New laptop 'bricked' by hubby ... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[Minxy]

Having just spent literally hours - from approx 3.00pm to 8.00pm - trying to sort my laptop after hubby did some software updating which totally stuffed it I'm sick to death of all things Microsoft! The issue seems to have been that it didn't like the changes he was doing so BitWarden (Microsoft's flaming oversensitive minder!) 'bricked' my new laptop and wouldn't accept any of the restore key codes I have so I couldn't get past it!!!

After loads of research and trying all sorts, and changing what I could get at, all to no avail that I could tell of anyway, I finally managed to get it to accept one of my restore key codes but I've had to install Windows 365 on a 5 day 'freebie' as I think it's my old MS Office 2010 it took umbrage to, fortunately I work with a split drive so all my documents etc are safe otherwise, as Taggart would allegedly say, there's "been a murder"! At one point I had 3 laptops on the go to get the info I needed including my Lenovo with the broken screen hinge which I'd propped up on the coffee table.

At least my 'brick' has now turned into a 'brickette' as I still need to set-up all the bits and bobs on it to how I like it so I've got a lot more time to spend to sort it out which is gonna take ages as it wiped out all my restore points, which I couldn't access anyway when BitWarden blocked me out. I've done a new restore point for my drives so hopefully if I need them in the future I'll be able to get at them ... or not!

I was going to buy a newer copy of Office from Groupon as there are some cheap offers on there at the moment, but it's got me wondering about abandoning that idea and going with Libre Office which I've just downloaded which I'll have a play with tomorrow.

microsoft office | Groupon

Discover and save on 1000s of great deals at nearby restaurants, spas, things to do, shopping, travel and more. Groupon: Own the Experience.

www.groupon.co.uk

Fortunately I remembered the recent thread (below) discussing Libre Office so got the link for it off there:

Can the hive mind recommend.......

I need to write just one document and I am looking for recommendations for a safe FREE download, it's not worth paying to do just one thing. If I need to make good use Mircro Word in the future, which I hope I will, I will then download & pay for it.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

I do a lot with Excel and Word, and occasionally Powerpoint, so don't need anything else really so would like to hear people's views of how MS and LO compare before I commit.

 

[Mrsambulancekidd]

I think it's time to 'brick' hubby...

 

[Gromett]

I do a lot with Excel and Word, and occasionally Powerpoint, so don't need anything else really so would like to hear people's views of how MS and LO compare before I commit.

No need to commit. LibreOffice has excellent file format compatibility with MS Office.

In fact the only issue I can imagine other than getting used to a new way of doing things would be if you use any of the MS scripting languages in excel for instance.

I have been running my business off Libreoffice Write and Calc since it came out and Open Office before that. Libre Office has come on in leaps and bounds over that time.


The great thing is it doesn't have regular interface changes like MS does. I still remember when they start the whole ribbon thing meaning you had to relearn where everything was.

Good luck with it and I hope you give it a fair go.

We will have you on Linux next

 

[Minxy]

I think it's time to 'brick' hubby...

Let's just say he nearly got 'cremated' ... and he's not dead!

 

[Minxy]

We will have you on Linux next

Actually I was thinking of that too but remembered the recent thread mentioned earlier regarding Libre Office. What has Linux got to offer that I haven't got already? (Careful how you answer that! )

I hate the numerous updates that MS do as they're a pain in the bum although I know that you can create a dual boot so can use one or t'other.

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[TheMobileWanderer]

I'm running the Ubuntu flavour of Linux.
It just works, which frees me from the frustration I had with every version of windows.
Libre Office is fine for my needs which involve dics and spreadsheets.
Other packages too such as GIMP for photo editing.
And updates....they just happen now, without interrupting my use of the device or later, depending on which button I click.

The OH who is 'technically reluctant' is on Ubuntu as well having ditched Win 7 pro.

