Issue 33.15
There is an interesting development that has come out of the free release of Windows 10 (only free for legal users of Windows 7 and 8). While computers with Windows 10 pre-installed are now on the shelves in places such as Costco, Staples and Best Buy, most of the installations of the new OS (Operating System) are happening with those who already have Windows 8 and to a lesser extent, Windows 7. A quick survey of prices indicate that the new computers can be purchased for under $500 if you are okay with AMD processors (which I am), but most are in the $600-$1000 range.
An unexpected result of Microsoft’s decision is that dealers and repair people like me are beginning to sell used Windows 10 computers that are simply used Windows 7 and 8 computers that have been upgraded/updated. Because there is no charge for the OS, it just takes our time to make the change and having the new OS on a used computer that supports it well just makes sense. The nice thing for the consumer is that they now can buy a computer with the new Windows 10 on it for as low as $200 and fairly fast ones in the $300-$400 range.
There are some precautions that you should take if you make this change. First, be sure you want to move to Windows 10. Many of my customers still like Windows 7 better and prefer to stick with that at least for the next few months. This is a good approach because there is little if any learning curve and they can upgrade to Windows 10 when they are ready. That upgrade is free until the end of July 2016.
Secondly, it is a good idea to be sure the used computer you are considering is powerful enough for Windows 10. At a bare minimum, you should have at least a dual core processor and 2 Gigabytes of Ram Memory. The processor should be rated at 2.0 Gigahertz or better. The more speed you have and the more memory, the better your experience will be. Those computers on the low end will have more problems multi-tasking (doing more than one thing at a time) and will run noticeably slower than a faster system such as a quad core with 4 or 8 Gigabytes of memory.
It is also a good idea to make sure you have a significant amount of hard drive space. Some used computershave Hard Drives that only have 40 or 80 Gigaytes of storage. A few years ago, that seemed like a lot, but most new computers now have at least 320 or 500 Gigatyes and you will want to have at least 200 GB in a used one. Many new computers have 1 Terrabyte of storage (1000 Gigabytes) or more so compare carefully.
Whether you buy new, used or upgrade your old computer, be sure that you have a good backup of your old information because transfer failures happen and you could lose your existing information if there is no backup in place before you start. Like I always say – make sure you always have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.