Computer upgrade

[Gaybutton]

Just to let you know - my computer is in the shop getting upgraded to Windows 11 and some hardware improvementts. I am posting this with a tablet, so I won't be posting much at all until I get the computer back, hopefully within a week. It's a pain posting this way. I'm not used to it and I keep hitting the wrong letters.

[Jun]

Upgraded or downgraded to Windows 11 ? Do let us know.

I got the free Windows 10 ESU to Oct 2026. If Microsoft do not offer another free or near free extension then, I'll probably use Linux Mint on my main desktop PC.
I took a laptop with me on the last holiday. That was setup as a dual boot, with Linux Mint or Windows 10. I did not once boot to Windows on that.

After 10 years use, admittedly it's time to build myself a new PC, but with memory prices about 4x normal levels due to the AI bubble and my PC working OK, I'll defer that.
I also don't like Microsoft dictating that I upgrade my hardware, which is what they're doing on Windows 11.

[Gaybutton]

I understand. For me this was not a must do. It is more of an "I wanted to do".

I have no idea how to use Linux or anything else and I do much more with the computer than simply using it to post messages on my board. If Microsoft makes these kinds of changes whether they call them upgrades or not, so be it. That does not bother me. And I am getting a legitimate copy of Windows 11, not one of the pirated versions that you find somewhere on the internet. I think the time has come for me to get a whole new system, complete with the latest technology.

I will let you know what I think of it once I have the computer back and up and running properly.

[Dodger]

After 10 years use, admittedly it's time to build myself a new PC, but with memory prices about 4x normal levels due to the AI bubble and my PC working OK, I'll defer that.

It's may be easier and more cost effective to just buy a new PC.

Mine turned 8 years old a while back and was starting to get really sluggish. I download Windows 11 and it got even more sluggish. I took it into a technician to add more RAM and he said I was wasting my money. According to him it was the age of my PC not the memory capacity that was causing the sluggishness.

I purchased a new PC with Windows 11 - 16 GB RAM and a good processor for 22,000 THB. The boy at the store was a doll and he loaded all the apps I wanted free-of-charge including a VLC Video Player (the best IMO) and Proton VPN (free version). I had already backed everything else up on a flash drive.

JIB Computers in Tukcom has the best selection of cute boys on staff. Their computers aren't bad either.

[Jun]

I built my existing PC in 2016, with a good mid-range processor and 16 GB of RAM. I deliberately avoid low spec computers as they tend to get slow too soon and are a false economy. I also avoid the absolute top end.
This runs quite well. Building it was easy & means I got what I wanted. There was a slight faff installing Windows 7, as the hardware was too new for it and I had to create a new installation CD with an extra driver. But I still managed to defer Windows 10 for as long as possible.

The boy at the store was a doll

JIB Computers in Tukcom has the best selection of cute boys on staff. Their computers aren't bad either.

Cute staff are almost wasted in computer shops, on the basis we don't need to return very often.
Cute staff in a coffee shop would be a far better idea. Put them in skimpy T-shirts & shorts. Sell proper coffee and croissants. I'd visit every day of the week.

[Gaybutton]

A new computer is not something you buy very often,. I don't think you have to go top end, but I do think it is a good idea to invest in good quality equipment that will be enough for your computer to run properly for a very long time. I can be a cheapskate about some things but when it comes to my computer I'm going to spend the money it takes to really have a good one. 10 years from now if I'm still alive I might do it again.

[Jun]

A new computer is not something you buy very often,. I don't think you have to go top end, but I do think it is a good idea to invest in good quality equipment that will be enough for your computer to run properly for a very long time.

I agree totally. I put good quality equipment in my PC & of a reasonable specification.

My previous off the shelf PC eventually had a motherboard problem. I solved that by replacing capacitors, well over 10 years ago.

I made sure I bought a better brand of motherboard for the "new" PC in 2016.
All my SSDs are Samsung, because Samsung are more reliable than some brands.
Memory -known brand

And so on.

[Gaybutton]

All my SSDs are Samsung, because Samsung are more reliable than some brands.

I am glad you mentioned that. For my new computer the technician is including an SSD, but I never thought to ask him what brand it is. He knows what he's doing so I imagine it must be a good one.

I will definitely keep Samsung in mind if I need any more SSDs.

What capacity SSDs do you use? How many gigabytes or terabytes?

By the way, I have no idea what a capacitor is. The only time I've ever heard of a capacitor was in the movie 'Back to the Future ". Remember the "flux capacitor" that gave the time machine car the ability to work . . . ?

[Jun]

What capacity SSDs do you use? How many gigabytes or terabytes?

My OS is on a 500 GB M.2 SSD. [Larger than in needs to be, as was formerly used for data]
The data is on a 2 TB M.2 SSD.
I also have a 1 TB Sata SSD & critical files are copied to that with a batch file at least twice a week.
All Samsung.

I don't believe in skimping on storage capacity.
Also, if you're operating an SSD at near to capacity, apparently it's life is far shorter, as they have to keep shuffling blocks of data around & using more write cycles.

By the way, I have no idea what a capacitor is.

Capacitors store charge.
When the eletrolytic capacitors fail, they often swell up. So instead of a cylinder with a flat end, you get a domed end. Which means someone like me with very little knowledge of electronics can spot the problem with no diagnostic equipment. And then solder in a replacement (taking care to get the polarity right).
I also fixed a satellite receiver with failed capacitors. Saving money even with very limited knowledge.

[Gaybutton]

I don't believe in skimping on storage capacity.
Also, if you're operating an SSD at near to capacity, apparently it's life is far shorter, as they have to keep shuffling blocks of data around & using more write cycles.

Yes, I too don't skimp on storage capacity. I'd rather have too much than too little.
I agree about SSD capacity. I remember reading an article that said it is best to limit SSD storage to no more than 85 to 90% of its capacity.
Samsung's 870 QVO SATA SSD is 8 tb. Although I don't envision ever needing anywhere near that much, I'd like to have it anyway. Besides, at my age its life will likely outlast my own . . .