Which would you buy? Win 7 or Win 8.1?

[XiandreX]

Honestly there is NO reason to stick to windows 7 at this point. Buy Windows 8 Pro 64bit and be done with it. If you absolutely must Windows 8 Pro has downgrade rights to 7 using the same key. You can go back up to Windows 8.1 when you want.

Windows 8.1 + classic shell (or similar) is Start menu + all the improvements of 8. The only solid reason might be programs not working properly on 8.1 ( I have yet to find one in my personal use) and there is Compatibility mode or VM to get around that.

 

[WilliamM2]

The only solid reason might be programs not working properly on 8.1 ( I have yet to find one in my personal use) and there is Compatibility mode or VM to get around that.

Try Corel Draw X15. Won't even install.

 

[escrow4]

Try Corel Draw X15. Won't even install.

Try using the modern version that is Win 8 compatible. You know, the one with the big fat 8 compatible sticker on Corel's web site.

 

[WilliamM2]

Try using the modern version that is Win 8 compatible. You know, the one with the big fat 8 compatible sticker on Corel's web site.

You got $400 so I can get the new version?

He said he hadn't seen anything that wouldn't work on 8.1. I was just relating my findings. Deal with it.

I see X6 is Win 8 compatible, why don't YOU buy it, and let me know if it works on 8.1.

 

[Imaginer]

Corel Draw X6 works for me. X5 as well. If there is a problem, you may want to uninstall Visual C++ redistributables of 2005 and/or 2008. I had to do this with Autodesk Design Suite 2012.

Doing so will allow the program to put back it's VC++ files to allow the installer to go through. (though this is my guess as to what is going on)

 

[WilliamM2]

Corel Draw X6 works for me. X5 as well. If there is a problem, you may want to uninstall Visual C++ redistributables of 2005 and/or 2008. I had to do this with Autodesk Design Suite 2012.

Doing so will allow the program to put back it's VC++ files to allow the installer to go through. (though this is my guess as to what is going on)

Windows gives me a message that it's not compatible, do I want to install anyways? If I click yes, it won't run after installation. Corel support has also told me it isn't compatible. You sure X5 works?

 

[JMapleton]

For me, Windows 8 is the worst Windows of all time. And I've had every Windows since 95.

Windows 7 is by far the best. The last true Windows.

 

[CRCSUX]

For me, Windows 8 is the worst Windows of all time. And I've had every Windows since 95.

Windows 7 is by far the best. The last true Windows.

Care to comment why? You know have some facts to back it up.

Most people cant come up with 1 valid point.

 

[JMapleton]

Care to comment why? You know have some facts to back it up.

Most people cant come up with 1 valid point.

Two basic reasons. The apps and the lack of start menu.

It is completely pointless to get rid of something that so many people have been so familiar with for so long (Start Menu). It just confuses regular users and forces people to relearn their computer. I found it almost impossible to figure out how to do simple things like access the control panel or open the C:/ drive to view installation files.

Secondly, the apps. MSFT forces you to sign in using the MSN network to use these apps (this is the impression that I got). The app tiles are completely worthless for 95% of users. Only the 5% (actually probably more like 1%) of users that have touchscreens will find it useful.

I just want to get to my programs easily. I don't care about some "designy" and trendy interface where I can swipe and whatever. This reflects also in my immense dislike of Apple products. What happened to just clicking an icon on the desktop?

Windows 8 should be for tablets only. They need a separate desktop and tablet version of this OS, not a one sized fits all.

 

[CRCSUX]

Two basic reasons. The apps and the lack of start menu.

It is completely pointless to get rid of something that so many people have been so familiar with for so long (Start Menu). It just confuses regular users and forces people to relearn their computer. I found it almost impossible to figure out how to do simple things like access the control panel or open the C:/ drive to view installation files.

Secondly, the apps. MSFT forces you to sign in using the MSN network to use these apps (this is the impression that I got). The app tiles are completely worthless for 95% of users. Only the 5% (actually probably more like 1%) of users that have touchscreens will find it useful.

I just want to get to my programs easily. I don't care about some "designy" and trendy interface where I can swipe and whatever. This reflects also in my immense dislike of Apple products. What happened to just clicking an icon on the desktop?

Windows 8 should be for tablets only. They need a separate desktop and tablet version of this OS, not a one sized fits all.

For the C drive/file exploring ive always used the shortcut key. Much faster than clicking anything. And for the control panel win key + x is faster and better (it also has a one click device manager, disk management and other goodies. You can even customize it eg I have a shortcut to windows update in it)

For the apps, do you need to sign in? Yes I think you do but win 7 didnt even have them so it one of those things, if you dont like it dont use it.

