Which Laptop? Storage?

[Big Geordi]

Morning all hope this is the right place for this question? I need a new laptop as my windows 7 Toshiba tells me its expiring to do with Windows 10? So I have a lot of pics etc what reasonably priced external storage options do I have or do I put my faith in these cloudy things?? And any pointers on which laptop? Not willing to spend more than £400 as I don't do gaming etc or should I just upgrade my old Samsung phone and use that? I do use my phone a lot when buying stuff or looking things up mayb a laptop isn't a requirement anymore??
Anyway it feels like I am rambling a bit so I will leave it there just now and see what comes back from all u in the know IT Peeps

[numbskull]

Your laptop will keep on working just fine. The issue with 'expiry' is that Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft, meaning that if they find security vulnerabilities, they won't fix them with an update.

Storage is cheap, so it really depends on what you want to backup. Hard drives do fail, so one backup is insufficient. In my case, I have my most important stuff on the desktop hard drive, then a copy on a server in the house, then another two copies on two different (external) hard drives.

It really boils down to what you're happy to browse the web on, and you storage requirements - photos etc.

[grog]

Geordi, mate i struggle with computers but i get thru. I was told about security issues etc Must change to 10, scary tactics i reckon. . I have a brilliant computer person, not new lap top but PC. His story to me, i can build you a new windows 10, less than $300. Thats what i did, thats what im using. Super fast, issues solved,updates everyday. very little money. He told me, same system from big retailers around $2000. Search out a local bloke, worked for me

[VladTepes]

@Big Geordi  can you tell us the model number and specs of your existing system?

By the way it is entirely possible to download and install Windows 10 without paying for it, but some features will be disabled (and it'll nag you regularly to active ate it). A $10 activation key from certain online 'perhaps not entirely legit' people will sort that out though..

It's highly likely your existing system will work just fine with Win 10, and we can likely recommend a few upgrades to keep you happy into the future.

(Usually an increase in RAM and a better/faster internal storage drive will make a world of difference)


Backups are an entirely different issue though, You should always keep backups somewhere and away from your computer so if you lose your computer - theft/fire/flood etc - you don't also lose the other stuff.

The 'cloud' can be useful but not ideal for huge amounts of data. Depends what you have.


A separate USB drive that you can plug in, copy stuff too, and then keep that drive at work or a mates place - is a great option. And inexpensive.

[Andre]

Anyone mentioned Linux to replace Windows on your old laptop? I do It is free. Uses much less resources than Windows. Change takes some getting used to it but so will the change from Windows 7 to 10. If you don't need software (games  ) that requires Windows, Linux is the way to go IMO. Doesn't sound like you have any of this kind of software. Lots of free software available for Linux anyhow.

Only using Smartphone can also be a good option. Depends on what your needs/likes are. For cruising the Internet, it should be just fine. For simple pics, videos too as long as you don't want to edit them.

The 'cloud' can be useful but not ideal for huge amounts of data. Depends what you have.

A separate USB drive that you can plug in, copy stuff too, and then keep that drive at work or a mates place - is a great option. And inexpensive.

Agree.

[VladTepes]

Yep Linux can be a good option for older systems - I'd recommend Linux Mint for someone new to it.  But really that's a whole other issue.

Let's see what upgrades might be feasible once we know the specs.

[Big Geordi]

Bear with me I am sure if I push enough buttons my Laptop at home will b forthcoming with all the specs required 

[Sparra]

Hey, if you're looking for a cheap way to store your stuff, an external hard drive is the way to go. They're reliable and won't cost you an arm and a leg. And for laptops, you can find some decent ones from HP, Dell, or Lenovo without blowing your budget.