Is there any way to escape costly computer upgrades?

Question

I recently bought a new computer as my old one was 6 years old, Windows Vista OS was the only OS available with the computer I wanted, now programs like photoshop won't transfer unless I "upgrade" I've used both my current version of Photoshop and the new versions, I see no reason to pay $100 for the new version.

It's the same thing for several other programs, also I have to play the serial number matching game and don't get me started on transfering Microsoft products such as Office, is there any way to not pay out the *** so I can just have a nice computer with decent programs

Answer 1

Okay this is going to either be a very long answer of a very short one, their are two parts to this question, it is hardware and software.



Hardware, you already said you have gotten a new pc, but waiting 6 years is quite along time, especially if your a artist, I know I use Photoshop or other software, and the more the software upgrades the more hardware needs to be upgraded, Just keep that in mind.



Software, which is your issue. software is a very different story with many ways to get around if needed, okay first have you tried to downgrade to a previous operating system? windows xp is still in high demand , even tho I use windows vista now, I think most agree that windows XP is better, as do I.



If your into the whole illegal scene like most people who use photoshop are, sorry to sound rude but alot of people can't shell out 700 dollars for a program, they use warez sites to illegally download the software they want or need.



Another way is hacking a program onto a operating system. It only sounds hard because of the word hack, its fairly simple if you can do a quick google search.



You may just want to buy a newer version of your software, but you have already expressed not wanting to do that.

Answer 2

Don't upgrade. Seriously. If you were satisfied with those programs and that hardware before, stay satisfied with it now.



Alternatively, you can migrate your entire environment to new hardware. That means the old OS. You can dual-boot into XP and Vista if you like.



For now, there's really no advantage to Vista at all. You could install XP using your old license. But that might turn out to be bad in a year or so if more and more programs start requiring Vista.



Unfortunately, entire system replacement usually means software too.

Answer 3

Have you tried the compatibility mode? If so, I don't know what to tell you but if not.....



Windows Vista, like any new operating system, will have problems running some older versions of applications. This is especially true in Vista, considering all the changes. Thankfully there is a compatibility mode that can be easily set per application.



The link I provided shows the steps to do this

Answer 4

1 way. Buy Windows XP downgrade. Microsoft should not have released Vista fro another 2-4 years.

Answer 5

There are several ILLEGAL methods to do what you are asking. Just ask any young person (teenager to college age) to do it for you and don't ask how they did it.





To do it legally, download FREE shareware programs off the internet that are similar to the programs you frequently use.

Answer 6

Screw 'em all. Use free open source software.