new internet operating system

[pgardiner]

With XP now outdated I am thinking of getting a new operating system. Can anybody advise the best and most reliable available ? Also what sort of price to pay?

[Tywais]

Linux, such as Ubuntu, OpenSuse, Mint,etc, are free but depends on what your application requirements are as to whether you can use it or not. Otherwise your choices are pretty much limited to Win7 or Win8 and price from 3000 - 6000 Baht depending on variation.

[SoFarAndNear]

If you have an old Computer originally installed with Windows XP you should think about trying a Linux Operating system like Ubuntu or even Xubuntu. You can easy trying it without deleting any files on your computer. It is for free and will run on old Hardware.

[MJCM]

What Tywais said, are pretty much your choices, choose one you are comfortable with !

Edited April 23, 2014 by MJCM

[Guest]

Then there is of course Apple laptop and OSX, which I usually recommend non-technical friends when they are buying a new laptop. Airbook and Mac book pro comes with an price tag tough..

For the friends who are used to solve possible issues using google search, I recommend ubuntu linux.

[Tywais]

Post recommending illegal activation of Windows (WGA) via loader has been removed.

[thaimite]

As a Ubuntu user who is very happy with the Unity interface I would advise a newbie migrating from XP to try Lubuntu or Mint as it will be an easier learning curve.

As above, download and try a live CD for free without changing anything on your system and see what you are happy with. Moving to Windows 7 may involve hardware updates depending on the age of your PC, and do not forget that it has already been superseded by Windows 8 so you will be in the same position again in a year or so.

Edited April 23, 2014 by thaimite

[MJCM]

<snip>

and do not forget that it has already been superseded by Windows 8 so you will be in the same position again in a year or so.

Microsoft will stop mainstream support for Windows 7 on January 12, 2015. But the company will keep providing extended support until January 14, 2020.

Extended support, means that you'll still receive free security updates and please note that XP's mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009

Edit: // Added Ps

Ps: And can someone with more experience with Ubuntu explain to the OP how long the support for Ubuntu LTS and normal versions is ??

Edited April 23, 2014 by MJCM

[phazey]

Then there is of course Apple laptop and OSX, which I usually recommend non-technical friends when they are buying a new laptop. Airbook and Mac book pro comes with an price tag tough..

For the friends who are used to solve possible issues using google search, I recommend ubuntu linux.

This comment made me giggle like a little kid playing with mud.

The Macbook is the engineering laptop of choice in my organisation, so please don't overlook this one serious technical friends....

[Chicog]

Before you make any decision, what do you actually do on your computer, and how old is it?

If you are just web browsing, emailing and a bit of WP, then I'd also so go and get a nice Linux build like Mint (although there are loads more to choose from - all free).

If the PC is four years more or older, you'll probably be surprised at the performance jump - Linux resource requirements are significantly lower than Windows. There is a little bit of a learning curve, but not much if you are only doing the above.

If it's a newer PC with a decent processor and 2Gb+ of RAM, and you use a lot of different applications that are only available for Windows, I'd got for Windows 8.x, and use Classic Shell to give you back the Windows XP or Win 7 Start menu - which they might well put back in the next release anyway.

Basic single language Win 8 is Bt2,990 here

[Guest]

Then there is of course Apple laptop and OSX, which I usually recommend non-technical friends when they are buying a new laptop. Airbook and Mac book pro comes with an price tag tough..

For the friends who are used to solve possible issues using google search, I recommend ubuntu linux.

This comment made me giggle like a little kid playing with mud.

The Macbook is the engineering laptop of choice in my organisation, so please don't overlook this one serious technical friends....

In my ideology, Windows, which I suffered for years in corporate world - is no no. There are far better popular alternatives, so why not to use those.

I do prefer Linux as it works and make the life simple. Linux does most of the boring stuff, like upgrading the OS and applications pretty much automatically. Something I think is a must to have.

Installing secure applications is very, very easy. Simple click from the application manager (or doing it from command line, like I prefer).. and soon enough the new software is installed and ready to use.

There is however problems every now and then. Just like with any other operating systems. This is the reason why I don't recommend Linux for the people who are not ready to find answers by themselves.

If I would recommend Linux to my friend, I would feel obligated to help them with the learning process, which might be sometimes lengthy.

There is no low price Linux support available, as far as I know. Not the same extent as there is support for Windows or OSX.

Therefore it's worth of promoting OSX, which I know nothing about, to my friends. For OSX there is both commercial support, as well as 300 baht experts are available which is far cheaper than hiring a Linux specialist. Therefore I save myself and my time by suggesting that my friends should buy Mac, instead of Linux (which is of course far superior OS )

The old saying is. Linux is free, if your time is free. The new saying is. Learn Linux, if you wish your time to be valued. Now there is a good chance to learn linux http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720915-2400-introduction-to-linux-course-will-be-free-and-online-this-summer/

Ps. I have actually thought of buying the new MacBook Pro for my everyday and work usage. The hardware is great (yet not so upgradable). My concerns are mostly how easy it is actually to use in everyday life.

[Tywais]

As for support there are commercial Linux versions out there that will give full support on a subscription basis. SUSE Enterprise is one of the top ones.

