Search Results for: linux

How to prepare a PC running Windows XP for an upgrade to Windows 8.1

Posted on April 8, 2015

xp-to-8-1 Microsoft effectively killed off Windows XP in about a year ago, and many XP users are trying decide whether to upgrade their PCs to Windows 8.1, dump Windows altogether and switch to Linux, or simply replace their old PC with a new one.

Personally, I think switching to Ubuntu Linux is a great way to go if the PC is used primarily for email and Internet access, but as long as the hardware is new enough to support Windows 8.1, that’s a great choice as well.

If you decide to upgrade Win XP to 8.1, it’s a good idea to prepare for the upgrade before jumping into it. Here are my recommendations: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I install Windows 7 for a Dell laptop on a home-built desktop computer?

Posted on January 21, 2015

Question from Todd H.: The hard drive went out on my HP Pavilion dm1-4010us Notebook computer.

I replaced the bad drive with one that I had taken out of an older laptop but I had to order a Windows Restore DVD from HP so I could put Windows back on it.

When the Restore DVD arrived I went to install it and found out the screen is bad too. After considering all my options, I decided that I’d like to just trash the laptop and build a desktop computer from scratch. If I do that will I be able to install the Windows 7 from the HP Restore DVD onto the new computer?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Free ebook: “Windows 8 for Dummies”

Posted on December 24, 2014

windows-8-for-dummies-cover Like it or not, Windows 8/8.1 is here to stay until Windows 10 hits the market next year, so we might as well get used to it unless we’re willing to switch to Linux, a Chromebook or a Mac. (#ad)

When Microsoft set about designing the look and feel of Windows 8, they wanted to make it a radical departure from previous version of Windows. And they sure did a great job at it! In fact, many experienced Windows users feel completely lost the first time they boot up Windows 8.

In addition to doing lots of things differently than previous versions did them, Windows 8 also includes a ton of new features, settings and menus that never existed before. And to make matters even worse, there is no user manual in the box, which means you’re going to have to learn all about Windows 8’s mysterious pieces and parts all on your own. [Read more…]

Q&A: Why does my Windows 7 say it’s not genuine?

Posted on December 18, 2014

Question from Carol: Hi Rick. I paid a man I used to work with $220 to install Windows 7 Ultimate on my Dell laptop (it originally came with Windows Vista). Now every time I boot the computer into Windows it tells me that my Windows isn’t genuine.

I tried to call him to ask him to fix this error, but his phone has been disconnected and I don’t know how to get in touch with him. What should I do to get this fixed? I really appreciate your help.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Microsoft officially ends support for Windows XP

Posted on April 8, 2014

Well, today is the big day. As of today, Microsoft has officially stopped supporting Windows XP, a move that effectively ends the useful life of the most popular version of Windows ever for the vast majority of users.

While there are circumstances under which XP can still be safely used, the millions of people who have their XP machines connected to the Internet should probably make the move to either a different operating system or a new computer. [Read more…]