Should i get windows 7 or 8?

For a notebook that i will be using for gaming and watching movies, which windows should i choose?

 

The UI is pretty much a personal taste. You should go to a brick and mortar store so you can do some hands on with Windows 8, this is assuming you already have some windows 7 hands on time. Once you decide which is best for you then you can go shopping. Either OS is moe than capable of gaming or watching movies etc.............

 

If all you're doing is what you listed, then it really doesn't matter.

 

If watching movies is a priority, go Windows 8. The Netflix Win8 app is superior to their web interface, and Xbox Video is a nice alternative to Amazon for movie rentals. So there's more choices for media consumption with Win8 than Win7.

For gaming, for the most part, it really doesn't matter. With your Steam library and the like, once you launch the game, it's exactly the same. There are a couple of Win8 games you can't play with Win7 (Skulls of the Shogun and Halo: Spartan Assault), but so far, there's really just that two that are worth mentioning, and they're both on the casual end of the spectrum instead of the AAA end.

 

Depends on what your doing. Other then the UI both will do the same thing. I prefer 7 though cause im more familiar with it. But we do have 1 Win 8 in the house (i mostly use it with Hotkey combos XD) but its alright does the applications and games the same as windows 7 would

 

Windows 8 & 8.1 offer more security, and Windows 8.1 has directx 11.2. Also if you buy one, I would get 8 as it will be cheaper to upgrade to 9 if you wanted to.

 

Actually since there is so much cloud and store access etc. you could say Win8 is more vulnerable, both with A/V etc. are as secure locally. Is there a link as to upgrade pricing to Windows 9, please share...............

 

No gaming performance difference at all then?

 

I think there are some differences but most are considered statistically insignificant. Now DX 11.2 may make a difference down the line for added features but most likely this will be for some added eye candy and then it will need the future hardware to drive it too.

 

Good to know, I'm building a desktop (using laptops for 6 years my newest one is semi dead) and after I chose all the components my friend remembered me that I needed to buy the OS too, haha.

 

That depends what game are we talking about hardcore games or leisure gaming??? That comment doesn't give much info to know what the type of users your talking about???

That is all good and timely but most gamers probably will never really be able to tell difference from DX11 to DX11.2 even the core gamers will not see much differences unless they look really hard and even them they are enjoying the game overall and eye candy comes second as that will drag performance should one increase to that level and even then need a power rig to perform that level. As most gamers are leisure gamers and that is where the sales are core gamers are need but without the other gamers the game industry will crumble under it's own weight. I used Windows 7 to play my games NWN2 and The Witcher and more then enjoy the gaming experiences. So unless others can give a standard testing to compare overall we are talking to talk. Also the O/S world is Windows 7 one can dismiss much as they want but Industry are moving to Windows 7 not Windows 8 no matter how much one wants to say otherwise. And those that buy Windows 8 I can surmise some will wipe it clean and put Windows 7 on it as there will compatibility programs with the change in UI not recognizing the older software and will result in lost time and a learning curve that was push out to compete with Apple and not really improve the user experiences.

 

I was talking about the hard core ones, or... What should be a hard core one? I mean, having a dedicated gpu could mean being a hard core gamer? Or you're talking about multiple gpus, screes, etc?

 

Vista SP2 is basically Windows 7 with a classic taskbar.

Vista was bad because at the time it was released (2006), 2GB Ram and a 2GHz (or 3ghz Netburst) dual-core processor was high-end, not to mention the bugs that were fixed in the service packs.

 

Windows 8 brings no beneficial UI changes for desktop users over 7. Install Windows 7 first and if it doesn't meet your needs you can always upgrade to Windows 8. However, keep in mind that downgrading from Windows 8 to 7 is not possible.

EDIT: correction: downgrading from 8 to 7 is possible. See next post.

 

It most certainly IS possible to downgrade from W8 to W7 as long as the edition in question is Professional or above.

 

And if the OEM allows you to do this, like Lenovo does for example. If you buy standalone pro, you can't downgrade IIRC.

 

My understanding is that Win8 offers better multimonitor support, and a lot of people prefer the Win8 task manager. Also, right-clicking the start button in Windows 8.1 brings up a lot of power-user features all in one place; you don't get this same menu in Win 7.

