Should I upgrade this 80 year old woman's comp to windows 10?

Question

I visit this 80 year old woman weekly, she had an older laptop with some version of windows on it, she can barely use the computer as it, she only checks her email, and looks at stores weekly ads, no youtube, no music, no chat, etc.
She can get the free upgrade, but I don't think that'd be a good idea. She's been told by others that it is faster, but the speed of her laptop is slow because it's old and cheap, not the OS. What should I do? I could upgrade it, but I'm sure that'll be worse than not upgrading it.

Answer 1

Please note on the following:

There has been a huge change in the differentiation between anything older than Windows 8. This applies for Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and anything before.



Those three older versions of Windows all have a similar format of finding programs/the layout in general.



Windows 8 changed everything, the layout, where programs are located, how to find them, literally a revamp of the entire system.



Windows 10 is of similarity, but its still a huge change if you're converting from an old OS.

Since she's an oldie, I imagine she would be very confused by the new layout of the system.

I don't recommend you upgrade her PC.



ALSO, the reason her PC is slow is because of her PC being old, it has nothing to do with the OS (for the most part.)

There may be some optimizations with memory usage with Windows10 that her versions of Windows doesn't have, which could potentially make the PC easier to use, but I don't see any purpose other than that. It wont provide significant improvement.





All in all, the only thing you're going to accomplish is this:

-You're going to give her a more confusing Operating Software

-You will notice little improvement with the speed of her PC.

Answer 2

Before you can upgrade anything, you first have to check whether she has enough memory space on her computer. Most apps will give you the minimum requirements in order to use their app. Many older computers don't have enough so a new app will not function and will just hog what little remaining memory there is. There's also a speed issue. New apps demand machines that will work at higher speeds, otherwise you get a boggy app. You'd also have to upgrade all the drivers to accommodate the newer app and some of her cards may need to be replaced if they are old. If this lady is happy with what she already has, I wouldn't bother trying to upgrade it--it functions just fine for what she's doing. Win10 will change the way things look and work and the lady may not like having to learn how to get to the few things she still uses. If her hard drive dies, then you can opt to get a better PC which has Win10.

Answer 3

As Nomah said, the reason her computer's slow is probably because it's an old computer, not so much the OS.

I wanted to chime in though on Windows 10. Will it be easier for her to use? I think so. I used a computer with Win10 on it recently and it was real easy (it's like a cross between 7&8). However, the annoying thing I found about it is that it's very Microsoft-oriented. I mean, yeah, of course it's very Microsoft, but over the top.

Sort of like how a Chromebook is all about Google, or an Apple device is all about Apple, Windows 10 is all about Microsoft. So it's a little easier, and may be easier for her to understand, but it's also annoying to somebody who's used to Win 7.

Answer 4

No! No! and No!



I suggest that if it ain't broke then don't fix it

esp if the PC is old, Newer is NOT alsways better and there are TOO many reasons Not to upgrade to even bother mentioning.



What I would suggest is running a program called Ccleaner from Piriform that remove all the junk like Cookies, etc it will optimise the PC and you could also run their Defraggler program to defragment files and help speed up the PC.



If you know how then I strongly suggest that you (after tidying up the PC witht the above) run a program like Norton's GHOST or Macrium Reflect (Free version) to make a HDD image that can be restored in a matter of minutes and as long as the PC is in working order she will never have to worry about not being able to reinstall her OS and apps, given that even now drivers etc may be unavailable for what she has (Never mind the possibility that there are no drivers available for her hardware to suit new OSes)



Store the image on a CD/DVD and she is good to go.



If you are going to use GHOST then I recommend a version around 8 or so after that Norton commercialised it and it became Bloatware and not very good (It has been freeware/public domain and Norton had taken it under its wing but gradually 'improved' it and commercialised it out of any usefulness)



NOTE: NEVER just upgrade anybody's hardware/software without their fully understanding what the true consequences are and even then get their request in writing so that you won't be held responsibe when things go belly up.



Good Luck.

Answer 5

DONT DO IT. I work in consumer IT. When explaining what I do I actually say "I help your grandma fix her computer" and the hardest part of my job is explaining what the address bar is. Win 10 has been really bad for old people. Just about as bad as the Win 8 upgrades. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Windows 10 is not noticeably faster in my experience. There is no benefit for most people to switch, especially if that's all she does. I upgraded one of my computers just because it's my job to know how to use it, but as if yet I still advise against the upgrade. Issue being with older software, drivers and hardware. It's not a bad practice to avoid new OSs for 6 months. I'm sticking to that and not going to attempt to upgrade family computers until early to mid last year.

