[AT] OT

[Robert L. Holtzer]

On 11/9/2013 1:46 PM, Richard Fink Sr wrote:
> Hi need some feed back on computers. My computer with win XP has died was looking at a new HP with win 8. Has any one run this and what are your thoughts. I am old school love win XP and hate change have been told it is all touch and so on takes special screen or monitor????????????????
> R Fink
> PA
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Microsoft stops supporting XP sometime next year I believe.

I have run Windows 8 for a while and now upgraded to 8.1.  Neither were 
on touchscreen monitors -- just mouse and keyboard.  Nicest change in 
8.1 is an option to jump directly to desktop on boot up. W8 always boots 
to the Metro screen unless you install one of the workaround options 
that are available on line.

W8.1 was a pain to load - 3.6 *gigabyte *download!  There were also 
numerous pages of legal stuff to deal with.  Of course if you buy a new 
installed system all this will be avoided.  I assembled my own system 
which is a desktop.

If you get a W8 machine, Microsoft will provide a no-cost upgrade to 8.1 
I believe.   My suggestion would be to have your computer seller do the 
installing of 8.1 and set it up to boot to desktop.  It will work pretty 
much like an XP or W7 once set up.  Pushing the Windows logo key 
switches the screen to Metro with all the "buttons".

One thing I struggled with was the insistence of the W8.1 system to set 
up a Microsoft account.  Couldn't find a way to avoid it.   It has some 
advantages but for us older folks it can be a pain to deal with!  
Finally got it done at any rate.

Richard, several years ago now you were kind enough to send me a couple 
(?) of carburetors when I was working on an old motorcycle 
refurbishment.  I've never forgotten that kindness and frequently read 
your comments on the tractor net.

Bob Holtzer

PS I still do most of my computer stuff on this Windows 7 system!!