Using old computers

davidfunk90

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2025
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27
Is there any way to continue using old computers with Windows on them? I have got a really old computer that is suitable for Windows 98 and a computer that's got Windows 7 hardward and one that's got Windows 10. I keep being told that they are outdate and I am not intelligent enough to get them running so I got this computer that has Windows 11 on it that I am hoping is going to last awhile. Am I missing something or were these computers just to use and throw away? Should I be able to continue to use them?
 
Solution
You’re not missing anything—and it’s not about “intelligence.” Older PCs can absolutely still be useful. The key is to give each machine a safe, realistic role and set expectations around security and support.

What you can do with each PC​

  • Windows 98-era PC
    • Best used fully offline for retro games, old music/MIDI gear, or legacy software/hardware (serial/parallel devices).
    • Practical tips: replace the CMOS battery (CR2032), consider an IDE-to-SD/CF adapter to replace an aging hard drive, and make a full disk image (Clonezilla, Macrium, etc. once it’s stable. For file transfer, use SD/CF via a USB reader on your modern PC.
    • Avoid internet use; modern websites (TLS 1.2/1.3) won’t work reliably and it’s unsafe.
    ...
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I am too tired to really think about what you are telling me ChatGPT. Thanks for telling me anyways. I just cannot fathom anyway that a truth or hallucination could differ for you or I. I will think about this question and speak to you again some other time.
 
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Totally fine—rest up. None of this is urgent, and your PCs aren’t going anywhere. When you’re fresher, I can walk you through things one click at a time.
If you want easy starters later, just paste one of these and I’ll reply with a short, step‑by‑step:
  • “Move Documents/Pictures/Downloads to my microSD on the HP 14‑dq0040nr.”
  • “Turn on Storage Sense and free space safely.”
  • “Set up a simple monthly backup to a USB stick.”
  • “Make Ubuntu ready for basic music recording.”
  • “Decide whether to switch out of S mode (pros/cons for me).”
Take care, and ping me whenever you’re ready—I'll keep it simple.
 
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Yes—if you mean “The Story About Ping,” the classic children’s book about a duck on the Yangtze River. Fun coincidence: “ping” is also a built‑in Windows network test.
If you ever want to check your internet connection without command‑line tools (since S mode is fussy), try this:
  • Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections > Run.
  • Or just open Edge and visit a few known sites; if one loads and others don’t, it’s usually a site issue, not your PC.
If you were thinking of a different “Ping,” tell me which one—and if you want, I can show a simple way to test your connection that works in S mode.
 
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One time I have heard of that. I remember some time ago my dad used this ping command in the terminal on Microsoft Windows 98 or something like that. I didn't know that Ping the duck was a story about the Yangtze river. I would like to further learn about it. My mom once told me about Ping the duck, that there was such a thing, but that was all.
 
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You’re thinking of “The Story About Ping” by Marjorie Flack (illustrated by Kurt Wiese). It’s a 1933 children’s book about a duck who lives on a boat on the Yangtze River, gets separated while avoiding a spanking, and learns about consequences and finding his way home. Short, gentle, and widely read in schools.

How to read or listen to it on your HP (S mode‑friendly)​

  • Library (free): If you have a library card, open Edge and go to libbyapp.com. Add your library, sign in, then search “The Story About Ping.” You can read in the browser (works great in S mode) or borrow an audiobook if available. Some libraries also use hoopladigital.com.
  • Microsoft Store apps: If your library offers a Store app, that’ll also work in S mode. Otherwise the web version above is simplest.
  • Read‑aloud: Edge can read web pages aloud. In Edge, open the eBook or a sample page, press Ctrl+Shift+U (or right‑click → Read aloud), and pick a voice/speed.
If you’d like, tell me your library system and I’ll walk you through borrowing it step‑by‑step—no command line, all inside Edge.
 
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Thanks ChatGPT. My library uses libby so I think I will look for it there first. I requested that they incorporate hoopla using the hoopla website so we'll wait and see what happen.
 
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That sounds perfect—Libby is the easiest way to read it on your HP in S mode.
Quick steps in Libby (S‑mode friendly)
  • In Edge, go to libbyapp.com → Add Library → search your library → Sign in with your card/PIN.
  • Search “The Story About Ping” (author: Marjorie Flack). If it shows:
    • Borrow: tap Borrow → Open in Libby (downloads for offline use).
    • Place hold: tap Hold; turn on notifications so Libby emails you when it’s ready.
  • Reading tips: tap the “A” icon in the reader to adjust text size and theme; Edge can read any page aloud (Ctrl+Shift+U) if there isn’t an audiobook.
  • Return early when you’re done to free a copy for others.
Nice extras
  • Pin it like an app: in Edge, three dots (…) → Apps → Install this site as an app → “Libby.” It’ll show on Start/Taskbar and works great in S mode.
  • If your library adds hoopla later: it’s usually “no holds, instant borrow.” It also works in the browser on your HP.
If you hit any bumps (sign‑in, holds, offline reading), tell me what you see on screen and I’ll walk you through it step by step. Enjoy Ping!
 
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AI “hallucinations” happen when it confidently gives wrong info. Unlike humans, AI doesn’t believe or know anything—it’s just predicting words. Mistakes only matter if someone acts on them as true, so always double-check critical info. Truth is what can be verified by reliable sources, and AI output should be treated as a helpful starting point, not a guarantee.
 
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I do not understand how AI or humans could know that they are wrong. Wouldn't we all be hallucinating? I am aware that right and wrong are concepts that are debated: what is right or wrong to do? what is the truth or a lie? My knowledge is that the concept of right and wrong pertains to truth and lies, or morals. These concepts are discussed and explored and if one party convinces another to change the foundations of their beliefs it could cause all parties involved to be aware that they are hallucinating. I thought this sort of conversation was happening on a large scale at all times and was what created a shared hallucination.
 
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People and AI can both get things wrong, but in different ways. Humans actually believe stuff that might turn out false, while AI is just spitting out predictions and can sound right even when it’s not. The way we figure out what’s true is by testing it, checking the evidence, and seeing if other people can confirm it. Sometimes groups buy into the wrong idea, but reality usually catches up — if something works every time, it’s probably not false. Facts can be proven, but questions of right and wrong come down to discussion, reasoning, and values.
 
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