How to survive on Windows Vista?

[Sectorfive]

Hi guys, long time no see!

I've recently sold my main computer in an effort to save up money and later on buy a good gaming computer, which means in the meantime I have to use my old computer that is still running Athlon 64 x2 dual core 5200+ processor, this computer has Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit installed on it, because that's the license I own.

Now I was wondering for any tips and tricks how to survive using vista today in 2025, soon to be 2026. Are there any extended kernels available, what web browser can I use that still supports it? Any antiviruses that still support the system and so on.

Thanks you in advance!

[teknixstuff]

There's two compatibility-related tools available: The Vista Extended Kernel (unfortunately now an ended project), and Second System (unstable and paid). The extended kernel can be useful, Second System is generally not worth trying. As for web browsers, you have plenty of options. If you want a Firefox-based browser, there's r3dfox. If you want a Chromium-based browser, there's Supermium. If you want a UXP-based browser, there's Lun3r. Considering it's a relatively slow PC by today's standards, UXP-based is likely the best option, as it has much lower requirements than the other options. Antiviruses I wouldn't bother with, just don't run random downloaded files and you'll be fine.

[The-10-Pen]

Agreed! Do not run antivirus!

Personally, I don't even do this on MODERN hardware.
Learn how to "protect yourself from stupid" instead of offloading that to "The Nanny State" that 'saves you from you'.

We used to call this "Practice Safe Hex". But in the era of "smart phones", that seems to be lost on today's society.


Next suggestion - do NOT, under any circumstance, think you can YouTube HI-DEF.
Don't even try it! Be REALISTIC on your EXPECTATIONS of just what that compuer can, and can NOT, "do".

[the_r3dacted]

Considering it's a relatively slow PC by today's standards, UXP-based is likely the best option, as it has much lower requirements than the other options. Antiviruses I wouldn't bother with, just don't run random downloaded files and you'll be fine.

I think an Athlon 64 x2 5200+ would be good enough to run r3dfox. I did do some benchmarks on ancient hardware, and it wasn't the worst experience on an 1.86GHz C2D with Se7en Lite.

For AV, yeah don't run any. But I suggest using https://www.virustotal.com for any files you find that you are suspicious of.

I do think it would be better to install a light version of Windows 7/8. I'd suggest Super Nano Lite, but that is a bit too extreme and the x64 version sucks. Se7en Lite is pretty good, but it has some bugs, I really need to make a new version of it based off of v5.

I'd recommend using this ISO on the machine: https://board.eclipse.cx/viewtopic.php?t=811

[Sectorfive]

Considering it's a relatively slow PC by today's standards, UXP-based is likely the best option, as it has much lower requirements than the other options. Antiviruses I wouldn't bother with, just don't run random downloaded files and you'll be fine.

I think an Athlon 64 x2 5200+ would be good enough to run r3dfox. I did do some benchmarks on ancient hardware, and it wasn't the worst experience on an 1.86GHz C2D with Se7en Lite.

For AV, yeah don't run any. But I suggest using https://www.virustotal.com for any files you find that you are suspicious of.

I do think it would be better to install a light version of Windows 7/8. I'd suggest Super Nano Lite, but that is a bit too extreme and the x64 version sucks. Se7en Lite is pretty good, but it has some bugs, I really need to make a new version of it based off of v5.

I'd recommend using this ISO on the machine: https://board.eclipse.cx/viewtopic.php?t=811

Alright I installed the ISO you linked me. Hopefully it's better.