If you get a "License Manager Error -8" after install, you did not run the activate_matlab.exe as Administrator. Right-click > Run as Admin, then point to your license_standalone.lic file.
You bought a $200 refurbished laptop to learn programming. R2014b runs instantly. It loads in 8 seconds on an HDD vs. 60 seconds for R2024. The core language ( linspace , for loops, plot ) hasn't changed. You learn 95% of modern MATLAB syntax without the lag. matlab better download 2014