I Want to Keep Windows 7 Forever

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I run a business. One serious problem that has kept me from switching over to Linux is that Quickbooks doesn't have a Linux version, nor does my customer/invoicing database (Likely win 10 won't support it either). Linux doesn't have a program that can stack up to QB. I could run QB in a VM, I guess, but I hate VMs. Performance is never satisfactory.

There will be people who will not be able to use Linux for reasons like yours (I don't work for a living anymore oi I'm not tied to those limitations). However, in many of those cases, it may be possible to accomplish what one was doing in Windows but with a completely different work flow.

An example is I create multipage .tif files in Win 7 using a graphics program called Irfranview. I searched all over for a graphics program for Linux but found bupkis. However, I discovered (purely by accident) a word processing program Libre OfficeWriter which I was already using in Win 7, had the ability to export documents you are making into various image files, including multipage PDFs, and is even easier to use. I use a PDF program to read the .tif files instead of Irfanview (again, easier).

The point of that anecdote is, just becasue you can't find a Linux program that is a direct replacement for a Windows program, doesn't mean it can't be done. Often, thinking outside the box and changing your workflow will get you the results you need.

 

[msalton1]

There will be people who will not be able to use Linux for reasons like yours (I don't work for a living anymore oi I'm not tied to those limitations). However, in many of those cases, it may be possible to accomplish what one was doing in Windows but with a completely different work flow.

An example is I create multipage .tif files in Win 7 using a graphics program called Irfranview. I searched all over for a graphics program for Linux but found bupkis. However, I discovered (purely by accident) a word processing program Libre OfficeWriter which I was already using in Win 7, had the ability to export documents you are making into various image files, including multipage PDFs, and is even easier to use. I use a PDF program to read the .tif files instead of Irfanview (again, easier).

The point of that anecdote is, just becasue you can't find a Linux program that is a direct replacement for a Windows program, doesn't mean it can't be done. Often, thinking outside the box and changing your workflow will get you the results you need.

I agree that workarounds can be found for most things, and where not, sometimes acceptance is the only solution. My Customer/invoice database is a bit old in the tooth (Lotus Approach) and I've known that I will need to do something different soon regardless. I've been fortunate that I've been able to use it this long (I first installed it on Win 3.1!).


But in the case of QB, there's no getting around it. A switch to Linux will mean a serious reduction in function/features that are mandatory for my business. That is, unless I choose to have an accountant do my books, which I'm not willing to do.


But you're absolutely right in that workarounds are possible for most things in life. One that I can envision is keeping QB on an offline win 7 machine and using Linux to connect to the bank site, download the QBO file to USB key and move it to the Win 7 machine. This isn't possible for all banks (CitiCard, for example, doens't provide downloads, only direct opening into QB or Quicken), but in that case, I just reduce my usage of that card and do manual entries.


Regardless, the inevitability is that I will be married to win 7 for quite some time, even if I have to keep it offline and jump through hoops to make it work.


Thanks for the reminder that we will do what we must. We are limited only by our perspective.

 

[Lance1]

Yeah, and you left your privacy behind, & freedom, among a few other things.

I also forgot to mention that I shut Telemetry down. I have no forced updates. I install only what is needed nothing more I'm in control of that. I disabled Cortana via the registry. Microsoft's little spy girl... I'm still working on some issue but in the end I will be the one who's in control of my system and not M$. Thy'll have only what I give them, if anything at all. And my system will echo the sound of silence to M$. A little poetic I know...

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Even if I was willing to jump through the hoops to get Win 10 to behave itself, MS keeps changing Win 10. After all th stunts MS has been pulling the last few years, I just don't trust them any further than I can spit upwind in a Class 5 hurricane anymore.

Also, subtly inch by inch, MS is heading toward a subscription based service with intrusive advertising, not to mention cloud based computing, which are things I will not accept. Adobe went to a cloud based subscription service. Adobe is now dead to me and I've found suitable replacements for their products I had used (heck, the ones I'm using now are even better and a whole lot less expensive).

