Windows 7 End of Support

[Windower7]

is it because we know W10 will be in the history books in 2020?

- :sarc:

HELL YEAHHHHHH!!!

 

[svnfrms2r]

I'm with Lady Fitzgerald. With 3 run-on sentences in a row, all seeming to be statements rather than questions, it is confusing to know just what you are asking. So if you would please ask your question more directly rather than make 3 long, random statements and assume that we understand what you are asking. "Any ideas on this?" Any ideas on what? What topic are you asking about? Also that kind of put down can really discourage people from helping in the future.

Trying to understand what you mean.

It is not three random statements, but all statements describe how I feel about the 'not-so-clear-path-forward-with-w10' / 'not-so-clear-path-forward-after-w7-support-end'.
The 'any ideas on this' clearly is re the previous writing. The topic is the one of the thread: w10 imminent, end of w7 support, etc/all consequences.
There is also no put down, not at all. Rather, asking general questions is not useful at all. It is easy to be specific in questions.
And as it is an open question, and there is no specific error or problem, but rather an open discussion about computing future (see thread topic), there is no way anyone should feel discouraged. You have ideas re those statements and implications, or not - both ok.

Perhaps just take the statements as hypotheses (how to move forward without loosing all investments made into xp and w7) and the question at the end like an encouragement (to share ideas) to find a better solution.
Put differently: here is my opinion, try to top it by providing a better idea (i.e. solution). Kinda daring, desperate (since moving to w10 would seem the easy, but almost clearly wrong, way - remember, vista was not so good too).
Hope this helps

PS: Just saw that additional info here.
Perhaps that helps too

 

[Barman58]

Windows 9x was built c.20 years ago on 16 Bit processors which is no longer supported with modern hardware

XP 32 will not run modern 64 bit code. and ...

Although a 64 bit processor will run a 32 bit code it will not run the 16 bit code that was used to install and run various programs under xp

There was a 64 bit version of XP but very few developers supported it.

You do not appear to be familiar with forum etiquette - In you first post you bemoan the loss of bcm, without explaining what the acronym means a quick check gives 96 possibilities BCM - What does BCM stand for? The Free Dictionary I'm sure there are more. I assume you are discussing the badly written Business contact manager, which was included with some old Office versions, but was never possible with business users so ws dropped and the functions transferred to Outlook and Exchange

Telemetry is not spying it's the process of using closed loop control to improve the efficiency of a system. It's what keeps a race car [and a family sedan] on the road, it keeps an aircraft in the air, and it keeps the basic processes of windows operating systems working efficiently It is used in XP onwards.

 

[svnfrms2r]

Windows 9x was built c.20 years ago on 16 Bit processors which is no longer supported with modern hardware

XP 32 will not run modern 64 bit code. and ...

Although a 64 bit processor will run a 32 bit code it will not run the 16 bit code that was used to install and run various programs under xp

There was a 64 bit version of XP but very few developers supported it.

Yes, and in w7 there are compatibility options to to run programs even from w95, while in w10 this seems not to be possible, hence the question: how to deal with this?

You do not appear to be familiar with forum etiquette - In you first post you bemoan the loss of bcm, without explaining what the acronym means a quick check gives 96 possibilities BCM - What does BCM stand for? The Free Dictionary I'm sure there are more.

I think you are right, spelling out what BCM stands for here would have been quicker for a reader not oft dealing with it (BCM - Business Contact Manager), probably happened, since I stated "Business Contact Manager" elsewhere on the forum before, but that is not an excuse, only an explanation.
In the end, I would think the key is in the context of "nothing is as complete as office 2007 (incl good old xml) incl full integration of bcm and accounting pro".
Without such context, the acronym "BCM" is much harder to understand, and your find of 96 options makes complete sense.