Tip:
I store all my files on one drive and linux on the main bootable one. That means I can re-install linux (to ensure its clean of crud/viruses), every 6 months or so. It takes just minutes to do that.

 

[Gromett]

Actually I was thinking of that too but remembered the recent thread mentioned earlier regarding Libre Office. What has Linux got to offer that I haven't got already? (Careful how you answer that! )

I hate the numerous updates that MS do as they're a pain in the bum although I know that you can create a dual boot so can use one or t'other.

Windows vs Linux?

Windows, constant updates and forced reboots.
Waiting for ages for it to shut down on updates.
Have to update OS and applications separately and not all at once.
Constant adverts and nagging.
Changes every version to how it works meaning you have to relearns stuff.
Requirements to have an MS account from window 11 onwards.


Linux (Mint)
No pressure on updates.
Updates are 2 mouse clicks away, can continue while you work and do not slow your system down.
Updates not only update the OS, it updates any installed applications that require an update at the same time.
No forced reboots. Next time you reboot will be fine. And it won't slow down your shutdown or your next reboot.
No adverts in the OS.
No pressure to sign up for any "services", No nag screens.
No trying to force you to save to the cloud or use a cloud service.
Stays pretty much the same from one version to the next. No relearning stuff.
Faster and more memory efficient and doesn't slow down over time.

The only downsides is it doesn't run specialised software like Adobe Cloud Suite, AutoCad or AAA games.

For office work, browsing and media consumption it is superior to windows because it doesn't get in your way, it is stable, it is free and it gives you choices.
You wouldn't believe how much software there is available for Linux for free.

Linux Mint Cinnamon is a very good starting point as it is very similar to how windows 7 was. It is what I have used for years now.

You can install one of many other desktops. for instance KDE is bling, bling ultra modern, xfce is stripped down and seriously fast on even very old and limited hardware.
There are loads of desktops to choose from each serving a particular taste in OS. Want it to look like window 3.1? Want it to look like a Mac? No problems. you have the choice.

Cinnamon is fork of Gnome 2. When the devs started to create Gnome 3, they were breaking stuff all over the place, doing thing differently. So Cinnamon was born.

Cinnamon is between xfce and Gnome in this video. Which gives a reasonable idea of what they look like. Sorry about the AI voice. But watch the video to see what they look like.

If you are ever going to over my way, I am happy to demonstrate linux if you want.

 

[Russ N Tracey]

MacBook Pro all the way for me. not had a single problem in 10 years.

 

[steve69]

Tried Linux Mint about 4 years ago on an old HP laptop.
Complete disaster. Just kept crashing.
Never again
Once bitten etc....

 

[Rog NotJane]

Tried Linux Mint about 4 years ago on an old HP laptop.
Complete disaster. Just kept crashing.
Never again
Once bitten etc....

Not going to argue with your experience but it’s possibly the laptop not Linux that was causing that. Linux is probably the most stable of the three main alternatives.

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[herald_400rl]

Cjs cdkeys for office

 

[The Wino]

Windows vs Linux?

Windows, constant updates and forced reboots.
Waiting for ages for it to shut down on updates.
Have to update OS and applications separately and not all at once.
Constant adverts and nagging.
Changes every version to how it works meaning you have to relearns stuff.
Requirements to have an MS account from window 11 onwards.


Linux (Mint)
No pressure on updates.
Updates are 2 mouse clicks away, can continue while you work and do not slow your system down.
Updates not only update the OS, it updates any installed applications that require an update at the same time.
No forced reboots. Next time you reboot will be fine. And it won't slow down your shutdown or your next reboot.
No adverts in the OS.
No pressure to sign up for any "services", No nag screens.
No trying to force you to save to the cloud or use a cloud service.
Stays pretty much the same from one version to the next. No relearning stuff.
Faster and more memory efficient and doesn't slow down over time.

The only downsides is it doesn't run specialised software like Adobe Cloud Suite, AutoCad or AAA games.

