Totally agree, Joan. Older machines with older processors could not be upgraded to Windows 10 BUT those older machines can still receive updates for Windows 7, at least as long as Microsoft continue supplying them. I wasn't suggesting that
everybody should have upgraded to Windows 10. What I was querying was why a machine with a processor that was launched
after Windows 10 became the default would be running on Windows 7? As far as I am aware it is only those more recent processors that are not accepting the Windows 7 updates.
Joan wrote:...Meanwhile I have to decide which hardware to replace and by what - not an easy decision.
Joan
In the case of the laptop it is pretty easy. It is virtually impossible to upgrade most components so it is just a matter of which new laptop you fancy/can afford.
In the case of the desktop
what you will need to replace is not that hard. The obvious thing is the processor since it is that that is stopping you upgrading to Windows 10. Since they keep changing the socket that the processor fits into you will almost certainly need to replace the mother board. The later mother board and processor will almost certainly use different memory so you will need to replace that. You might get away with keeping the display card but it is also possible there won't be drivers available for that card with the new processor if it is old. Most modern processors have their own built in display chip so, if you don't want to play modern 3D games, you could just use that. You need to check that the mother board has the right socket for your monitor. Whether to replace the hard drive is a matter of judgement. They do wear out eventually. The case and the PSU should be OK providing you buy a mother board suitable for both, i.e. the right form factor, ATX, mini ATX etc.
Which models to choose is a bit harder. If you look at any component there will be an entry level model with relatively low performance that is the cheapest. As you move up the price range initially you tend to get quite big improvements in performance for relatively modest increases in price but as you start to get close to the latest state-of-the-art model you get big increases in price with relatively small improvements in performance. I tend to buy the model that is close to where the price first starts to kick up faster. Whether you go down the Intel route or the AMD route is a matter of personal preference. I have always bought Intel but I couldn't give you a rational argument why.
Warwick