I assume you are discussing the badly written Business contact manager, which was included with some old Office versions, but was never possible with business users so ws dropped and the functions transferred to Outlook and Exchange

As BCM is loved by many, so much, that MSFT did release follow-on versions (BCM 2010 is even free, but limited), just later left out the integration with office accounting, since they want to sell (understandably) the CRM 'dynamics' where they make much higher margins, while BCM+Accounting Pro did not have limits at first, and the office 2007 (mso2007) + bcm + accounting pro (msoap) had the best integration. It is a system used by many still, and by amazing companies, who do their research (and could afford dynamics or salesforce or others, but they chose mso2007+bcm+msoap). It is the new online office/outlook where similar functions do not work properly or not at all. Never heard that Exchange would have good BCM functions, would be happy to see more about that.
On the other hand, I would be very happy to learn what is bad about BCM and msoap as well as learn truly better alternatives (cost, functionality, workflow, etc), any ideas on this?

Telemetry is not spying it's the process of using closed loop control to improve the efficiency of a system. It's what keeps a race car [and a family sedan] on the road, it keeps an aircraft in the air, and it keeps the basic processes of windows operating systems working efficiently It is used in XP onwards.

It all depends how much private info is transmitted, if the subjects know about it fully, if they consented fully, if they can get a full copy of all the transmissions, etc.
There are many sources that explain it goes way to far, some of which were posted.
I would agree that all technically necessary info without privacy breaching data could be transmitted safely for making systems run well.



Please do let me know if anything needs amendment in the above.
Thank you.

 

[dperecky]

As explained before: »If "all", then please reread and pick s/t specific.«
So, you could start with the first thing you did not understand, and ask a specific question about it.
Still difficult? Then take a break, and come back to it later if you feel like it, or not, up to you, of course