Answer 6

If you get notification to update, then please go ahead. But make sure it meets Windows 10 hardware compatibility. Upgrade can make a laptop 50℅ speed improvement or 75% slower

But anyway in this world of windows you can reinstall windows 7 or what ever OS you want



Simple answer go ahead and upgrade

If it hangs or slows down then reinstall other software



Upgrading doesn't change the way you see the user's usage. It may just improve some user interface but many people don't know the working inside CPU.



Means you can also check email and other silly or important things in windows 10 also

But don't forget to explain new features to them

Answer 7

"Some version of Windows on her computer?" Well, unless she has Windows 7 or higher, the upgrade will cost her money. Are you certain the Windows indication is there in the Task Bar that indicates a free upgrade is available? if it is, she should be made aware of the privacy she'll be giving up by upgrading to Windows 10. Read the Windows 10 "EULA" and explain it to her to make sure she understands what she's giving up.

Answer 8

Hell no ! Even if it's an old XP os it's still good another year as updates are concerned .An extension was made after the "termination " of XP,Vista back in 4/12 . An old laptop with low ram/cpu speed ,etc will run it's fastest with XP. And 10's way different and if she's lost with XP then she'll throw the thing at the wall with 10 fo sho! Lol ..

Answer 9

Without knowing the specs of the computer (current version of Windows, amount of memory, size of hard drive, speed of processor, etc) is impossible to predict if the change in OS would help. The requirements of Windows 10 are the same as 8,7 and Vista. So the performance on a computer designed for those is not going to be much different.



My main concern is the HUGE difference in the interface between Win10 and 7, Vista, XP, etc. (Win 8 and 8.1 is nearly identical to Win 10.) For someone who is not very computer literate, the change may be too overwhelming.



If email and minor Internet usage is all she does, she would probably not note any improvement. Her ISP speed is a larger factor in both of those there her OS or her computer hardware.



You might try moving her off Internet Explorer and on to Chrome. It often gives better performance on older computers and might actually give her more of an improvement that going to Windows 10.





(20+ years in IT support. Do this for a living.)

Answer 10

If she can use it as it is, I would leave it alone.

Speed is not an issue for her even if it was true that Windows 10 would be faster.

Given what she uses it for, one of the free operating systems would probably be faster but she is 80 years old so she will not want to have to learn how to use her laptop all over again. The same would be true of Windows 10.

If it ain't broken, don't fix it!

Answer 11

No, no, no.



Moreover, you should prevent Microsoft from tricking her into upgrading to Windows 10 (a task that you can accomplish by using the GWX Control Panel [ http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/ ]).



If you care anything about the 80 year old woman, you will take proactive steps to prevent Microsoft from:



[1] Wasting her Internet bandwidth surreptitiously downloading the Win10 base installation files



[2] Beguiling her into installing Windows 10

Answer 12

you dont do anything unless she asks you to



THEN you try to explain why its not a good idea

There is no point trying to explain the technicalities of the computer she has, or any benefits/problems of W10

The only important thing as far as she is concerned is that if it does what she wants it to do, is happy with what she has and is used to it, then there is no point in upgrading and having to learn a new way of working



Who cares if its faster? - speed is only important if you can use the time saved doing other things (either using the computer to do other things or free up more spare time)

At 80 years old neither of these is likely



And why change something if it aint broke?



If she still wants it then tell her how much its gonna cost (if her computer needs upgrading or she needs to buy W10)



If she STILL wants it then do it

Answer 13

As long as what she does is still usable for her, upgrading is not worth the aggravation. Anything beyond Windows 8 is completely different and even though in 8.1.1, you can still set it up to have the same look and feel as 7 and earlier, it requires much more speed, memory and may even have problems with supporting older video cards, etc. 10 loses all resemblance to what she is used to using.



The old adage : "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies here.



I'd just ask her if her computer does what she wants it to do. If she says yes, tell her that unless she wants to have to do everything differently and probably have to invest money in newer equipment, she should stay with what she knows. You can always update it later if needed. (Free until July, 2016) Even Windows 7 will keep having support until 2020, so unless she has XP (lost all support last year) she is still in good shape for 5 more years.



I have a similar problem with my brother-in-law. He is still using a Mac with OS 9. I offered to bring him up to OS 10. He looked at mine and said it didn't look right to him. He can connect (via ethernet) to my network. I have ethernet hubs to tie non-Wi-Fi capable older computers to my Wi-Fi LAN, so he can still go online via the cable modem and do all he wants to do.

