Windows 11 to be released free later this year. Yea/Nay?

[SFSkol]

Here are two interesting articles on Win 11.

1. The first is by a Linux reviewer. The video is 18min long. Just watch the first 5 min and the 3 min summary at the end. (The middle gets technical but interesting.) BTW I only have one Win 10 machine that I use for video capture from VCRs and media editing, all my other PC's (10 or so) run Linux Mint MATE. I'm even running Linux Mint on a 2008 ASUS 900a netbook that I strictly use for writing manuals and stories.

Windows 11: Linux or New Hardware - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f6FGXUvdEU)

2. A COMPUTER WORLD article about the real reason for Win 11.

The real reason for Windows 11 | Computerworld (https://www.computerworld.com/article/3623772/the-real-reason-for-windows-11.html)

[retiredguy123]

The guy on the first video was so obnoxious that I turned it off in about 3 minutes. Not a good salesman for Linus, or anything else.

[Stu from NYC]

Getting windows 10 to work on my nearly new desktop and laptop were horror shows.

Will think long and hard and ask some techies I know before doing anything.

[JGVillages]

Once you go Apple you never go back. Customer service is exceptional and they speak understandable English.

[I'm Popeye!]

Very interesting, looks like Microsoft Windows 11 operating system is going to control the users even more, WOKE coming into your home forcefully.
Side Note: "Obnoxious" - not really, the guy is a Geek not a Village drunk.

[I'm Popeye!]

Once you go Apple you never go back. Customer service is exceptional and they speak understandable English.

Who uses Customer Service unless something is wrong with the Apple device?
I have been using Microsoft since Windows 3.0 not once have I ever call customer service.

[PoolBrews]

I'm running a pre-release version of Win 11 right now. Most of the changes from Win 10 are under the hood and most end users won't ever see them. I had no issues installing, and so far only one old app that has a security issue. This was fixed by simply changing the permissions for the app. Win 10 is a snap to install on anything - as long as it's not a computer from ages ago.

I used Mac for quite a while - even was President for a Mac Users Group for 4 years. It's fine, if you like an appliance. It does run very well, but the entire ecosystem is locked down, you can only use specific peripherals, and this means everything is more expensive. And by the way, if you pull out that old Mac from 5 years ago and try to load the latest OS on it, good luck. This is the primary reason most folks have an issue with Win 10. They try to install it on an old machine that doesn't meet the requirements, and then it's the OS's fault.

I went back to Windows, because they are faster, cheaper, have more software available, and I can use virtually any peripheral on them.

[GrumpyOldMan]

I'm running a pre-release version of Win 11 right now. Most of the changes from Win 10 are under the hood and most end users won't ever see them. I had no issues installing, and so far only one old app that has a security issue. This was fixed by simply changing the permissions for the app. Win 10 is a snap to install on anything - as long as it's not a computer from ages ago.

I used Mac for quite a while - even was President for a Mac Users Group for 4 years. It's fine if you like an appliance. It does run very well, but the entire ecosystem is locked down, you can only use specific peripherals, and this means everything is more expensive. And by the way, if you pull out that old Mac from 5 years ago and try to load the latest OS on it, good luck. This is the primary reason most folks have an issue with Win 10. They try to install it on an old machine that doesn't meet the requirements, and then it's the OS's fault.

I went back to Windows, because they are faster, cheaper, have more software available, and I can use virtually any peripheral on them.

Not to start a Mac vs Windows War.

We have both in our house, and I run Windows on my iMac Pro. I have also run the other way with MacOS on a home-built Windows machine.

I agree with:

". It's fine if you like an appliance."

This is absolutely correct and is exactly what Apple advertises. It is for the other 7 billion people that just want to use the computer without customizing it. There new line of iMac's is a perfect example of this - no upgrades/customization of any kind for the user.

If you want to customize your computer, you should go with Windows. If you are a "serious" geek you should go with Linux (I have several Linux boxes running also, one of them on my iMac Pro alongside Windows 10. All three running simultaneously)

But, when you say:

"And by the way, if you pull out that old Mac from 5 years ago and try to load the latest OS on it, good luck. " - because I assume you mean it won't run if you didn't mean that, then I will apologize because I disagree with your comment. Here is a list of supported Machines that go back to 2013 and 2014.

