Why You Should Keep Your Old Retro PC Running Windows XP, Vista or 7

 

(Source: Youtube)

If you're a nostalgic computer enthusiast or simply prefer the familiar interface of older Windows versions, there's no need to switch to Linux just yet. Running legacy operating systems like Windows XP, Vista, or 7 on retro hardware can be a perfectly viable option, provided you take the necessary precautions.

Preserving the Nostalgic Experience 

For many retro computing fans, the appeal of older Windows versions lies in the nostalgic experience they provide. The classic start menus, iconic UI elements, and overall aesthetic of Windows XP or Vista can transport you back to a simpler time when computing was less complicated. Embracing this nostalgia is a big part of the retro computing hobby, and Linux, while highly capable, may not quite capture the same essence.

Compatibility with Legacy Software and Games 

Another significant advantage of sticking with older Windows installations is compatibility with legacy software and games. Many older applications and titles were designed specifically for Windows XP or Vista and may not run properly or at all on more modern operating systems or Linux distributions. By keeping your retro PC on its original OS, you can ensure seamless compatibility with your favorite classic programs and games.

Safe Computing with Cautions

While it's true that older Windows versions are no longer officially supported by Microsoft, this doesn't necessarily mean they're inherently unsafe to use. With proper precautions and a reliable antivirus solution, you can mitigate many of the potential security risks associated with running an unsupported OS.

Limit your retro PC's internet exposure, keep your antivirus definitions up-to-date, and exercise caution when downloading or installing any new software. Additionally, disabling unnecessary services and applying any available security patches can further enhance the safety of your retro computing experience.

Community Support and Resources 

Despite being legacy operating systems, Windows XP, Vista, and 7 still have active online communities dedicated to their preservation and continued use. These communities offer valuable resources, such as guides, tweaks, and even unofficial security updates, ensuring your retro computing journey remains enjoyable and secure.

Embrace the Retro Hobbies

Ultimately, the decision to keep your retro PC running an older Windows version comes down to personal preference and a willingness to embrace the retro computing spirit fully. While Linux distributions offer modern features and security, they may not provide the authentic nostalgic experience that many retro enthusiasts crave.

If you approach retro computing with caution, keeping your system secure with antivirus software and limiting its exposure to potential threats, there's no reason why you can't continue enjoying the classic Windows experience on your beloved retro hardware.

How to maximize the performance of your old PCs and Laptops

We're all guilty of holding onto our faithful laptop or desktop PC for years longer than we probably should. But just because the latest specs have long since passed your machine by, that doesn't mean it's ready for the scrapheap. With some reasonably affordable upgrades and maintenance, you can give an aging system a serious shot of new life.

 

(Source: Backblaze)

Replace That Sluggish HDD 

With a Snappy SSD One of the best and most impactful upgrades you can make is swapping out the old-school spinning hard disk drive for a modern solid state drive (SSD). SSDs use fast flash memory that absolutely demolishes HDDs in most real-world usage scenarios involving file transfers and application load times.

A SATA SSD upgrade can often be had for under $100 these days for a 500GB-1TB model - a small price to pay for such a massive performance boost. Just make sure you've got an mSATA or M.2 slot if your system supports those compact SSDs natively, if not, you can buy a regular SATA version.

 

(Source: Ifixit)

Double the RAM 

Speaking of giving your system some breathing room, maxing out the memory is also a wise upgrade if you're stuck on just 4GB or 8GB of RAM from years ago. Anything over 8GB tends to provide a smoother, more fluid experience when multitasking or running memory-intensive applications.

RAM pricing can fluctuate but you can usually find decent 16GB DDR4 SODIMM kits for under $60-80. For a desktop system, you can easily double up to 32GB of RAM or more if the motherboard supports it. Just be sure to check your system's maximum supported memory speed and capacity.

 

(Source: Forbes)

Deep Clean the Dust

While upgrades are all well and good, some basic maintenance and cleaning can also work wonders. Over time, vents and heatsinks inside laptops and PCs get clogged with dust and grime which impedes proper cooling. This can cause increased fan noise, heat buildup, and throttling issues.

Taking the system apart to clean out fans, heatsinks, and air passages is tedious work, but well worth the effort. Using compressed air, soft brushes, and thermal paste replacement can easily knock off 10°C+ from CPU/GPU temperatures for quieter operation and better sustained performance.

 

Refresh With a Clean OS Install (LTSC Recommended)

Finally, something as simple as a fresh operating system install can make an old PC feel brand new. Years of software bloating, cruft build-up, and registry entries can steadily degrade performance over time. But starting with a clean slate can restore that snappy, out-of-the-box feel.