Windows 8 has a desktop aswell you can put shortcuts there and click them

As for the start menu gone, well its just bigger.

Yes I agree it is different and some people will need to relearn a few things (which seem very easy to me) but stuff changes. Once upon a time cars had hand operated accelerators and then they changed to the foot operated ones. Im sure some people complained but now it is for the better even if some people had to relearn it.

 

[JMapleton]

For the C drive/file exploring ive always used the shortcut key. Much faster than clicking anything. And for the control panel win key + x is faster and better (it also has a one click device manager, disk management and other goodies. You can even customize it eg I have a shortcut to windows update in it)

Try telling that to an old lady who just wants to change her screensaver or some other basic function. MSFT is making it impossible for computer noobs to keep up.

For the apps, do you need to sign in? Yes I think you do but win 7 didnt even have them so it one of those things, if you dont like it dont use it.

MSFT took many things away from Windows and turned them into an app. They are forcing you to sign up for their MSN network. I don't like any product that forces you to sign up for other things to use them. Look at the backlash Google is taking for pushing/annoying YouTube users into using their Google Plus pages. They're ruining YouTube.

Yes I agree it is different and some people will need to relearn a few things (which seem very easy to me) but stuff changes. Once upon a time cars had hand operated accelerators and then they changed to the foot operated ones. Im sure some people complained but now it is for the better even if some people had to relearn it.

Sure, easy for us. For what about some old lady? What about a busy tech-illiterate housewife?

And power-users don't care about the "look and feel." They want basic functionality and familiarity.

I think if MSFT keeps pushing these dramatic changes, this is going to be a huge boost for Apple's desktop computers. Apples are no doubt easy to use, that's why people buy them (and the trendy factor).

 

[Mem]

Two basic reasons. The apps and the lack of start menu.

It is completely pointless to get rid of something that so many people have been so familiar with for so long (Start Menu). It just confuses regular users and forces people to relearn their computer. I found it almost impossible to figure out how to do simple things like access the control panel or open the C:/ drive to view installation files.

Secondly, the apps. MSFT forces you to sign in using the MSN network to use these apps (this is the impression that I got). The app tiles are completely worthless for 95% of users. Only the 5% (actually probably more like 1%) of users that have touchscreens will find it useful.

I just want to get to my programs easily. I don't care about some "designy" and trendy interface where I can swipe and whatever. This reflects also in my immense dislike of Apple products. What happened to just clicking an icon on the desktop?

Windows 8 should be for tablets only. They need a separate desktop and tablet version of this OS, not a one sized fits all.

Win8/8.1 is easy your "Control Panel" comment for example just right click in left bottom corner and you get options like Control Panel pop up on Win+x menu etc,now was that hard?

Old start menu is crap for moblie and touch users,besides I can organise my stuff better on Metro Start even as a desktop user with good old mouse and keyboard ,problem is 18 years of doing something same way is hard for some people to change and they find excuses,myself for example have been using computers since pre DOS days so use to different layouts and changes over the many decades ,rather then moan and whine I just get on with it and in Win8 case took me less then two weeks to fully get use to even without any third party start button mod.

As to average Joe comment,well I showed my mum Win8 and how it works(she is use to XP and Win7) and is in her 70s so not very computer savy,she got on well with it once I showed her a few basic things so if she can get on with it then anybody can.

End of the day I keep saying this, its not rocket science.

Some users act like spoilt children,they want their old cake and to eat it,get over it since we all know things change so adapt and get on with it.
All I can say, says it all when users can't handle Win8/8.1,are we back in the stone ages where intelligence went out the window.

Btw I'm fine with anyone not liking Win8/8.1,but don't try and tell me its hard or confusing to use,its just a case of knowing the layout which like any OS just takes time to learn especially if its new ,same goes for Linux distros too.

I hate to think what's going to happen with Win9,10 etc with regards to some users, I wonder if they can handle that?

 

[Fox5]

If this is a new PC, install Ubuntu (or maybe Fedora or Mint) on it and run Windows XP in a virtual machine for when you need to use Visual Studio.

 

[Imaginer]

Windows gives me a message that it's not compatible, do I want to install anyways? If I click yes, it won't run after installation. Corel support has also told me it isn't compatible. You sure X5 works?

At one point, X5 was installed while Windows 8 was on. I installed the suite upon my first Surface Pro, then ran the X6 upgrade. A desktop machine had X5 running when I initially installed it under Windows 7 (then now upgraded to 8, then 8.1) which ran Draw and Photopaint with not an issue for me).

If there is problems running the installer, possibly you could run it under the compatibility mode.

