Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Paper Roses

(7,504 posts)
Mon Jul 20, 2015, 01:28 PM Jul 2015

Geeze folks, quiet here. Can I vent?

As an old timer, I admit that 'anything computer' is a challenge for me. For the life of me, I cannot understand why Microsoft cannot support those of us who do not use any of the new 'wonderful, can't live without it' stuff. I have an old desktop with XP. Took me ages to figure out what the heck I was doing. OK, I know that OP system is in the trash but why? If we don't need all the new bells and whistles, why the heck do we have to trash our computers and buy something new? Doesn't MS have enough $$$?

I admit I have no $$$ to but a new desktop. Why can't someone invent an 'anti-something' that will allow us to use our old machines that have XP? (Maybe produce a birth certificate--over 65?> you are eligible for a patch to access without going to hell) I'm using a borrowed laptop w/Windows 7 and I hate it.. Hate it. Can't find what I'm looking for, constantly hit 'caps lock, list of programs is bizarre, lots of things you have to understand before you dare try and use it.

Many of us do not have funds for a new machine just to access the internet and maybe write an occasional letter. It may be necessary for younger folks but some of us just don't need or want all the extra 'junk'. PLUS...I'm getting too damn old to keep trying to figure out what the heck I'm doing!!

Built in obsolescence. I'm bellyaching but since many of us use only the Internet and perhaps MS word, why should we have to junk a good machine? Heck, If I can get my 25 year old washer fixed, my 11 year old Honda fixed, why is there nothing to REALLY fix my old machine w/Windows XP. Makes me mad.

OK, I'm done. Can I tell you again how much I hate this laptop and Windows 7? Did I make it clear enough? My nice old HP w/XP sits there gathering dust as I plod along in my non-air conditioned house(it is 97 degrees and humid).
The fine folks in the Computer group have been a great help to me but nothing can cure my XP problem. Phooey! I just thought some of my fellow 'old-timers, might understand.

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Geeze folks, quiet here. Can I vent? (Original Post) Paper Roses Jul 2015 OP
You can use Windows XP machines indefinately, the only problem is you won't be getting free upgrades PoliticAverse Jul 2015 #1
Wow, that would make my day. How? n/t Paper Roses Jul 2015 #3
See... PoliticAverse Jul 2015 #4
I don't like win7 much either, but you could just... TreasonousBastard Jul 2015 #2
Why is your XP computer just gathering dust? Curmudgeoness Jul 2015 #5
I have a Dell laptop with XP that just will not die TexasBushwhacker Aug 2015 #6

PoliticAverse

(26,366 posts)
1. You can use Windows XP machines indefinately, the only problem is you won't be getting free upgrades
Mon Jul 20, 2015, 01:39 PM
Jul 2015

BTW you can make Windows 7 look almost exactly like XP with under an hour's effort.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
2. I don't like win7 much either, but you could just...
Mon Jul 20, 2015, 01:43 PM
Jul 2015

use that for serious security stuff, like banking or ordering stuff.

While the old XP machine won't be upgraded by MS, your security software should still work and update to keep hackers out and you can still do email, write letters, and some web surfing.



Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
5. Why is your XP computer just gathering dust?
Mon Jul 20, 2015, 02:22 PM
Jul 2015

Is it just because you are afraid to use it because XP is no longer supported? Because you can still use it. But if you computer has crashed, you would probably have needed a new one anyways.

I do understand what you are saying though. I have always hated change, even when I was younger, so you can imagine how I don't like it now. I think that I would be ok with newer computer programs if I had someone to show me all the things I knew how to do with the old program though. I am not opposed to learning....I am opposed to beating my head against the wall.

TexasBushwhacker

(20,646 posts)
6. I have a Dell laptop with XP that just will not die
Sat Aug 15, 2015, 06:26 PM
Aug 2015

Even so, I bought a refurbished Windows 7 laptop because I needed to install some newer software that wouldn't run on XP.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Seniors»Geeze folks, quiet here. ...