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Upgrade to Windows 8 or stay with 7

Curadh de na Aracos
Badam
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Posted On: 06/08/2014 at 03:28 PM
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I have the opportunity to upgrade my gaming pc to windows 8 pro. Taking price out of the equation, my questions to you guys:

 

1) is it worth it? I continue to hear how games are being optimized for win 8 

2) How hard was the install?

3) Was performance better?

4) What prevents you from switching to 8 other than price? Format, tiles, runs different, don't accept change well?

 

Thanks

 

 

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Response:

Tiarna de na Iolair Corcra
Jairone
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Replied On: 06/08/2014 at 05:38 PM PDT
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I know some people that love 8 and hate 7, and some that love 7 and hate 8.

That said, the ones that love 8 do so because it runs much more like a tablet/smartphone, with programs not so much closing as hiding, and all the assorted features.  I don't really want that setup on a PC, so I wouldn't upgrade... but if you do like that setup, there's not really much reason to stop yourself.  From what I have seen, performance is acceptable in comparison, and there's not stupidly huge memory requirements.

Honestly, if you can find a friend or family member with W8, try it out first.  Also look into the programs to modify it closer to something like windows 7, and consider if one of them in combination with 8 will be more or less ideal for you.

User comfort, honestly, is one of the big differences between the two for now.

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Curadh de na Aracos Buí
Valtyrian
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Replied On: 06/08/2014 at 06:10 PM PDT
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Stick with Windows 7. unless you want a challenge. personally I hate window's 8. and the programs that help make windows 8 work more like windows 7 cost money.

 

now if you want a good free gaming OS. Linux is your best bet. many games everyone here plays with a gold or higher rating on WINE.

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Sekkerhund
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Replied On: 06/08/2014 at 07:15 PM PDT
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From what I understand, there's not much difference under the hood.  Windows 8 is essentially Windows 7 with a GUI designed to integrate with other Windows devices.

Bottom line: Its a personal preference for the moment.  Whenever they cease Windows 7 support, then its time to upgrade for security reasons.

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Tiarna de na Ulchabhan Dearg
Booie
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Replied On: 06/08/2014 at 09:28 PM PDT
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At home I use Windows 8.1 because I got a license for free and I'm cheap.  At work I use both for testing compatibility with our devices and software, but if I had to choose one over the other, then I would rather stay with Windows 7 until they stop support (January 14, 2020)

I was waiting for them to release 8.1 so I didn't have see the squares more than I have too.  They have changed so many small things that I was used to finding in certain places and now have to go and find somewhere else.

What was wrong with the Windows start button (besides you click start to stop)

As others have said, find someone that has it and try it out, because it comes down to personal flavor.

"A delayed game is eventually good, a bad game is bad forever" - Shigeru Miyamoto
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Curadh de na Fhiaigh Donn
Aalwein
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Replied On: 06/09/2014 at 12:06 AM PDT
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If you don't use the start menu in Windows 7 heavily, there's really no reason not to upgrade to 8.1. Aside from missing the start button, Windows 8.1 seems to do everything Win7 can do with a lot of new UI features to boot. I was skeptical about switching to 8.1 but now that I've been using it for the last few months, I love it. It works great with a mouse. The naysayers seem to ride on this "its made for tablet/phone/touchscreen" but honestly it is a great desktop OS. I have it on both a dual-screen desktop and a touchscreen computer. It works great on both.

That said, I don't feel that it has any better or worse performance gaming-wise. It is a dang miracle worker when it comes to installation - you don't even have to install drivers! It will automatically install all the hardware drivers your computer needs during installation as long as you have it connected to the Internet during the install. You'll still have to install apps for your peripherals, like Razer and Logitech and such, but otherwise it grabs almost everything else. I absolutely love installing Win8 on my client's computers due to this automatic driver installation. So far I have yet to find a program that doesn't run on Win8 that is made to run on Win7.

Your best bet is to install it (dual-boot installation is a breeze) and give it a month trial to see if you like it. You probably will.

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Lorgaire de na Sailetheach Donn
Syphon
Lorgaire de na Sailetheach Donn
Replied On: 06/09/2014 at 04:22 AM PDT

I just upgraded and I am still on that upward learning curve filled with much hate.   I had to replace my harddrive, and with xp out the door and vista soon going as well, I figured I might as well go ahead and upgrade to 8.  It was the same price for the operating systems anyways, and I might as well get use to it, cause if I buy another new computer it will probably come with it anyways.  