To spare you the search for it:
'W10 being a total spyware with more transmitted than ever to M$FT and less letter orgs, and many old apps not working anymore pre-95 to xp/32 etc, it may be only possible to virtualize W7 (and xp) and forget about w10 completely, running linux mint or so as the fundamental layer upon which the VMs run.
This is partially a necessity, since nothing is as complete as office 2007 (incl good old xml) incl full integration of bcm and accounting pro (no need for dynamics), etc.
Any ideas on this?'

~~~~~~~~~~~
Run in compatibility mode. Troubleshoot compatibility.

 

[blue skies]

Right on, Sandra. I plan to continue using W7 on my music computer, keeping it offline most of the time, while doing my internet surfing on Linux. Which is what I already have been doing for a few years now. Kubuntu is my current favorite. Use W7 offline for Office or whatever you need it for. Use Linux for everything else. Easy.

That's basically what I've been thinking of doing. I've looked into Linux off and on over the years, but never really tried it out. Now I'm finally annoyed and disgusted by Micro$oft enough to make the leap. I will not be switching to Windows 10.

I refuse to downgrade to Win10. I will stick with Win7 for as long as I possibly can. Hopefully by the time Win7 becomes nonviable, there won't be anything left that I can't do on Linux. I'm stuck with Office365 for work (have "free-to-me" accounts through both work and school), but I won't hesitate to go to OpenOffice, if necessary. I will NEVER pay a subscription fee for Windows!

Same here.

Running Windows inside of Linux is very doable, and this way Windows is "sandboxed" inside Linux and thus much safer from malware. Some people also plan to just keep using Windows 7, but offline, using Linux for online work. Or even going online with Windows, but with an abundance of caution.

If you are going to do the VM thing, I would recommend a Linux distro that is fast, as Windows will be slower as a VM. MX Linux, Ubuntu Mate and Mint would all be good choices. In general, lighter distos tend to be faster. Ubuntu Mate is one of the lighter ones. Mint Mate and Mint XFCE are also good choices for lighter systems.

I have been kicking around the idea of doing a dual boot for a while and not connecting Windows 7 to the internet anymore next year. I've also been considering keeping W7 offline and using a persistent live USB installation for internet usage. Or using Oracle VM.

Ultimately, I may end up just buying a new laptop with a Linux distro already installed... although those tend to be pricey, but I am almost due for an upgrade.

It's frustrating because I've loved Windows 7 and for me it's been pretty ideal. I resent Micro$oft forcing me to spend so much time and energy (and probably money if I end up buying a new machine) fixing something that isn't broken.


ETA: Can any of you recommend a Linux Distro/D.E. that would allow me to use a taskbar with pinned programs that have jump lists like those found in Windows 7?

 

[Brink]

Disable Windows 7 End of Support Reminder Notifications

 

[dperecky]

That's basically what I've been thinking of doing. I've looked into Linux off and on over the years, but never really tried it out. Now I'm finally annoyed and disgusted by Micro$oft enough to make the leap. I will not be switching to Windows 10.

Same here.

I have been kicking around the idea of doing a dual boot for a while and not connecting Windows 7 to the internet anymore next year. I've also been considering keeping W7 offline and using a persistent live USB installation for internet usage. Or using Oracle VM.

Ultimately, I may end up just buying a new laptop with a Linux distro already installed... although those tend to be pricey, but I am almost due for an upgrade.

It's frustrating because I've loved Windows 7 and for me it's been pretty ideal. I resent Micro$oft forcing me to spend so much time and energy (and probably money if I end up buying a new machine) fixing something that isn't broken.


ETA: Can any of you recommend a Linux Distro/D.E. that would allow me to use a taskbar with pinned programs that have jump lists like those found in Windows 7?

LUbuntu is supposed to be the Light Ubuntu. Yes it has a Start Type menu - to view programs, settings, software update option, etc.... I've been using it and it's fine... I haven't compared it to other distros however.. to see it there is a faster one.

For me, it's fine.... as I only use Lubuntu in a Virtual Box (search VirtualBox) - for surfing on the 'net. Particularly with accounts that need a logon. Doing this as a security measure.

 

[dperecky]

That's basically what I've been thinking of doing. I've looked into Linux off and on over the years, but never really tried it out. Now I'm finally annoyed and disgusted by Micro$oft enough to make the leap. I will not be switching to Windows 10.

Same here.

I have been kicking around the idea of doing a dual boot for a while and not connecting Windows 7 to the internet anymore next year. I've also been considering keeping W7 offline and using a persistent live USB installation for internet usage. Or using Oracle VM.

Ultimately, I may end up just buying a new laptop with a Linux distro already installed... although those tend to be pricey, but I am almost due for an upgrade.

It's frustrating because I've loved Windows 7 and for me it's been pretty ideal. I resent Micro$oft forcing me to spend so much time and energy (and probably money if I end up buying a new machine) fixing something that isn't broken.


ETA: Can any of you recommend a Linux Distro/D.E. that would allow me to use a taskbar with pinned programs that have jump lists like those found in Windows 7?

You're right about MS forcing us to upgrade.... Because The Only thing that is man made - that will never age or deteriorate - are software programs.

Left untouched, Windows 7 will run unimpeded for the next 1000 years, if the hardware will hold out.

It's really not right.

On a positive note, Win7 will continue to run after the support date... It's just a bit riskier then.

 

[blue skies]

LUbuntu is supposed to be the Light Ubuntu. Yes it has a Start Type menu - to view programs, settings, software update option, etc.... I've been using it and it's fine... I haven't compared it to other distros however.. to see it there is a faster one.

For me, it's fine.... as I only use Lubuntu in a Virtual Box (search VirtualBox) - for surfing on the 'net. Particularly with accounts that need a logon. Doing this as a security measure.

