3/25/25:
My working computer was purchased in 2011. It is getting old and has served me well. While I was considering an upgrade to a computer with Windows 11 and a larger capacity internal SSD, it seems I will be forced to do so sooner than I originally planned. Or as an alternative, I could try to keep nursing this one along by installing the Ubuntu operating system.
I am at a critical point where I need to make a decision soon. I use my computer mainly for my work as a consultant in Product Safety and Compliance Engineering. But my computing needs have shifted to cloud based file storage. The model I have was purchased in 2011, a Dell Inspiron 5559 with Windows 10 installed. This year in October, Windows 10 loses support, and this computer is not compatible with Windows 11. So, I feel my choices are 1) convert to the Ubuntu Operating System, or purchase an equivalent, or better capability Windows 11 laptop.
A notable consideration is that over the years I have migrated my work to Google Drive as my cloud-based working environment, so my local computing needs are significantly reduced. However, when I complete consulting projects, I routinely convert Google Docs and Sheets to MS Office compatible versions and backup to my external hard drive.
I consulted my expert assistant and recieved this advice:
Given your situation, you are indeed at a critical juncture regarding your computer usage. Here are the key points to consider:
- Windows 10 End of Support: Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, your current system will no longer receive security updates, leaving it potentially vulnerable to cyber threats.
- Hardware Compatibility: Your Dell Inspiron 5559, purchased in 2011, is not compatible with Windows 11. This model was designed to support Windows 7, 8.1, and 10.
- Ubuntu Option: While Ubuntu is a viable alternative, it's important to note that Dell no longer supports recent versions of Ubuntu for your specific laptop model. This could lead to potential driver and compatibility issues.
- Work Requirements: As a consultant in Product Safety and Compliance Engineering, you need to ensure your system can handle your work-related tasks efficiently and securely.
Given these factors, here are your options:
- Convert to Ubuntu: This could extend the life of your current hardware, but may require a learning curve and potential compatibility issues with work-related software.
- Purchase a new Windows 11-based machine: This would ensure you have a supported, secure operating system with the latest features and compatibility for your work needs.
Considering your work requirements and the shift to cloud-based files, option 2 - purchasing a new Windows 11-based machine - appears to be the most suitable choice. This would provide you with:
- A supported operating system receiving regular security updates
- Compatibility with your work-related software and cloud services
- Improved performance with modern hardware, including an internal SSD
- Long-term reliability and peace of mind for your professional work
In summary, the Ubuntu option might seem cost-effective in the short term, but the potential compatibility issues and learning curve in day-to-day use could impact your productivity. Investing in a new Windows 11 machine would likely be more beneficial for your professional needs in the long run.
06-05-2025
A little update this evening on my progress. While I like the idea of using Ubuntu, I still have a couple concerns.
1) I don't have the same proficiency I've developed working in the Windows environment and ecosystem. I actually got my start while working at AT&T on the PC 6300 which was a dual floppy system running DOS 2.11. The most notable thing about it was how much it could not do. All I got after booting up was that blinking command line prompt.
Over the years I upgraded as DOS upgraded and then I switched to Windows 3.1, which was pretty dramatic. Since then I haven't looked back and I followed the business route with Win NT and XP. I never really got too deep into Windows 95 and 98, except to support my family's computers.
So for me to switch to Ubuntu would be fairly major and would likely force a change in my workflow. The only way I might keep it smooth is to stick with cloud computing using Google Drive.
2) just keep using my old laptop with Win10, but without support and virus updates, I'd have to rely on Malwarebytes and its updates.
3) Go for the Win11 upgrade. I'd have to rely on a fairly massive internal SSD, and Memory. I still want to backup all my work to an external but my 2 TB HDD is about 97% full. I would like to upgrade this as well with about 4x increase, at least.
I suppose I could still convert my old laptop to Ubuntu and use it as a Plex server.
well, October is on its way...