For office work, browsing and media consumption it is superior to windows because it doesn't get in your way, it is stable, it is free and it gives you choices.
You wouldn't believe how much software there is available for Linux for free.

Linux Mint Cinnamon is a very good starting point as it is very similar to how windows 7 was. It is what I have used for years now.

You can install one of many other desktops. for instance KDE is bling, bling ultra modern, xfce is stripped down and seriously fast on even very old and limited hardware.
There are loads of desktops to choose from each serving a particular taste in OS. Want it to look like window 3.1? Want it to look like a Mac? No problems. you have the choice.

Cinnamon is fork of Gnome 2. When the devs started to create Gnome 3, they were breaking stuff all over the place, doing thing differently. So Cinnamon was born.

Cinnamon is between xfce and Gnome in this video. Which gives a reasonable idea of what they look like. Sorry about the AI voice. But watch the video to see what they look like.

If you are ever going to over my way, I am happy to demonstrate linux if you want.

I've often thought of using Linux but it's like a foreign language all the different varieties etc. . On the ops point we use google apps all the time now rather than office etc.

 

[manners]

I've been using Linux Cinnamon for a while on a laptop that's not compatible with W11, so set up a duel boot so I can still use multiecuscan and I don't have to buy a new laptop. The wife uses Libre Office for spreadsheets and the MS Office spreadsheets she had saved opened no problem.

 

[Coolcats]

Having just spent literally hours - from approx 3.00pm to 8.00pm - trying to sort my laptop after hubby did some software updating which totally stuffed it I'm sick to death of all things Microsoft! The issue seems to have been that it didn't like the changes he was doing so BitWarden (Microsoft's flaming oversensitive minder!) 'bricked' my new laptop and wouldn't accept any of the restore key codes I have so I couldn't get past it!!!

After loads of research and trying all sorts, and changing what I could get at, all to no avail that I could tell of anyway, I finally managed to get it to accept one of my restore key codes but I've had to install Windows 365 on a 5 day 'freebie' as I think it's my old MS Office 2010 it took umbrage to, fortunately I work with a split drive so all my documents etc are safe otherwise, as Taggart would allegedly say, there's "been a murder"! At one point I had 3 laptops on the go to get the info I needed including my Lenovo with the broken screen hinge which I'd propped up on the coffee table.

At least my 'brick' has now turned into a 'brickette' as I still need to set-up all the bits and bobs on it to how I like it so I've got a lot more time to spend to sort it out which is gonna take ages as it wiped out all my restore points, which I couldn't access anyway when BitWarden blocked me out. I've done a new restore point for my drives so hopefully if I need them in the future I'll be able to get at them ... or not!

I was going to buy a newer copy of Office from Groupon as there are some cheap offers on there at the moment, but it's got me wondering about abandoning that idea and going with Libre Office which I've just downloaded which I'll have a play with tomorrow.

microsoft office | Groupon

Discover and save on 1000s of great deals at nearby restaurants, spas, things to do, shopping, travel and more. Groupon: Own the Experience.

www.groupon.co.uk

Fortunately I remembered the recent thread (below) discussing Libre Office so got the link for it off there:

Can the hive mind recommend.......

I need to write just one document and I am looking for recommendations for a safe FREE download, it's not worth paying to do just one thing. If I need to make good use Mircro Word in the future, which I hope I will, I will then download & pay for it.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

I do a lot with Excel and Word, and occasionally Powerpoint, so don't need anything else really so would like to hear people's views of how MS and LO compare before I commit.

Buy a Mac, no mess no fuss and you can run your excel and word no problem

We went Mac in 2007 and have never looked back. Best decision we made.

 

[Coolcats]

Actually I was thinking of that too but remembered the recent thread mentioned earlier regarding Libre Office. What has Linux got to offer that I haven't got already? (Careful how you answer that! )

I hate the numerous updates that MS do as they're a pain in the bum although I know that you can create a dual boot so can use one or t'other.

