what would you buy

[LZA]

This is a multi-faceted question.

I was hoping I can get some thoughts.

If you needed a new computer (since the red duct tape is no longer keeping your laptop together). What would be your choice?

I see these choices, let me know if i missed anything.

• Another laptop
  
• desktop
  
• mac
  
• an all in one computer
  

And what do you think of all in one computers? Are they worth it? They don't seem to have caught on, are there issues with those?

If I do get Win 10 is there a way to roll back to 8.1, OR, is there a thread here on what to do about removing the "bloat" from it?

AND, lastly: How easy is it to install Linux on a system? How easy is it to run, and does it work like Windows does?

[RobertX]

I'd buy either a laptop or a desktop.

This seems liked Deja Vu; I did recall that you asked this before. This is not to put you to shame, but it's just this weird feeling. Anyways...

It depends on how bad you need a new computer. If you need one immediately, I'd settle for refurbished. Otherwise, sh0p around. The scenario that you need anotehr computer is very avoidable if you already have more than one computer at home, networked or otherwise. And yes, even as someone who uses two computers, I'd still keep a network for file transfer and backup purposes. (My mother uses the third computer; I help her with simple stuff, but she learns quickly)

I do find the laptop alternative seductive as you can travel around anywhere and use it, but the downside is that you can't replace some parts if you, say, spillo coffee on the keyboard or let your two year-old son drop the motherfucker on the ground, thereby breaking it. Don't say it's "poor care that causes this stuff;" while that is somewhat true, it doesn't change the fact that it happens to the best of us. That is why I shy away from laptops.

All-in-one computers are an attractive option if you have no computers, like if you're migrating to another country and you have nothing to your name. But it's still a little expensive. To each his own, I guess.

I don't think Microsoft will let you rollback your Windows 10 to an earlier unless there's a buck to be made on this. Then again, you can upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, so what am I saying?!? Still, if you're on Windows 10, I don't see any further point of going back to Windows 8.1 unless you're those nostalgic types. While ill88eagle willl tell you to kill Windows on your computer, and RodneyYouPllonker will insistently tell you otherwise, it's up to you to look up more sources to explore your own path. However, without going to extremes like ill88eagle and RodneyYouPlonker, I'd always follow the middle path and use both. Both Windows and GNU/Linux OS compelment each other, so keep a pirated copy of Windows 7 (or 8.1, if you prefer) if GNU/Linux misses a beat.

Most GNU/Linux machines can be very dummy-friendly in installation and hold your hand through the installation. Much has improved since these last twnety years. When in doubt use either Linux Mint or another Ubuntu-based operating system. These guys know that most userss who want to switch from a gung-ho Microsoft system aren't very savvy, and becasue they know, the learning to installing and using GNU/Linux operating systems isn't as steep a curve as most people make it out to be. You can't wrong with Ubuntu or an Ubuntu-derivative.

The common mistake that people do when switching to GNU/Linux is that they try to use everything according to the habits and patterns that they adopted from Windows. Both GNU/Linux and Windows are the same and are different. You can use Wine to run Windows-native software, but if you're going to switch, you must make some preparations to do some stuff differently. It's like if you're going to move to Afghanistan tomorrow for the warm weather, you'd probably want to not let them see that you're eating pork since Afghtanistan is largely a Muslim country. We'll talk about that another time in the Void. My point is, you have to make room to do things differently. However, if you do so, you'll probably be at a better posiition to do things more conveniently for yourself and save time.

That's all I can say for the moment. Let me know if you have more questions.

[Waiting for waregim to shoot down all my points like an archer.]

EDIT: Well, I live with my mother, who uses another Windows 7 computer (laptop), but I administer and use two in my disposal. And yes, my mother is still very much alive. I hope to keep it that way for at least a long while. Fuck it, I'll change the wording now.

[Moe]

I wouldn't buy a laptop unless you need the portability.

I wouldn't buy an all-in-one unless you don't have anything usable from your previous system.

Macs are great, but if you are considering that route, look at Apple's refurb store. They are discounted but come with a full warranty. I've obtained a number of items that way and never been disappointed.

There are lots of good options on e-bay, or you can build your own. Either of these will probably be the least expensive and have long term upgrade paths depending on the platform you start with.

