Win XP fan soured on MS

I used to do all kinds of (mostly) work on computers from mainframes to Atari (not commodore), and then mainly Dos and Windows PCs. So I have not been an MS antagonist (but I was a BIG fan of Atari).

Now, about all I really need to do is run Firefox on a PC to surf and post. Firefox has the best support for low vision ppl like me via their Blank Your Monitor + Easy Reader high contrast add-on. IE 8 is not as good - harder to control from website to website - and Chrome simply sucks at accessibility.

The new ‘flat’ look of software like for W8 and its new apps is less accessible than the older comparables of XP (and maybe W7). I have the impression that the open source revolution – now led by google’s android – has made it easier for all software developers to simply forget about building-in controllable font sizes and colors to meet needs of low vision ppl. (I think it was a legal mandate for MS and Apple way back.)

So XP w/ Firefox is what works for me quite well. My falling out w/ MS just flared-up when I read they are threatening to cease MS Security Essentials antimalware protection for XP at the same time they stop security patches next April.

Gross heavyhandedness.

I know most of the arguments for and against MS stopping support according to the 10 yr. license agreement – I’ve read all the combox arguments attached to online articles about the end of XP support. Analogies to refrigerators, toasters, long-term auto-recalls, legal agreements, rapid tech obselence, etc…I know them all. (I am partial to the refrigerator-desktop analogy.)

It is hard to argue that they are not over-hyping the ‘dangers’ of staying on XP and taking precautions, and my response to their latest un-necessary threat to cut off their antimalware support is…to cut off their antimalware support now, in favor of Avast and Malwarebytes.

I also plan to try my damndest to migrate to another OS when my two XPs can no longer function.

I supported Martha updating an old XP laptop and getting W8, and have generally been a MS supporter. Not much anymore for me.

And Linux…Please. Tell me in English how to properly create a bootable distro – any will do – just to see how Firefox looks on your open source Oss. I’ve read and attempted to follow a dozen websites to make a bootable DVD/CD/USB. Fail.

powderman426
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
ITguy wrote:
Be aware that things advance quickly in the Linux world. It's very likely that anything you get on disk is going to be a good bit out of date.

Not a problem, as Linux Will offer to update your system for you. Unlke MS, it will be an offer and not a demand.
full_mosey
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
burlmart;

I have run various linux desktop distros since 1996.

Try Linux Mint. It heads up the current popularity list at Distrowatch.

A Live CD/DVD will allow you to try out the distro without touching your hard disk. When you are ready, the same CD/DVD will install the distro.

If you are not comfortable with burning your own DVD, you can purchase one online.

I recommend the MATE version because it will be more compatible with the Windows XP look and feel. After installing, you can then choose to install the Cinnamon desktop. After that, you can choose between desktops whenever you log in. Cool!

There are two MATE versions depending on whether you have a 32bit or 64bit CPU.

HTH;
John
HappyKayakers
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
filthy beast wrote:
HappyKayakers wrote:
when your current PCs finally go to silicon heaven.

Had to ask.....Red Dwarf?

Nope
mileshuff
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
My trouble with MS is the lack of backwards compatibility. MS says gotta get rid of old technology and embrace the new 'better' stuff. Better is subjective. I need reliability, stability, continuity etc. For a business it takes years to get a stable environment with software and hardware configurations. As soon as everything is running smooth we're forced to scrap much of it and start over. It's especially true with regards to custom in house written software which is required. That software is no longer able to run on new PC's and years must be spent rewriting everything from the ground up. High end off the shelf software must also be upgraded. CAD software for instance that can be $5000 a seat get costly with little to no benefit for making that expense. Only to get back where we already were.

Stability and backwards compatibility is essential. I can't achieve that under Windows. Linux is a possibility. We have several Unix programs that could be recompiled and run under Linux without too much effort.
filthy_beast
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
HappyKayakers wrote:
when your current PCs finally go to silicon heaven.

Had to ask.....Red Dwarf?
ITguy
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
Be aware that things advance quickly in the Linux world. It's very likely that anything you get on disk is going to be a good bit out of date.
burlmart
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
I checked for Linux disks online and saw some older ones at Amazon.

I hardly read printed stuff anymore, but the bookstore angle comes as a welcome surprise, and I just might want to give them a visit.

Meanwhile, I will make one more attempt w/ online downloads using ITguy's promising link.

Thanks.

1492, I tried many of those settings. No two websites are alike, and invariably you need a quick revert to normal icon (Blank Your Monitor has this) so you can see what is often hidden w/ hi-contrast black settings. Also, having the enlarged text wrap within the borders of your monitor is a Direfox feature that Chrome does not match.
camperforlife
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
If you have a MS store anywhere near you they have 8.1 classes for free. I'm running XP at work and must update. It was a 90 mile drive to the nearest MS store but they sat down with me 1 on 1 for a full hour and a half going over Win 8 and 8.1. It convinced me that it wasn't going to be a big deal and ordered a new PC. It will be here on the 18th and I will update after I get a little time on it.
1492
Moderator
Nov 05, 2013
burlmart wrote:
IE 8 is not as good - harder to control from website to website - and Chrome simply sucks at accessibility

You can set Chrome for a default webpage zoom level and add extensions for high contrast displays.

Go into Chrome Settings.

Scroll down, and click Show advanced settings...

Scroll down to Web Content. Click Page Zoom and select your webpage magnification level. This % will now be the default each time Chrome is started.

At default 100% page zoom.

Set at 200% page zoom.

For high contrast display, download the Chrome extension Change Colors.

Click the icon in Chrome's address bar, and select Apply override for this domain.

With Change Colors extension for Chrome.

You can also specify your own custom color and font settings using the extension's options.
1492
Moderator
Nov 05, 2013
burlmart wrote:
My falling out w/ MS just flared-up when I read they are threatening to cease MS Security Essentials antimalware protection for XP at the same time they stop security patches next April.

Gross heavyhandedness.

I suppose you could argue how long a company should support an outdated product which generates no real income? WIN XP has been around for more than ten years.

MS Security Essentials has not kept up with competing AV suites in terms of protection. I wouldn't consider that heavyhandedness, and may actually be doing you a favor. You're better off with another free alternative, many which still support XP.

Linux is ideal for outdated hardware running an older OS. You should have no issue running Firefox.

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Win XP fan soured on MS

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