Nope! Decided 8.1 not worth risk

edythe

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Win. 8/64 bit
Lenovo PC
=======================
i have gotten nice feed=back insofar as my updating to 8.1 pros/cons. Now reading some other boards i'm hearing about ''drivers' corrupted/ printers not working/ trying to turn on computer after the 8.1 install resulting in ''blue'' screens happening/not being able to even have the computer turn on ../ or having to reinstall previous programs,etc. etc. if you can get it to boot up. .... frankly it's all giving me a good case of ''cold feet' insofar as the 8.1 update.
As i mentioned before i do no 'business' (banking/paying bills, etc on line) i only do emails/read papers/ save a few files to PDF/ have McAfee Security Suite + 2 maleware programs. I don't click on hyperlinks even if i know the person sending the email containing them and don't reply back using the ''reply'' button to ask if indeed they sent the email containing the hyperlink; i simply start a new email form for safety's sake.
i realize Microsoft will not be supporting Win. 8 but i couldn't go thru all of the above stress if the 8.1 install doesn't 'take' or causes problems as above. So as of this junction, i'm staying with Win. 8. Not saying i'm making a wise decision but my crystal ball is at the cleaners.... best to anyone reading this ..
PS: I DO have the 8.1 required KB 2861389/KB3008273 downloaded as updates but do not have ''auto install' for the updates so KB3008273 cannot do the auto install of 8.1....i choose what i want .... i did read they can be 'uninstalled' but i had tried to do that with another update only to have the 'uninstall' cause problems (thankfully my Lenovo 'rescue'' program took over) !! sheesh - what's with Microsoft ?
 

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Learn how to make system images using software such as macrium reflect. That way you can take an image, do the upgrade and, if you don't like it or something goes wrong, you can restore your system back to the way it was before you did the upgrade using the system image.

Living in fear that anything you do to your computer could cause a problem is no way to go thru life, especially when there are ways to protect yourself.

Personally, I have upgraded a dozen or more computers from 8 to 8.1 and didn't encounter a single glitch. I'm sure there are millions of other users out there that had a similar experience. Yes, some have encountered problems but those problems could have been mitigated by making a system image beforehand. Those that encountered problems are a very small minority.
 

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Learn how to make system images using software such as macrium reflect. That way you can take an image, do the upgrade and, if you don't like it or something goes wrong, you can restore your system back to the way it was before you did the upgrade using the system image.

Living in fear that anything you do to your computer could cause a problem is no way to go thru life, especially when there are ways to protect yourself.

Personally, I have upgraded a dozen or more computers from 8 to 8.1 and didn't encounter a single glitch. I'm sure there are millions of other users out there that had a similar experience. Yes, some have encountered problems but those problems could have been mitigated by making a system image beforehand.
---------------------
I totally agree with your reason and logic: that said, i still won't do the upgrade ... at my stage of life it's just not 'that' important insofar as using a computer for only mundane things like email/reading papers isn't worth the possible 'angst' ...granted millions have had no problem, but many have - i could become part of those statistics.
I agree - happy customers don't notify the company; others with product-failure do...it's a toss of the dice. I don't know how to go about making a mitigated sys-image.....i just don't want to get involved.
I'm glad you had success and if i were fortunate enough to have a pro like yourself i could call upon i might take the chance. But trying to do it 'alone' ? nope! - too old to go thru any possible stresses...i could be missing out on the best thing since creme cheese -and 'if' i lose my computer along the way due to no longer getting security patches/updates for Win 8 then it will be ''my loss' and i'll just go out and get a new one ..but i'll take the gamble this machine will last another few years and 'then i'll buy a PC with Win 10 in place. ....but i sincerely do appreciate your reply ;)
 

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too old to go thru any possible stresses

Edythe, that is what keeps me going plus I like to learn by doing. :)

But no, don't be forced into doing something you really don't want to do. Really should image your system at least once a month to save a lot of grief (stress) if HDD crashes or other hardware failure.
 

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...Really should image your system at least once a month to save a lot of grief (stress) if HDD crashes or other hardware failure.
I meant to include this point in my post. Every computer user should do backups, at a minimum your important files need to be backed up but as a more complete solution, a system image should be made.

I'm not sure how old you are Edythe but I don't buy the "I'm too old to learn" excuse. I'm in my 60s and hope I never get to the point where I feel I'm too old to learn new things.

Whether you upgrade to 8.1 or not is totally your decision and wasn't the point of my post, I'm just trying to nudge you a little so that you can be comfortable with your computer and not so hesitant to try new things.
 