[HooHaa]

perhaps you should clear up some questions.

like what on gods green earth is an internet operating system?

but given the way you put your question, i dont think i would be far wrong suggesting you keep it simple, whatever you choose.

Edited April 23, 2014 by HooHaa

[DogNo1]

According to rumors, the next update to Windows 8 (8.2?) will be coming this autumn and promises to make Windows 8 much easier for non-touchscreen users. That might be a factor to make Windows 8 the better choice now.

[DogNo1]

BTW, an Internet Operating System is the one used by the Chromebook. Basically, it doesn't work unless you're online!

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Some specifications of the machine in question might be helpful.

[Suradit69]

Linux, such as Ubuntu, OpenSuse, Mint,etc, are free but depends on what your application requirements are as to whether you can use it or not. Otherwise your choices are pretty much limited to Win7 or Win8 and price from 3000 - 6000 Baht depending on variation.

I recently got the OEM 64 bit version of Windows 7 in Pattaya at Wattana Systemation for Baht 4090. Checked in a number of places and this was the only genuine Windows 7 on offer, although Wattana said they could order the 32 bit version from Bangkok if I wanted to wait. So, depending on the OP's location and what his computer can handle, the choices might be limited if he wants to go the Windows route.

[Phil Conners]

BTW, an Internet Operating System is the one used by the Chromebook. Basically, it doesn't work unless you're online!

AKA ChromeOS, there are quite a few things you can do while offline -> http://www.zdnet.com/what-chromebooks-can-do-offline-7000027307/

[h90]

If WinXP is working now, it will work the same in one year....

[KhunBENQ]

If WinXP is working now, it will work the same in one year....

Yep, one of the most successful media hysteria initiated by MS.

Buy Win 8! Buy Win 8! Doomsday is looming.

->

Update your XP to the latest state.

Use security SW.

Do regular on-demand virus checks.

Keep your mind together.

And you can use XP for a couple more years.

A real problem: more and more application SW developments/products drop supporting XP too.

So will probably not be able to follow actual upgrades and new products to the full extent.

But if you are happy with what you have: continue.

Edited April 24, 2014 by KhunBENQ

[Chicog]

If WinXP is working now, it will work the same in one year....

And it will have had 12 months of Microsoft telling hackers how to exploit it.

Yeah, clever solution that one.

[Chicog]

Update your XP to the latest state.

Use security SW.

Do regular on-demand virus checks.

Keep your mind together.

Good luck updating it when there will be no more updates - ever.

Keep your mind together?

W T F?

[noodle]

 

Update your XP to the latest state.

Use security SW.

Do regular on-demand virus checks.

Keep your mind together.

Good luck updating it when there will be no more updates - ever.

Keep your mind together?

W T F?

I disabled updates on XP 5 years or more ago, works just fine.

I doubt anyone will bother to write bugs that are XP specific since most of the market uses later 'upgrades'.

I also have a pc running Ubuntu 10.04 if and when XP gets to be a problem.

[Cloggie]

Online banking will REFUSE computers using Windows XP.

I have replaced Windows XP with Lubuntu, more than happy with it.

[MJCM]

Online banking will REFUSE computers using Windows XP.

<snip>

Isn't that just a case of editing your user agent string

http://www.whatsmyuseragent.com/

Sent from my iPad so Please excuse any typos

Edited April 24, 2014 by MJCM

[thaimite]

A previous poster as for clarification of the LTS support period.

There is a new LTS version released every 2 years and they are supported for 5 years. (Wiki)

Unlike windows Ubuntu and similar operating systems update applications and the operating system as required and the upgrade from one LTS version to another is not a major trauma in the way that updating from Windows XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8 can be. A Linux update can be done in the same manner as installing a windows service pack and does not require a fresh install or repurchasing /installing applications. Having said that many people recommend a fresh install of an LTS rather than an upgrade. This does have advantages. Then again many people used to recommend reinstalling XP every 2 years to prevent it running slowly and having numerous problems. Linux does not appear to have the same slow down issues with age as Windows does. I believ this is due to it not having a registry to get bloated. Others may correct me on this.

At the end of the day the choice to go Linux depends very much on the age of the use to which it is put and the willingness of the user to embrace different applications and ways of doing things in some but ot all cases. If your main use in Internet (facebook / email etc) and a few office style programs then you will notice little or no difference after a few short weeks

Every year the Linux desktop distros get better and the trauma of changing from Windows less.

When I first started using Ubuntu in 2008 it was a real struggle especially with display and audio drivers etc, but now I see many of my less tech savy friends installing and running various flavours of Linux with no issues at all. However most need some help in the early days to get started.

[Tywais]

Online banking will REFUSE computers using Windows XP.

Rather ironic when you think about it considering how many of their ATMs are running XP.

[Phil Conners]

Like MJCM already replied, banks dont REFUSE anything. They might try to block the useragent - and so what, change it to something else. Small problem.

[Chicog]

Online banking will REFUSE computers using Windows XP.

Rather ironic when you think about it considering how many of their ATMs are running XP.

But most of them are paying to get XP updates.

[Phil Conners]

Not after MS stop supporting it. And now I think we've gone far enough off topic. Allow me to gently nudge the discussion back on track,

With XP now outdated I am thinking of getting a new operating system. Can anybody advise the best and most reliable available ? Also what sort of price to pay?