Forum Discussion
MNGeeks61
Oct 26, 2016Explorer
One way to do it: Make yourself a system builder.
System Builder OEMs: White-box PC makers who purchase OEM System Builder media for installation on new PCs can continue to build and sell those PCs. Microsoft won't be stocking the channel with new OEM media, but past experience suggests there will be plenty of inventory for years to come.
Or just buy OEM media and wipe Windows 10 - replace with Win7. Not all that easy on a UEFI system but most still have legacy settings. It's a little tougher given that OEM media is usually specific to the mfr hardware. So you can't just buy any old PC and put a Dell OEM DVD on it. You'd need drivers.
You can still downgrade those Win10 machines to 7 or 8.1, until MS decides NOT to support Win7 or 8.1 anymore.
End of sale - not the same as end of support.
I still suggest Linux and WINE for your windows 7 apps, but that's even more convoluted...and you still need the .exe's and to dual-boot... long term though, Linux has come a long way and JUST about provides replacements for Microsoft apps. It's the troubleshooting and updates that'll really annoy you.
System Builder OEMs: White-box PC makers who purchase OEM System Builder media for installation on new PCs can continue to build and sell those PCs. Microsoft won't be stocking the channel with new OEM media, but past experience suggests there will be plenty of inventory for years to come.
Or just buy OEM media and wipe Windows 10 - replace with Win7. Not all that easy on a UEFI system but most still have legacy settings. It's a little tougher given that OEM media is usually specific to the mfr hardware. So you can't just buy any old PC and put a Dell OEM DVD on it. You'd need drivers.
You can still downgrade those Win10 machines to 7 or 8.1, until MS decides NOT to support Win7 or 8.1 anymore.
End of sale - not the same as end of support.
I still suggest Linux and WINE for your windows 7 apps, but that's even more convoluted...and you still need the .exe's and to dual-boot... long term though, Linux has come a long way and JUST about provides replacements for Microsoft apps. It's the troubleshooting and updates that'll really annoy you.
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