Hello there,
My Desll D620 laptop is kind of old. Yet it can run XP and Vista. I installed Windows 7 on it since I don't like the Vista interface. My problem is, my RAM is only 1GB and installing 7 slowed down my computer. A friend advice me to install Windows 8 since this operating system doesn't use RAM. I'm surprised to hear it but I want to know if it's true? Is it the best OS for an old model laptop?
What is the best OS for an old model laptop?
First off, all Operating systems, regardless of the version, uses RAM in order to process all the applications that are meant to run. The primary difference that would be significantly visible would be the startup and shutdown times, as Windows 8 would generally boot up faster than Windows 7 or Windows XP. The same holds true for the shutdown time, as once again, Windows 8 would be able to shut down much faster than a Windows 7. However, since you are using a laptop that does not have touch screen functionality, the processes that you grew accustomed with using older versions of Windows (7&XP) would prove to be quite a task in Windows 8. This is because the interface of Windows 8 was designed for mobile devices like tablets and mobile phones, wherein the "Right-Click" is nowhere to be seen.Â
Although there is an option to "Hide" the new interface and go with the classic desktop, most of the applications that you know where to find before, is no longer in the same location, making it difficult to adjust to the new environment. As of this time, it would still be best to stick to Windows XP. The Windows XP Service Pack 2 appears to be the most stable among the three iterations of Windows XP. Also, Windows XP has the most number of programs and applications supported. The program that you mentioned which does not run on XP should still be able to run, and you just have to run it in "Compatibility Mode" to ensure that it would still run. Windows 7, on the other hand, can run like a dream even on an older laptop. But, it is worth noting that to achieve that, most, if not all Windows Updates and background processes should be disabled whenever possible.Â
Since Windows 7 has a lot of unnecessary bundled applications that are pre-installed, it would be best to reinstall the said OS with these unnecessary applications un-ticked and/or declined upon install. In addition, Windows 7 can be tweaked to run under minimal processing power and RAM. Some of which are pretty basic, like changing the skin to "Classic Windows XP" and choosing "Best Performance" over "Best Graphics" in the interface menu. As for Windows 8, it is the least viable option to go with if you are using that laptop.Â
New applications should not be a problem with Windows 8, but the overall user experience would be greatly affected, especially for users that have been using other versions of Windows since the beginning. In summary, with all the factors considered, Windows XP still proves to be the best option, while the Windows 8 comes in second, and the Windows 7 goes last.
What is the best OS for an old model laptop?
Hello,
I just checked your model. DELLÂ D620, really a great one of its origin. You asked for a suggestion so I am.
Windows XP needs only 733 MHz processor to run enough well. But, when Windows Vista arrived, it recommends 512 of RAM. But, keep in mind that, Vista is a failed product of Windows. Though, Vista comes with the slogan "WOW STARTS NOW" but it failed to satisfy the users. Windows 7 is a great successful one too like XP but a RAM eater And I don't think you will happy enough with Windows 8 on this DELL D620. SO, the answer is NO.
Have you ever tried Linux. Then try Linux or stay on XP.
What is the best OS for an old model laptop?
If your machine had already gotten very slow after changing to Microsoft Windows 7, what more can happen if you will upgrade to Windows 8. Anyway, here are the system requirements for both operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows 7 – requires at least 1 GHz or faster 32-bit or 64-bit processor, 1 GB RAM for 32-bit and 2 GB RAM for 64-bit, 16 GB free space for 32-bit and 20 GB free space for 64-bit, and Microsoft DirectX 9-compatible video card with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver.
- Microsoft Windows 8.x – requires at least 1 GHz or faster processor with PAE, NX, and SSE2 support, 1 GB RAM for 32-bit and 2 GB RAM for 64-bit, 16 GB free space for 32-bit and 20 GB free space for 64-bit, and Microsoft DirectX 9-compatible video card with WDDM driver.
The basic memory requirement of both operating systems is the same. If you want a faster computer, go back to Windows XP or upgrade your machine by adding more RAM and replacing your processor with a much faster one.