That being said, if you are into tablets I can see how it might be better for tablets, however I have an ipad and honestly that tablet set up works better than what I see with windows 8.   Windows8 in truth doesn't feel like windows at all.  All previous incarnations took what made windows windows at its core and updated it, this one changed the mold so drastically that people hate it.   As it stands, I hate trying to use the window out key on my keyboard while playing a game, because it doesn't just take me to my desktop, it takes me to the app page, which then I have to go back to my desktop.   Unless I spend the time making all my short cuts for programs that seemed to go to the desktop as usually, and put them on the app looking page, then I have to keep doing that.  

Also It sucks that I can't find applications that I know are their, via the desktop, that I have to actually go to the app page to find the application.  Then I have to also set that up for easier access like the calculate for example.    

Windows 8 is just a hassle and a headache for a desktop operating system, and if it had the layout like most tablets then I could see it as a tablet operating system.  The problem is microsoft became stupid and tried to create a hybrid operating system instead of just creating two seperate operating systems, and this one system doesn't actually work great for either application.  It might be better on a tablet, but since I don't have a windows tablet to find out, I am not sure.  It just seems like so much of it is hidden behind the window, instead of being able to actually see what your looking at.   The idea of windows to start with was that it was suppose to open up computers and make it easier for everyone to use who doesn't know code, but this incarnation hides so much, and has created more hassle that its not as user friendly as previous versions.   Did I mention how much a pain it is to actually restart your computer now.   Even when using the desktop of windows 8, whats the point of having the window icon show up on the bottom bar when it doesn't do what most would think that should do from a desktop screen.  

So yes, if you don't have to go to windows8, then don't.

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Twig
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Replied On: 06/09/2014 at 04:54 PM PDT
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Have Win7 on the tabletop and Win8 on the laptop. I don't have a problem with either. Win8 took just a bit to get used to but if this ol'dawg can learn new tricks anyone can.

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” -Winnie The Pooh
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Garyc
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Replied On: 06/09/2014 at 09:21 PM PDT
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If this computer of yours is going to last a long time, (I can't believe I'm saying this).. but I would go for Win8.  In some point in time, Win7 will be retired, and Win8 will survive a bit more.

More and more Win8 is returning to its Win7 roots, desktop, homescreen, and all.

Having said that, I use Win7, and the thought of going to Win8 makes me cringe.  But it's inevitable.  Better sooner than later I suppose.

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Jonathan
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Replied On: 06/10/2014 at 09:37 AM PDT

Taking price out of the equation, might just as well take installation out as well since I cannot/do not build my own PC's.  My main reason for not upgrading is not wanting to start my learning experience back at square 1.  I recently bought a mid-range laptop for a relative who's laptop was going belly up, It runs Win 8.1, I am constantly being asked how to do things on it that she had no trouble doing on Vista.  I *shrug*, you by now know more about Win 8 than I do why are you asking me?

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Karbonatom
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Replied On: 06/10/2014 at 01:26 PM PDT
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I'm gonna toss in my two cents. I use windows 8 at work and it still drives me bonkers. I've made a bunch of .ps (powershell scripts) to automate things that windows 7 just does. At home I am still on windows 7 ultimate simply cause I like the look and feel. There have been years of tweaks in place for me to iron out all the gaming problems so much that its just fine performance wise. As for windows 8 it's ok but I don't enjoy the menu system the hot corners etc, for work it does the job but I don't want it as a gaming OS. You can't go wrong with either but it's really up to what you like about the system. In short Win 7 Ult = Easy, Fast Lean   / Windows 8 = clunky menu and wifi problems.

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Badam
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Replied On: 06/10/2014 at 03:29 PM PDT
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Thanks guys for all your comments. I think I'm going to give it a try. If it's going to be the next gen os then I might as well hop on board and learn all the problems now so when family needs help I'll already know what's the problem. Is there anything in windows 8 that you love that 7 doesn't have? 

 

Karbonatom: you said wifi problems,  can you elaborate? 

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Priecher
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Replied On: 06/11/2014 at 05:43 AM PDT
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Make sure you install the windows 8.1 upgrade. Windows 8 has a lot of issues with drivers and networking. It was unfinished in my opinion. 8.1 is a much better version. That being said, I personally do not care for Windows 8 because of the tablet and smartphone look and feel. I do not like menus and hot corners. One thing Windows 8 needs is an option to return to a Classic Windows feel. I like to close my programs and make them all go away. Windows XP was my favorite version after Windows NT 4.0. I run windows 7 and it is a wonderful OS. When you compare Win 7 to Vista, and 8, it is the best there is but it is no XP.

