Windows 7 x64 vs. windows 8.1
- Thread starter sashkris
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I think it comes down to personal preference. I haven't run into any issues running games on Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 so its really a question of which you prefer to use.
Some people just don't seem to be able to get there heads around Windows 8 for some reason.
You could try the trial version of Windows 8 to see how you get on with it.
Personally I would do the same as Glaucus suggests and go with Windows 8.1.
8.1, I wouldn't even bother with a start menu replacement, I never use the damn thing anymore. hit windows key, start typing what I'm after, hit return, job done. Honestly I've note had to use the mouse to open an application in ages unless it's on the quick launch bar or the desktop, works great!
I loved Windows 7 but 8.1 is pretty sweet.
I loved Windows 7 but 8.1 is pretty sweet.
This.
I don't get all the hate for Windows 8/8.1. As far as day-to-day use goes, the whole 'metro' experience is completely optional. I haven't used a single metro app since beta.
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If you have a Windows 7 license already, use that. Otherwise you may as well get Windows 8.1 and if you want the old interface install Startisback, Start8 or Classic Shell.
Also improved security on 8.1,I could also mention Win7 mainstream support ends Jan 2015.
Blinkered, probably never given it a try or if you did you approached it from a "I wont' like this " angle and overlooked several of the nice touches it adds.
Yes it's so bad that I upgraded two of my Win7 PCs to 8.1 and never looked back
Win7 is history like XP as far as I'm concerned so RIP Win7.
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That'll almost certainly be extended. Windows 7 will be like XP and only be obsolete when businesses are totally forced to upgrade. I'll bet money it'll supported well into next decade.
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Well put it this way, Windows 7 has been around for quite some time now and the software and drivers available have had numerous revisions so are relatively bug free.
Windows 8.1 doesn't offer anything more than 7 other than it's immaturity and that can lead to issues until they get fixed. Ok it's got a quite a boost in security but can't you get that from a good firewall?
No gaming advantage, in fact, the modding community have found that the Direct X application used in 8.1 causes a headache that just isn't there in Windows 7 so it's a very significant experience in that regard.
I bought Windows 8 when it was released and used it up until a month ago, also upgrading to 8.1 as soon as that came out. Metro isn't an issue to me, looked lovely but I just didn't use it and that didn't hinder my experience and I used it exactly as I used Windows 7. No more and no less! However I had a few issues with the generic+proprietary drivers using LAN and bluetooth, poor implementation of the audio mix adjustments for specific applications but the biggest hurdle had to be my NVidia driver crashes. I couldn't install a driver update without it crashing before completion, even after two fresh reinstalls of 8.1 it still reappeared. There aren't huge issues that will appear on every system but it's another example of issues found on an immature OS.
I decided to roll back to Windows 7 and it's all smooth, all fully supported, all ironed out and stable. Windows 7 is still the only OS I've been able run for several years without an issue that was large enough to require a full Windows reinstall. That alone is incredible!
Windows 8.1 doesn't offer anything more than 7 other than it's immaturity and that can lead to issues until they get fixed. Ok it's got a quite a boost in security but can't you get that from a good firewall?
No gaming advantage, in fact, the modding community have found that the Direct X application used in 8.1 causes a headache that just isn't there in Windows 7 so it's a very significant experience in that regard.
I bought Windows 8 when it was released and used it up until a month ago, also upgrading to 8.1 as soon as that came out. Metro isn't an issue to me, looked lovely but I just didn't use it and that didn't hinder my experience and I used it exactly as I used Windows 7. No more and no less! However I had a few issues with the generic+proprietary drivers using LAN and bluetooth, poor implementation of the audio mix adjustments for specific applications but the biggest hurdle had to be my NVidia driver crashes. I couldn't install a driver update without it crashing before completion, even after two fresh reinstalls of 8.1 it still reappeared. There aren't huge issues that will appear on every system but it's another example of issues found on an immature OS.
I decided to roll back to Windows 7 and it's all smooth, all fully supported, all ironed out and stable. Windows 7 is still the only OS I've been able run for several years without an issue that was large enough to require a full Windows reinstall. That alone is incredible!
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I'm a gamer as well and to be fair had no issues with drivers or gaming(overclocked CPU and Nvidia video card) on 8.1,even if I did you can't blame drivers on OS like they did with Vista in the early days.
I could also argue Win7 does not offer much over Vista unlike Win8/8.1 which is a quite an upgrade compared to Win7,ie Microsoft Store,Security,Refresh,Reset options,improved 3G and 4G support,improved task manager,I could go on but the point I'm trying to make is fine if you want to stay on Win7 but don't try and tell me W8/8.1 is not more of an upgrade then Win7 ever was over Vista.
Funny how OS always get blamed for driver issues by some users which is not fair by any means on any OS,blame the manufacturer of the hardware in question for the drivers. Nvidia has had its fair share of issues with Win7 users as well ,don't believe me look at Geforce.com forums, but then don't blame OS blame Nvidia or possible user error ie overclocks etc ..
Funny I could say same thing for my previous operating systems ie WinXP,Vista,Win8 and even my current Linux distros,its not hard to run a stable OS very easy infact.
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The key date for home users is January 14, 2020.