With 8.1 as opposed to 8.0, it's possible to configure Windows so that you never see either a live tile or the charms bar. (This could be done in 8.0 only with third-party software). If you want to, you can completely take both controversial UI elements out of 8.1 without the use of third-party software. See the second link in my signature for what settings and where.

 

W8 allows you to show the taskbar on all displays, and even lets you customize which taskbar icons appear on which display to a more limited extent. the 8.1 update brings with it the ability to keep the start screen and modern/metro apps shown on one display and keep the desktop "app" open on another (whereas before clicking anything outside the desktop would minimize the desktop "app").

 

OMG, ROFLMAO; Multi-monitor support for metro apps.......................

 

oh, if only you could comprehend how "productive" that could actually be for you your head might explode. i prefer to have live tiles provide a constant update stream, from email to RSS feeds to social media to weather to news etc. etc. etc., on my laptop's smaller display while i continue to run "W7" on the other, larger external display.

 

Personally,

I think it comes down to the person's comfort level and taste in deciding which one to go with. If you have some experience with Windows 8 and don't feel "Overwhelmed" by the "Slight" change in UI then by all means go with the 8.1. As several have already stated the performance difference with gaming and videos etc should be a min. However, if you are a diehard traditional windows fan that requires / likes the previous UI setups then Windows 7 is a rock solid choice as well. There are several articles that describe the pro's and con's to both 8 & 7 (CNET.com, PCMag.com etc) so it might be a good idea to read some of them before making a decision. I am using 7 & 8.1 on my systems and basically have no issues with either; however, I do notice a bit more instability with 8.1 at this point in the game, but that's to be expected with it just rolling out and all. I think it will take time to "Iron" out everything....just my 2 cents of course....

Truckin

 

That's sounds good to and say it enough and one will believe it that is so far from the truth it isn't a slight change and how one can set a Windows 7 and Windows 8 computer side by side ( this is with M$ default settings not OEM manufacture tweaks to change how it work) and say this is a slight change is beyond mind boggling. 8.1 gives the look of start menu not a true start menu one need to clarify this isn't a true start menu function. We aren't a diehard fan of Windows 7 before we like to be productive and effective not be side lined by a O/S that dismiss users needs and with the gripe with Windows 8 ignores all that in one flashy UI. Windows 8 came without any real good reason and failed to take into account users are not looking for Apple Ipad emulation but Windows operation and Desktop and should one want a Metro then let them install the Metro this is the boned head thinking have true start menu but then allow users to install Desktop or Metro but retain the functionality of Windows 7 start menu. Doing this would have exploded Windows sales but no they decide to ram rod down users throats thinking they will take it up where the sun doesn't shine and guess what it couldn't be farther from the truth. And just cause the computing market is down is no excuse for M$ to say oh Desktop is down is but a small slice and not looking at the bigger picture of computing in itself. This is thinking outside of inside the box meaning they had no forethought or advance thinking to start with to see what was going to be a debacle.

 

the fact that a year from now my PC, tablet, gaming console, and cell phone will all run in the same general environment/UI means that there was plenty of "forethought [and] advance thinking." and it's a start screen.

 

After configuring 8.1 to work the way I want it to, I can safely admit I like it more than w7.

What I don't like is W8.1's driver support.

 

I would only consider Windows 8 with following conditions:

- You can get Windows 8 for significant less cost than Windows 7.
- You have touch screen enabled laptop/desktop or have a Windows 8 tablet and can make use of Metro UI apps (apps you buy on a Windows 8 tablet or desktop/laptop version can be used on both).

And that's really about it, there's really nothing wrong with Windows 8 generally speaking but I'd highly recommend Windows 7 over Windows 8 if you really don't have any special needs for Metro UI apps.

I've been playing with Windows 8 since it's release last year and I still can't warrant an upgrade for my laptop, Windows 8.1 is a fair bit better than Windows 8 and is a free upgrade if you have Windows 8.

However, there are still many problems that plague Windows 8.1 the most significant one being the 'blurred text bug' for older graphics cards since some manufactures have still not released updated graphics drivers for Windows 8.1 and might never do so.

The choice is up to you just make one and be happy with it.