Answer 14

Don't bother. It would bother her. I upgraded my windows 8 and like it. But my wife is sticking with her 8. I'm almost 60 but far more into tech than most people my age.

Answer 15

I think you should not upgrade that laptop for her.. try to get a new laptop, doesn't matter if it's a second-hand laptop. I upgraded my windows 7 laptop straight to windows 10. Mine works perfectly. No lags, and it's faster than ever. If her laptop is older than windows xp, i won't recommend you to upgrade. Getting a new one with atleast w7 is better.

Answer 16

If she has anything older than Windows 8, I say yes. I have done clean installs on the same old computer for both Windows 7 and Windows 8. Windows 8 handle resources much better. This is also the same information I am getting from others working with old computers on industrial equipment. I guess it depends on how much you want to do for her, I am sure you can configure the desktop on Windows 10 to do what she needs easily.

Answer 17

I say no. I did for my laptop but had problems because it wasn't compatible with my Norton security if I used Edge. It cost me $150 t get my computer back to Windows 7. So much for a free upgrade!

Answer 18

So what you have to clean up the computer Laptop but i already have had a bad experience with windows 10 in my book it more trouble then its worth. Windows 10 claims to be the best on the market but still has a lot of bugs to work out, so i would back up what she has on there already (don't lose the data).



keep all the necessary short cuts on the desktop avoid all confusion. GOOD LUCK

Answer 19

No way. I'm 70 and I'm not going to upgrade. My 94 year old mother had to stop using her computer because she couldn't keep up with the changes.

Answer 20

if its old it probably can;t support windows 10, i have a pc that is not old but not new, and it can;t upgrade because the bio isn;t supported. also the jump in change with the new windows is alot, i'd say just keep what she has now sense you said all she does is check her email. i think she'll be fine on what she has.

Answer 21

To upgrade that laptop is dumb idea. If the laptop is too old then it will not support the window 10. And create a lot of problems. It may possible the lady will not be able to see her e-mail any-more. So, please, don't do this. And leave it is as.

Answer 22

Having had this problem with Moms computer a old tower type. I just gave up & bought her a new laptop. Hooked her monitor into it and set all up. Going fro widows what ever to windows 10 did give here problems and she needed a month of help before she figured out the new.

Answer 23

I suggest please don't do that as Windows 10 is in Developer state right now so there are driver glitches in windows 10 right i have heard so may complaints from customers about their wifi,printer and even software did ot open after upgrade so just wait for some time and then go for it. its in beta version right now.

Answer 24

As someone who gets to work with elderly technology users allow me to add my $0.02...



A thousand times NO.



Unless you would like to spend at minimum the next 6-8 months being called for anything and everything. (And don't expect to be paid for those calls, because you broke it.)



If this woman is happy with the system, and she can find her way around currently, then let sleeping dogs lay.

Answer 25

Absolutely. Windows 10 is the most advanced operating system available today and you wouldn't want to deprive this lovely lady of that experience.

Answer 26

Why don't you just upgrade to MAC OS 10?

Answer 27

Personally I wouldn't

Something with Windows 7 on it would be good (and 64 bit)

Answer 28

I think this needs to be considered from the Psychological point of view.



For a 80 year old woman, it is not easy to adjust to the sudden change in GUI. She has been accustomed to how it works for a long period in her life. So if she is satisfied with what she has already, then I would suggest you not to change it.

Answer 29

To 10? NO.



if the machine has vista or 7, let her use it until it dies.

But if it runs XP, which doesnt get fixes/updates etc anymore, i would recommend to get something newer (maybe used) that has 7 on it.



another option is a android based tablet, since most stuff can be done on those, incl (free) office etc.

Answer 30

I think yes because u may just do a good thing to an old woman.

Also windows 10 has a beautiful interface and there is nothing she wont need.

Answer 31

Do what ever you can but..

1. Dont make it such that it hinders the performance of the pc.See the minimum and recomended specs of the operating system (OS) it will make choosing an "OS" EASIER

2.Keeping all the necessary shortcuts on the desktop should avoid all the confusions due to the gizmos and animation/styling whatever the OS maybe



GOOD LUCK

Answer 32

I don't think she will be able to keep up with the changes.. so ya better not 'cause I wouldn't do it, but if she really wants it you may

Answer 33

No because theirs so much security issues you have to handle then after an update you do it all over again. It's really annoying.

Answer 34

I don't think you can upgrade it. The computer could give up.