Windows 11 is much pickier about the hardware it will run on than Windows 10. I have seen 12-year-old homebrew running Windows 10, but I expect a none geek would find it challenging - possible but hard.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013)
MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013)
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)
Mac mini (Late 2014)
Mac Pro (Late 2013)


And on:

"I went back to Windows, because they are faster, cheaper, have more software available, and I can use virtually any peripheral on them."

Well, that depends, the new M1 iMacs and Macbook Air will outperform almost any PC in their price range. And if you want a laptop, the MacBook Air M1 gets about 17 to 18 hours on a battery charge.

So, for the important stuff, we are in agreement, each system suits a specific audience.

[Heyitsrick]

The largest hindrance to current Windows 10 users upgrading to Windows 11 is the requirement for "TPM 2.0" (aka "Trusted Platform Module 2.0). Many older PCs that run Win 10 are not able to install Win 11 because the installer checks for this capability, and that it's enabled, if present. I'm running a 2013 desktop with Win 10 and there's no TPM present, not even the older TPM 1.2.

There are so-called workarounds designed to let you add registry keys during the Win 11 install via a command prompt, but some who have tried them have found they still limit the install experience.

Article on how to bypass the Win 11 installer's testing for TPM 2.0:

How to bypass TPM 2.0 requirement during Win 11 installation (https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/how-to-bypass-the-windows-11-tpm-20-requirement/)

[jimkerr]

I’m running Windows 11 right now. So far so good! As soon as it’s out for general availability, I’ll be upgrading my other devices.

[spatz111048]

The guy on the first video was so obnoxious that I turned it off in about 3 minutes. Not a good salesman for Linus, or anything else.

I agree 100% with you. In my days, I worked with many versions of Windows, as a Senior programmer analyst and Database Administrator. This guy should tone down his hatred for Windows!

[JoelJohnson]

Most people in The Villages don't need the power of Windows and now they may be forced to buy a new computer to run a system they don't need.
I gave up on Windows after Win 7 and switched to Linux (Mint Cinnamon). I've converted about a dozen people here in The Villages to Linux and none have asked to go back to Windows. Even 10 year old PCs run great on Linux.

Remember, Windows has billions of dollars to spend on marketing, Linux if free and maintained by thousand of volunteers that keep it safe and up to date. There is no "Linux" company.

Want to try it? I can help.

[JerryLBell]

As mentioned above, the need to upgrade to a TPM 2.0-compliant computer has really dimmed my enthusiasm for Windows 11. Normally, I always get the latest & greatest version of Windows (and DOS before that) and was always glad I did. I'm just not seeing the benefit outweighing the disadvantages this time. That's tough to admit for a one-time Microsoft employee!

[Jean G]

Thank you so much for putting this out. I am the opposite of technologically savvy. You have provided enough information for me to understand the basics so that I can make a choice how to handle the situation.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Who uses Customer Service unless something is wrong with the Apple device?
I have been using Microsoft since Windows 3.0 not once have I ever call customer service.

I've called MS Customer Service several times over the years (since MS Dos, pre-windows). Usually I end up figuring out what to do on my own, while waiting on hold.

Frustration with Customer Service: the Great Motivator

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

As for switching to Apple products, nope, not gonna do it. You can't use MUSHClient on an Apple product, and I rely on it. Even Zmud and Cmud don't work on Apple. TinTin is for Linus/Unix and won't work on Apple. And Mudrammer and Mudlet stink.

[OhioBuckeye]

I heard on HLN that Microsoft screwed up & gave hackers information on how to hack Windows 7 & 10.

[aallbrand]

Dump widows get a Mac Windows and senior citizens are a terrible combo.

[Rick Kiwus]

Once you go Apple you never go back. Customer service is exceptional and they speak understandable English.

Apple is junk!

[Davonu]

Apple is junk!
An opinion many, many, many folks disagree with.