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I'm a 77 year old "Florida Retiree", although I'm a retired computer and electronics techie, and support many local Retiree's and their PC's. Age is not really an issue as I have some older than me.

"I only want the computer for e-mail" is an often mentioned item by my clients until I ask what they are really doing and find out its much more.

And, backup, backup, backup. I can't stress that enough to my clients. Most have taken heed but I have a couple who refuse to backup and they are "living on the edge". Backups are not for "IF" they are even needed but for "WHEN" it is needed.

As far as upgrading all my clients that were on Win 8 upgraded to 8.1 (without problems) and most on 8.1 are now on Windows 10. However, the PC hardware dictates whether it really should be upgraded, especially to Win 10. There are those that Microsoft says is Win 10 compatible but really should not be upgraded.
 

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I'm a 77 year old "Florida Retiree", although I'm a retired computer and electronics techie, and support many local Retiree's and their PC's. Age is not really an issue as I have some older than me. BASED ON YOUR BACKGROUND (AS STATED) YOU HAVE THE 'EXPERIENCE' TO HELP YOURSELF SHOULD PROBLEMS ARISE PLUS 'YOU' ARE 'THERE' FOR YOUR ''LOCAL RETIREES PC's(AS STATED)SO THEY ARE NOT 'HANGING OUT' ON THEIR OWN TRYING TO MAKE DECISIONS/UPGRADES, ETC. UNAIDED.
"I only want the computer for e-mail" is an often mentioned item by my clients until I ask what they are really doing and find out its much more. I DO NO BUSINESS/MUSIC DOWNLOADS/PROGRAM DOWNLOADS/DO NOT POST ON FACEBOOK OR ANY 'SOCIAL-MEDIA'/
And, backup, backup, backup. I can't stress that enough to my clients. Most have taken heed but I have a couple who refuse to backup and they are "living on the edge". Backups are not for "IF" they are even needed but for "WHEN" it is needed. I DO HAVE FILES, ETC BACKED-UP ON TWO (DUPLICATES) PORTABLE HARD=DRIVES.
As far as upgrading all my clients that were on Win 8 upgraded to 8.1 (without problems) and most on 8.1 are now on Windows 10. DID THEY DO THE 8.1 UPGRADE THEMSELVES WITHOUT ''ANY'' HELP?? However, the PC hardware dictates whether it really should be upgraded, especially to Win 10. There are those that Microsoft says is Win 10 compatible but really should not be upgraded.
I REST MY CASE ! :sarc:
 

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...Really should image your system at least once a month to save a lot of grief (stress) if HDD crashes or other hardware failure.
I meant to include this point in my post. Every computer user should do backups, at a minimum your important files need to be backed up but as a more complete solution, a system image should be made. SO....HOW DOES ONE CREATE A ''SYSTEM IMAGE' ? I DO HAVE TWO (DUPLICATES) STAND-ALONE PORTABLE HARD DRIVES OF ALL IMPORTANT FILES.
I'm not sure how old you are Edythe but I don't buy the "I'm too old to learn" excuse. I'm in my 60s and hope I never get to the point where I feel I'm too old to learn new things.
Whether you upgrade to 8.1 or not is totally your decision and wasn't the point of my post, I'm just trying to nudge you a little so that you can be comfortable with your computer and not so hesitant to try new things.
I'M CURIOUS: DID YOU INSTALL 8.1 UPDATE OR DID YOUR COMPUTER COME WITH THE PROGRAM...
 

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That's great that you already back up your files to external drives. If you can do that, you can certainly also create a system image.

Here's a tutorial on how to use Macrium Reflect to create a system image: Imaging with free Macrium - Windows 7 Help Forums

At least part of the tutorial deals with creating a boot cd. This is important should your machine ever be in the condition where it cannot boot the OS, such as if your drive failed entirely. In that case, you would use the boot CD to boot the machine and use Macrium Reflect to restore your system image to a new drive.

As I stated in an earlier post, I have upgraded about a dozen machines from 8 to 8.1 so no, the machines did not come with 8.1 already installed.
 

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Not to be sarcastic, but if you don't want to upgrade why even make a post?
 

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That's great that you already back up your files to external drives. If you can do that, you can certainly also create a system image.

Here's a tutorial on how to use Macrium Reflect to create a system image: Imaging with free Macrium - Windows 7 Help Forums

At least part of the tutorial deals with creating a boot cd. This is important should your machine ever be in the condition where it cannot boot the OS, such as if your drive failed entirely. In that case, you would use the boot CD to boot the machine and use Macrium Reflect to restore your system image to a new drive.