For best results, completely back up your data then reload the OS from scratch rather than upgrading directly. Consider trying out a lightweight Linux distribution like Linux Mint if your hardware is getting really long in the tooth. Its leaner system requirements help breathe new life into aging machines.

With some smart, cost-effective upgrades and maintenance, your trusty old laptop or desktop can easily gain a few more years of relevance. Or at the very least, serve as a decent stopgap until you've saved up for a proper modern replacement. Just don't settle for sluggishness - put in a bit of effort and your system will reward you with renewed zippy performance.

Affordable secondhand Laptop: ASUS A455L Review

 College students are always on the hunt for affordable yet capable laptops to get them through years of study. While not the latest or greatest, secondhand and older models can provide decent performance if you know what to look for. The ASUS A455L packing an Intel Core i3-4005U processor and Nvidia GeForce 930M graphics is one such option worth considering for its mix of productivity and light multimedia abilities.

Asus A455L

The Core i3-4005U is a 4th gen dual-core CPU released back in 2014. While clearly showing its age compared to modern laptop chips, it still has enough horsepower to handle typical productivity workloads like writing papers, browsing the web, streaming video lectures, and basic photo editing. You can even get away with light multitasking across these apps without too much slowdown.

Where the A455L really shines for students is its dedicated Nvidia 930M GPU. While entry-level, this discrete graphics solution allows for vastly better performance in GPU-accelerated apps and games compared to relying on integrated graphics alone. You can comfortably run older titles like CS:GO, Dota 2, and Rocket League at 1080p medium-high settings and still maintain smooth frame rates.

The 930M can also accelerate GPU-accelerated applications like Adobe Premiere for basic video editing tasks. This can make the A455L a capable multimedia machine for its age and price point. Just don't expect to be rendering 4K video or playing the latest AAA games at high quality.

Other specs like 8GB of RAM and a 1TB 5400RPM hard drive are typical for an old system like this. They're far from impressive now, but perfectly adequate for basic productivity use cases. The 14-inch 1366x768 glossy display is also nice with good enough brightness and colors, though viewing angles are relatively poor.

Where the A455L does show its age is in its chunky, dated design aesthetic. At nearly an inch thick and weighing 5lbs, it's a slightly thick laptop that will feel heavy compared to modern Ultrabooks. Its all-plastic construction also gives it a slightly cheaper feel, despite being reasonably durable overall. I/O is acceptable with USB 3.0, HDMI, LAN, and an SD card reader.

The biggest trade-off for the performance you get is battery life. With a smallish 33Whr battery powering dated yet power-hungry components, you'll be lucky to get 3 hours of real-world use between charges for typical productivity workflows.

Overall, if you can look past the ageing design and mediocre battery life, the ASUS A455L offers great bang for your buck as an affordable secondhand option for college. The Core i3/930M combo provides enough performance to power through coursework while enabling some casual gaming and multimedia editing in your downtime - not something every budget laptop can claim. Just don't go in expecting it to be as fast or efficient as today's latest models.

AMD VISION Processors: Pick Your Performance Level

With so many processors, graphics chips, and laptop configurations out there, it can be daunting for average consumers to figure out what kind of performance they're getting when purchasing a new notebook. AMD aims to simplify this with their VISION branding, which denotes specific usage scenarios and capabilities.

At its core, AMD VISION is a set of platform specifications combining an AMD processor and graphics solution to deliver a well-rounded computing experience optimized for different tasks like media, gaming, and general productivity.

AMD Vision Tier

There are four tiers to make sense of - VISION, VISION Premium, VISION Ultimate, and the new top-end VISION Black:

AMD VISION 

The base VISION standard is designed for basic day-to-day use like web browsing, office applications, media playback, and lightweight multitasking. You'll find AMD VISION laptops running on cost-effective processors like the E-Series APUs, with integrated graphics suitable for video decoding and older game titles.

AMD VISION Premium 

Step up to VISION Premium for a snappier, more responsive experience with resource-intensive applications like video editing and mainstream gaming. These notebooks come equipped with faster CPUs like AMD's A-Series Accelerated Processing Units that combine powerful x86 cores and robust Radeon graphics on a single chip.

AMD VISION Ultimate 

For those who demand top performance for the latest games, high-definition content creation, and serious multitasking, there's VISION Ultimate. You'll find discrete graphics cards paired with AMD's fastest mobile processors. High RAM capacities and storage options like SSDs are also common.

AMD VISION Black (New for 2012) 

Unveiled just recently, the VISION Black designation is AMD's new ultra-enthusiast platform aimed at heavy multimedia editing, hardcore gaming, and other extremely demanding workloads. It combines AMD's top-tier mobile processors with powerful discrete Radeon HD 7000M series graphics and premium components like solid-state drives and Blu-ray drives.

