Windows 7 vs Windows 8

It comes down to preference, some like it others hate it with a passion.

If windows 7 gets the job done the way you want it then stick with 7.
 
Maybe I first try it on my HTPC.

All programs compatible?
Will XBMC run on 8.1 nicely?
Driver issues?
 
Dolby said:
I don't want to get too much into the specifics of each - but I've had Windows 7 for years and happy.

Someone has given me a copy of Windows 8 and thinking of using it. I know when they launched 8, many preferred 7 - but has that changed?
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I say do it. Start up less than 5 seconds and even less if it didn't go out of battery power because I think it just hibernates then.

The tiles took some getting used to, like 15 minutes then I was good to go - just think of it as a large start menu.

But in my case I actually got a new laptop, so that may also influence my experience. i3 to i7, quite a big leap for me. Oh, I actually have 8.1, but I do believe it is a free upgrade if you have 8.
 
kayvee said:
Software.
Click to expand...

Deep.

Nothing wrong with 7 but if you can go to 8.1, why not? No need for addons that put the start menu back though, pin to taskbar or windows key and the first few letters of the program works much faster. Just make sure to boot straight to desktop.
 
This is a legal method if you decide to go with Windows 8.1

Skip 8 and download the 8.1 ISO

Use the following temp keys to allow the installation.

Windows 8.1 Core/Home --> 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

Windows 8.1 Professional ---> XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

Once installed use your activation key to activate it permanently.

Click here for some more info : http://vinaybalraj.blogspot.com/p/clean-install-windows-81-with-windows-8.html
 
rubber_otter said:
I actually disagree. Was in the same boat until I actually took the plunge. Startup is sub-15 seconds, it updated to 8.1 within a day, games load faster and play better. I would highly recommend it.
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There is no need to wait that long to update.
Follow Kingrob’s instructions and you be up and running in no time at all.
 
Eskomisaloser said:
This is a legal method if you decide to go with Windows 8.1
Click to expand...

On my main PC, I have Windows 7 64 bit and activated legally - guessing that I could just install this Windows 8 over that already activated OS and all will be fine? I won't need another license or code?

If I choose to do a clean install, I format ad install my current 7, get all SPs etc - then upgrade and use my own activation code?
 
http://www.itpro.co.uk/desktop-software/21919/windows-81-vs-windows-7-which-is-best-for-you
1. Boot time
....
Winner: Windows 8 – The faster the machine boots up, the more time you are able to spend on doing more productive things. By the end of the multiple year lifespan of your PC, this can add up to hours of reclaimed time.

2. Enterprise features
...
Winner: Draw – Although Windows 8 has more enterprise features as a default, Windows 7 has the benefit of being tried and tested. Then again, further updates for 8.1 have fixed many of the biggest problems inherent to previous iterations of the OS.

3. Performance
......
Winner: Windows 8 – It’s faster and less resource intensive.

4. Interface
...
Winner: Windows 7 – The classic, familiar desktop remains popular for a reason, and thus wins the day. Windows 8 simply tries to do too much too quickly and, even though the 8.1 update allows users the option of booting straight to desktop, Metro still has a nasty habit of popping up when it’s not welcome.

5. Security
.....
Winner: Windows 8 – The latest version of Windows smartly has more security features set as default.

6. Task Manager
.....
Winner: Windows 8 – Who doesn’t want more informative graphs and charts?

7. USB 3.0 support
.....
Winner: Windows 8 – Getting faster transfer speeds is always a positive thing.

8. Data transfers done right
......
Winner: Windows 8 – Not only does it transfer data faster, but Windows 8 ensures less interruptions and more accurate time estimations.

9. Daemon Tools is obsolete
.......
Winner: Windows 8 - Finally helps to put the nail in the coffin of physical media.

10. 3D printing support
.......
Winner: Windows 8 - It’s not a necessity yet but, in the future, the ability to print 3D prototypes could be invaluable to businesses.

Verdict - Which version of Windows is right for you?
Windows 8 has received a lot of flack for the Metro interface, but this shouldn’t overshadow the number of improvements Microsoft has made to the OS since.

In this way, think of Windows 8.1 as just Windows 7 with four additional years of development. The downside is that updates can break the system simple because it isn’t as tried and tested as its predecessor, but this changes with time.

The latest OS has a faster boot time and better performance along with a superior task manager and security features. It also has native support for USB 3, 3D, ISO, IMG and VHD.

However, Windows 7 did manage to win in the interface category, also salvaging a draw when it came to judging enterprise features.

If you’re buying a Windows machine for personal use, then, it seems that Windows 8.1 is the way to go – as long as you ignore Metro for productivity and use it only for web browsing.

Businesses looking to deploy machines will most likely want the familiarity and stability of Windows 7, however, and this is something OEMs such as Dell and HP have recognised – now selling Windows 8 machines to enterprises with the option to downgrade to Windows 7 if they desire.

This article was first published on 26/03/14 and has been updated multiple times (most recently on 15/08/14) to reflect new information that has become available since its original publication.
Click to expand...
 
Dolby said:
On my main PC, I have Windows 7 64 bit and activated legally - guessing that I could just install this Windows 8 over that already activated OS and all will be fine? I won't need another license or code?

If I choose to do a clean install, I format ad install my current 7, get all SPs etc - then upgrade and use my own activation code?
Click to expand...
You will need a valid Windows 8 License key.
 
Electron1 said:
You will need a valid Windows 8 License key.
Click to expand...

... what if I install Windows 7 unactivated (I have 30 days) and then install Windows 8 with a valid license key before I activate 7?
 
Windows 8 will try to activate when it has finish its installation. I don't think there is any grace period.
 
Had a thread on this exact same debate earlier just use the search function, but anyway point is i was hesitant and then moved over to windows 8. I wasn't happy at first be because its new, but after i got used to it.

I will never go back to 7
 
Thor187 said:
Had a thread on this exact same debate earlier just use the search function, but anyway point is i was hesitant and then moved over to windows 8. I wasn't happy at first be because its new, but after i got used to it.

I will never go back to 7
Click to expand...

Same here. i can never go back to windows 7. Windows 8.1 feels better to me. I mainly upgrade for BF4. I get more FPS. I say go for windows 8.1 and install classicshell.
 
Windows 8.1 runs perfectly and almost all software works on it. It loads faster, feels smoother. You might struggle with Intel graphics drivers though but other than that it's a good OS.

No problem staying on 7 though, both are good.
 
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