[inline_online (Dan)]

Thanks to all that replied. Still not sure what to do. New computer or upgrade existing.
A few thoughts below:

Originally Posted by CeratodusDuck

Does he really need to upgrade? Windows7 does not stop working, it’s just no longer actively supported. If he doesn’t NEED to upgrade then why bother if it is just for the tasks you mention.

I think his main concern there was internet banking. Doesn't want to be left vulnerable. I'm still not sure if an unsupported system will increase the risk for banking. Sounds like it'll be okay from what you said above.

Originally Posted by dreamstation

I've been looking into upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 this week myself and I've been told that you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free despite the fact that the Microsoft website says the free upgrade offer expired in 2016. Might be worth looking into before spending any money. I was told to follow the instructions on this page and to input my Windows 7 serial number when prompted.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/soft...load/windows10

Thanks for that. I might give it a go (although I'm pretty useless with computers).

Originally Posted by Wavytone

Er... backup your existing system - to an external drive first - in case this goes pear-shaped. Wouldn’t want to lose your files, right ?

And if you don’t have a backup it’s high time you did.

I don't think he'd have any files at all on his system. A few emails and possibly some bookmarked websites (golf mainly I'd imagine) is about all he does.

Originally Posted by AndyG

There's many approaches. This scenario shows up on my doorstep every 2 weeks like clockwork. For this, I usually:

Get them to buy an SSD and 2.5" USB hdd caddy.

Ascertain win 7/8 product key, and version (home or pro) through various means.

Swap HDD for new SSD, and install latest win10 from usb stick made with Media creation tool.

Use cd key from previous step. Check that system is activated. Phone a friend in India if not through internet.

Place old HDD into USB caddy.

Install drivers, other provided software, copy back documents, import email, etc.

Key point is (no pun intended), the cd key from 7 onwards works to satisfy win10 installs. Even the version question is defined by the key.

Taking the opportunity to install an SSD if not already present is as big a benefit as anything else.

Party on.

That's a seriously detailed approach and way way beyond my level of capability. If that's what it takes, I'd just say buy a new computer.

Originally Posted by sil

If your reason for upgrading is because Microsoft told you then you don't NEED to. But many people like yourself are happy to pay them for ignorance so knock yourself out.

I 100% know what you mean. It is easy to solve a problem by throwing money at it and it seems that too often we do that. It is, after all, the easy way out. But I don't have the inclination to obtain that level of computer knowledge. Yep, I'm certainly ignorant about the subject (father-in-law even more so) and I'll probably stay that way for a while.

Originally Posted by morls

I have windows 7 and really really REALLY don't like windows 10. My only concern about staying with win7 is that once they stop supporting, they might also stop security updates, and so will become vulnerable. I understand this is one of the factors behind ransomware attacks on old infrastructure running vista or XP?

Thanks, that is good to know. So it sounds like he has to do something; can't just stay with Windows 7.

Originally Posted by TheCrazedLog

There's a few points to consider:


- There's some thoughts above about how you don't need to upgrade, and I suppose by corollary, that you do need to.
Windows 7 will not stop functioning on whatever date, at least as far as we know (there's no evidence to support that it will and it'd be highly unusual). So in this respect, you don't need to upgrade.
What will cease is security updates. These prevent nasty unintended security holes from being exploited. For a user that is not technical, these are basically a must. For those of us who are technical, its still cause for concern unless you have other mitigating factors and even then, you want to think very carefully. Viruses, exploits, malware, these are real things and having an anti-virus is only part of a protection regime.



I would recommend an upgrade, but don't assume it will be all sunshine and rainbows. Hopefully it will be, don't assume though.



- Consider Linux. If all you're doing is web-browsing, then something like Ubuntu on an older machine will work absolutely fine. What's even better is that you can boot of a USB key with Linux on it and try it out, all without touching the windows installation. If its nice, you can look at it installing it. If its not, reboot and unplug the usb key and off you go.



I won't say Linux is better than Windows or vice versa: its not the time or the place. Each has advantages and disadvantages and it is as much down to personal preference as it is to technical requirements (well mostly anyway).



Source for the above: working in IT for 15 years, currently a system administrator/devops engineer.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I've heard of Linux and Ubuntu but don't know a lot about them. I don't think the 85 yr old in question would want to learn new systems as he struggles enough as it is.
So you recommend an upgrade and not a new computer?