toshiba

gistfile1.txt

================
What I'm starting with
================

Toshiba Satellite Pro C50-A-1E0
4GB RAM
455GB drive
DVD RW drive
Celeron 1005M @ 1.9GHz, 64 bit

Was originally shipped preinstalled with Windows 8
Windows 10 Enterprise has been installed on top
It's not activated
ID 00329-00000-00003-AA832
Key XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-2YT43

Sound not working.
Any other problems?


==================
Stick with no activation?
==================

Per https://www.techspot.com/guides/1696-change-wallpaper-windows-not-activated/:

> While most of the operating system can be used for free without providing an activation key, not having access to the personalization menus can be annoying if you like having custom colors, sounds, start menu and task bar settings, or again, even just your own desktop background. Fortunately, applying a new wallpaper isn't impossible, despite some of the menu options being blocked.

> If you decide to activate your copy of Windows 10 so you aren't jumping through these extra hoops: Right click the Start button > System > Change product key or update your edition of Windows, where you will find a link to the Microsoft store which sells Windows 10 for $139.

> The same page will also let you provide a product key purchased elsewhere, and it's worth noting that Windows 10 keys are often available for $10 or so on eBay, however your mileage will vary and those keys acquired on the cheap may only work for a few weeks if you're lucky.


=======================
Articles about buying WIndows
=======================

https://www.tomshardware.co.uk/get-windows-10-free-or-cheap,review-34459.html
Simple table outlines options. Tom's hardware is generally reliable.

https://www.howtogeek.com/392080/cheap-windows-10-keys-do-they-work/
Article warns not to buy cheap keys claiming they're likely illegal and liable to be deactivated. Comments contradict the article. See http://disq.us/p/1wt66st

kinguin?

https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-get-Windows-10-for-cheap
Conflicting and confusing answers as might be expected.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/need-legal-cheap-windows-8-license-options/

https://www.gamespot.com/forums/pc-mac-linux-society-1000004/whats-a-legit-way-to-purchase-windows-10-cheap-33399684/

A cheap source of keys: https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/


======================================
Offers I saw looking for realistic Windows choices
======================================

https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/software/operating-systems/best-windows-10-deals-2015-1300938

I looked at the above page today, Sunday 31 March, 2019. I got the following supposedly best deal prices. For each I summarize what I saw when I clicked the View Deal button:

£32? "Currently unavailable." One review: "... locked to one computer by using the digital signatures of the components in the computer itself to lock ... So if i upgrade my ... computer to a new one, i'd have to buy another copy of windows. ... ive been ripped off thinking i got Windows 10 Home on sale ... DO NOT BUY IF YOU'RE EXPECTING A FULL WINDOWS 10 HOME."

£76? Page says £96. And it's also OEM (locked to one computer forever). And 32 bit, not 64 bit. And just a plain Home edition too. So, seems like a lousy deal.

£91? Page says £91 too. Also OEM. 64 bit. The laptop cpu is 64 bit so this is going to be faster. Still a Home edition.

£109? "Microsoft Windows 10 Home Premium 64 Bit Operating System". Looks like this isn't an OEM version (so you could transfer it to a new machine one day if you wanted). I think "Premium" just means it's not a "Basic" edition which is a version for poor countries -- I don't think it's available in English.

Also, £10 at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Pro-Key-Bits-mail/dp/B07FZ2WXL4/ref=sr_1_10?adgrpid=59976901424&hvadid=259176149236&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1006886&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=1441057361686519174&hvtargid=kwd-296350775171&keywords=windows+10+professional+64+bit&qid=1554042704&s=gateway&sr=8-10


========================
Realistic non-Windows choices?
========================

Ubuntu?