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Ridire de na Ulchabhan
Kalec
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Replied On: 06/11/2014 at 10:25 AM PDT
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I'm still on Win7. I see no reason to go with 8 right now, when Microsoft is working on Windows 9.

If what you have works, there is no reason to get Win8. That $100 you have for the OS, use it for something else.

Wait to see what Microsoft is coming up next.

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Finsceal de na Ulchabhan Buí
Pops
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Replied On: 06/11/2014 at 11:47 AM PDT
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I use win7 on my 2 desktops and win8 on the laptop. As mentioned the 8.1 update is important. What I didn't see in all this great info was that vanilla win8 was initially made with touchscreens in mind. Also, the start button issue can be solved. I use "Classic Shell" from Ivosoft. It gives you the classic win7 look and feel. Works well and saved me a lot of grief. Also, I never did find a work around for me NOT to enter my password every time I boot up my puter.

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Tiarna de na Ulchabhan Dearg
Booie
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Replied On: 06/11/2014 at 12:14 PM PDT
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  1. Windows Key + X  from desktop.
  2. Select Command Prompt (Admin)
  3. Write netplwiz in the cmd prompt window and press return.
  4. The User Account window should pop up.
  5. Remove check mark in Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer
  6. A prompt window will appear asking you for default username / password, enter that and OK all the way out.

Next time you start up the computer, it should load you right in.

 



» Edited on: 2014-06-11 12:14:47



» Edited on: 2014-06-11 12:16:34

"A delayed game is eventually good, a bad game is bad forever" - Shigeru Miyamoto
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Laoch de na Iolair Buí
Sekkerhund
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Replied On: 06/11/2014 at 12:54 PM PDT
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Interesting anecdote about the history of Windows versions:

Oddly Microsoft operating systems have a "curse" attached to their release version-ing system.  Its the oddest thing, but going all the way back to MSDOS 1.0, (including the Windows GUI releases) its been that the odd versions are solid releases and the even versions are riddled with problems.

Its actually an accepted stigma by the Windows division at Microsoft, so much that they renamed Windows NT 6 to Windows 2000 to try and avoid it (I worked on that project), then continued the new convention with XP and Vista.  After the bad reception and problems with Vista, they decided to go back to the numerical version-ing system with Windows 7, because the odd versions have the reputation of being solid OS releases.  Windows 7 is actually was an odd version, and has been touted to be one of the most solid since NT 5.

So, going back to NT 5, the even/odd release version-ing would work like this:

Odd:

  • Windows NT 5
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 7
  • (code name Threshold, aka Windows 9)

Even:

  • Windows 2000
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 8

So personally, I'm gonna skip Windows 8 and wait until Windows 9.  That should probably be late next year, or early 2016.



» Edited on: 2014-06-11 12:58:08

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Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Donn
Garyc
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Replied On: 06/13/2014 at 04:30 AM PDT
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Don't forget about Windows 98 and Windows ME.   Would Windows ME be odd, since it came between Win98 and Win2000?

 

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Fili de na Ulchabhan Bán
Oldgoat
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Replied On: 06/13/2014 at 10:04 PM PDT
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The biggest negative I have with Win 8.1 is that I can't figure out how to make things not automatically go to the tiled version of a program when I double click them.  (IE a link, I double click, and instead of staying on my desktop and opening IE, it opens the app version of IE.)  Same with picture viewer and a few other things.  I also hate that I CAN'T get into BIOS on this box.  I follow all the instructions and it still skips BIOS.  No way for me to add a second hard drive for all the screenshots I take in GW2.  ;)  Other than that, it's just another operating system to get used to. 

 

 

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Tiarna de na Ulchabhan Dearg
Booie
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Replied On: 06/14/2014 at 06:15 AM PDT
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  1. Open IE on the desktop.
  2. Click the cog in the upper right hand corner.
  3. Click Internet Options in the drop down menu.
  4. Click the programs tab in the window that came up.
  5. In the first menu item "Opening Internet Explorer", choose "Always in Internet Explorer on the Desktop" and put a check mark in "Open Internet Explorer tiles on the desktop"
  6. Click OK all the way out and it should never open IE in the tiles again.

