Windows 8.1 Still Provides Updates

JustDave

JustDave

Well-known Member
I was notified this morning that I had an important update for Windows 8.1. This surprised me as I understood we needed to buy Windows 11 or a new computer because Windows 8 would no longer be supported (and I suspect that was the way Microsoft hoped I would interpret it). I've been looking at new computers, but my old gaming computer still runs well. I've been considering Linux instead, because every time Microsoft updates, I have to go back and reinstall various programs to get things up and running again. So I've been putting off doing anything, because I hate to pay for something I don't like in the first place.

I suspect I just need to relax and put up with it, but I'm tired of going with the flow of Microsoft. How trouble free is Linux? Does it transition well from Windows? I don't play games anymore, but I watch a lot of DVDs. I probably don't need as powerful a computer as I have now. I'm apprehensive that many of my other programs won't work with Linux.

Edit: When I say "Microsoft update," I don't mean the latest Windows. I'm just referring to that monthly monkey business that comes with Microsoft. But I'm more reluctant to buy more Microsoft stuff.
 

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Nathan said:
I've been using Linux since 2004,
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It appears Linux Mint is recommended for beginners. I'm hardly a beginner at computers, but I haven't even made it to "beginner" in Linux. I this where you would start? Does it make much difference?
 

Windows 8.1 end of support
As a reminder, Windows 8.1 has reached end of support on January 10, 2023. At this point technical assistance and software updates will no longer be provided. If you have devices running Windows 8.1, we recommend upgrading them to a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release.

You won't have to concern yourself with updates anymore.
 
JustDave said:
It appears Would you ever consider going back to work? is recommended for beginners. I'm hardly a beginner at computers, but I haven't even made it to "beginner" in Linux. I this where you would start? Does it make much difference?
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It doesn't make much difference, all the main versions of Linux have graphical installers, where you can partition your hard drives, choose software and such. Mint is an offshoot of Ubuntu, which itself is a derivative of debian.
One feature of running a Linux operating system is that you have a choice of Desktop Environments. I prefer MATE because it is just straightforward and familiar. I would compare MATE to the look of Windows 95/98/2000/XP.
I use Arch-Linux and it's offshoots, the computer I'm using right now is running ArcoLinux. I like Arch/Arch derivatives because they are rolling releases, meaning they are continuously updating/upgrading, and do not require a major re-installation like other Linux and Windows operating systems.

I would say that a good Linux 'distro' for someone new to Linux would be Ubuntu,although ArcoLinux is just as straight forward to install.
 
Chet said:
Windows 8.1 end of support
As a reminder, Windows 8.1 has reached end of support on January 10, 2023.
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That was my understanding as well, yet I was notified today January 22, 2023 to update 8.1
 
@JustDave. The update is probably new spyware and antivirus definitions. Good luck. I spent two days trying to install them. I finally got them installed this morning. I still get updates for Windows 7. They are a pain to download and worse to install. Microsoft has a fix on its support site if you can't get your update to install. That's what I finally used to get my computer to quit being stressed out over installing the new definitions. Poor thing. I don't use it for anything important like state secrets or international spying, I just want it to work without it having a meltdown every five minutes.
 
free upgrade to W10, much better.

W8 was always a dog.

We successfully upgrades 5 PCs W7 PRO>>W10PRO, no issues.

till possible and still free.

Jon
 
JustDave said:
I wonder why there are so many Linux options to choose from.
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Under the General Public Licensing, the source code is available to the Public, so anyone that wants to can put together their own Linux version.
Corporations like Redhat , Cannonical(Ubuntu) offer enterprise Linux versions and basically charge for product support.
The GPL Licensing agreement allows the source code to be developed for profit, with a stipulation that a free version be offered to the public.
 
Nathan said:
Under the General Public Licensing, the source code is available to the Public, so anyone that wants to can put together their own Linux version.
Corporations like Redhat , Cannonical(Ubuntu) offer enterprise Linux versions and basically charge for product support.
The GPL Licensing agreement allows the source code to be developed for profit, with a stipulation that a free version be offered to the public.
Click to expand...
Today, there are over 600 ACTIVE Linux distros. Distrowatch has a list of the 100 most popular versions.
 

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