my old windows 10 PC or Linux

bridge77 · Mar 25, 2025

my refurb Lenovo windows 11 t482s thinkpad refurb is working great including the battery.

so now i have a pile of Windows 10 machines that will not legit go to Windows 11 unless a real break thru comes before October 2025. and i am not alone, prolly 300 million others are in the same boat.

my thoughts are to travel with these old machines and surf on them as needed at the library or wherever, using them as is and where is. hoping all i need is the Virus software that windows and Malwarebytes supplies. not worth buying a year of Windows protect for this stuff.

but then there is Linux Mint. is MS forcing us into Linux, or what are they doing? i have no clue.

i was on Reddit and it seems that is the advice, just get Linux Mint and call it a day. i just intend to surf and don't need security or do i? Mint is secure, but Windows never really is very secure.

so far, what IS the Silver Bullet for the Billions of us out there......or is there a Silver Bullet?

thanks.

bridge77 · Mar 29, 2025

plantdoc said:
Topaz Photo AI ceased to function when I upgraded to a new release. I had been upgrading with each frequent free update, but the next release created a colorful mess of a screen display. I did have the latest studio GPU driver.

plantdoc said:
Tech support said "GPU not adequate" revert to previous version.

huh? Linux supposed to work on anything, including the abacus you had in grade school.

how old is the computer you trying to upgrade? this could get interesting.

my stuff is all Windows 10, so should be a non issue. i found an old computer in my shed and may try that, i think it is a Windows 7 machine i built from scratch about 25 years ago with Windows XP and finally retired at Win 7.

plantdoc said:
I did revert and I have stayed there even though a couple of newer releases have happened. Maybe all is Ok now but the release I am using is fine. Without checking I think it may be 3.4.4? Also, the newest version of ON1 2025 does not function correctly but ON1 2024 seems OK.

Greg

Breakfastographer · Mar 29, 2025

plantdoc said:
Topaz Photo AI ceased to function when I upgraded to a new release. I had been upgrading with each frequent free update, but the next release created a colorful mess of a screen display. I did have the latest studio GPU driver. Tech support said "GPU not adequate" revert to previous version. I did revert and I have stayed there even though a couple of newer releases have happened. Maybe all is Ok now but the release I am using is fine. Without checking I think it may be 3.4.4? Also, the newest version of ON1 2025 does not function correctly but ON1 2024 seems OK.

Greg

That is quite something. When all this "we can run it faster because we're using your GPU" started, the software would usually be able to run without that feature - just slower. I guess some developers no longer care to offer a CPU-only option.

--
39 raw converters tested:
https://breakfastographer.wordpress...erters-compared-including-on1-photo-raw-2019/

Breakfastographer · Mar 29, 2025

bridge77 said:
plantdoc said:

Topaz Photo AI ceased to function when I upgraded to a new release. I had been upgrading with each frequent free update, but the next release created a colorful mess of a screen display. I did have the latest studio GPU driver.

Tech support said "GPU not adequate" revert to previous version.

Click to expand...

huh? Linux supposed to work on anything, including the abacus you had in grade school.

The software he's talking about is not available for Linux, so it's safe to assume he's talking about Windows.

BobKnDP · Mar 29, 2025

plantdoc said:
Topaz Photo AI ceased to function when I upgraded to a new release. I had been upgrading with each frequent free update, but the next release created a colorful mess of a screen display. I did have the latest studio GPU driver. Tech support said "GPU not adequate" revert to previous version. I did revert and I have stayed there even though a couple of newer releases have happened. Maybe all is Ok now but the release I am using is fine. Without checking I think it may be 3.4.4? Also, the newest version of ON1 2025 does not function correctly but ON1 2024 seems OK.

Greg

I'm a little surprised by that. My expectation would be that it might not allow GPU acceleration, but still run.

However, Topaz lists 6GB of VRAM or more as a minimum for Photo AI 3.4.2.

System Requirements | Topaz Photo AI

The GTX 1050 ti was released in the fall of 2016, so it was a fairly old card in 2023.

plantdoc · Mar 30, 2025

I have not checked to see if the software I have not been able to upgrade to will run without a GPU. If they do, I suspect they would be extremely slow and not useful. I know the GTX 1050ti was older tech, but the PC is 8-9 years old (wow) but still basically adequate after an update to Win 10, new SSD and spinner drive (low cost upgrades) and GPU. At the time of adding the 1050ti, GPUs were expensive and higher end cards needed a new PSU. As I remember, replacing the PSU was not a simple plug in update. I have considered buying a new gamers desktop, but senior motivation is a struggle. Also, I am cautious about glitches along the update path with older printers, scanners.

