Latest Windows 10 Update

saxnbees · Mar 5, 2020

I changed my computers to Ubuntu Linux many years ago. It doesn't have device drivers for everything so it may not work for everyone. But updates are never forced but offered. And there are many open source applications to do nearly anything you want. The only thing I am forced to use Windows for these days is tax prep software because, as far as I know, versions do not exist for Linux. For that, I use a Windows 10 VMWare virtual machine. Then Windows goes back to sleep for the other 50 weeks of the year. I also have virtual machines for nearly every Windows release going back to Windows 3.1! Those are good if you wish to reminisce with an old game.

Arky217 · Mar 5, 2020

Install Linux Lite 4.8, you won't look back to Windows ever again.

coxhaus · Mar 6, 2020

At least with Windows you get security updates every month, with Linux you are expected to track and update security fixes yourself based on what you have installed. I don't want to spend the time to track it the Linux world nor apply updates myself. I am retired and I don't want to spend my time on Linux. I want somebody else to do it like Microsoft.

saxnbees · Mar 6, 2020

Not true at all, at least with Ubuntu. I am automatically offered security and other fixes all of the time, sometimes daily. Sometimes they are small and sometimes, the entire kernel is replaced. All I have to do is accept the changes when I want them installed. I usually install them right away because you can continue to use the system while they are applied. Once in a while, an application or the system needs to be restarted to finish the updates but the restart can be done when convenient.

Years ago, it was much more difficult to install and maintain Ubuntu, but now it is pretty straight forward and automatic. You can even try Ubuntu by creating a bootable thumb drive or DVD without altering your Windows installation.

I also only use the Long Term releases. Ubuntu releases new versions with major changes every 6(?) months. For someone that likes the latest, that is OK. For me, I like stability. Ubuntu comes out with a new long term release every 3 years and I believe they continue support for each long term release for an additional 3 years. So, I usually wait until the latest long term release has been out for 9-12 months to work out the kinks before I install it. The long term releases incorporate all of the good stuff that was developed since the last long term release.

My suggestion is to take another look at it.

coxhaus · Mar 6, 2020

I don't want to work the kinks out of Linux updates to stay on top of security fixes. I want someone else to take care of it. It is why I run Windows. If I wanted to spend a lot of money I would switch to Apple but I am cheap so I run Windows.

Ford850 · Mar 6, 2020

I'm surprised to hear people having issues with Windows 10 and updates. We have 3 computers in our home on Windows 10, and none have had issues. Even my 91 year old dad is using it at his house. There is a steady flow of minor updates, and occasionally a large one. We only use the free security that comes with Windows 10, and that's been rock solid and a huge improvement compared to what we used to use as add-on security etc. I struggled for years trying to keep my dad's system clean because he gets duped into clicking on all sorts of click bait and ads. It used to be full of crap bogging down things down with malware and viruses. Edge seems to be much improved too. I have been using the new Chromium based Edge and that's even better.

saxnbees · Mar 6, 2020

coxhaus said:
I don't want to work the kinks out of Linux updates to stay on top of security fixes. I want someone else to take care of it. It is why I run Windows. If I wanted to spend a lot of money I would switch to Apple but I am cheap so I run Windows.

I still don't know what kinks you are talking about. It is all automatic...I just press a button saying it is OK to install them...my choice. But to each his own, stick with Windows if you want.

hawkeye08 · Mar 6, 2020

The other thing to note, Linux is much faster on limited hardware (such as older PCs) than Windows. Windows seems to bog down, but Linux runs nicely. I have redeployed old hardware by installing Linux on it in the past.. now that I am retiring, I might do some more of that (even easier with improvements in Linux distributions).

coxhaus · Mar 7, 2020

saxnbees said:
I still don't know what kinks you are talking about. It is all automatic...I just press a button saying it is OK to install them...my choice. But to each his own, stick with Windows if you want.

I was replying to your reply about waiting 9-12 months for the kinks to be worked out. I am not going to wait 9-12 months to install security updates whether it is a major update or not.

RalphVa · Mar 8, 2020

Went to fix my HP Photosmart C3180 all-in-one printer not working in the Windows Update. The printers & drivers "app" is completely new. Didn't find the Photosmart. Selected to add printers and add local printer, it found it in the list, but the box that came up when I selected for Windows for find the driver. FINALLY came up, but my printer isn't listed. Chose a later model. Will see if it will work.

**** good printer. MS just decided it's too old. Got an old Brother all-in-one and have a CD for it. Always hated it but may give it a try.

New Windows doesn't like the CD for the Brother. The HP all-in-one does do copies. Tried it. Wife's HP LaserJet shows up as a network printer. May have to use it. Don't need printing much. Both of us use the copy.

The MS control panel "app" for printers and drivers could not find the HP printer. Tried a later model. Didn't work. Have located the software on the HP site and am now downloading it (near 294 MB).

Ralph