Cheers,

 

Exactly my point! If the PC OS were more amenable to being a production OS for the PC then I would be in exactly that position now. I would have a Win 8 PC instead of win7. I would have a Win RT tablet instead of an Android tablet like I have. I would have just upgraded to a Windows phone instead of the android phone I just got. My next console would have been an X-Box rather than the planed PS-4 to replace the PS-3 I have now. There are many owners of Windows 7 and even Vista or XP machines that were looking forward to a windows 8 upgrade but M$ made sure that went right out the window, pun intented..............

 

You should check out the second link in my signature. There are a lot more options for UI in 8.1 than in 8.0; they did a lot more than just add a start button, but most of these changes need to be manually switched in settings. But if you know where to look and which settings to toggle, you can make Windows 8.1 a 100% charms-bar-free experience, and a 100% live-tile-free experience.

 

Now you got my attention for a sec or two: Is it correct that I can operate a Windows 8.1 PC fully without ever using that inane Charms bar? I thought that some functionality (in Settings, in particular) can only be accessed that way. Are all of these available from the desktop Control Panel and/or the Taskbar Tray?

 

Again the start button and metro are not MY primary issues. Gadgets, the sneaky way M$ is going about this all and DWM. Although no one has come out about what was fixed in 8.1 with DWM. Agreed Sinofsky and Ballmer are two figure heads rolling for M$'s ways but I publicly need not only to see a reversal but an apology and promise of it never ever happening again before I can ever even think of beginning to trust them. That and of course fix it already.............

I know I ask too much. I will never see M$ admit they were wrong let alone an apology or promise of it never happening again as it most likely will............

 

funny how you conveniently failed to reply to my earlier post directed at you so allow me to repeat it here:

then again, this is all so admittedly futile and too easy. first it's "productivity" then it's having your hand forced then it's aero then it's gadgets and sneaky ways and DWM. DWM? seriously?

it's actually always been the exact opposite--the traditional control panel was as robust as it always was and that much more so than the modern/metro control panel before the 8.1 update. you mean to tell us that you comment on W8 as much as you do and know this little about it? really?

 

Let's keep the personal attacks out going forward, please. mattcheau, that means you too.

For most of the features I can think of, yes. For one, power options are accessible by right-clicking the Start butto

 

That's what I love about StartIsBack. You install it and it makes Windows 8 look and operate just like Windows 7. You can turn off every feature specific to W8. You don't have to ever deal with the Start Page if you don't want.

That's why i'm not installing Windows 8.1 because it breaks StartIsBack.

 

I know it's an exaggeration, but that reminds me of this. Windows 8.1 has made it so you can basically replicate the way Windows 7 worked without the need for a third party utility. To me, not upgrading to Windows 8.1 and missing out on the improvements to core features because it breaks a tool that does roughly the same thing doesn't seem all too reasonable as a long-term solution.

But, to each their own. That's the true beauty of Windows.

 

That's why you learn to read and use StartIsBack+.

 

It can literally be turned off. It's not even just that you don't HAVE to use it; it's that you it can be formally DISABLED so that it won't come up even if you stick your mouse cursor in those corners. The functionality in the charms bar is duplicated in the menu you get by right-clicking the start button. If there's anything you can do by charms that you can't do by right-clicking the start button and using a desktop-style menu, I haven't found it. And the fact that it can be disabled suggests to me that all of the functionality can also be found elsewhere.

Seriously, check out that second link in my signature. I've got screenshots and everything

 

Yes, since day 1 where I went against Windows 8 I have stated Aero Glass for me was the straw that broke the camels back! It then was they now have to fix it all, not just some! read any of my early posts. You claim I am ignoring you, I am not.

I have stated I could easily avoid metro but since they broke it they have to make it so everyone can avoid it. I am not saying 8.1 doesn't do this other than the fact the new start menu is part of Metro. So again no thanks. By default we do not have desktop gadgets back and again I am not too sure with 8.1 how far DWM was fixed as claimed in their GA announcements.

And yes I hate being on the desktop without Aero Glass. The borders and tile bar just keeps knawing at my eyes. Even most Linux UI's will bother me but at least the size is reduced somewhat and not as bland and plain. Even with XP I had to run Window blinds to reduce the size and liven it up a bit.

Now since I do not need a start button just keeping out of Metro helps with productivity. I use Rocket doc so that would no longer be an issue. For others the start button would be an issue. Having a third party app may suffice to some but for consistency in providing support all these alternate methods for access can provide issues.