In addition to setting performance targets, AMD VISION laptops must meet certain Display, Video, Data Transfer, and Power Management criteria for each tier. This ensures a consistently great multimedia experience with smooth HD video playback, fast file transfers, and strong battery life when you need it.

With VISION taking the guesswork out of laptop shopping, AMD hopes to attract consumers looking for rich multimedia performance packed in an affordable and easy-to-understand platform. The new VISION Black brand in particular shows AMD isn't pulling any punches against Intel in the high-end mobile arena this year.

So whether you're a mainstream user, a gamer, or a multimedia professional, one of AMD's VISION tiers should have you covered without confusing spec sheet math. Just pick the brand that fits your needs and budget, and enjoy a finely tuned experience out of the box.

Toshiba C655D-S5130 Review: Affordable AMD E-Series Brings Mixed Performance

Toshiba C655D-S5130 (Source: Notebookcheck)

Budget laptops have been getting better and more affordable lately, allowing cash-strapped consumers to enjoy decent computing power without breaking the bank. Toshiba's new C655D-S5130 aims squarely at the value-oriented market, packing an AMD E-240 processor and integrated Radeon graphics.

The E-240 is a dual-core chip based on AMD's Zacate architecture, clocked at 1.5GHz. While not a performance powerhouse by any means, it does provide a welcome boost over the aging single-core Atom netbook CPUs still found on some budget models.

In use, the E-240 handles basic productivity tasks like web browsing, document editing, media playback and light multitasking reasonably well. The integrated Radeon HD 6310 graphics also allow for some casual gaming and hardware acceleration of video decoding.

However, you'll quickly feel the system's limitations under any serious workloads. Booting up and switching between applications can feel sluggish due to the modest 2GB DDR3 RAM. The 5400RPM 320GB hard drive is also painfully slow compared to an SSD.

Gaming is a mixed bag - older and less demanding 3D titles from a few years ago like World of Warcraft and Left 4 Dead 2 can run acceptably at low settings. But you'll struggle with anything too graphically intensive released in the past couple of years.

The 15.6" 1366x768 LED display offers decent image quality and viewing angles for the price bracket. But it's nothing to write home about, with limited brightness and washed out colors compared to premium panels.

Build quality is plasticky but reasonably solid for a budget offering. Toshiba has opted for an inoffensive design with a textured black finish that doesn't look too cheap. The chiclet keyboard has decent tactile feel, though the touchpad can feel a bit sticky at times.

Battery life is about 3-4 hours with fairly conservative usage - not amazing, but par for the course given the E-240's power efficiency limitations compared to AMD's latest APUs.

At the end of the day, the Toshiba C655D hits the value proposition it's aiming for - delivering acceptable performance for basic home/office use at an attractively low price of $400-500. Just don't expect a speed demon and you'll likely walk away satisfied if your needs are modest. For more demanding users, stepping up to a Core i3 or AMD A-series APU system would be advisable.

100 Fun old PC Games you can play with Nvidia GTS 250

The Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 was a mid-range graphics card released by Nvidia in April 2009. It was part of the company's GeForce 200 series and was based on the 55nm GT216 GPU, which featured 128 stream processors and a core clock speed of 738MHz. The GTS 250 was designed to offer decent gaming performance at a relatively affordable price point, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers and PC enthusiasts at the time.

 

Nvidia GTS 250 by Asus

With its 1GB of GDDR3 video memory running at 1836MHz on a 128-bit bus, the GTS 250 provided enough memory bandwidth to handle most games of its era. While it wasn't a top-tier GPU, the GTS 250 was capable of running many popular titles from the late 2000s and early 2010s at medium to high settings, delivering a solid 720p gaming experience.

Here are 100 fun old PC games from 2015 or older that should be compatible and playable with an Nvidia GTS 250 graphics card:

