Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

I realize that. MS cancelled xp support last year. The version of Firefox I am running is also no longer being updated and it is the latest version that will run with Windows XP. With both the OS and the browser out of date, I face a dilemma.

My current computer is a Dell Precision 390 with fairly robust hardware and off line it runs fine.

I have located a refurbished Dell Precision T3500 Xeon Workstation with a Quad Core Xeon W3530 2.8Ghz CPU, 6 GB RAM (supports up to 24 gigs), 320 GB HD, an Intel Quadro GPU. Windows 7 Pro is installed. $150.00

I have heard that MS is about to cancel support for Windows 7, but this may be my only option.

Finding work arounds and other means to navigate a website that is loaded with links and graphics is a freaking joke. I can no longer access my email account or my bank account with this set up. I'm even having some page loading problems here on OPP.

I believe in miracles, so I'm h*****g tough.

Common_Sense_Matters

Do you use peripheral software dependent on Windows? If not, I might recommend going to Linux. I did try out that Robolinux and thus far, I am not very satisfied with it, I even had to redo my Ubuntu due to it destroying my primary login under Ubuntu (as well as other installed variants). I use a dedicated Home partition which is shared with all Linux distros I have installed (currently 3 on this system, Ubuntu, MX16 and now Robolinux), I haven't checked out MX16 since the issue came up but as I use same account setups across all variants, I suspect it should be fine now.

If you DON'T use Windows dependent peripheral software, I would recommend that you go to to Linux, My favorite thus far is Ubuntu but you will have to try the various variants until you find the one you prefer. Linux WILL run under your current hardware configuration, the only real draw back will be the likely learning curve of switching and that most retail software will not natively run under Linux (software that you buy from local retailers), the upside is that most the software that you are likely to install under Linux will be free software.




Edit: With proper research or good tech support from the Linux community/those familiar with Linux that you encounter, you can even test multiple variants at the same time on the same machine. I am more than happy to guide you through how to set it up. Since you said you got another unit (a second computer) I can guide you through doing the one and you have a backup if something goes wonky, as can happen sometimes, even to people that know what they are doing. The one I would do first would be the XP unit.

Rose42

If you can go to a local shop try that out for some advice. A lot of them are very good about it and its easier and can be more productive than doing a bunch of reading on the internet. Unless you like to tinker...

One thing you can do is block adds and popups with a hosts file which is very easy to do (also speeds things up a bit). If you don't know how the instructions are very straightforward. I've used it for years and its very effective. Its updated periodically. One of my machines is old and running Windows 7 with no issues.

http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Problem solved. My modem was crapping out. I had no idea what the problem was so I called the IT provider 24/7 hotline and described my situation. A tech came by today, and I repeated the whole story. The tech installed a new, state-of-the-art modem free of charge and Voila! Things are running smooth again.

I appreciate everyone's input and attempts to help me out. Thanks.

Rose42

I should have thought of asking how old your modem was! Glad things are working.

You may want to save some of CSM’s info on Linux for future reference.