Windows 7 v 8
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smokeysmoo
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bolton, not very far from Nob End
8 should only be entertained on dedicated touch screen devices I've been told.
The general opinion I've seen and heard seems to say stick to 7.
Our IT Dept were trialling it on a few machines for ages, but they've whittled it down to just one machine now, not entirely sure why but until they're happy I'll stick to 7.
That's my tuppence worth, sorry I can't expand on it as I'm not an IT guy, just relaying what I've heard.
The general opinion I've seen and heard seems to say stick to 7.
Our IT Dept were trialling it on a few machines for ages, but they've whittled it down to just one machine now, not entirely sure why but until they're happy I'll stick to 7.
That's my tuppence worth, sorry I can't expand on it as I'm not an IT guy, just relaying what I've heard.
- Location
- The TerrorVortex
Very different, is the simplest answer.
I think Win8 actually quite easy to pick up and use, if you've not seen Windows before.
It's if you're used to XP/Vista/7 that it's a complete nightmare, because it's so very different.
I think Win8 actually quite easy to pick up and use, if you've not seen Windows before.
It's if you're used to XP/Vista/7 that it's a complete nightmare, because it's so very different.
MrJamie
Oaf on a Bike
Most of the new Win8 machines come with a free downgrade path to Win7 I believe, should you want to go that route.
I'm happy with Win8, it's not all that different, you just need to use desktop mode rather than metro and learn a few shortcuts to supplement the lack of start menu if you are still using it in Win7. That said, I take care of my parents computer/laptop and they do fine with Win7, but I won't be encouraging them to move to 8, because its unnecessarily different. Nothing is harder or slower to do in Win8, it's just slightly different and there's not really a whole lot of reason to justify that change. It's picked up a lot of negativity from people trying to use the Metro part on a desktop and not understanding why the start menu isn't really needed, but they really should have set it up to point new users in the right direction depending on what it's been installed on (tablet vs PC).
I'm happy with Win8, it's not all that different, you just need to use desktop mode rather than metro and learn a few shortcuts to supplement the lack of start menu if you are still using it in Win7. That said, I take care of my parents computer/laptop and they do fine with Win7, but I won't be encouraging them to move to 8, because its unnecessarily different. Nothing is harder or slower to do in Win8, it's just slightly different and there's not really a whole lot of reason to justify that change. It's picked up a lot of negativity from people trying to use the Metro part on a desktop and not understanding why the start menu isn't really needed, but they really should have set it up to point new users in the right direction depending on what it's been installed on (tablet vs PC).
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
Yes, Windows 8 is very different and offers more support touch screen devices. I have a W7 laptop and it's great. I also have a Samsung smartphone. Since I bought it I have hardly used the laptop. I understand sales of laptops and computers are falling. You can do everything on a phone now or tablet. For the casual user I would say don't bother with a laptop unless you need to use Word on a regular basis, phones are just so much more convienient so may be a better option for her.
2Loose
Guru
- Location
- Loughborough, Leicestershire.
Can't knock MSE as a choice, but I prefer the smaller & simpler 'privatefirewall' - also free.
- Location
- Somewhere wet & hilly in NW England.
I have W7 at the mo' which is fine.
My wife took delivery of a new Dell last week with W8 - she loves it.
I have to be honest here and have no idea what the negative fuss is about W8.
Basically the computer fires up with a load of customisable app's and shortcuts - one of which can be your desktop.
Simple really, boot up, have a gander at your news feeds or whatever (if you want) and then hit your desktop shortcut or program/file shortcut and away you go.
Easy-peasy to understand even for a 56 year old codger like me.
My wife took delivery of a new Dell last week with W8 - she loves it.
I have to be honest here and have no idea what the negative fuss is about W8.
Basically the computer fires up with a load of customisable app's and shortcuts - one of which can be your desktop.
Simple really, boot up, have a gander at your news feeds or whatever (if you want) and then hit your desktop shortcut or program/file shortcut and away you go.
Easy-peasy to understand even for a 56 year old codger like me.
MacB
Lover of things that come in 3's
- Location
- Farnborough, Hampshire
I'm on Windows 8 and I feel ok about it now, had a couple of regretful moments after the upgrade and I also installed a start button app. That ended up causing me other issues and I deleted it and now forget quite why I felt I needed it so much.
But as Mr J says a lot of the changes and defaults are different for no good reason and it's irksome if you need to do anything you rarely do. Those sorts of things that you have to think about even on a familiar system and now you think, why have they changed this bit? Everyday stuff is fine once you have what you want pinned where you need it.
I think the biggest improvement that could be made would be a user preference for startup to select if you want to go to metro or desktop.
But as Mr J says a lot of the changes and defaults are different for no good reason and it's irksome if you need to do anything you rarely do. Those sorts of things that you have to think about even on a familiar system and now you think, why have they changed this bit? Everyday stuff is fine once you have what you want pinned where you need it.
I think the biggest improvement that could be made would be a user preference for startup to select if you want to go to metro or desktop.
- Location
- Somewhere wet & hilly in NW England.
Yes; my wife is of that opinion too. Would be a simple change.
Lanzecki
Über Member
- Location
- A Boreen, Ireland
I have a few customers that use it, and my home PC uses it. It's not too much of a shock to go from Win7 to 8.
The missing start key is confusing at first. Metro takes some getting used to. But once upto speed, it's easy enough. For power users try pressing win-X for a hidden menu..
Win8 seems faster, certainly to start up, and much more stable.
The missing start key is confusing at first. Metro takes some getting used to. But once upto speed, it's easy enough. For power users try pressing win-X for a hidden menu..
Win8 seems faster, certainly to start up, and much more stable.
