I'm looking to get a new Desktop as Microsoft 10 protections ended yesterday.

[no_hypocrisy]

I need helpful advice on how to proceed.

I can get a new tower or a refurbished.

The refurbished is less money and has a built-in DVD player. But I'm leery about its reliability.

Any ideas?

Thank you in advance.

n_h

[Rver]

1. Switch your current machine to Linux

There are many different "distros" available. I like lubuntu myself.
There's lots of help on the interwebs to get it done.
My .02

[Bluestocking]

2. DVD? What about one with a floppy disk drive?

I always recommend switching to a macbook

[HappyH]

4. I'm with you Blue

I bought a refurbished MacBook a few months ago for $300. It’s a little beat up, but functions perfectly and runs current software.

[Redleg]

3. You should be able to sign up for free security updates from Microsoft-

It will buy you some time to get another rig.

[lastlib]

5. Last year, I bought a topline Dell tower, and it has been WELL worth the $$!

XPS8960, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD drive, core i9 Intel processor, Windows 11 Pro--a serious beast of a machine, and it has performed beautifully. I run some heavy-duty databases and spreadsheets, and it has handled everything I've thrown at it with zero problems. I had not bought a *new* computer in over 25 years, so I figured I was due to treat myself. Dell's support has not really been needed, but what I've asked for, I've gotten without any problem. It didn't have a built-in DVD drive, but I got one as an inexpensive add-on; I still have a LOT of old data I need on CDs/DVDs, which I am gradually migrating to an external SSD drive. My only complaint with this system and the software I bought with it: MS Outlook 2021 is unmitigated dysenteric donkey dung. Otherwise, I could recommend this system whole-heartedly.

I've always believed that, with the pace of technology, it's best to buy as high up the power curve as you can, and then milk it for all it's worth. Othewise you run into the issues of obsolesence much more quickly, and wind up spending more in the long run upgrading more often.

[ballardgirl]

6. I purchased a new Dell tower a few months ago

and just had it installed by our local IT Girl yesterday. This unit has lots of working memory and a DVD player. My old Win10 unit has been wiped clean and is ready for donation. I'm just left with updating my apps and copying over all of my files. The IT person made sure I have free malware and antispyware (I already subscribed to a couple). All in all, money well spent.