If I can't have Windows 7 on my next computer, I'll try Linux Mint Cinnamon.
Still on Windows 7 Pro 64-bit here, too.
recently reinstalled win 7 pro on my box due to hard disc failure.
I had to scour the internet for the manual install for SP1 and a few other things so I could get Windows update to get the rest. Found them on some sort of software archive site, as MS took the downloads off their site.
After this, I’m switching to linux. Only reason I kept windows was for Gaming, which I’ll be able to do on the steam linux platform shortly.
I will not use W11 and will stick with what I have setup. I use a VPN and good internet security software so I've not had any problems. (knock on wood)
Microsoft is only going to drive more users away from their O/S to others, and that's a shame. Windows XP and 7 were their best operating systems and they seem to have not gotten the message that most users like the simplicity of both. Their loss.
Windows 7 can only be installed on, at least in the way of Intel based motherboards, on a Generation 7 board or earlier. I have a Gen 1 (yeah, I know, WAY OLD!!!) but I have plans to purchase a Gen 7 board and processor soon. That’s the limit of where I will go, and should serve me until I pass from this mortal coil (I’m 61 years old).
When I finally went to Windows 10 I installed the Windows 7 classic shell that I found free somewhere online which makes my updated 10 look and feel like 7. Has worked like a charm for several years now.
You should be able to use it on new computer. Also look into dual boot- use Linux for almost all online activity, and winders offline if,possible. Linux mint cinnamon is very user,friendly for,the most,part, and functions jusy like windows for basic stuff like browsing, email. I use it as Main os and windows 7 as my gaming and photoshop os offline (though one game is online, but that is all I do withmit online)i really resited going linux, but oncd mint became so easy to,use, i am glad i made the switch.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention. If you decide to,try Linux mint, there is a mouse gesture program worth a look called easystroke (horrible name)- I use it for,a number of things ,ike “next page” and “previous page” “next tab” “previous tab” “close page” “open terminal” “calculator” “notepad” - all,kinds of things. I can even call up the shut down dialogue by simply doing an “s” gesture holding down right mouse button- super quick and easy
If I wanna go,to a new tab, I just hold right mouse button and do a diagonal slash mark like /
It’s probsbly my most used app. Use it many times a day