Subject: Dell XPS 8900 Desktop | Intel Core i7 | 4GB Graphics | 32 GB Memory
It took me three years to finally get my new computer configured the way I wanted it. I purchased a Dell computer from Costco a few years back, with every intention of switching over from my old Windows 7 machine to this newer one. Well, that was the plan anyways.
So, what took me so long?
First off, I never felt the need to get onto the new machine, plus I was not looking forward to getting all the programs moved over to the new computer. I had other computers and laptops that I had been using for work and personal use, and this project kept being pushed onto the back burner. I would venture to say there are many out there that have been in the same boat.
Why did I do it?
Microsoft Windows 7 support ended in January 2020. That right there was the main reason I changed over when I did.
So, what did I do and how did I do it?
Before I switched over, I wanted to install a fast Solid State Drive (SSD) drive in the new computer. With the price of SSDs dropping in recent years, I purchased a 1 TB SSD drive in place of the mechanical disk drive to begin with. Well, that didn’t work out as planned because I already had 900 GB of files and programs on my old computer that I did not want to give up or archive. So then, I decided that I was going to go to a super duper upgrade for a very fast speed and install a Sabrent 2TB Rocket NVMe PCIe M.2 2280 Internal SSD High Performance Solid State Drive (SB-ROCKET-2TB). The idea here was that the onboard plugin socket for a PCIe M.2 device would be the fastest access for a relatively low price.
The installation of the Sabrent 2TB Rocket NVMe PCIe M.2 2280 Internal SSD High Performance Solid State Drive (SB-ROCKET-2TB) was wrought with technical issues. I could never get the BIOS to recognize the M.2 drive as the system drive. I was pulling my hair out on this one! I finally gave up with that idea, and sent the drive back.
The next idea was to install a 2 TB SSD drive as an additional drive to the 1 TB SSD drive I first installed. I picked the following: Samsung 860 QVO SSD 2TB – 2.5 Inch SATA 3 Internal Solid State Drive with V-NAND Technology (MZ-76Q2T0B/AM). This drive installation and being able to make it the boot drive went relatively easily. I did a completely clean install of the Windows 10 software and all the updates. I was happy with that and the machine was fast!
Next steps:
Now, I had to figure on the best way of getting all my programs and files over to the new computer. I was resigned to the fact that I was going to have to update a number of the programs regardless. Such is life with computers. So, I did do some research out there to find out the best way to transfer the programs and files from the old computer to the new one. I ended up purchasing PCTransfer Professional Software from EaseUS.
The PCTransfer Professional program worked great over the network. I was able to get all my programs and files moved over. However, even with the successful transfer of most of the programs, there were a few that still did not function properly. I found out that some of the programs needed to be installed fresh no matter what. Once again, this is par for the course of computer upgrades.
How do I like Windows 10?
As far as my like or dislike of Windows 10, that really isn’t an issue with me. It’s all about getting familiar with where everything is located. I have been using Windows computers, Apple Macs and Chromebooks for ages. So, each operating system has its strength and weaknesses. There are some things I prefer to do on the Windows machine and some things I like to use the Mac for. However, for my everyday computer for Internet use, I rely on using a Google Pixelbook Chromebook. The portability aspect and the ease of use come in second nature on a Chromebook.
What are the next steps on the desktop computer equation?
Real estate on the computer monitor is what I am looking at next. I’m looking for high resolution and a BIG screen!
What should I get? That is the question. Suggestions are welcome.