Using an old laptop

FlorayG

I'm retiring next week and so have to return my work laptop. I've used this for everything while I've had it and so I'e just blown the dust off my old Toshiba laptop which must be 7 - 8 years old and plugged it in and checked it's working
I'm just wondering about security - will I need anything 'extra' just because it's an older model or can I just use it safely?

Ayr_Rage

What OS is it running?

Have you been updating it at all in that time?

Any Microsoft OS other than Windows 11 will not be supported after autumn this year and therefore security will be an issue.

The battery could well be knackered if it has been left fully discharged all that time.

born_again

What is your intended use of computer?

Personally a nice retirement treat & get a new one.

Vitor

 - Toshiba laptop which must be 7 - 8 years old - 

If it's using a hard disk it'll be so slow you'll be raging.

Olenna

It depends what you're intending to use it for.

If it supports windows 11, you could upgrade and be good to go.
If not, you could look to switch from windows to Chrome OS - this will allow the basics like web, spreadsheets etc

debitcardmayhem

What cpu and ram and hard disk does it have?

Eyeful

1.  It may be working, but have you done operating system updates yet. What operating system is it running Windows 10?

2. If it is Windows 10 you may have two problems:
(a) Security updates for windows 10 stop on the 14 October 2025.
(b) The computer may not be suitable to run Windows 11.

3. If you cannot update it to Windows 11, you can:
(a) Buy a Chromebook. If you only have simple needs. 
(b) Buy a new pc with windows 11 already installed on it.
(c) Buy a tablet.
(d) Install a Linux operating system (its free), on your old computer. Its not hard to do and there are videos on YouTube telling you how to do it.

4. You will want a Linux distro which looks similar to Windows. I suggest using one of the two below:
Zorin:  https://zorin.com/os/
Linux Mint:   https://linuxmint.com/

Again, YouTube has videos on how to operate these distros.
     

DarrenLee02

If it's Windows 10 then you can continue with this for some time but you'll have to pay for security updates after MS withdraw support later this year, I believe it's around £30 for a year. Being the age it is, it's unlikely to qualify for upgrading to Windows 11.

Option 1: Continue with Windows 10, paying for security updates in the future

Option 2: Install Linux on it (Zorin or Linux Mint mentioned above are solid choices)

Option 3: Treat yourself to a nice new laptop and install Linux on the old one = 2 nice laptops

FlorayG

I don't understand any of this because for the last few years obviously my company has done all updates etc. What is Linux? What does it replace? What do I need it for? Thank you

Vitor

IMHO, assuming your work laptop was Window, just buy a Lenovo or HP laptop with similar spec to the one you handed back. 

Eyeful

FlorayG said:

I don't understand any of this because for the last few years obviously my company has done all updates etc. What is Linux? What does it replace? What do I need it for? Thank you

1. The operating system is what controls the computer so its like a car. While the apps & programs are like passengers inside the car.
Windows 10 is the current op sys that has overall control of your computer.
Android is the operating system for mobiles that are not apple phones.
Chromebooks have an operating system based on one type of Linux.

2. Linux is just another operating system which are called distros in the Linux world and its free.
 Linux comes in many types of distros.
 Some are complex for suitable for those that know a lot about Linux.
 While other distros are suitable for beginners like you.
The two I mentioned Zorin & Linux Mint are suitable for beginners and would remind you of Windows.

If you follow the YouTube videos on how to load Linux on to your computer, it will replace Window operating system, with the Linux operating system.

 If you do not think you are able to do this. Then just buy a cheap Chromebook instead. 

3. Buy a cheap Chromebook if all you what to do is
(a) surf the internet,
(b) emails
(c) are happy to use google documents.
(d) online banking.

4. Chromebooks are:
Very fast ( some only take from switch on 10 seconds to load).
Are extremely secure so do not need anti malware software to be installed.
The new Chromebooks I understand, now get updates for 10 years.  

5. Suggest you look on YouTube about "Chromebooks".