My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Geeky stuff

Windows 8.1 vs Windows 7

14 replies

HopeNope · 21/11/2014 09:22

I'm getting a new PC built and can get either of the operating systems.

Which one should I go for?

OP posts:
Report
millymae · 21/11/2014 09:48

I had a computer built for me not long after windows 8 had been released and went for windows 7 simply because at the time there were a lot of negative comments about 8. To get one built was a real leap of faith me because I am not technically savvy at all but it was the best thing I ever did as it came without any of the unnecessary c..p that comes with on the shelf buys.

Windows 7 was a known quantity for me and I'm not particularly quick when it comes to new technology so at the time I was happy with my choice, but if I was buying now I think I'd go for windows 8. This may have something to do with the fact that I bought a new windows phone not so long ago and have had no problems at all getting used to that.

Report
HopeNope · 21/11/2014 14:50

Thanks! Smile

OP posts:
Report
hellsbells99 · 23/11/2014 09:50

I hate windows 8! At work I sometimes have to use windows 8.1 and I really dislike it. It also seems super sensitive to our broadband link being weak at times and I often have problems getting on the internet. The PCs running windows 7 are much happier! I use an iPad a lot so I am not opposed to change but windows 8 is a change too far!

Report
OohOod · 23/11/2014 09:53

I hate windows 8. If you're happy with 7 stick with it.
wish I'd got one built I've spent ages deleting crap I don't need

Report
VivaLeBeaver · 23/11/2014 10:04

You do get used to 8,1.

I have it on my laptop and I can use it fine as can dd. dh hates it but he hardly uses my laptop.

We got dd a pc and had the choice and I went for 8.1

Report
VivaLeBeaver · 23/11/2014 10:08

And also windows 10 will be released next year and rumours are that 8.1 users will be able to upgrade for free!

Report
NetworkGuy · 23/11/2014 11:22

Yu mention nothing about past usage, but if you're familiar with Windows XP or Vista already, I'd suggest Windows 7 may be best to go with...

Win 8.x was designed with mobiles, tablets and touch-screen desktops in mind, and while it no dobt works fine with mouse and keyboard, some things were awkward for new users. Don't use it myself, but a friend teaches about technology to retirees, and is looking forward to Win 10

Report
HopeNope · 23/11/2014 11:58

Looks like ill get windows 7 and upgrade to 10 when it comes out (if it's any good).

OP posts:
Report
NetworkGuy · 23/11/2014 14:58

You could do worse than visit pc World and try out Win 8.1 since they made some signficant changes to meet the wishes of custmers,

Check with the builder to see if it would be eligibe for any free upgrade in 2015 to Win 10 (and whether builder is aware of such an offer).

Report
NetworkGuy · 23/11/2014 15:01

PS I mention trying it because I still don't know if you have 10 years experience with Win XP and might hate Win 8, or not

Report
borisgudanov · 28/12/2014 20:24

"upgrade to 10 when it comes out (if it's any good)"

PMROTFLMAO.

Report
NetworkGuy · 30/12/2014 20:48

PMROTFLMAO.

So glad I could bring some comedy to your world.

For the rest of us, Windows has a place in life, and Windows 10 is on the horizon, even if you wouldn't touch it.

Report
PedroYoniLikesCrisps · 03/01/2015 22:46

Windows has changed since Win7 and it's not going to be changing back to how it was in the future. So really, not moving with the times now is just going to make the leap harder later on.

Personally I always quite liked Win8, you could see what MS were trying to do even if they didn't have it quite right. But the 8.1 update, although fairly subtle for the most part, makes a huge difference to the experience. If you have tons of experience with XP then you'll get on just fine with 8.1.

Report
NetworkGuy · 08/01/2015 00:26

Must admit I didn't try downloading the trial version of Windows 10. I really ought to, just to see which bits of hardware can use it, and if unsuitable, time to switch them to Linux, perhaps, before that goes all 64-bit and cannot be used either...

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.