As I stated in an earlier post, I have upgraded about a dozen machines from 8 to 8.1 so no, the machines did not come with 8.1 already installed.

Similar to what Fireberd said, I am a long time techie (not retired yet but very soon!). One reason why I would encourage you to make a system image is because I have seen too many times where someone had their hard drive fail and, even though they had their data backed up, it required lots of work and effort to install a new drive, re-install the OS, install all of their programs again (many people no longer have the install disks which is another issue) then finally recover their data from their backups. Restoring a system image is much easier, boot from the recovery CD you created, then restore the system image. The OS and all your programs will now now be intact and your disk will be restored to the way it was the day you made the image. If you have your data on the same disk then it too will be recovered. This is far better than using the manufacturer's recovery partition which restores your system back to the way it was the day it left the factory.
 

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    ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
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    16G, 8G, 8G
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    AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
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    ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
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    Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
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    3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
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    500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
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    Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
Not to be sarcastic, but if you don't want to upgrade why even make a post?
----------------------
I posted with intention to do the 8.1 upgrade(!) but still wanted to confirm my decision reading 'pros/cons. .. - Then once weighing the advices on this board , it would then become 'my decision.... i was not AGAINST doing the upgrade initially ! thus my post ! i hope this clarifies your question? (''why even make such a post?)
It appears to me after reading how experienced the posters are etc. and know what to do should trouble happen. I don't have that privilege.
It's nice to have the knowledge and 'encourage' others to ''learn new things''(stated on this Board) ... but considering without the 'knowledge /experience, when it comes to computers and updates 'if' some glitch would occur during the 'learn the new thing'' process (updates, etc) then what does the inexperienced non-techie do at such a point?! the answer is obvious ! Don't start it in the first place. Know one's 'limitations' .....I liken such advice (learn a new thing) to telling someone who has never had swimming lesson and is tenuous...''oh.... just to jump into the pool ...''learn a new thing'' !!... sad it doesn't work that way. have a great day !;)
 

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I can understand your reluctance, that is a hurdle to overcome. We're not telling you to jump in the pool and teach yourself to swim, we're trying to hold your hand and help you learn to swim. There's a difference.

One thing that I personally need to keep in mind is that many people only have 1 computer and if it gets clobbered somehow they are dead in the water. I have the luxury of owning more than 1 computer so if one of mine gets clobbered, I have several to switch over to so I can keep on goming without missing a beat. But that makes it all the more important that someone with only 1 computer keep a system image around.

As for your question about what happens when a glitch occurs during the "new thing" process and what does the inexperienced non-techie do at that point, that's what I have been trying to help you with. Once you have a system image saved, you have then "protected" yourself so that if a glitch does occur you have the resources to recover. That protection also helps guard you against other problems as well such as your hard drive failing. What would you do if the next time you tried to boot your computer it would no longer boot because your drive had failed?
 

My Computer

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    3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
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    ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
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    16G, 8G, 8G
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    AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
    Sound Card
    ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
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    500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
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    Corsair CX 750M
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    Antec 100
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    Coolermaster CM 212+
    Keyboard
    IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
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    Microsoft IntelliMouse
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    665Mbps/15Mbps down/up
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    FireFox, MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender on all
    Other Info
    Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
I can understand your reluctance, that is a hurdle to overcome. We're not telling you to jump in the pool and teach yourself to swim, we're trying to hold your hand and help you learn to swim. There's a difference.

One thing that I personally need to keep in mind is that many people only have 1 computer and if it gets clobbered somehow they are dead in the water. I have the luxury of owning more than 1 computer so if one of mine gets clobbered, I have several to switch over to so I can keep on goming without missing a beat. But that makes it all the more important that someone with only 1 computer keep a system image around.

As for your question about what happens when a glitch occurs during the "new thing" process and what does the inexperienced non-techie do at that point, that's what I have been trying to help you with. Once you have a system image saved, you have then "protected" yourself so that if a glitch does occur you have the resources to recover. That protection also helps guard you against other problems as well such as your hard drive failing. What would you do if the next time you tried to boot your computer it would no longer boot because your drive had failed?
-----------------------------
THANK yhou for your reply /explanation .... now i understand why you suggested an 'image' ...ok ... i did go to link you sent but couldn't use it ...forgot why - maybe not applicable with the program - i think my Lenovo offers a 'back=up' program ok - yes just checked - offers back to ''out of box'' state or ''last point' wanted...i assume i'd choose ''last point'' wanted... thanks so much
 

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I'm not sure what you mean by you couldn't use it. Was it that you couldn't view the link to the tutorial or that you couldn't use Macrium Reflect?

