Windows or Chromebook

[Louisiana Shooter]

I've been running Linux for a while now....since they stopped supporting Windows 7 Pro.

Fast. Powerful. FREE.

I run an older Dell T3500 with dual Zeon processors, maxed out RAM with SSD's and it boots in less that 15 seconds from power up.

I'll never use any other OS ever again.

Linux flavors come in a huge variety of styles. Can look and operate similar to Windows and Macs. Linux WINE will operate a LOT of Windows software on the Linux platform.

 

[jelenko]

I've been running Linux for a while now....since they stopped supporting Windows 7 Pro.

Fast. Powerful. FREE.

I run an older Dell T3500 with dual Zeon processors, maxed out RAM with SSD's and it boots in less that 15 seconds from power up.

I'll never use any other OS ever again.

Linux flavors come in a huge variety of styles. Can look and operate similar to Windows and Macs. Linux WINE will operate a LOT of Windows software on the Linux platform.

I tried WINE 15 years ago. Do Windows programs still run noticeably slower in WINE?

 

[Louisiana Shooter]

Runs perfectly fine on mine. I do have a pretty powerful machine though. Linux takes advantage of the extra processing power of the dual Zeons.

I'm running a derivative of Ubuntu called Zorin.

 

[BoydAllen]

Chrome is a browser that can be downloaded to your current computer for free, and I suspect that if you make yourself use it for a week for everything that you do on the internet that you will form an opinion based on experience, which will be a lot more useful than conjecture. I will be interested in the outcome. BTW the whole thing about old browsers needs some light so here it is.

"What percentage of users use Windows 7?

A study conducted by cybersecurity company Kaspersky has revealed that as many as 22 percent of personal computer users are still using end-of-life Windows 7 operating system. The findings are based on anonymised data collected from Kaspersky Security Network users, who consented to it.Apr 30, 2021"

My point is that if you like Windows 10 you can run it until antivirus programs no longer work for it, and you can't find a printer that is compatible.

 

[DiffEQ]

Google should pay you to use a Chrome book, with as much revenue as they make selling your information. Otherwise, of every Chromebook I have touched, a rifle comparison would be something much cheesier than a Savage Axis Gen 1.

 

[jpx2rk]

So your saying you have to add on as needed? isn't that better?

Yes you have to download that app and set it up with the icon/shortcut on the home page, etc. Very similar to a smart phone. All depends on what you want or prefer.

I have my Outlook program open all the time as I use the calendar function for numerous reasons, such as dr appt, notes on load data for a rifle, reminders to do a periodic task around the house, etc. Every time I open my laptop, Outlook will check for new emals, show me reminders of what is on the calendar for the day, etc.

I have a Chrome laptop in the reloading room and use gmail on it. I can use it ok, but I still prefer the Outlook program only because I've used it for years. The Chromebook is used for research, surfing the web when I'm in there and don't feel like walking back to the LR to use the Windows laptop.

I don't have any real complaints about Windows 11 since I changed the default browser something other than Edge. It sucks IMO.

 

[rijndael]

My point is that if you like Windows 10 you can run it until antivirus programs no longer work for it, and you can't find a printer that is compatible.

I think it's bad advice to encourage the use of OSs that are out of support, especially for people who may not understand all of the risks.

 

[rijndael]

I don't have any real complaints about Windows 11 since I changed the default browser something other than Edge. It sucks IMO.

I switched to Edge right after Edge Chromium was released and haven't looked back. I even use it on my mobile devices. It's all the benefits of Chrome, since they're both Chromium based, without the Google/Alphabet hooks.

 

[centershot]

I was always a Windows man. My son suggested a Chrome lap top. He said, "for what you do now on a computer, that is for you." I bought an Acer Chromebook almost 10 years ago and it is just fine. I would buy another. It is very sturdy and metal.

 

[WayneShaw]

I've been running Linux for a while now....since they stopped supporting Windows 7 Pro.

Fast. Powerful. FREE.

I run an older Dell T3500 with dual Zeon processors, maxed out RAM with SSD's and it boots in less that 15 seconds from power up.

I'll never use any other OS ever again.

Linux flavors come in a huge variety of styles. Can look and operate similar to Windows and Macs. Linux WINE will operate a LOT of Windows software on the Linux platform.

I'll second Linux, but I use Mint. You can download the program free, and when you install it, completely wipe Windows OUT!

 

[rijndael]

The OP is looking for a solution "so easy a cave man could do it" and you all are recommending Linux?

I'd take a hard look at something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Chromebook-Celeron-Processor/dp/B097WD9P4K?th=1

 

[BlueWater]

Another thing. If I get a new Windows will it not be #11

Over a career of doing all manner of computer operations, behind the scenes, I've had computers of my own since the very early 1980s. Have seen 'em come and go. I tend to be conservative and cautious, to ensure I know what's necessary before leaping to a platform. Waited a couple of years prior to going to Win7; a year before updating to Win10. Just picked up a Win11 machine. Stability-wise, it seems at least the equal of Win7, so far as I can tell. Plus all sorts of Unix/Linus machines, as well as a variety of Apple.