Answer 35

You are such a wonderful guy concerned about other people like this old woman. Try to convince her and tell her that your services for her computer would be free so that she will be able to go with the times. She will surely like it.

Answer 36

If her laptop is that old, jsut get her a new cheap laptop w/ window 10 or 8.

Answer 37

NO! She is probably happy with what she knows.

Windows 10 would be a huge learning curve.

Answer 38

Don't do it. Just clean up the machine with some programs and possibly disable some of the eye candy.



















Or get Linux. ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

Answer 39

It's entirely upto her.. You should let her know the differences between whatever os she currently and and 10 however!

Answer 40

I wouldn't

Answer 41

I wouldn't unless she knows or keeps up to date with technology, which I doubt at her age.

Answer 42

no stick to windows 7 i have windows 10 horrible not to mention not a lot of software is compatible

Answer 43

I recommend you do a system recovery or reinstall Windows 7 from scratch. Get rid of all the junk. Then update Windows, install security software, and give it back to her.

Answer 44

keeping in mind that she is older... if she wants the pc to be faster, then reinstall the same os that she already has as she already knows it. by reinstalling the os you will remove all of the old crap just sitting there making system slower and just install what she needs.. ie internet browser , email client etc. keep in mind that drivers for old os are harder to find than for new os.

Answer 45

no, you i would not recommend upgrading it. when the laptop has slow chips and small ram memory and slow hard drive. by putting a more resources demanding OS like windows 8. you will kill the speed. I think you should instead put a linux on her machine that will make the computer super super fast.

Answer 46

No it may confuse her to much leave it to what she's sort of familiar with

Answer 47

Do not upgrade it. The new operating system will use up more RAM and CPU usage then her current operating system, making her computer even slower.

Answer 48

Don't do it. She will have to re learn how to use her computer.

Answer 49

from experience, I'm suggesting - NO NO NO

Answer 50

Definitely No. If it works leave it alone. If she can use what she has definitely leave it alone. Changing it won't benefit her.

Answer 51

Well if she barley uses it why upgrade it. Besides she wont learn how to use the new OS.

Answer 52

Isabel medina love

Answer 53

No, she probably doesn't even know what a computer is

Answer 54

Yeah bich

Answer 55

Probably not a good idea, it is probably going to take a long to time learn how to use the os.

Answer 56

why don't you ask the 80 year old?

Answer 57

Don't do it

Answer 58

She is the perfect person to use LINUX Mint once setup all those Windoze problems will be gone forever.

it will run for years.

Answer 59

if it is not xp i wouldn't change anything.

xp is not supported anymore.

it might be hard to learn where everything is at.

hardware might not be able to support w10

Answer 60

no that would be a dick move nobody likes windows 10

Answer 61

She gonna die so she won't know difference

Answer 62

I dont see why not! if she would like that, shouldnt be a problem. MAke sure to check the memory if it is enough.

Answer 63

they has computers 80 years ago?

Answer 64

Don't do it.

Answer 65

Thanks everyone! Now I just have to convince her! and that is the true challenge! I'll just tell her that the newest windows have tons more updates than the one she has now, which is true, and she hates those!

Thanks again!

Answer 66

I wish I had NOT up-graded ! (I'm 76 ) !

Answer 67

Yes, but you may have to stay next to her if she asks any questions

Answer 68

I don't know.

Answer 69

no way my dear. it is is not possible. you need to upgrade RAM and processor

Answer 70

No, wait until at least spring when all the bugs are worked out of it.

Answer 71

yes

Answer 72

Sure

Answer 73

Whatever she wants and needs

Answer 74

Sure

Answer 75

Sue her easily.

Answer 76

free upgrade ? i think u should try LOL

Answer 77

It is not a better idea

Answer 78

Probably not

Answer 79

Up to her

Answer 80

don t do that she will face lot of problems

Answer 81

The customer is always right.

Answer 82

🌟

Answer 83

gnaw

Answer 84

No

Answer 85

Have sex with her

Answer 86

Which is does she have?

Answer 87

No

Answer 88

No **** off rapist

Answer 89

go for it!

Answer 90

No LOL

Answer 91

no

Answer 92

no

Answer 93

no

Answer 94

If u want

Answer 95

G

Answer 96

Hell no

Answer 97

no you cannot do it

Answer 98

Dont do it !!

Answer 99

No.

Answer 100

ask her.

Answer 101

if you want it....... FOLLOW UR DREAMS

Answer 102

NO

Answer 103

Don't upgrade it please

Answer 104

.

Answer 105

.