Question Simple computer setup

[Parkinsond]

Chromebook in generally low spec hardware & HDD

HDD is not recommended for OS install in general; if budget is limited, just get a used SanDisk SSD 120-240 GB; I have two of them and working flawlessly.

 

[ForgottenSeer 123526]

My friend possesses a high-performance custom-built gaming PC, yet he continues to operate on Windows 7. His rationale is that certain legacy games he enjoys are incompatible with newer operating systems. This presents a clear paradox, as he frequently expresses frustration regarding persistent malware infections affecting his system and browser. Despite my efforts to persuade him to upgrade, even if it means discontinuing play of those older titles, he remains resistant. Consequently, I've informed him that I can no longer offer technical assistance, as his unwillingness to adapt renders any intervention unproductive, which is most likely your optimal path as well.

 

[Parkinsond]

My friend possesses a high-performance custom-built gaming PC, yet he continues to operate on Windows 7. His rationale is that certain legacy games he enjoys are incompatible with newer operating systems. This presents a clear paradox, as he frequently expresses frustration regarding persistent malware infections affecting his system and browser. Despite my efforts to persuade him to upgrade, even if it means discontinuing play of those older titles, he remains resistant. Consequently, I've informed him that I can no longer offer technical assistance, as his unwillingness to adapt renders any intervention unproductive, which is most likely your optimal path as well.

Gaming addiction.

 

[anirbandutta01]

a Chromebook is a pretty good option for someone who mainly browsers etc, & pretty safe too

Okay please suggest me a Chromebook below 15000 INR . No MS office support.

 

[ForgottenSeer 123526]

Okay please suggest me a Chromebook below 15000 INR . No MS office support.

Look on eBay for open box deals, MS office can be run online or via Android apps.

 

[brambedkar59]

Actually he loves Windows 7 and according to him, Windows 10 EOL will be started from 14th September and Windows 11 is not good so he decided to install Windows 7 .

Win10/11 on HDD is a miserable experience. His only option is to stay on Win7 or if he can adapt slightly then Linux, which very doable if a browser is all he needs.
Even with all that only 4 GB RAM combined with HDD the performance running just a web browser is not great.

 

[Parkinsond]

 

[Victor M]

Here are 2 PCs I found on ebay for you.

HP Envy 17" Laptop i7-7500U 2.7GHz 12GB 512GB SSD Win 11 NVIDIA Geforce 940MX | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for HP Envy 17" Laptop i7-7500U 2.7GHz 12GB 512GB SSD Win 11 NVIDIA Geforce 940MX at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Dell Latitude 7400 14" FHD Laptop i7-8665U 16GB 256GB SSD Win 11 Pro H2856 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Dell Latitude 7400 14" FHD Laptop i7-8665U 16GB 256GB SSD Win 11 Pro H2856 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Sorrento]

I know nothing about ChromeBooks, I have a friend who has one & works well for her, she does I think use MS Office online?? There are as mentioned good deals on fleabay etc for working PC's that will do the job well if a person who doesn't have a lot of cash - IMO this is a better option that trying to revive PC's that are virtually dead.

 

[anirbandutta01]

Update:-
He also decided to buy a Chromebook below 200 USD but confused that how can he access MS office and if external HDD for backup could be connected.

 

[Victor M]

He can use the free online version of 365 : Free Productivity Apps for Personal and Work | Microsoft 365

 

[Parkinsond]

He can use the free online version of 365 : Free Productivity Apps for Personal and Work | Microsoft 365

Is it possible to use MS Office for android (as far as I know, it is free) on chromebook?

 

[Victor M]

Is it possible to use MS Office for android (as far as I know, it is free) on chromebook?

It is a web service, it will run on any browser. But Android cell phones and chromebooks have different screen sizes. I imagine that Androids cells' small screen size may be a problem. Chromebooks use Chrome OS, different from Android.

 

[roger_m]

It is a web service, it will run on any browser. But Android cell phones and chromebooks have different screen sizes. I imagine that Androids cells' small screen size may be a problem. Chromebooks use Chrome OS, different from Android.

A lot of Chomebooks, now have access to Google's Play Store, where you can install Android apps.

Install & use Android apps on your Chromebook - Chromebook Help

You can download Android apps from the Google Play Store app and use them on your Chromebook. Currently, the Google Play Store is available for only some Chromebooks.

support.google.com

 

[Victor M]

pressing Shift F10 during Win 11 installation 3rd reboot and start regedit to make the key "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OOBE", BypassNRO = dword 1.

There is an additional fix for machines that don't have TPM or SecureBoot:

Upon startup of Windows 11 Installer, press shift-F10, start regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\LabConfig . You will have to Create "LabConfig" key on the left hand side. Then on the right hand side of LabConfig make the DWORDs "BypassTPMCheck" and "BypassSecureBootCheck" and set them to the value 1.

 

[deminimis]

My friend possesses a high-performance custom-built gaming PC, yet he continues to operate on Windows 7. His rationale is that certain legacy games he enjoys are incompatible with newer operating systems. This presents a clear paradox, as he frequently expresses frustration regarding persistent malware infections affecting his system and browser. Despite my efforts to persuade him to upgrade, even if it means discontinuing play of those older titles, he remains resistant. Consequently, I've informed him that I can no longer offer technical assistance, as his unwillingness to adapt renders any intervention unproductive, which is most likely your optimal path as well.

My first thought was that he could probably get a ~$100 system for those older games that runs well enough. Or dual-boot, which would be less riskier than using Win7 as his primary system.
Then there might be some emulator: Emulator of retro x86-based machines Or could also use a VM.