New desktop PC

derrick

Looking to replace my desktop, (Windows 7 pro), as is getting slow and is not now supported.

Would like some help/info on a new machine, do not need super snazzy, no gaming just general surfing etc, would like a "video card" so I can use a camera.

Price maybe around £500.00,

.

HereToday

Just update your current device.
Will cost a fraction of what you are thinking.

"Not supported" exists only in your mind. Come up with the device details and we'll show you how.

derrick

HereToday said:

Just update your current device.
Will cost a fraction of what you are thinking.

"Not supported" exists only in your mind. Come up with the device details and we'll show you how.

Ye, toyed with that idea, but the old one may be given to someone who wants to "learn how to use a computer".

having said that, what would be your suggestions and how would one go about it?

It has been said on here before re "not supported" OS and the risk should not be taken, but if I am not mistaken NHS are still using XP to some extent.

Widows 7 Professional, Service pack 1

Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU  Q6600 @ 2.40GHz  2.40 GHz

Installed memory (RAM): 8.00 GB (7.87 GB usable)

System type: 64-bit Operating System

HereToday

The OS is just software. You can just replace it with Windows 10 at no cost.
If you don't have a solid state drive fitted(I am sure that you don't since you mention it being slow) fit one. Cheap and easy.

You can also fit a cheap graphics card if you want. Again relatively cheap and easy. Your device can easily do the job with some easy to fit additions. SSD from £20. Graphics card from around £40 if you want to buy new. 

I would say £40 for SSD and £40 for graphics card will cover it. Though for such an old device; I would try to keep it to half of that. New £20 SSD and a second user graphics card.

HereToday

Also there are ways of updating Windows 7 and making it secure; but that is a bit complicated for a novice. Easier to just fit an SSD and install Windows 10 to it. You'll be amazed at the difference in speed.
Graphics card is if you want to run a high quality webcam, say 1080p.

derrick

HereToday said:

Also there are ways of updating Windows 7 and making it secure; but that is a bit complicated for a novice. Easier to just fit an SSD and install Windows 10 to it. You'll be amazed at the difference in speed.
Graphics card is if you want to run a high quality webcam, say 1080p.

When Windows 10 came out there was a lot f criticism of it, has all that gone away?

The computer itself is around 10 years old, could that be an issue with CPU etc?

derrick

Can a new SSD be fitted alongside the original?  I don't want to lose what is on the drive now.

HereToday

Even if handing the old PC over; fit an cheap £20 SSD to it. It will make a big difference.
For yourself; you can buy a cheap Dell Optiplex and just customise it the way that you want it. Example: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274688064934 Of course you can find cheaper; it's just an example of the minimum age that I would recommend. From around 2017.

HereToday

derrick said:

HereToday said:

Also there are ways of updating Windows 7 and making it secure; but that is a bit complicated for a novice. Easier to just fit an SSD and install Windows 10 to it. You'll be amazed at the difference in speed.
Graphics card is if you want to run a high quality webcam, say 1080p.

When Windows 10 came out there was a lot f criticism of it, has all that gone away?

The computer itself is around 10 years old, could that be an issue with CPU etc?

CPU is more than capable. It's the old HDD holding it back. Windows 10 is fine. You just need to be guided through the initial pitfalls of not being forced to create a Microsoft account and to be able to block most of the tracking.There is a lot of tracking in Windows 7 too. So it's nothing unusual. With an SSD, the whole thing will be more pleasant in use.

HereToday

derrick said:

Can a new SSD be fitted alongside the original?  I don't want to lose what is on the drive now.

Yes. But you will have to instal the programs to the new drive. The data will still be accessible on the old, but not the programs, unless you decide to clone the drive.

But what were you going to do if you bought a new PC? You would be in an even more difficult situation. It would be much more laborious to move your data to the new device.
This way, the old HDD stays in the old machine. You just add another drive and use that as your Windows drive; keeping the old drive within for storage only.

HereToday

You need to identify the device properly; not just the components. Does it have a brand name?