Prior to Windows 8 I could almost always over the phone visualize a persons screen I was trying to help. If not I could just mirror their actions on my machine. I am not sure how 8.1 addresses getting to the control panel without charms or metro usage but the fact M$ was encouraging a lot of third party start buttons in the end can make this confusing to say the least.

So again I will state that M$ needs to fix all they broke from Windows 7 for desktop users. I am not saying go back to Windows 7. Windows 8 had the potential for desktop users to be a huge improvement so let it be so. Also let us be able to use and tinker with Metro when we are in consumption mode. Even us early beta testers wanted this access and to support the platform.

Lastly, and again I know this is too much, M$ should admit they were wrong forcing the consumer! Nothing other than words though would do this better than an "oooops our bad and here you go it is all fixed"..............................

Again not addressing 8.1, but to some point maybe still. The issue here is that the "someone" here was most every desktop user. This can be seen by the low market saturation of prior month of Windows 8. Almost every user I have spoken too personally, all these are non techies, shudder at the mention of Windows 8. I see them breaking out the garlic cloves and crosses To be honest I am not to sure for these users now having multiple paths to things, as an example the control panel etc., is the answer but time will tell.

I just got an email from a major general B&M chain about Windows 8.1 essentially saying it does not fix it all but there are some concessions that make it more livable. So as I sated MUCH earlier the push is towards "it is now good enough" So they are reaching for those users to come over the fence..................

 

While I respect your thoughts 100% I believe they did give it some thought. As I have read some other members state once 8.1 is configured and a few tweaks have been performed it actually runs / looks great IMO. Do I utilize that "Crazy" start menu button function? Yes. Do I like how they set it up in 8.1? Heck Yes, much more so than the original design in 8. I think they realized to a point that they made some mistakes in 8 and gave a solid "attempt" to correct most of them in the 8.1 update. However, as there have been great points made already I am very unsatisfied with the driver support at this point with Windows 8 & now 8.1, but with time I hope this inconvenience will be rectified. I hope I didn't give the wrong impression when I stated "Die Hard" fans of Windows 7....I LOVE Win 7 and will continue to use it for many years to come. Heck, I am still using XP and don't care what they say about discontinuing support for it. Thanks for your thoughts it did give me something to "Chew" on!

Kind Regards,
Truckin

 

Oh look, a thread about Windows 7 & 8, let's ignore the OP so we can say what what about the OS's.

 

I believe most here have answered early on about the OS choices but yes it has gone a bit off track. The consensus seems to be it is really up to the user and their preferences. This is assuming there is no relative price difference. The problem then lies as others try and promote one OS over the others or attach another's preference. We all have our reasons not to use one or the other or just to use them all.

While Windows 8.0 and 8.1 seem to have some driver issues I would hope OEM's releasing a system with an OS would have the driver issues sorted out for the OS on the system it is selling. Then again we have seen where this may not be true. In time though any driver issues that exist should be sorted out except for legacy hardware that may never get updated. A word of caution is 8.1 seems to have broken some driver from 8.0, again these issues in time may mostly be resolved.

My two primary concerns are I want my Desktop gadgets but I need Aero Glass. With 8.1 otherwise it may just be good enough for a lot of users migrating from prior windows versions. Just not good enough for me, I don't want a tolerable UI but an enjoyable one. For the OP and those following the post for the advice you have to get some hands on with both to decide for yourself.....................

 

I have to chime...advance features? Of which most will never use....most like to startup the computer and begin using it not pull out the tutorials books to start using the O/S that what the mass wants a no bones UI that they can fire up and start using this is about user friendly UI something W8 fails big time in. I even gave the preview a 30-day run through and toss it out the windows as well why because it couldn't or wouldn't work as I wanted this is what makes or break a O/S for me. I like to customize it my way as I bought and own the O/S not buy and have to follow what M$ wants me to have. And 3rd party Start menu that shouldn't have to be there to start with as I mentioned before they could've easy made a installation of Desktop or Metro with the start menu intact but they decide to become Apple Ipad and if you look at Apple they have Ipad O/S and Mac O/S two very different O/S but can communicate with each other unlike M$ debacle that should tell you they have no real forethought as to forward thinking to really compete with Apple of which they are trying to do and failing badly at.