With a Mac there are updates but as they make the machine and do not let people add other components it’s only one update. It really is no mess no fuss

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[Coolcats]

Just to add if your not wedded to excel and word Apple have Pages and numbers which is free and you can save them in word or ppt format.

 

[DBK]

I've recently started using MS 365 and find it excellent but I'll be the first to admit it needs a monthly subscription so on cost grounds it doesn't compare with the products mentioned in this thread.

What I like about it is there's an Android version which I've installed on my phone and tablet. While walking the dog the other day I had a thought about something I'm working on at the moment so I opened the document on my phone, made the change then closed it. Back home I could open the document again and continue working on the now updated document. All the files are stored remotely so loss of a device, fire or whatever would have no impact. You can keep copies locally on your device if you want.

 

[bigtwin]

Let's just say he nearly got 'cremated'

Just well and truly ‘flamed’ then?

Ian

 

[Jon Stewart]

I've recently started using MS 365 and find it excellent but I'll be the first to admit it needs a monthly subscription so on cost grounds it doesn't compare with the products mentioned in this thread.

What I like about it is there's an Android version which I've installed on my phone and tablet. While walking the dog the other day I had a thought about something I'm working on at the moment so I opened the document on my phone, made the change then closed it. Back home I could open the document again and continue working on the now updated document. All the files are stored remotely so loss of a device, fire or whatever would have no impact. You can keep copies locally on your device if you want.

Exactly. I've had cause to have the same document open on two computers at the same time and amused to see the live update from one to the other.

Combined with oneDrive, it's pretty foolproof.

 

[Miggs]

Bitwarden is just a password manager, how can it brick your laptop?
I have it on every device and it works great.

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[BrochMike]

After nursing dozens of PCs & laptops through thousands of updates since before windows, now I'm free from the workplace, I have decided to dump Microsoft.

I admit it's better than it used to be at repairing itself but the fact you have to hold your breath, and keep your fingers crossed, every time the 'updates' screen appears is just too stressful.

Also, I don't like being continously badgered into using OneDrive/365 and detest their 'making it better' mantra when quite a lot is just 'change for change's sake'.

However, for some strange reason, I am happy to use my Google accounts, several of them, across loads of devices.

So, on the basis Google knows everything about me already, I experimented with migrating some old laptops to Chrome-OS and was pleasantly surprised.

Simple but effective, and more than enough functionality for most folk. The familiarity across laptop, tablet & phone (and use of expansive app store) made the transition really easy for a very reluctant IT user (ie. my other half).

However, Linux** may well be the solution for my main PC ('cos it'll be fun to experiment with!), with an offline windows machine for any legacy/obscure applications with no Linux/chrome equivalent.

**Edit: it's good to know we have some Linux experts on here I can pester when I get stuck

 

[Littlewheels]

I am sure in the distant past l read that Computers would save time and effort by simplifying matters.

 

[rusted]

Having dabbled with computers since before the pc was invented, I have slowly watched Microsoft products go from something that was trying to fill a need to kind of achieving it with windows 7. To today's intrusive data harvesting monster, there have been some improvements but on the whole it's become something I detest. I only use it to play games and pretty much do everything else from my phone.

 

[Rog NotJane]

do everything else from my phone.

iPhone or Android? Either one is probably gathering more info on you than your Windows installation.

 

[hja]

OK. I have windows 11 and office 365. I don’t seem to have the issues others have but OH badgers me about linux and libra but can I still use outlook which is my email because I certainly wouldn’t want to change that.

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[TDub49]

Having just spent literally hours - from approx 3.00pm to 8.00pm - trying to sort my laptop after hubby did some software updating which totally stuffed it I'm sick to death of all things Microsoft! The issue seems to have been that it didn't like the changes he was doing so BitWarden (Microsoft's flaming oversensitive minder!) 'bricked' my new laptop and wouldn't accept any of the restore key codes I have so I couldn't get past it!!!