 

[RolandJS]

LadyF, could you start a thread about the affected adobe products? I will certainly join you there.

 

[Lance1]

Even if I was willing to jump through the hoops to get Win 10 to behave itself, MS keeps changing Win 10. After all th stunts MS has been pulling the last few years, I just don't trust them any further than I can spit upwind in a Class 5 hurricane anymore.

Also, subtly inch by inch, MS is heading toward a subscription based service with intrusive advertising, not to mention cloud based computing, which are things I will not accept. Adobe went to a cloud based subscription service. Adobe is now dead to me and I've found suitable replacements for their products I had used (heck, the ones I'm using now are even better and a whole lot less expensive).

But that's the difference between you and me. I find it a challenge.. I love a challenge.. To try my best to counter M$ and there backdoor tactics to get yours and my private information to serve there own means. Don't get me wrong. I'm not that smart but! Since 10's inception I started following it and also certain individuals in the know. If you know what I mean. Cloud Based Computing?? That's a whole new ball game... We're not there..YET! So at my age I won't consider it because WHEN it dose come into play.. I wont be here!

 

[Lance1]

I also forgot to mention that I shut Telemetry down. I have no forced updates. I install only what is needed nothing more I'm in control of that. I disabled Cortana via the registry. Microsoft's little spy girl... I'm still working on some issue but in the end I will be the one who's in control of my system and not M$. Thy'll have only what I give them, if anything at all. And my system will echo the sound of silence to M$. A little poetic I know...

I'm quoting my own post.. WOW.. If your are interested in securing Win 10 look into this little app.

WPD Privacy app for Windows

It has a lot of features and is powerful. I ran it on my laptop for testing and ran everything but the advanced options. My laptop booted faster and responded faster in Windows. It's the peace of mind factor for me. So if you do download and run it. Know what you are doing. Don't touch the Advanced Options till you understand exactly what thy do. Also there are ? that you click on for information under each title .

Knowledge Is Power..

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

...Cloud Based Computing?? That's a whole new ball game... We're not there..YET! So at my age I won't consider it because WHEN it dose come into play.. I wont be here!

Honey, web based computing is here already. Adobe applications are now cloud based. You may have something installed on your computer but its operation is still connecting to the cloud. MS Office has a cloud based version. Google has cloud based applications. Chromebooks are cloud based. I know there are more but I just can't think of them at the moment (I plead Old Timer's disease).

 

[RoWin7]

Foxit (pdf) Reader and Open Office aren't cloud-based. I don't use Google, Firefox Quantum or Chrome. We can put it off for a while

 

[Jacee]

I started on Win 95....worked my up to Vista Business (couple or more computers later)... I beta tested Win7. I had two computer with Win 7 Ultimate. I don't blame anyone who wants to keep it going forever!! Love that version.


I now have two computers running Windows 10 and I love them almost (I said almost!) as good as Win7. I really think the developers at Windows may want to re-think what they're putting out as opposed to what the consumer really wants. Some of the old features were great and not a security problem!

 

[msalton1]

Even if I was willing to jump through the hoops to get Win 10 to behave itself, MS keeps changing Win 10. After all th stunts MS has been pulling the last few years, I just don't trust them any further than I can spit upwind in a Class 5 hurricane anymore.

Also, subtly inch by inch, MS is heading toward a subscription based service with intrusive advertising, not to mention cloud based computing, which are things I will not accept. Adobe went to a cloud based subscription service. Adobe is now dead to me and I've found suitable replacements for their products I had used (heck, the ones I'm using now are even better and a whole lot less expensive).

I have a problem with the changes too. I need stability. Computing used to be a hobby for me, but at the business end, I don't have time to 'make things work' after every new build, or when Win 10 hoses itself trying to roll back to the previous version. Still, I'll set it up on a test bench and play with it.


Another huge issue for me is the privacy. There seem to be ways to deal with that, but are we really sure. MS isn't in the business to give it all away. If MS is giving Win 10 away, who do we think is the product?