 

[Morbus]

*Can pause file tranfers

Everyone should use TeraCopy anyway.

*Improved Task Manager

Everyone should use Process Explorer anyway.

*Can mount iso`s oob

And it's not like anyone won't use Alcohol 120% or an equivalent.

*Can start programs faster

Not true and buy an SSD.

*Runs on less resources

Not true and buy more RAM.

*Runs games better (more fps)

Not true, it's exactly the same as Windows 7.

*Will get updates win 7 wont (dx)

By the time Windows 7 is discontinued, Windows 9 or 10 will be out, and they hopefully won't be the work of Satan himself, like Windows 8 is.

*Looks better (ok ignore that one as thats opinion :$)

The wallpapers are nicer, but everything else is awful.

*Costs the same as win 7 or less.

True.

But with Windows 7 you get:
- more stability all round because the code is more well known and tested
- more stability all round because it has a proper reboot unlike W8, that kind of hibernates instead of shutting down
- less strain on your SSD because it doesn't read/write as much during boot up/shut down
- support for multiple monitors
- support for high resolution screens and big monitors
- a helpful start button for no added cost
- support for windowed applications (every single application) for no added cost
- more stability

 

[CRCSUX]

Everyone should use TeraCopy anyway.

Teracopy is so ugly and why use a 3rd party program when you got one built in?

Everyone should use Process Explorer anyway.

Yes I like Process Explorer aswell but if I need to figure out a problem quickly on someone elses comp its nice to use the improved task manager

And it's not like anyone won't use Alcohol 120% or an equivalent.

I dont need to mount iso very often but id rather use the integrated one instead of a 3rd party one that may or may not come with spyware.

Not true and buy an SSD.

SSD or not it is true

Not true and buy more RAM.

More ram or not it is true

Not true, it's exactly the same as Windows 7.

For some games it is very true.

By the time Windows 7 is discontinued, Windows 9 or 10 will be out, and they hopefully won't be the work of Satan himself, like Windows 8 is.

No comment

The wallpapers are nicer, but everything else is awful.

No comment

True.

But with Windows 7 you get:
- more stability all round because the code is more well known and tested
- more stability all round because it has a proper reboot unlike W8, that kind of hibernates instead of shutting down
- less strain on your SSD because it doesn't read/write as much during boot up/shut down
- support for multiple monitors
- support for high resolution screens and big monitors
- a helpful start button for no added cost
- support for windowed applications (every single application) for no added cost
- more stability

-Code being around longer and tested more, sure
-Win 8 has a proper reboot.
-Ive never tested actual read/writes win 7 v win 8 but id assume newer program = bigger program = more read/writes. So maybe.
-I use multiple monitors no problem at all.
-I use High resolution and big monitors no problem at all.
-Start button is a waste of space for me, I can do everything faster without it.
-I think win 8 is more stable in my personal use, maybe less stable if your running 10 year old hardware.

 

[piasabird]

Dont try to use win 8 with older hardware. You will be sorry.

 

[piasabird]

There is no reason to use Win 8 for a desktop. I still have Vista on this computer.

 

[Mem]

Dont try to use win 8 with older hardware. You will be sorry.

I've one very old PC ie nforce 4 ultra board,AMD 3800+ x2 CPU,4GB and ATI 4870 card,working fine with Win8,I do have it in a triple boot system with two different Linux distros which are also working fine.

There is no reason to use Win 8 for a desktop. I still have Vista on this computer.

You could argue there is no real reason to be still using Vista, when you have both Win7/8 available so its all relative.

 

[rgallant]

I might try 8.1 next year when drivers come in for my newish sound card , hoping most other programs work by then also.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I was visiting my dad this past weekend and was playing around with his new desktop (an all-in-one touchscreen - I think it's an HP) with 8.1. My god do I hate it! The whole desktop/tablet hybridization adds no benefit that I can discern - all it does is confuse things. I don't doubt that the bones of 8.1 might be sound if you use it with an aftermarket program to give it a Start menu, but why should you have to? Honestly I have not seen any meaningful benefit to any of the newer iterations of Windows since XP, 12 years ago. I see Windows 8 as a near-total failure.

 

[ControlD]

I was visiting my dad this past weekend and was playing around with his new desktop (an all-in-one touchscreen - I think it's an HP) with 8.1. My god do I hate it! The whole desktop/tablet hybridization adds no benefit that I can discern - all it does is confuse things. I don't doubt that the bones of 8.1 might be sound if you use it with an aftermarket program to give it a Start menu, but why should you have to? Honestly I have not seen any meaningful benefit to any of the newer iterations of Windows since XP, 12 years ago. I see Windows 8 as a near-total failure.