Of course, it's Microsoft. So they do their tracking and tracing of a person's usage. But then, so does Google with their Chrome devices. Apple isn't so different, with their knowledge of what's being done on "their" machines, though they don't seem to sell/advertise the information to the degree other companies do. Six o' one, half dozen o' the other, in a way.

About the only way to sidestep those issues would be: a Linux platform. (Which many "Windows" machines can handle.)

As for a tablet, it'll depend on whether operation of a small device without external keyboard and external monitor will be sufficient for what needs to get done. My own preference is strongly for a "proper" (full-sized) keyboard, and the clarity and size of a decent external monitor.

Definitely evaluate exactly what you'll want the machine to be done. Be certain that the applications (software) you wish to run are available and actually function well on the machine you choose ... whether Win, Chrome, Linux, Apple or a tablet. (I've got a small tablet, and it's good for travel; smaller than a laptop, but sufficiently capable to do what I need done while traveling.)

Good luck on your choice.

 

[fx77]

Windows user 1995-2016, and fed up with virus and crashes , slow boot times.
Went full MAC then.
If U want simplicity look no further. Can get a macbook or I pad depending on needs and cost. Any non techie can easily work with Mac..only thing is cost. But for me it is like a premium spent for anti-frustration insurance
Dont forget to search for refurbished mac...can get good buy for low cost.

 

[Forum Boss]

All the operating systems have pros and cons. I have two windows desktop computers, an Apple laptop, a Mac mini, and an HP Windows laptop.

The biggest problems we have encountered are with the Apple operating system blocking upgrade paths. This has been a real PIA for the Mac Mini. As it is about 7 years old Apple has blocked many important OS upgrades, Though it is a great little computer with plenty of processing power and an SSD drive.

Windows 11 has been extremely stable on a desktop, with updates set to process at 3:00 am, so I rarely see an interruption. I have had one Windows lockup in the last two years, which required a hard reboot.

We use five different browsers: Chrome, Brave, Firefox, MS edge on the Windows machines, and Safari and Chrome on the Apple Devices. Right now I would say that MS edge is the fastest browser we use. Firefox is probably the most problematic. Brave starts out very fast and has anti-tracking abilities, but it seems to slow down so you need to clear the temporary Internet content fairly regularly.

We use primarily open source third-party software for photo and video editing. The editing options for the Windows platform seem to be better with third-party software than with Apple compatible third-party software.

For paid software such as QuickBooks and TurboTax, we have had better luck with the Windows versions than the Apple versions.

I cannot really comment on Linux. But given the stability of Windows 11 for us, I don’t see an advantage in switching to Linux, as we have few tasks that involve very extensive processing chores.

 

[Eraser]

Chrome is a browser that can be downloaded to your current computer for free, and I suspect that if you make yourself use it for a week for everything that you do on the internet that you will form an opinion based on experience, which will be a lot more useful than conjecture. I will be interested in the outcome.

Thanks Boyd, that's a good idea.
My thoughts are, I don't need a machine with a lot of bells and whistles or programs I'll never use. Thats why I thought Chromebook would be a good way to go, add what you need as you need it.
I suppose I could get a Windows 11 and not use it's programs like I do with this one.
lots of good advice here, if the Chrome doesn't work out I'll get another Windows machine.

 

[Eraser]

The OP is looking for a solution "so easy a cave man could do it" and you all are recommending Linux?

I'd take a hard look at something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Chromebook-Celeron-Processor/dp/B097WD9P4K?th=1

This looks interesting.
Thanks

 

[SShooterZ]

Apple > Windows > Chromebook

Chromebooks are throwaway machines. Great for students, poor for much else. If you decide Windows, Lenovo and Dell seem to work best. Wasn’t impressed with HP. Apple hardware is head and shoulders above but has its own set of quirks you need to adjust to.

 

[Medic505]

New Dell with windows 11. Easy to run and works fine. Fast too.

My last laptop was a HP with windows 10. It made a fine target @ 300 for a fun afternoon of mag dumps with my AR. That was a marvelous day.

 

[D-4297]

You guys are all light-years ahead of me on this stuff . I can barely turn mine on and off , but the wife , who is really on top of this stuff for her office said we were doing Microsoft because it was a solid platform n and THEY were the only ones who didn't give our Data to Holder when he invaded our privacy a few years back . Won't go near anything that even smells of Google . Why do I want my data in China ?

 

[Steve Blair]

The OP is looking for a solution "so easy a cave man could do it" and you all are recommending Linux?

I'd take a hard look at something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Chromebook-Celeron-Processor/dp/B097WD9P4K?th=1

Linux is easy to use. You sound like a clicker.