 

[msalton1]

I'm quoting my own post.. WOW.. If your are interested in securing Win 10 look into this little app.

WPD Privacy app for Windows

It has a lot of features and is powerful. I ran it on my laptop for testing and ran everything but the advanced options. My laptop booted faster and responded faster in Windows. It's the peace of mind factor for me. So if you do download and run it. Know what you are doing. Don't touch the Advanced Options till you understand exactly what thy do. Also there are ? that you click on for information under each title .

Knowledge Is Power..

Thanks for the link. I've bookmarked it to check it out when I have time. If possible, keep us updated here on how it goes.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Foxit (pdf) Reader and Open Office aren't cloud-based. I don't use Google, Firefox Quantum or Chrome. We can put it off for a while

Currently, there are more non-cloud based programs and OSes than those that are cloud based, but the number of cloud based is growing.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I started on Win 95....worked my up to Vista Business (couple or more computers later)... I beta tested Win7. I had two computer with Win 7 Ultimate. I don't blame anyone who wants to keep it going forever!! Love that version.


I now have two computers running Windows 10 and I love them almost (I said almost!) as good as Win7. I really think the developers at Windows may want to re-think what they're putting out as opposed to what the consumer really wants. Some of the old features were great and not a security problem!

Many people, including this old lady, feel that Win 7 was MS' best OS and that MS has been going downhill ever since Win 7.

 

[poorguy]

I run a business. One serious problem that has kept me from switching over to Linux is that Quickbooks doesn't have a Linux version, nor does my customer/invoicing database (Likely win 10 won't support it either). Linux doesn't have a program that can stack up to QB. I could run QB in a VM, I guess, but I hate VMs. Performance is never satisfactory.

Unfortunately Linux isn't perfect and doesn't always have software alternatives to preform the needed tasks which Windows does.


Linux works for me because my computer needs are minimal web searching / youtube streaming / office document type stuff / move photos from digital camera or phone / just basic stuff.


I keep a Windows XP box handy for when needed offline of coarse and do have a Windows 10 pro box around for when needed.


Windows 10 is OK for the little I have to use it.


I don't sweat the telemetry bull crap and don't care about what I can't control and besides everyone collects your website information whether you think they do or not.


If you believe personal information data collecting is bad now wait until everything goes 100% cloud base and you will really have no control of what is collected by whoever and how it is used.


Microsoft claims to scrub the sensitive personal information but do they really, Hmm, I wonder, probably although one never really knows which is why it is pertinent what you allow over the web.



Happy New Year Windows 7 Forums.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Unfortunately Linux isn't perfect and doesn't always have software alternatives to preform the needed tasks which Windows does...

I totally agree. However, often, all that is required is a change in workflow that will allow the use off Linux programs that do exist to accomplish what is needed. Sometimes, you may need more than one Linux program to accomplish what is needed whereas one Windows program would have done the job. Sometimes, the opposite is true. It may take a bit (OK, sometimes a lot) of creativity to get the results you need; being able to think outside the box is a real asset here.

...I keep a Windows XP box handy for when needed offline of coarse...

I'm going to be doing the same for a while. My goal, however, is to no longer need Windows for anything, period.

...I don't sweat the telemetry bull crap and don't care about what I can't control and besides everyone collects your website information whether you think they do or not...

And that kind of defeatist thinking is why companies like MS can get away with it. First, not everyone collects your website info (granted, that's not very many). Second, sometimes there is a way to block the worst of the data harvesting, such as using high security browsers, cookie blockers (not every website needs to plant a cookie on your computer), ad blockers, etc. If nothing else, you can obfuscate what data they get, such as never posting your true birth date online avoid using your full name online, hiding behind aliases, using a fake phone number, etc. Another way to control how much that is being harvested is to eschew websites, software, and manufacturers who are grossly guilty of data harvesting. We are just drops in a bucket but enough drops say enough is enough and does their one little part to curtail data harvesting, a big difference can be made.