Does it have Windows 7 type jump lists for programs pinned to the panel/taskbar? That's one thing I use all the time in W7. I like to pin items to each list and also often use the list of recently opened files in each jump list. I thought I read that KDE (maybe Kubuntu?) has them, but I'm not sure it was accurate and don't remember the details.

I don't want to clutter up this thread too much with talk about Win7-like Linux distros... but I appreciate the recommendation.

You're right about MS forcing us to upgrade.... Because The Only thing that is man made - that will never age or deteriorate - are software programs.

Left untouched, Windows 7 will run unimpeded for the next 1000 years, if the hardware will hold out.

It's really not right.

On a positive note, Win7 will continue to run after the support date... It's just a bit riskier then.

Haha! That's so true.

 

[Melchior]

you could always try ReactOS, its a Windows styled and bin compatible OS...
Front Page | ReactOS Project
though its still in early alpha state...

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

you could always try ReactOS, its a Windows styled and bin compatible OS...
Front Page | ReactOS Project
though its still in early alpha state...

It's been in early alpha state for so long, I have no hope for it.

 

[michael diemer]

I am currently running Ubuntu Mate, my new favorite Linux (I have others I like as well). The Mate theme is very customizable, but if you're absolutely addicted to Windows, they have a "get more themes online" link. One of the themes there is a Windows 7 look alike, aero and all. I haven't tried it, because I might forget what system I'm on, and do stupid things like download a Windows app while on Linux (don't laugh, I've already dome it. Needless to say, the app won't open). But most people quckly forget Windows once they find a Linux they like. After awhile, it's Windows that seems foreign and clumsy. Well, it is clumsy compared to Linux...

 

[michael diemer]

It's been in early alpha state for so long, I have no hope for it.

Yes, ten years or so in alpha doesan't give me a lot of confidence...Also,. it's from Russia I believe. Which also doesn't give me a lot of confidence. The only time I downloaded it, just out of curiosity, it wouldn't work. That was it for me.

 

[LevelBest]

I've been watching a few Youtube videos about Linux Mint which seems an attractive way to go rather than move to W10.

The video I was watching said Linux does not need anti-virus. Is this true?

The one thing that concerns me is that I use MS Office 2007 and have many documents and spreadsheets. I have the original CD with the key number but I cannot use it again as I seem to recall it allows two installs only and I have an offline laptop with the second install.

If I upgraded my 'online' laptop to use Linux, would I be able to copy the programme files of MSOffice and install under the Linux OS?

 

[dperecky]

I've been watching a few Youtube videos about Linux Mint which seems an attractive way to go rather than move to W10.

The video I was watching said Linux does not need anti-virus. Is this true?

The one thing that concerns me is that I use MS Office 2007 and have many documents and spreadsheets. I have the original CD with the key number but I cannot use it again as I seem to recall it allows two installs only and I have an offline laptop with the second install.

If I upgraded my 'online' laptop to use Linux, would I be able to copy the programme files of MSOffice and install under the Linux OS?

The video I was watching said Linux does not need anti-virus. Is this true?

-It's not an iron-clad guarantee... but Linux is pretty resistant to viruses. It's much more secure because of extensive file permissions used. Also virus writers tend to ignore Linux because of comparatively less users compared to Windows. They would rather try to get the bigger bang for their buck. The best configuration IMO is running a Linux virtual box/machine in Windows 7.. as discussed in this thread. Use Linux to surf the 'net and for accounts that need a sign-on.

The one thing that concerns me is that I use MS Office 2007 and have many documents and spreadsheets. I have the original CD with the key number but I cannot use it again as I seem to recall it allows two installs only and I have an offline laptop with the second install.

-Here in the US, my license allows me to install MSOffice on three different computers at the same time. I've had no problems deleting and reinstalling onto newer computers when called for. Your mileage may vary.

If I upgraded my 'online' laptop to use Linux, would I be able to copy the programme files of MSOffice and install under the Linux OS?

-Someone will tell you about Wine. Wine is a software dock/envelope/platform that RUNS IN LINUX which allows Windows programs to run. I haven't used it in years, so not sure how good it is these days. If you do try it, see how well it allows you access to your documents and spreadsheets.

Good Luck.

 

[LevelBest]

-Here in the US, my license allows me to install MSOffice on three different computers at the same time. I've had no problems deleting and reinstalling onto newer computers when called for. Your mileage may vary.

Thanks for the info. You maybe right about the three installs. I need to dig out the DVD and check.

LB

 

[Barman58]

Microsoft licensing for Office 2007 should be for x number of concurrent installs, if you had a copy installed on a device that is no longer in use {totally or just office use, you should be able to use the same key as previously and if you have any issue with the licence being accepted by Microsoft, if you use the "speak to a person" option on the licencing system, explain to the technician that you have scrapped the original device and are only using the software on the allowed number of devices - they should accept this and allow continued use - Things like office are not tied down to a single device like some OS versions are, but just to a st number of devices at one time

 

[michael diemer]

You can open your microsoft documents, including spreadsheets, in Libre Office, and vice versa. So you just import them all into Libre and go from there. You don't even have to use Office again.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

You can open your microsoft documents, including spreadsheets, in Libre Office, and vice versa. So you just import them all into Libre and go from there. You don't even have to use Office again.

True that. I ditched Office 2010 for LibreOffice a long time ago.