New Build Win 8.1 or Win 8.1 PRO?

[DaveR]

Hello ALL:
It has been a while since I built my last systems and they still run 32 bit XP. Anyway I am looking at an ASUS Z97 Pro with 16GB 1866 memory and a 512GB SSD. I assume I can not actually buy 8.1.1 anyway, but that sure would be nice.

So what do I miss if I buy 64 bit 8.1? Pro costs more, but if I do not use it to connect to a workplace system, is there anything else I give up? Anyway, should I install 8.1 and do an 8.1.1 update, or continue with 8.1 and install the rest of my software?

 

[Elixer]

Too long to list, so:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wind...technologies/windows-8-1/compare/default.aspx

If you find a feature in pro that you want... then, you don't really have any other options.

 

[DaveR]

Too long to list, so:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wind...technologies/windows-8-1/compare/default.aspx

If you find a feature in pro that you want... then, you don't really have any other options.

Yes, thank you. I had seen that but they list features and do not say exactly what they do. I guess I just want to be sure my home network is still OK.

 

[kmmatney]

My experience is that if you are not logging into a domain, you don't need Pro. Many of the missing features can be had by 3rd party apps, such as hosting a remote desktop access and VPN. The Home edition will be fine for home use. and probably more efficient since it's not using a lot of features you don't need.

 

[DaveR]

My experience is that if you are not logging into a domain, you don't need Pro. Many of the missing features can be had by 3rd party apps, such as hosting a remote desktop access and VPN. The Home edition will be fine for home use. and probably more efficient since it's not using a lot of features you don't need.

Well, I am not logging into a domain. Just connect via FIOS the usual way. I guess going from XP to 8.1 is going to be a big jump. I assume there is no way to go directly to 8.1.1!

 

[kmmatney]

Too bad you can't go straight to Windows 10. I writing this from the it right now - it's a big improvement (at least out-of-the-box) compared to windows 8. All the metro stuff is not in your face so much. You can make Windows 8,1 behave the same - it just takes some work.

 

[Dahak]

I assume there is no way to go directly to 8.1.1!

Well sort of, MDSN and Technet(Subscriptions, before it disappear) had the media for Windows 8.1 with Update as it is called.

You could purchase the 8.1 to get your key, find that media and install it with the 8.1 with Update media

 

[Elixer]

Too bad you can't go straight to Windows 10. I writing this from the it right now - it's a big improvement (at least out-of-the-box) compared to windows 8. All the metro stuff is not in your face so much. You can make Windows 8,1 behave the same - it just takes some work.

Actually, you can go directly to 10, just use the beta for as long as possible.

 

[DaveR]

Actually, you can go directly to 10, just use the beta for as long as possible.

Since I have not started my new build yet, I could try 10 if I had the link. I wonder how long the Beta would be good? Is this a full install or upgrade? It could be fun to play once the PC is built and before I actually use it. Plan on a ASUS Z97 Pro WiFi with 16GB memory and 500GB SSD.

Also, any problems yet with Drivers, etc. Especially printers!

 

[ArisVer]

Since I have not started my new build yet, I could try 10 if I had the link. I wonder how long the Beta would be good? Is this a full install or upgrade? It could be fun to play once the PC is built and before I actually use it. Plan on a ASUS Z97 Pro WiFi with 16GB memory and 500GB SSD.

Also, any problems yet with Drivers, etc. Especially printers!

Not sure if the link is right, you have to register first,
http://preview.windows.com

It might be fun, but I wouldn't rely on it. On a VM it looks solid enough, but it's different on real hardware. Heard some problems with nvidia and wireless drivers, over at MS forums. Remember it's Alpha stage.

 

[Dahak]

To get the preview you can go to either
https://insider.windows.com/
or the technet page
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dn798751.aspx?ocid=wc-mscom-wol

The preview will expire in April 2015

Re Drivers, I would say that any 8/8.1 and in a pinch any win7 drivers should work

 

[jkauff]

Remember it's Alpha stage.

Not even Alpha stage, it's a Technical Preview meant for enterprise IT shops to install on non-production machines/VMs to experiment with.

Microsoft warns against using it on your main home computer or an enterprise production computer.

 

[DaveR]

Well sort of, MDSN and Technet(Subscriptions, before it disappear) had the media for Windows 8.1 with Update as it is called.

You could purchase the 8.1 to get your key, find that media and install it with the 8.1 with Update media

So, I did find this...

en_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4065090.iso

Is that 8.1.1?

I guess the x86 is for 32 bit CPU's.