Btw, the EU now has GDPR and California recently passed a law somewhat regulating data harvesting. And, here in the SSA (Squabbling States of America), laws made in California usually get adopted by the rest of the country. Most manufacturers don't want to bother with having separate versions of their products or services just to accommodate one State so their changes in data harvesting in CA will probably extend to all States anyway

...If you believe personal information data collecting is bad now wait until everything goes 100% cloud base and you will really have no control of what is collected by whoever and how it is used...

First, I seriously doubt everything will go cloud based, even after I'm long dead. Big corporations, like Adobe, have been getting away with it due to user apathy or resignation and having entrenched themselves as standards for industry and businesses and are large enough to absorb the customer loss when they did it. Smaller companies, however, can't afford a customer loss nd can benefit from the customer base that flees cloud computing and turn to them. Linux is the OS that I'm resonably confident will never turn to cloud based computing. As the Linux user base increases from cloud based and otherwise untrustworthy OSes, Linux will start having more productivty programs becoming available. It would be suicide for Linux to even consider going cloud based. Also, since Linux is largely non profit, there is no money availble for the hardware infrastructure to support cloud based computing.

...Microsoft claims to scrub the sensitive personal information but do they really...[/B][/I][/SIZE]

:roflmao: You have to ask?

...Happy New Year Windows 7 Forums.

Thanks, you too!

 

[maxseven]

Even if I was willing to jump through the hoops to get Win 10 to behave itself, MS keeps changing Win 10...

I have a problem with the changes too. I need stability. Computing used to be a hobby for me, but at the business end, I don't have time to 'make things work' after every new build, or when Win 10 hoses itself trying to roll back to the previous version. Still, I'll set it up on a test bench and play with it.


Another huge issue for me is the privacy. There seem to be ways to deal with that, but are we really sure. MS isn't in the business to give it all away. If MS is giving Win 10 away, who do we think is the product?

This. These. When I was younger I didn't mind the challenge of keeping-after computer housekeeping regularly, but MS has for me anyway turned an enjoyable hobby into an onerous grind; at least that is what I gather from everything I've seen about 10.

I'm sure that I am capable to upgrade to W10 and then do all the stuff necessary to fine-tune it to my particular needs & interests--I just see this as a never-ending pursuit, and Life is (too) Short to mess with MS any more. I truly believe that sticking with W7 (and all that implies re: possible security concerns) will be less troublesome and more enjoyable that fiddling with W10. I even have a backup (identical) hardware platform at-the-ready if my everyday one breaks.

At some point in the distant future I expect there will be some new hardware that I can't live without, which maybe won't be useable with Windows 7, but I'll deal with that oppty if/when it happens.

 

[tjpearson]

This. These. When I was younger I didn't mind the challenge of keeping-after computer housekeeping regularly, but MS has for me anyway turned an enjoyable hobby into an onerous grind; at least that is what I gather from everything I've seen about 10.

I'm sure that I am capable to upgrade to W10 and then do all the stuff necessary to fine-tune it to my particular needs & interests--I just see this as a never-ending pursuit, and Life is (too) Short to mess with MS any more. I truly believe that sticking with W7 (and all that implies re: possible security concerns) will be less troublesome and more enjoyable that fiddling with W10. I even have a backup (identical) hardware platform at-the-ready if my everyday one breaks.

At some point in the distant future I expect there will be some new hardware that I can't live without, which maybe won't be useable with Windows 7, but I'll deal with that oppty if/when it happens.

Very well said, lets face it Microsoft are not overly passionate about the consumer but they are about profit.

 

[Lance1]

Very well said, lets face it Microsoft are not overly passionate about the consumer but they are about profit.

M$ can afford to give 10 way as a free upgrade because they profit from information gathering from the everyday unsuspecting user.

 

[RoWin7]

...

...Another huge issue for me is the privacy. There seem to be ways to deal with that, but are we really sure. MS isn't in the business to give it all away. If MS is giving Win 10 away, who do we think is the product?

We are the product. We're being sold to advertisers and the government. Ah, I see Lance got it too. Mozilla, whose products are open-source, and which used to exist for the benefit of its users, is doing the same