win7 or w8?

MichaelM

MichaelM

MichaelM

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I need a new copy of Windows after an extensive hardware upgrade a while ago.

So should I:

  • Wait for Windows 8 to be released.
  • Buy a new copy of Win7 now and then buy an upgrade for Windows 8 when it is released.
  • Get the Windows 8 consumer preview and decide later (assuming there are no major issues with hardware/software compatibility)
 
I'm using Windows 8 Consumer Preview as my primary operating system and am happy with it. At the bare minimum I would suggest using that for now - if you like it then you can save yourself some money and simply buy Win8 at release; if you don't or you experience compatibility issues then you can either wait for the final release to see if it has improved or just grab Win7 straight away.

I imagine opinions on this will be very divided, though I think my suggestion is both prudent and financially sound.
 
TAC4U said:
I'm using Windows 8 Consumer Preview as my primary operating system and am happy with it. At the bare minimum I would suggest using that for now - if you like it then you can save yourself some money and simply buy Win8 at release; if you don't or you experience compatibility issues then you can either wait for the final release to see if it has improved or just grab Win7 straight away.

I imagine opinions on this will be very divided, though I think my suggestion is both prudent and financially sound.
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this seems like the best solution,
if win 8 works ok then happy days, if not then you know you need win 7 and havn't lost anything
 
MichaelM said:
[*]Get the Windows 8 consumer preview and decide later (assuming there are no major issues with hardware/software compatibility)
[/LIST]
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This, as long as you don't have xonar sound card. It's silly reliable and fast.

At worst after a few weeks, you give up and buy win7
 
If you got win7 and then decided to get win8 upgrade when released , could you do a full fresh install?

I think when I went from xp to vista upgrade disc ,I remember you could not do a fresh install?
 
Hyburnate said:
Is it just me who couldn't cope with all the sliding parts? Its like it took me 5mins to realise how the **** to shut it down
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It's a preview, it's a change. It's not a full release with an introductory tutorial or advertising campaign. You may actually need to spend 2mins and do some reading/watch a video on how it all works.
 
Most important question. What do you use your PC for?

If it's mission critical stuff, do you want to trust it to a beta OS no matter how good it appears to be?
 
I have an old Audigy2 PCI sound card from about 2004 which I would assume be the first compatibility issue I would hit.

I use the computer for Gaming, word processing and some light CAD work.
 
So if it's all backed up and you can afford the time if you need to reinstall down the line I'd go with TAC4U's approach.

I'd expect problems with the Creative drivers, it's why I stopped using their cards - the drivers were terrible - especially when a new OS came out. But gone for a Xonar now so not sure what's worse!
 
Jhaemes said:
Legally, you can download Windows 7 ; it's a 30 day trial that requires activation. You can extend it to 120 days, http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-7/extend-the-windows-7-trial-from-30-to-120-days/

Gives you plenty of time to save up for an activation key, if you're planning to purchase.
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That worked, so I will go with that for the time being as its the least effort.
Closer to Windows 8 release I might then try the preview and see if it is to my liking.

Any idea when Windows 8 will be released actually?
 
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