1. Half-Life 2 (2004) - Acclaimed first-person shooter from Valve. Avg FPS: 60-80
2. Portal (2007) - Innovative puzzle game with a portal gun mechanic. Avg FPS: 90+
3. Fallout: New Vegas (2010) - Open-world RPG set in post-apocalyptic Nevada. Avg FPS: 40-60
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) - Vast open-world fantasy RPG. Avg FPS: 30-50
5. Left 4 Dead 2 (2009) - Cooperative zombie shooter. Avg FPS: 60-80
6. BioShock (2007) - Atmospheric first-person shooter with genetic powers. Avg FPS: 50-70
7. Team Fortress 2 (2007) - Valve's iconic team-based shooter. Avg FPS: 80-100
8. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (2012) - Popular tactical shooter. Avg FPS: 60-90
9. Civilization V (2010) - Turn-based strategy game. Avg FPS: 60+
10. Diablo III (2012) - Hack-and-slash action RPG. Avg FPS: 50-70
11. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010) - Acclaimed real-time strategy game. Avg FPS: 60-80
12. Minecraft (2011) - Sandbox game with block building/mining. Avg FPS: 100+
13. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) - Superhero action game. Avg FPS: 40-60
14. Borderlands (2009) - Loot-driven first-person shooter RPG. Avg FPS: 50-70
15. Mass Effect 2 (2010) - Sci-fi action RPG with great storytelling. Avg FPS: 40-60
16. The Orange Box (2007) - Bundle with Half-Life 2 episodes, Portal, Team Fortress 2. Avg FPS: 60-90
17. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) - Revolutionary modern military shooter. Avg FPS: 60-80
18. Crysis (2007) - Cutting-edge visuals for its time, first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 30-50
19. Garry's Mod (2004) - Physics sandbox game for creativity. Avg FPS: 90+
20. Portal 2 (2011) - Sequel to the classic Portal puzzle game. Avg FPS: 60-90
21. Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011) - Cyberpunk RPG with multiple playstyles. Avg FPS: 40-60
22. Tomb Raider (2013) - Gritty reboot of the action-adventure franchise. Avg FPS: 30-50
23. Far Cry 3 (2012) - Open-world first-person shooter set in a tropical paradise. Avg FPS: 30-50
24. XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012) - Tough tactical strategy game against alien invasion. Avg FPS: 60+
25. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011) - Dark fantasy RPG with great storytelling. Avg FPS: 30-50
26. Battlefield 3 (2011) - Large-scale multiplayer military shooter. Avg FPS: 40-60
27. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008) - Gritty open-world action game set in Liberty City. Avg FPS: 40-60
28. Dragon Age: Origins (2009) - Deep fantasy RPG with tactical combat. Avg FPS: 60+
29. Dishonored (2012) - First-person stealth action with supernatural abilities. Avg FPS: 40-60
30. Metro 2033 (2010) - Atmospheric post-apocalyptic first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 40-60
31. Assassin's Creed II (2009) - Open-world action game with parkour elements. Avg FPS: 50-70
32. Dead Space (2008) - Tense sci-fi survival horror third-person shooter. Avg FPS: 50-70
33. Bully: Scholarship Edition (2008) - Open-world action game set in a school. Avg FPS: 60-80
34. Sid Meier's Civilization IV (2005) - Classic turn-based strategy game. Avg FPS: 60+
35. Burnout Paradise (2008) - High-octane open-world racing game. Avg FPS: 60-80
36. Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005) - Classic arcade-style street racing game. Avg FPS: 70-90
37. The Sims 3 (2009) - Life simulation game with customization. Avg FPS: 50-70
38. Age of Empires III (2005) - Real-time strategy game focused on colonial era. Avg FPS: 60+
39. Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars (2007) - Real-time strategy in the C&C universe. Avg FPS: 60+
40. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002) - Landmark RTS/RPG hybrid. Avg FPS: 100+
41. Unreal Tournament 3 (2007) - Frenetic first-person arena shooter. Avg FPS: 60-80
42. Quake 4 (2005) - Sci-fi first-person shooter with great graphics for its time. Avg FPS: 60-80
43. Oblivion (2006) - Massive open-world fantasy RPG. Avg FPS: 40-60
44. Neverwinter Nights 2 (2006) - Dungeons & Dragons-based RPG. Avg FPS: 50-70
45. Call of Duty: World at War (2008) - Gritty WWII first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 50-70
46. Painkiller (2004) - Old-school fast-paced first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 80-100
47. Doom 3 (2004) - Remake of the classic first-person shooter with impressive graphics. Avg FPS: 60-80
48. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) - Acclaimed sci-fi RPG set in Star Wars universe. Avg FPS: 60+
49. Arma II (2009) - Realistic military simulation shooter. Avg FPS: 30-50
50. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (2003) - Third-person shooter with bullet-time mechanics. Avg FPS: 60-80
51. Resident Evil 4 (2005) - Survival horror game considered one of the best of its era. Avg FPS: 50-70
52. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (2004) - Cult classic RPG set in the World of Darkness. Avg FPS: 60+
53. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003) - Cinematic platformer and action-adventure. Avg FPS: 60+
54. Beyond Good & Evil (2003) - Action-adventure game with a unique sci-fi setting. Avg FPS: 60+
55. Psychonauts (2005) - Quirky 3D platformer with creative level design. Avg FPS: 60+
56. Silent Hill 2 (2001) - Psychological survival horror game with an iconic atmosphere. Avg FPS: 60+
57. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) - Open-world action game set in the 1980s. Avg FPS: 70-90
58. Jade Empire (2005) - Martial arts action RPG set in a mythical ancient Chinese setting. Avg FPS: 60+
59. Republic Commando (2005) - Tactical first-person shooter in the Star Wars universe. Avg FPS: 60-80
60. Full Spectrum Warrior (2004) - Squad-based tactical military shooter. Avg FPS: 60+
61. Battlefield 2 (2005) - Large-scale multiplayer military shooter. Avg FPS: 60-80
62. Call of Duty 2 (2005) - World War II first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 70-90
63. F.E.A.R. (2005) - Atmospheric first-person shooter with advanced AI. Avg FPS: 50-70
64. The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (2004) - First-person action game. Avg FPS: 60-80
65. Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005) - Multiplayer shooter in the Star Wars universe. Avg FPS: 60-80
66. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War (2004) - Real-time strategy in the Warhammer 40K setting. Avg FPS: 60+
67. The Suffering (2004) - Psychological horror first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 60-80
68. Thief: Deadly Shadows (2004) - Stealth game focused on shadowy environments. Avg FPS: 60+
69. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (2005) - Stealth action game. Avg FPS: 60-80
70. Rome: Total War (2004) - Historical real-time strategy game. Avg FPS: 60+
71. Jedi Academy (2003) - Action game with force powers in the Star Wars universe. Avg FPS: 70-90
72. Dead or Alive 4 (2005) - 3D fighting game. Avg FPS: 60+
73. Company of Heroes (2006) - Real-time strategy focused on World War II. Avg FPS: 50-70
74. Battlefield 2142 (2006) - First-person shooter set in the future. Avg FPS: 50-70
75. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006) - Open-world fantasy RPG. Avg FPS: 40-60
76. Titan Quest (2006) - Action RPG set in ancient mythological times. Avg FPS: 60+
77. LEGO Star Wars II (2005) - Comical action-adventure game in the Star Wars universe. Avg FPS: 60+
78. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 (2005) - Tactical World War II first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 60-80
79. Fahrenheit (2005) - Cinematic interactive drama action-adventure game. Avg FPS: 60+
80. Syberia (2002) - Point-and-click adventure game with a unique setting. Avg FPS: 60+
81. Hitman: Blood Money (2006) - Stealth game focused on assassination missions. Avg FPS: 50-70
82. Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade (2006) - Expansion to the RTS game. Avg FPS: 60+
83. Destroy All Humans! (2005) - Action game with comical alien invasion of 1950s Earth. Avg FPS: 60-80
84. The Suffering: Ties That Bind (2005) - Sequel to the psychological horror FPS. Avg FPS: 60-80
85. SWAT 4 (2005) - Tactical first-person shooter focused on SWAT missions. Avg FPS: 60+
86. Dungeon Siege II (2005) - Action RPG with large environments. Avg FPS: 60+
87. Painkiller: Hell Wars (2006) - Extension to the fast-paced FPS Painkiller. Avg FPS: 80-100
88. Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project (2002) - Classic first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 70-90
89. Mafia (2002) - Open-world action-adventure game with a 1930s mobster setting. Avg FPS: 60-80
90. Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (2002) - World War II first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 70-90
91. Call of Duty (2003) - The game that kicked off the hit Call of Duty series. Avg FPS: 80-100
92. Unreal Tournament 2004 (2004) - Arena-based first-person shooter. Avg FPS: 60-80
93. XIII (2003) - First-person shooter with a comic book art style. Avg FPS: 70-90
94. Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb (2003) - Action-adventure game. Avg FPS: 60-80
95. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) - Hack-and-slash action game. Avg FPS: 60+
96. No One Lives Forever 2 (2002) - First-person shooter with a 1960s spy theme. Avg FPS: 80-100
97. Deus Ex (2000) - Groundbreaking cyberpunk-themed action RPG. Avg FPS: 60+
98. Max Payne (2001) - Third-person shooter pioneering bullet-time mechanics. Avg FPS: 80-100
99. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II (2004) - Sequel RPG set in the Star Wars universe. Avg FPS: 60+
100. Freedom Fighters (2003) - Squad-based third-person shooter set during an invasion of New York. Avg FPS: 60-80

Most of these games should run smoothly at decent frame rates on an Nvidia GTS 250, though some may need lower settings for optimal performance. But they represent a great library of fun older games very playable on that GPU from 2015 and earlier.