I found Windows 7 to be a significant improvement over XP personally. Things like Aero Peek and much, much better window management are quite noticeable if you work with lots of open applications / files at one time. Windows 8 I can see people not liking. I am used to it for the most part now, but I am not using it for work, just on my home PC. I have a feeling I would still prefer Windows 7 for my work PC. I am happy to never go back to XP though.

 

[blankslate]

As to average Joe comment,well I showed my mum Win8 and how it works(she is use to XP and Win7) and is in her 70s so not very computer savy,she got on well with it once I showed her a few basic things so if she can get on with it then anybody can.

This is the same sort of blanket statement that people who like windows 8.1 probably find irritating when made by people who like the old desktop only interface.

There are probably some peoples' moms in their 70s or 60s or 50s who would have a harder time than your mother did in transitioning from windows 7 and earlier to windows 8.1

It would be interesting to see how a people who learned to use a computer on windows 8.1 react when presented with a computer running Windows 7 or Vista.
Windows 7 will still be around for around 6 more years so the above situation is possible and it'd be somthing to watch I think.

Personally I think the interface is fine overall now since there are more options that allow for, in my opinion, a smoother experience. Such as starting to desktop and having the Start Screen able to have the same background as the desktop.

On a small laptop with a touch screen I don't think I'd feel very much need at all to install something like classicshell. For a Desktop replacement laptop or a Desktop I'd probably prefer having the classicshell option because I find the mouse and keyboard better for most situations at a desktop.

Different devices in my opinion do have different ui needs. Given the fact that tablets and phones are very similar and smaller laptops with touch screen can be more usable with the same general interface, it's not surprising that MS is going this route.

Less and Less people are actually using a desktop or larger laptop for most internet consumption. However, imo, the user sitting at a desk is going to find themselves using the mouse and keyboard better for working at the computer than swiping on a large touchsceen.


TLDR: To answer the question I would buy 8.1.

If I was using it on a desktop or a large desktop replacement laptop I'd install classicshell

For smaller devices that come with 8.1 like newer very portable laptops with touch screens. I'd probably be fine with the 8.1 interface.

 

[Griffinhart]

But with Windows 7 you get:
- more stability all round because the code is more well known and tested
- more stability all round because it has a proper reboot unlike W8, that kind of hibernates instead of shutting down
- less strain on your SSD because it doesn't read/write as much during boot up/shut down
- support for multiple monitors
- support for high resolution screens and big monitors
- a helpful start button for no added cost
- support for windowed applications (every single application) for no added cost
- more stability

Where did you get this stuff? Clearly, you haven't actually used Win8 or 8.1.

-Win8 is as stable as 7.
-There is a proper reboot in Win8. It uses the same power, sleep hibernation tech in win7, it's just better optimized for machines with a UEFI BIOS to get that "instant on" thing going, but it's all configurable.
-It doesn't strain your SSD. It doesn't write during boot anymore than 7 does (reads aren't an issue with SSD)
-Not only does 8 support multi monitor, it does it better than 7.
-My two Dell 27" 2560x1920 displays beg to differ with the idea that windows 8 doesn't support high resolution screens and big monitors.
-While I am no fan of the start screen on a desktop machine, there are several free ways of getting a functional start menu back, or you can pay the $5 and buy start8.
-Of course windows 8 supports windowed applications. It sounds like you are confusing the Metro UI with the Windows Desktop.

The truth is, once you have a Start Button replacement in place, you wouldn't use it any differently than any other earlier version of windows. Plus you would have all the benefits of the new OS. The faster boot time, the ability to pause file copies, natively mount ISO's, improved system utilities including task manager, etc.

If MS had decided to take a different approach for Win8, it would easily be as popular as Windows 7. All they would have needed to do was to present an option to default to the MetroUI or the traditional UI. They could even let computers with touch screens default to metro and those without to the traditional UI. As a Surface Pro owner, Win8 is excellent on a touch device. It makes plenty of sense too. But on my traditional desktops, Metro is terrible. It doesn't offer me a single benefit over the traditional UI and hampers me in some tasks. Fortunately Start8 fixes that for me and I like it a lot.

It's amusing to me that now that the holiday season is in swing, I have had several people call me and ask me for "tech support" for their new Windows machine. Several friends, while not computer illiterate, aren't technical and spent a couple days trying to figure out Windows 8 out of the box and were extremely frustrated. All of them have been happy once they installed Start8 or similar.

 

[Remobz]

I am sticking with Windows 7 for my work computer. Six years from now something new will be out anyway.