Greg

BobKnDP · Mar 30, 2025

plantdoc said:
I have not checked to see if the software I have not been able to upgrade to will run without a GPU. If they do, I suspect they would be extremely slow and not useful. I know the GTX 1050ti was older tech, but the PC is 8-9 years old (wow) but still basically adequate after an update to Win 10, new SSD and spinner drive (low cost upgrades) and GPU. At the time of adding the 1050ti, GPUs were expensive and higher end cards needed a new PSU. As I remember, replacing the PSU was not a simple plug in update. I have considered buying a new gamers desktop, but senior motivation is a struggle. Also, I am cautious about glitches along the update path with older printers, scanners.

Greg

GPUs are still expensive, IMHO.

The high-end desktop models from both nVidia and AMD are very expensive. And largely unobtainable at retail. (Scalpers.)

I haven't tried Intel's discrete GPUs. They may be fairly good bargains. (But their market share is very small.)

BobKnDP · Mar 30, 2025

Breakfastographer said:
plantdoc said:

Topaz Photo AI ceased to function when I upgraded to a new release. I had been upgrading with each frequent free update, but the next release created a colorful mess of a screen display. I did have the latest studio GPU driver. Tech support said "GPU not adequate" revert to previous version. I did revert and I have stayed there even though a couple of newer releases have happened. Maybe all is Ok now but the release I am using is fine. Without checking I think it may be 3.4.4? Also, the newest version of ON1 2025 does not function correctly but ON1 2024 seems OK.

Greg

Click to expand...

That is quite something. When all this "we can run it faster because we're using your GPU" started, the software would usually be able to run without that feature - just slower. I guess some developers no longer care to offer a CPU-only option.

Photo AI still includes an option to do processing using only the CPU.

I don't know why they require 6GB of VRAM.

Breakfastographer · Mar 30, 2025

BobKnDP said:
plantdoc said:

I have not checked to see if the software I have not been able to upgrade to will run without a GPU. If they do, I suspect they would be extremely slow and not useful. I know the GTX 1050ti was older tech, but the PC is 8-9 years old (wow) but still basically adequate after an update to Win 10, new SSD and spinner drive (low cost upgrades) and GPU. At the time of adding the 1050ti, GPUs were expensive and higher end cards needed a new PSU. As I remember, replacing the PSU was not a simple plug in update. I have considered buying a new gamers desktop, but senior motivation is a struggle. Also, I am cautious about glitches along the update path with older printers, scanners.

Greg

Click to expand...

GPUs are still expensive, IMHO.

The high-end desktop models from both nVidia and AMD are very expensive. And largely unobtainable at retail. (Scalpers.)

I don't understand this problem, nor the situation with concert tickets. Just price them what they're worth (value, not cost) and cut out the middle man (scalpers).

CAcreeks · Mar 30, 2025

nail33 said:
Linux Mint is #1 on Distrowatch for a reason It's very popular for a beginner to use. The interface is similar to Windows when using the default GUI, which is Cinnamon. When you get comfortable with it, you can try other distributions that you may like better.........as they're all free to use

https://distrowatch.com/

Mint didn't used to be #1 on Distrowatch when I still used it. Slow and steady wins the race. Manjaro and MX Linux were more popular. I didn't like MX Linux because it used Xfce desktop, but I see they now have KDE option. I liked Manjaro with KDE, but preferred Mint Cinnamon perhaps because I was accustomed to it.

Linux Mint is often recommended for beginners, but it works great for advanced users as well. Mint Cinnamon desktop is one of a few Linux distros that gives back lots of screen real estate. It's possible to put menus and icons (taskbar) on either right or left side for maximum vertical.

