.

AndyPix

1. No they didn't
2. If the OP is used to a MS environment, like most home computer users are, then why learn Linux to remedy a slow computer problem ? Suggesting it is just strange
3. Its free to upgrade to W10
4.Yes it is, just about - providing it was working properly, and pup/malware free- which it isn't

AndyPix

pennypincher2013 wrote: »

No offence taken. In instances like these, please assume I am a complete idiot lol!

I've taken a look at some youtube videos showing an installation of an internal SSD. I've never done something like this before but if I'm going to throw this laptop through the window, what's the worst I can do?
Do I need to reinstall Windows? Or is there a software you can recommend that will keep OS as it is? I saw some youtube videos where some people did this but some didn't.
And thank you for helping me through.

To be honest, your immediate problems would be mostly resolved by just installing W10 as a clean install. That would put you back to how it was running when first bought - but a bit better as W10 is less resource hungry.


But the best suggestion would be to fit a new SSD at the same time as this as it will give you the biggest performance boost (especially starting up and loading things).
This is suggested because the biggest part of fitting the SSD is installing the OS .. The physical act of installing the SSD should be pretty painless ..


But lets find out exactly what were working with here ..
If you post the exact make and model of your device, then we can outline the steps you will need to follow exactly, in bullet points.


At that point you can decide if you fancy it or not

pennypincher2013

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to try fitting a new SSD. But I think I will have to wait until after Christmas. I'd like to have your help then if you don't mind Again thank you.

J_B

pennypincher2013 wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to try fitting a new SSD. But I think I will have to wait until after Christmas. I'd like to have your help then if you don't mind Again thank you.

But you still need to tell us exactly what make/model of computer you have ....

poppellerant

J_B wrote: »

But you still need to tell us exactly what make/model of computer you have ....

Indeed.

To clarify, what make or brand is prominent on the laptop? You should look for something like Toshiba, Acer, Asus, Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Compaq, MSI or Dell.

If you struggle to find the make of the laptop (which I highly doubt), then you might find it underneath the laptop when you next look for the model number on a small sticker - not to be confused with a Windows key or serial number. Sometimes the model number is printed on a sticker on the keyboard, but try and use the number printed underneath - I have seen small variations on both stickers, such as X555L and X555LA both being present on the same laptop.

J_B

poppellerant wrote: »

.......... I have seen small variations on both stickers, such as X555L and X555LA both being present on the same laptop.

Are you spying on me?
Mine has X555L on the front and X555LD on the back

mazz1953

I was looking to see if anyone suggested increasing the memory, but no one did so. i would suggest the the OP increase the memory to 8GB or even 16GB, it will definitely make a difference to the speed! eBay has some really great deals on memory.