 

Windows 8.1. You may discover like MOST and MAJORITY of Windows 8 users, that you do like the charms and the Start menu. Those who don't like the new start menu are the MINORITY. For desktop, I am among the minority, but is easily rectified in W8.1.

Windows 8.1 does allow you to go straight to desktop easier. And Classic Shell has been updated for Windows 8.1 as well. So you can choose what you want from Windows easily.

And lastly for gaming, Windows 8.1 has DX 11.2 exclusive features like Tiled Resources which is pretty much guaranteed to be used in all XBone/Windows games now. Developer would be stupid to not use hardware texture streaming.

 

Heh, don't worry about that one. I don't.

Here is where we disagree. The built-in functionality of the Win8.x Start Screen isn't even remotely where it needs to be to obviate the need for something like StartIsBack. Nevertheless, I am happy to hear that it is now possible to almost completely eliminate that dreadful interface from your interaction with Win8.1. Adding a real Start Menu, and adding more advanced desktop graphics back in (WindowBlinds) one could have a system that approaches the productivity of Windows 7... But, still not good enough: Too much hassle to install all those add-ons, and StarDock's stuff is eternally buggy and bound to break all sorts of stuff in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. I don't have the time anymore for messing with an OS just to get it to work right, just because the developers botched their work. Let's see what Windows 9 brings to the table. However, that Mac Pro desktop is a very tempting piece of hardware...

 

Seriously, I have done that. Thanks.

 

Tanware says he "needs" Aero Glass and you say that "more advanced" desktop graphics would give Win8 more productivity...but aesthetics don't affect productivity. You can turn off Aero Glass in Win7 and you can still do the same tasks the same ways. Productivity simply isn't affected. I've got no problem with someone saying they like Aero Glass so much that they don't want to use an OS without it, but that's not a productivity issue.

 

No, you do have things backwards: The transparency offered in Aero Glass is not just a matter of aesthetics. The ability to see through most of the "chrome" on windows is genuinely helpful. On the contrary, I note that there was never any reason to remove that capability from the Windows desktop. It was present in the last pre-release version of Windows 8, and got removed for purely aesthetic reasons. Preferring aesthetics (questionable aesthetics, I might add, but that is a different topic) over functionality is never a good choice.

 

And OP, if you plan to watch videos, if you are like me, I stream most of my stuff on Netflix. Netflix uses HTML5 on Explorer 11 in Windows 8.1. It's much more stable and resource friendly than Silvelight. And yes this is exclusive to Windows 8.1.
- I don't use IE11 much, but netflix, I definitely do. Actually homepage for IE 11 for me is netflix

For gaming, video etc, I highly recommend 8.1.

 

You can see general shapes through it, but not enough to actually read text (everything you see through it is heavily blurred). So what sort of task can you accomplish seeing blurred shapes through the window borders that you cannot complete (or cannot complete as efficiently) without seeing them? What are you looking at through the window borders? I don't understand the workflow, or the tasks, where Aero Glass actually enhances productivity instead of just being an aesthetic preference.

 

How much space does WIndows 8 take, cause im considering getting it on a 120gb SSD, so not sure if that will be enough.

 

That should be obvious: The ability to have even a vague glimpse of what is below another window can enhance your overview of running programs. Of course I can get such an overview in other ways, and I trust you understand that I am not claiming that the desktop becomes unusable without this, but, however minor, it is a helpful feature. I repeat, there was no reason to remove it. Anybody who does not like the aesthetics could always go back to the Basic Windows look. As a footnote, it is in fact quite rare for any design feature of a graphical element in a GUI to be "just an aesthetic preference". Even features as minor as choosing, say, a red background for the close button of a window do have function. The same is true for the various glow effects in Aero, the way the appearance changes between active and non-active windows, etc., etc.

 

That sounds all good and stuff if your internet is Fiber and broad band that doesn't cut off or loose connections your talking about a utopian internet of which it is not from my side of the internet. Most games don't or haven't use DX to full potential so to cavalry say recommend 8.1 for games comes without much facts to it. So let's not talk about wants and get back to ground terra firma first. And one should remember not everyone in this so called free world can afford internet or broad band if they want to and broad band has yet to cover the US from coast to coast so that rules out streaming 24/7 no glitches or stops or hiccups.