After loads of research and trying all sorts, and changing what I could get at, all to no avail that I could tell of anyway, I finally managed to get it to accept one of my restore key codes but I've had to install Windows 365 on a 5 day 'freebie' as I think it's my old MS Office 2010 it took umbrage to, fortunately I work with a split drive so all my documents etc are safe otherwise, as Taggart would allegedly say, there's "been a murder"! At one point I had 3 laptops on the go to get the info I needed including my Lenovo with the broken screen hinge which I'd propped up on the coffee table.

At least my 'brick' has now turned into a 'brickette' as I still need to set-up all the bits and bobs on it to how I like it so I've got a lot more time to spend to sort it out which is gonna take ages as it wiped out all my restore points, which I couldn't access anyway when BitWarden blocked me out. I've done a new restore point for my drives so hopefully if I need them in the future I'll be able to get at them ... or not!

I was going to buy a newer copy of Office from Groupon as there are some cheap offers on there at the moment, but it's got me wondering about abandoning that idea and going with Libre Office which I've just downloaded which I'll have a play with tomorrow.

microsoft office | Groupon

Discover and save on 1000s of great deals at nearby restaurants, spas, things to do, shopping, travel and more. Groupon: Own the Experience.

www.groupon.co.uk

Fortunately I remembered the recent thread (below) discussing Libre Office so got the link for it off there:

Can the hive mind recommend.......

I need to write just one document and I am looking for recommendations for a safe FREE download, it's not worth paying to do just one thing. If I need to make good use Mircro Word in the future, which I hope I will, I will then download & pay for it.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

I do a lot with Excel and Word, and occasionally Powerpoint, so don't need anything else really so would like to hear people's views of how MS and LO compare before I commit.

In my experience, Libre Office is fine and in the main the document formats are workable on both platforms. The thing with Libre Office is it is "same same but different' and you need to give yourself time to adjust.

 

[Mrsambulancekidd]

Let's just say he nearly got 'cremated' ... and he's not dead!

I'll let you know when mine ticks me off again and we can save on getting them 'cooked' together.

 

[Hedgewitch]

Having just spent literally hours - from approx 3.00pm to 8.00pm - trying to sort my laptop after hubby did some software updating which totally stuffed it

Your first mistake: letting him near your laptop, but I do feel your pain

About 20 years ago my Spousal Unit did the same to me.

Since then he has had no access to any of my devices, nothing, nadda. About once a year he stuffs up his own computer and I say to him "good luck dear, sorry I cannot help you, it's been 20 years since I moved everything to Apple and no longer have a clue how to troubleshoot a Windows machine ...."

 

[AndyPK]

We’re in the Apple ‘ecosystem’…….ditched Windows and PCs when I retired; now use a MacBook Air M1, iPad Pros and iPhones - keeping it simple!!

 

[CeeJay13]

Personally, I dumped Windows for Linux over a decade ago, when I didn't need to run Windows compatible stuff any longer (worked with Multi Nationals so had to maintain compatability). I started with MS-DOS, all the way through to Windows NT. To go over to Linux is not that steep a learning curve when you stick to the basics. If you don't do anything fancy, it just works.

I have been using Ubuntu and Debian (Ubuntu and Linux Mint are based on Debian).

These are my main Programmes - LibreOffice (not had a problem opening or saving any MS Office formats recently), Firefox, Thunderbird, KeePassXC (Password manager), Darktable (Raw photo editor), Rapid Photo Downloader, GnuCash (Accounts), Gramps (Genealogy), Joplin (save Notes across all devices) and a load of less important stuff.

Wife uses it OK, and the Kids have it loaded on their Old Computers that Windows refuses to run on. I also run Virtual Machines as well, so I can run Windows 10 Long Term Version on the same machine as Linux (I also have Linux Mint as a VM). I even run a Web Server in house for my www. Websites using Debian and ISPConfig3.

HTH

EDIT: Can you try it on an old system first?

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