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no_hypocrisy

(53,430 posts)
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 08:36 AM Wednesday

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

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

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I'm looking to get a new Desktop as Microsoft 10 protections ended yesterday. (Original Post) no_hypocrisy Wednesday OP
Switch your current machine to Linux Rver Wednesday #1
DVD? What about one with a floppy disk drive? Bluestocking Wednesday #2
I'm with you Blue HappyH Wednesday #4
You should be able to sign up for free security updates from Microsoft- Redleg Wednesday #3
Last year, I bought a topline Dell tower, and it has been WELL worth the $$! lastlib Wednesday #5
I purchased a new Dell tower a few months ago ballardgirl 11 hrs ago #6

Rver

(223 posts)
1. Switch your current machine to Linux
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 08:42 AM
Wednesday

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

HappyH

(118 posts)
4. I'm with you Blue
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 11:03 AM
Wednesday

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

(6,662 posts)
3. You should be able to sign up for free security updates from Microsoft-
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 09:15 AM
Wednesday

It will buy you some time to get another rig.

lastlib

(26,874 posts)
5. Last year, I bought a topline Dell tower, and it has been WELL worth the $$!
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 06:19 PM
Wednesday

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

(173 posts)
6. I purchased a new Dell tower a few months ago
Fri Oct 17, 2025, 03:05 PM
11 hrs 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.

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