Windows 11 is out. Should you upgrade?

According to this link (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/windows#windows-8.1) “Windows 8.1 reached the end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018“. So if it’s still running, then being supported and functioning are clearly not the same thing. However, it’s likely you are no longer getting security updates and it would be better to upgrade to Windows 10 if you can because it will still be getting security updates for a few more years.

Hi there,

Microsoft has two levels of support for its operating systems. During mainstream support, new features and performance upgrades are still being added. After that period, extended support begins, which means the OS continues to receive security updates so is safe to run.

As Phil says, Windows 8.1 has been out of mainstream support for a while. But it will be safe to use for another 18 months. After that, the software will still work, but you'll be at serious risk from malware.

Thanks,
Nick

Haha. I have the opposite problem. I’ve purchased several Macs and always go back to Windows. I just don’t get the way Mac’s work. I’ve tried and I’ve tried, but they just g hit the spot. Same with iPhones. I have one but only because everyone in my family has one and they don’t play nicely with others…

Try Linux Mint for a while. It easily beats Mac and Windows even on your old computers for speed and stability. I currently support users on a mixture of Linux, Windows, and Mac laptops/desktops (forced on us by our work places). Because I used to administer a computer network for my job I now do support for my family including aged mum.

After about 2 decades supporting mixed fleets of Windows/Mac/Linux computers there is no comparison - Linux beats Mac beats Windows. This is based on reliability and ease of use for users and administrators alike. Additionally, Linux is secure. If your budget needs consideration, then remember that Linux is free including all of the apps/programs most of us ever need. Linux also runs perfectly on those old computers your friends or workplaces are regularly replacing - privately I haven't paid for computers for years but run the latest software, saving us thousands of $$ and saving many, many hours of user and administrator time.

Hi Robyn,

You make a good point that these things shouldn't change for the sake of it!

I'd argue we've learned a lot about how users interact with computers, and what is easy to use, in the last 25 years. It'd be a waste not to apply that knowledge to Windows, even if it's confusing at first.

Thanks,
Nick

As cyber attacks have changed, so to have mechanisms needed to respond to these threats. There are some specific security demands for Windows 11, hence the stricter hardware requirements (e.g. TPM 2.0). This link has more details behind the rationale (https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/06/25/windows-11-enables-security-by-design-from-the-chip-to-the-cloud/)

Linux runs on old computers where Windows and Mac won't/can't run. It runs more than fast enough for almost all everyday use. And Linux and it's programs are completely free.

To make moving to Linux easy choose any of the versions/"distributions" described by https://www.fossmint.com/linux-distribution-for-windows-users/ .

Personally, I recommend Linux Mint, which I've used for over a decade now for private and professional use after converting from Windows. Some good reasons for you to try it our are described by https://www.ricksdailytips.com/why-i-recommend-linux-mint/ .

Are you running Norton's internet security/anti virus. It's notorious for slowing down computers

I did a re-boot and disabled auto updates then did an image disk copy, my computer is now zooming!!!

All modern Macs sell with SSDs. They cost more but run better.
I still use a windows machine with a nice big 2GB SSD. It runs like a scalded cat!

You get what you pay for

Hi Hamish W,
Indeed, every new version of Windows (and Mac) need newer, faster, and expensive computers every few years. After decades of using successive Windows versions I moved to Linux Mint - and now run run the "latest & greatest" software always for free and on old computers donated free by friends/family/employers, who were throwing out computers while upgrading.

Read my 2 posts above for reasons and some links to Windows-like versions of Linux. I would recommend Linux Mint with Office-like programs all packaged together and available for free at https://www.linuxmint.com/ .

"You get what you pay for" - this is certainly correct. If you pay for Windows (or Mac) you get their marketing machines and sales reps selling Windows (and Mac) to businesses/government/you/... and you get their need to constantly entice/force consumers to continue buying their stuff. If you pay nothing you get none of that. You just get occasional comments from users who have daily experience with these 3 systems (e.g. over decades) and can make recommendations based on both personal and professional experience. While there are some programs which can't be replaced by Linux these are few and not essential for most people in their private, everyday lives.

PS. Linux runs fine on older computers and harddrives - but would of course run even faster if you happened to want to buy the latest computers and accessories e.g. SSHD's.