Macrium Reflect is free and you can download it from here: Macrium Reflect Free
 

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    Home built i7-8700K, Hp Envy x360 EVO Laptop, MS Surface Pro 7
    CPU
    3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
    Memory
    16G, 8G, 8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
    Sound Card
    ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
    Hard Drives
    500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
    PSU
    Corsair CX 750M
    Case
    Antec 100
    Cooling
    Coolermaster CM 212+
    Keyboard
    IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
    Mouse
    Microsoft IntelliMouse
    Internet Speed
    665Mbps/15Mbps down/up
    Browser
    FireFox, MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender on all
    Other Info
    Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
I'm not sure what you mean by you couldn't use it. Was it that you couldn't view the link to the tutorial or that you couldn't use Macrium Reflect?

Macrium Reflect is free and you can download it from here: Macrium Reflect Free
OK!! GOT IT THIS TIME !!! LOL - THANKS SO MUCH !!! is it a simple install ? i had no problem installing MalWareBytes and also SuperAntiSpy ware ....if it's 'that' simple installing after the download then i won't ge too nervous ! thanks so much !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
The only thing slightly tricky about Macrium is creating the boot CD. It isn't needed to make a system image and, in fact, you may never need it. However, make sure you create it anyway and put it in a safe place because if you ever do need it and didn't create it, you'll definitely regret it.

If you are nervous about installing new software then another thing you should try to learn about is creating system restore points. That's a subject for another day, don't want to overwhelm you!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro (desktop), W10 (laptop), W10 Pro (tablet)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built i7-8700K, Hp Envy x360 EVO Laptop, MS Surface Pro 7
    CPU
    3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
    Memory
    16G, 8G, 8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
    Sound Card
    ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
    Hard Drives
    500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
    PSU
    Corsair CX 750M
    Case
    Antec 100
    Cooling
    Coolermaster CM 212+
    Keyboard
    IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
    Mouse
    Microsoft IntelliMouse
    Internet Speed
    665Mbps/15Mbps down/up
    Browser
    FireFox, MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender on all
    Other Info
    Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
The only thing slightly tricky about Macrium is creating the boot CD. It isn't needed to make a system image and, in fact, you may never need it. However, make sure you create it anyway and put it in a safe place because if you ever do need it and didn't create it, you'll definitely regret it.
If you are nervous about installing new software then another thing you should try to learn about is creating system restore points. That's a subject for another day, don't want to overwhelm you!
---------------------------
OK ... have to put this computer situation on 'hold' for a few days but i do thank you for trying to help...if i'm going to try something 'new' , it will be skydiving ! ....think i'll just get a local 'tech' do the 8.1 update and check my computer to make sure has all applicable 'updates' required and forget about doing this job myself. Sometimes it's best to admit one's 'limit' than try to prove ''i can do it'' I.E. (i'm 90 yrs old, poor vision, poor reflexes but darn it, i can still get up on that roof and i'm going to prove it '' (happens every day - i read the papers LOL) and no! i'm not 90 - LOL ...and i do like to learn 'new things' but a computer's 'new things' doesn't challange me ....LOL... again you've been very kind ! thanks again !
PS TO ANYONE ELSE WITH CRITICISIMS ON MY DECISION: ...''HAVE A GREAT DAY'' ! LOL
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
I'm one of those that actually cannot upgrade because my processors won't accommodate Windows 8.1, due to slight differences. That's OK. I'm typing this from work, and I'm using a Windows XP machine without ANY problems after almost two years of post-support, Using Windows 8 after January, can't be any worse than that (and it runs loads better than Vista)

One nice thing: with no updates, I completely escape that telemetry BS that plagues Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. No upgrade nags to Windows 10 for me.
:)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 x64 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP xw8600 Workstation
    CPU
    Two Intel Xeon Core2 Quad 3.2 GHz Processors
    Motherboard
    Proprietary
    Memory
    16 GB DDR2 800 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia Quadro FX 3800 PCI-E
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 213T 21" 4x3 Flat Screen
    Screen Resolution
    1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    Two Seagate Cheetah 300 GB SAS Disks
    PSU
    Proprietary
    Case
    HP xw8600 Workstation Case
    Cooling
    Two CPU Fans and a Larger Case Fan
    Keyboard
    PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    7 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox ESR 102
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Two LSI 3000 SAS Adapters
According to a post I saw, Microsoft support for Win 8 (not 8.1) ends in January. It will be just like XP.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
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