[davem4616]

every time I upgrade to a revised/improved OS it takes me awhile to once again re-learn how to use my computer

I can hardly wait for the 'adventures in technology' that I'll be faced with when I'm in my mid 80's ...lol

[Samcat13]

There are options. Keep what you got or buy new equipment. Windows 10 is not going to self destruct on your computer. For most of the people in the villages they can stay were they are with windows 10. Will I upgrade. More likely. I have to have the newest and greatest no matter how bad it is. I will make it run. Anybody use the IBM OS system when it came out for the PC? I got it to work quite well. It was going to replace windows. :bigbow:

[GrumpyOldMan]

Whatever works for you is fine. I run those sometimes on my Mac, I use VMWare to keep a virtual copy of Windows so I can switch to it instantly - like changing windows. Which is more than enough for those. For games that run better under windows, I keep a copy of windows 10 installed in Bootcamp, so I simply restart my computer if I am going to be gaming for a while.

But, I first and formost recommend people use what they feel comfortable with and like.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Apple is junk!

Seriously?

I can certainly understand you don't like Apple products or Apple companies, but junk?

ahem... sure, that why they are valued at $2 Trillion - because they just sell junk.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Dump widows get a Mac Windows and senior citizens are a terrible combo.

My older brother resisted my efforts to convert him from Windows for 30 years. Last year his laptop died, and I sent him an old 2011 Macbook Pro I had in a drawer...

A couple of months later he bought a new M1 Macbook Air and at least once a week I hear from him about how everything is so easy and fast. He runs Office 365, and other windows programs that he is just not ready to give up yet. But, I have moved him from an old Windows photo editor to Affinity for Mac, and he fell in love with that.

But, I also know many people that have tried Apple products and decided they didn't like them. Sadly, there is no way to know until you try.

[roscoguy]

Windows 11 to be released free later this year. Yea/Nay?

That's kind of a tough call right now. My PC is about 5 or 6 years old & runs Win10 just fine, but I'm not sure yet if it's compatible with 11. If not, I'll most likely stay with 10 until MS support ends, then consider buying a new system. If my current hardware IS okay, I think I'll hold off for a while this time & let others be the beta testers for a change.

My laptop is a different situation entirely. It's 'only' maybe 4 years old but struggles with Windows 10 lately. It isn't used for much these days, so I'm considering trying Linux. I just haven't worked up the courage to take the plunge. As far as switching to another OS, how is the 3rd party/freeware/shareware/open-source app situation for Apple or Linux compared to Windows? Like many, I have quite a bit of time, effort & money invested in what I use right now and hate to throw that all away - not to mention the learning curve involved in setting up everything from scratch.

[JGVillages]

Who uses Customer Service unless something is wrong with the Apple device?
I have been using Microsoft since Windows 3.0 not once have I ever call customer service.

For operational issues that can arise when installing and using new software. Never had a Apple device (equipment) issue but sure have enjoyed their operating expertise when I need it.

[retiredguy123]

Dump widows get a Mac Windows and senior citizens are a terrible combo.
I wouldn't dump all the widows. Some are worth keeping around.

[tuccillo]

Yes, used it for a few years. OS/2 won the battle but lost the war.

There are options. Keep what you got or buy new equipment. Windows 10 is not going to self destruct on your computer. For most of the people in the villages they can stay were they are with windows 10. Will I upgrade. More likely. I have to have the newest and greatest no matter how bad it is. I will make it run. Anybody use the IBM OS system when it came out for the PC? I got it to work quite well. It was going to replace windows. :bigbow:

[Stu from NYC]

I wouldn't dump all the widows. Some are worth keeping around.

Very true there is a cute one across the street but do not want to make the wife jealous.

[Stu from NYC]

Thinking about this and as long as Microsoft continues to support 10 will keep what we have unless circumstances force us to buy a new computer.

[retiredguy123]

Thinking about this and as long as Microsoft continues to support 10 will keep what we have unless circumstances force us to buy a new computer.
According to Microsoft, they will continue to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. But, I will be installing Windows 11 as soon as it is available. Apparently, both my desktop and laptop are ready for Windows 11.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

According to Microsoft, they will continue to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. But, I will be installing Windows 11 as soon as it is available. Apparently, both my desktop and laptop are ready for Windows 11.

That's awesome news. I probably won't be in the market for a new computer for at least 2 more years. I definitely still need a new fan for the tower, that problem I posted about last year never did resolve. It never got worse either so obviously it's just the fan and not the motherboard.

My tower comes with three fans, one for the heat sink, one on the side, and one in the back. I don't do any overclocking so I really have no concern at all about it getting too hot. It's just noisy.