What BIOS do you have, you can write "wmic bios get name,serialnumber,version" without the quotes in a dos prompt to get this answer.  

You can choose default programs to open different file types by right clicking the file in desktop mode, then choose "Open with", then choose "Choose default program..."



» Edited on: 2014-06-14 09:21:42

"A delayed game is eventually good, a bad game is bad forever" - Shigeru Miyamoto
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Fine
dreaming
Fine
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Replied On: 07/31/2014 at 12:31 PM PDT

I believe now is a great time to update.  Why?  Because of Windows 8.1.

I would not have recommended Windows 8, but since it has been vastly upgraded with its' 8.1 features (optimized for the desktop user) I don't see why not.

Benchmarks also show it boots faster and loads programs faster than 7.  This is both anecdotal experience as well as an article I read on pcworld.com, a reputable source.

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Helios
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Replied On: 07/31/2014 at 10:46 PM PDT
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I run Windows 8 without any problems. Just install Classic Start and you'll forget you're even running 8. Feels exactly like 7. I never have to touch metro, charms are disabled and it's clear that Microsoft is really pushing for 8 adoption with DX 11.2 being 8.1 exclusive (Which I'm sure won't be the only thing they're going to lock to win8). With that in mind, you might as well upgrade.

 

I work in IT in a MS-centric network so I kinda have to be at least knowledgeable about Microsoft's latest OS'es, whether we're deploying them or not.



» Edited on: 2014-07-31 23:23:46

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Ridire de na Iomproidh Oráiste
Gideon
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Replied On: 08/01/2014 at 08:03 AM PDT

Just get windows 8.1. It works perfectly fine for desktop purposes. If you really find yourself missing the classic start menu I find that "start menu 8" from iobit.com is the best free option out there. That's right it's free. Just make sure you watch the check boxes when installing it. There is a sneaky one that will install a toolbar or some such bloat ware that you don't want.  

8.1 so far in my experience, and according to reputable sources, installs and boots faster than 7. The install process of 8.1 is so simple anyone could do it. On top of that, the ability to refresh your pc is awesome. 

Windows 8.1 also consumes less system resources. My 7 install uses about 500mb more system memory. Now a days that doesn't mean much though when most people have 8 or more gigabytes.

For gaming the 11.2 direct x exclusivity is a plus if you plan on playing the newest games with the newest features.

I feel like people hating on 8 or 8.1 are the same people who think windows phone or the surface are a joke.

The surface is hands down the best tablet on the market. Especially from a functionality standpoint. I wouldn't have even considered a tablet as I consider them to be a waste of money and space. They serve no real function. The i-pad is seriously a giant glorified i-phone that you cant even use as a phone. It cant do anything that the phone cant, so you are getting something for what, the screen size alone?

On the other hand I have my surface tablet that I run both AutoCad and my suite of Adobe programs on. I could go on, but I'll spare you all from the wall of text.

On the phone end, I've had my nokia 920 since it released and it is the best phone I've owned. Better than my Galaxy S and iphone before it. Both which slowed to a crawl and ran for about 2 hours after maybe 8 months to a year of owning them.(at least I could change the battery in the GalaxyS) Up dating both of them to the newest OS bricked both phones. Not completely, just to the point of near un-usability. Not so for my 920. Updated to 8.1 on the phone and it's like a new phone. This is the first time where I haven't felt at all compelled to run out and buy the next best thing, because honestly... there hasn't been a phone to come out since that I feel would merit a new one.



» Edited on: 2014-08-01 08:18:10

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Helios
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Replied On: 08/01/2014 at 11:35 AM PDT
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From a system administrator's standpoint, the surface tablet isn't half bad. I can see why an end user wouldn't like it though.

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Kaytlin
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Replied On: 08/01/2014 at 02:50 PM PDT
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My experience with windows 8.1 has been good and bad.

First the bad.

This was the most frustrating version of windows I have ever had to install.  It was not a transparent upgrade from 7 and took me literally several weeks foin order to get everything working again.  Well most everything. Some programs I had on 7 simply will not run on 8.1.

The good.

I have not had anywhere near the number of crashes and blue screens with windows 8.1 that I had with 7. 

I like the new look and the speed at which windows runs now.

I personally like the features of 8.1.

 

Bottom line would I upgrade again to windows 8.1. No. It is not worth the frustration I experienced in trying to get everything to work again.  In fact my parpartners computer is still on 7 and we dont plan to upgrade her until the next version of windows is out, and it has been tested by the public.

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