Robert Zanatta · Mar 30, 2025

Breakfastographer said:
BobKnDP said:

plantdoc said:

I have not checked to see if the software I have not been able to upgrade to will run without a GPU. If they do, I suspect they would be extremely slow and not useful. I know the GTX 1050ti was older tech, but the PC is 8-9 years old (wow) but still basically adequate after an update to Win 10, new SSD and spinner drive (low cost upgrades) and GPU. At the time of adding the 1050ti, GPUs were expensive and higher end cards needed a new PSU. As I remember, replacing the PSU was not a simple plug in update. I have considered buying a new gamers desktop, but senior motivation is a struggle. Also, I am cautious about glitches along the update path with older printers, scanners.

Greg

Click to expand...

GPUs are still expensive, IMHO.

The high-end desktop models from both nVidia and AMD are very expensive. And largely unobtainable at retail. (Scalpers.)

Click to expand...

I don't understand this problem, nor the situation with concert tickets. Just price them what they're worth (value, not cost) and cut out the middle man (scalpers).

Robert Zanatta · Mar 30, 2025

Breakfastographer said:
bmoag said:

RUFUS for the win(dows).

[...]

Linux is a horrible experience for most users who do not want to delve into its command line language or be stuck with open source but not as good apps of all ilk, more miss than hit driver support or mess with WINE and other Windows emulators. If it works for you as a daily driver then go for it.

Click to expand...

It sounds like you haven't used Linux or fully engaged with it for a while.

nail33 · Mar 31, 2025

CAcreeks said:
nail33 said:

Linux Mint is #1 on Distrowatch for a reason It's very popular for a beginner to use. The interface is similar to Windows when using the default GUI, which is Cinnamon. When you get comfortable with it, you can try other distributions that you may like better.........as they're all free to use

https://distrowatch.com/

Click to expand...

Mint didn't used to be #1 on Distrowatch when I still used it. Slow and steady wins the race. Manjaro and MX Linux were more popular. I didn't like MX Linux because it used Xfce desktop, but I see they now have KDE option. I liked Manjaro with KDE, but preferred Mint Cinnamon perhaps because I was accustomed to it.

Linux Mint is often recommended for beginners, but it works great for advanced users as well. Mint Cinnamon desktop is one of a few Linux distros that gives back lots of screen real estate. It's possible to put menus and icons (taskbar) on either right or left side for maximum vertical.

Another reason I usually recommend Mint for beginners over MX is because you have to disable secure boot to install MX. A beginner shouldn't have to go into the BIOS and disable something just to be able to install an OS. If one doesn't mind fiddling with the BIOS, then I would be comfortable recommending MX with the Plasma GUI............it's a highly customizable distribution. An easier distribution to install, if you want to use Plasma, might be Kubuntu.

bridge77 · Apr 8, 2025

Austinian said:
bridge77 said:

my refurb Lenovo windows 11 t482s thinkpad refurb is working great including the battery.

so now i have a pile of Windows 10 machines that will not legit go to Windows 11 unless a real break thru comes before October 2025. and i am not alone, prolly 300 million others are in the same boat.

my thoughts are to travel with these old machines and surf on them as needed at the library or wherever, using them as is and where is. hoping all i need is the Virus software that windows and Malwarebytes supplies. not worth buying a year of Windows protect for this stuff.

but then there is Linux Mint. is MS forcing us into Linux, or what are they doing? i have no clue.

i was on Reddit and it seems that is the advice, just get Linux Mint and call it a day. i just intend to surf and don't need security or do i? Mint is secure, but Windows never really is very secure.

so far, what IS the Silver Bullet for the Billions of us out there......or is there a Silver Bullet?

thanks.

Click to expand...

IMO there is no 'silver bullet', but if all you need is generic surfing, email, etc. the various Linux distros can do a fine job, and keep on providing you with security updates for various lengths of time. A "LTS" (long-term support) version should suit you. I personally would not run any unsupported OS on the Internet.

I haven't used Mint in years, but from what I've read it has an excellent reputation for user friendliness.

i found this in Goooogle news this morning; um is this a joke? the article said we can now upgrade our old PC with no hint on what is required if anything.

is this legit....

Windows 11 Update Finally Lets You Install on Older PCs https://jasondeegan.com/windows-11-update-finally-lets-you-install-on-older-pcs/

i can't seem to find anything else that says this, so has me suspicious but hopeful.

FWIW, maybe we will get a reprieve.

BobKnDP · Apr 8, 2025

bridge77 said:
bridge77 said:

(snip)

Click to expand...

i found this in Goooogle news this morning; um is this a joke? the article said we can now upgrade our old PC with no hint on what is required if anything.

is this legit....