[Spud17]

If you can afford it, get a mac. If you're fairly tech savvy, know what you're doing, and have time to shop around, get a desktop. If you want the portability, get a laptop. It's easy enough to disable all the spy shit from windows 10, plus you could consider a dual boot if you're comfortable with using command line.

If you do get a windows 10 laptop, google 'how to disable all the spy stuff from windows 10' or similar. Here's a couple of handy links, and it'll only take about 10 - 15 mins to disable all the crap from the point of switching your brand new comp on:

https://windows.gadgethacks.com/how-to/e...0-0163552/

https://www.secpoint.com/how-to-prevent-...pying.html

[RodneyYouPlonker]

Just use this to stop Windows spying and it's totally free:

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

[dueda]

I'd like a mini-desktop, something powerful enough yet easy to carry around (from bed to sofa or to a LAN-party). Must have a decent GPU or APU.

I got a gamming notebook but it get's hot and a mobile (nerfed down) CPU/GPU isn't exactly the thing; and while it's dust magnet, there's no easy way to clean.
Also I always end up using external peripherals (from a keyboard to many monitors and drives) and that's a lot of connections, ran like $100 just on port replicators and it's a hassle to connect it all, including the AC brick.

So, to my particular needs, maybe just a couple thin clients around the house, networked to a beastly game/media server, could be it.

About the OS, I'm afraid nobody is supporting Win 7/8 anymore, it's either Win10 (the horror, the horror) or Linux (good luck with the apps). You can try a VM if you really fancy 8.1, or at least a 8-themed X.
Just don't go for a Mac unless you're going to run Windows on it, Apple's proprietary "ecosystem" sucks you into buying special software and hardware. They look and work good, but gotta pay.

[Moe]

Apple's proprietary "ecosystem" sucks you into buying special software and hardware. They look and work good, but gotta pay.

The hardware part is somewhat true of their latest laptops with only a USB C connector, but you don't need to buy your needed adapters from Apple. Lots of good 3rd party options.

The special software is quite untrue. Pretty much any popular title out there can be run directly or virtually. You don't have to spend a penny on software if you don't want to. Lots of free possibilities and non-free on TPB.

Constant nagging to use their iCloud service will get annoying, but you can register an account with bogus details and then turn everything off.

I'm not saying you should go out and get a Mac, but don't spread crap about the platform if you aren't personally familiar with it.

[RodneyYouPlonker]

I have to say that out of all the computing that I've done over the years and yes I have done lots of computing all the time infact I live on computers to be honest and I spend most of my time using them.  If anything all the best things I've ever done was the majority of the time done through the use of a Windows system.

When it comes to Windows you've just gotta move with the times, yes there are things you have to sort out and things that need addressing like I have pointed out here and there over a period of many months if you follow my posts.  Yes you do need to do various things and it's just part of the fun and the learning process.  The truth be told that Windows is great and there's nothing wrong with Windows 10 it's a very good system.  Any system can have problems and of course you'll always get some person who thinks a bit like Polly who wants to spit and bark at you all the time when you're a Win user because there's a stack of them people out there who can't stand it and are repulsed.  The very best memories that I've got is through Windows and I have been able to do all my best learning through it.

Me personally I don't bother with any kind of Linux as I just feel it would waste some space on a HDD when it could be made more to good use and used in a better kind of purpose.  Everybody does things different though we're not all the same we all have a different opinion so you can't tell somebody they should do it your way just work out your own path and let it be.

Linux is okay for some folks but those folks are also at the same time more of the these kind of coding kind of geek people who like to sit there writing out things and doing all their crazy stuff and they just like the Linux because it's more suited to them.  Command lines are okay but they can get vastly complicated depending on what you're trying to do and can seem completely alien to some people.  Remember most people don't understand a lot of the basics never mind trying to use commands to speak directly to their operating system.  It can take years really I just don't like command based operations because it always seems to go wrong and it doesn't work usually and you get stuck with some silly thing that won't do what you want.  I just don't have the time nor the patience.  I just like Windows it's good fun, easy and plays good games and you can do all kinds of things like install good programs with ease and not get a massive headache over the whole thing.

[Moe]

I guess I'm that guy in the last paragraph.

I don't dislike Windows, but of all the computers I have, Windows is the only one that isn't installed on bare metal. I use it exclusively as in virtual machines, and only then for specific titles that don't run well on any other platform.

The rest of my virtual and real machines are split pretty even between Unix/Linux and MacOS.