Computer Help and Support

no_hypocrisy

(53,412 posts) Wed Oct 15, 2025, 08:36 AM Yesterday

I'm looking to get a new Desktop as Microsoft 10 protections ended yesterday.

I need helpful advice on how to proceed.

I can get a new tower or a refurbished.

The refurbished is less money and has a built-in DVD player. But I'm leery about its reliability.

Any ideas?

Thank you in advance.

n_h

5 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

I'm looking to get a new Desktop as Microsoft 10 protections ended yesterday. (Original Post) no_hypocrisy Yesterday OP

Switch your current machine to Linux Rver Yesterday #1

DVD? What about one with a floppy disk drive? Bluestocking Yesterday #2

I'm with you Blue HappyH 22 hrs ago #4

You should be able to sign up for free security updates from Microsoft- Redleg Yesterday #3

Last year, I bought a topline Dell tower, and it has been WELL worth the $$! lastlib 15 hrs ago #5

Rver

(223 posts)

1. Switch your current machine to Linux

Reply to no_hypocrisy (Original post)

Wed Oct 15, 2025, 08:42 AM

Yesterday

There are many different "distros" available. I like lubuntu myself.
There's lots of help on the interwebs to get it done.
My .02

Bluestocking

(339 posts)

2. DVD? What about one with a floppy disk drive?

Reply to no_hypocrisy (Original post)

Wed Oct 15, 2025, 08:45 AM

Yesterday

I always recommend switching to a macbook

HappyH

(118 posts)

4. I'm with you Blue

Reply to Bluestocking (Reply #2)

Wed Oct 15, 2025, 11:03 AM

22 hrs ago

I bought a refurbished MacBook a few months ago for $300. It’s a little beat up, but functions perfectly and runs current software.

Redleg

(6,657 posts)

3. You should be able to sign up for free security updates from Microsoft-

Reply to no_hypocrisy (Original post)

Wed Oct 15, 2025, 09:15 AM

Yesterday

It will buy you some time to get another rig.

lastlib

(26,867 posts)

5. Last year, I bought a topline Dell tower, and it has been WELL worth the $$!

Reply to no_hypocrisy (Original post)

Wed Oct 15, 2025, 06:19 PM

15 hrs ago

XPS8960, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD drive, core i9 Intel processor, Windows 11 Pro--a serious beast of a machine, and it has performed beautifully. I run some heavy-duty databases and spreadsheets, and it has handled everything I've thrown at it with zero problems. I had not bought a *new* computer in over 25 years, so I figured I was due to treat myself. Dell's support has not really been needed, but what I've asked for, I've gotten without any problem. It didn't have a built-in DVD drive, but I got one as an inexpensive add-on; I still have a LOT of old data I need on CDs/DVDs, which I am gradually migrating to an external SSD drive. My only complaint with this system and the software I bought with it: MS Outlook 2021 is unmitigated dysenteric donkey dung. Otherwise, I could recommend this system whole-heartedly.

I've always believed that, with the pace of technology, it's best to buy as high up the power curve as you can, and then milk it for all it's worth. Othewise you run into the issues of obsolesence much more quickly, and wind up spending more in the long run upgrading more often.

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