Windows 11 Update Finally Lets You Install on Older PCs https://jasondeegan.com/windows-11-update-finally-lets-you-install-on-older-pcs/

i can't seem to find anything else that says this, so has me suspicious but hopeful.

FWIW, maybe we will get a reprieve.

I can't predict the future, but it's false at the moment.

Notice that the article has no links, not even to dodgy social media stuff or YouTube videos.

If I had to guess, I'd imagine that Microsoft will go the other direction: making it harder to install Win 11 on unsupported hardware.

kelpdiver · Apr 8, 2025

XiaoDeer said:
BobKnDP said:

My remaining worry would be choosing the "best" distro.

Click to expand...

Many Linux distros come on a Live CD. You can simply boot them from a thumb drive and play around to see what you like and dislike before performing a "real" installation.

provided the laptop has a usb3/c port, installing to a thumb drive and running it that way is perfectly reasonable. It's not terrible either for usb2, once the boot is completed. If firefox and thunderbird are the primary apps, performance is not going to be impacted.

This allows one to leave the windows 10 install intact for an extended trial, or to dual boot at will.

kelpdiver · Apr 8, 2025

BobKnDP said:
If I had to guess, I'd imagine that Microsoft will go the other direction: making it harder to install Win 11 on unsupported hardware.

Microsoft has an existential problem with its legacy products. The OS is nearly irrelevant in a browser cloud focused world. Java was supposed to deliver this, but did not.

And Office was mostly done 20 years ago. The collab stuff has gotten better, but unless you're a power user, there's little to nothing there that isn't in Google Docs or LibreOffice or (insert your own).

In the late 2000s, Asus launched the netbook era with its EEEpcs. It was most successful as a way to get cheap laptops, but MS took the threat seriously enough that they extended the EOL for Windows XP and made very cheap licenses available, so people would default to buying the SKU with the Windows license instead of the linux one.

Their intent to enforce TPM will obsolete a lot of hardware that is perfectly functional and I don't think they want to leave people with the choice of no updates, or Linux. The one year $30 tease is not enough. I think they will flinch.

And yes, that unpatched Windows 10 host is a risk, even if you just use it for email and browsing. Your router gives decent protection if you don't open up ports, but it is vulnerable to every other device within your home network. The IOT type devices are the biggest weakness, esp if you buy the generic branded Amazon products from Asia (like IP cameras) that get no firmware updates.

Switching to linux doesn't remove that risk - still need to stay on top of patching at some sort of quarterly or better cadence. Because if you don't get suckered into downloading malware, the most liikely way you get popped is due to one of your linux based application boxes. Ask the unlucky QNAP and Synology NAS owners.

BobKnDP · Apr 8, 2025

You think that Microsoft is playing chicken with the end of support date for 10?

I don't know enough to have an informed opinion on that.

But chicken seems to be a popular game at the moment. (*cough* tariffs ;-) )

Austinian · Apr 8, 2025

BobKnDP said:
You think that Microsoft is playing chicken with the end of support date for 10?

I don't know enough to have an informed opinion on that.

Neither do I, but I wonder if the EU might.

BobKnDP said:
But chicken seems to be a popular game at the moment. (*cough* tariffs ;-) )

If nobody blinks...it could get worse. Maybe a good time to buy any major imported items one's likely to want/need. From what I've read China for one doesn't sound like it's ready to bend the knee to the 104+% tariff.

Breakfastographer · Apr 8, 2025

Austinian said:
BobKnDP said:

You think that Microsoft is playing chicken with the end of support date for 10?

I don't know enough to have an informed opinion on that.

Click to expand...

Neither do I, but I wonder if the EU might.

Austinian said:

But chicken seems to be a popular game at the moment. (*cough* tariffs ;-) )

Click to expand...

If nobody blinks...it could get worse. Maybe a good time to buy any major imported items one's likely to want/need. From what I've read China for one doesn't sound like it's ready to bend the knee to the 104+% tariff.

You know, it did occur to me that somehow this could all be a big scheme to get us to buy things.

kelpdiver · Apr 8, 2025

BobKnDP said:
You think that Microsoft is playing chicken with the end of support date for 10?

They did it with XP and 7. Of course, no need to do so with Vista or 8.

my old windows 10 PC or Linux

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