I'm thinking about upgrading my laptop from Windows 7 to 8.1. Does anyone have any experience with it, or thoughts on it?
My laptop can handle light gaming (TF2, DA2 or Skyrim on Low), but something is wrong with the Windows install; it spends 5+ minutes on the black screen with the Windows logo. I have an Ubuntu dual boot and that works just fine, so I don't think it's the hardware. I mostly use it for web browsing, movies, word processing and some gaming. Will Windows 8.1 in desktop mode hinder any of those activities, or will not paying to reinstall Windows 7 be a better option?
I'm thinking about upgrading my laptop from Windows 7 to 8.1. Does anyone have any experience with it, or thoughts on it?
My laptop can handle light gaming (TF2, DA2 or Skyrim on Low), but something is wrong with the Windows install; it spends 5+ minutes on the black screen with the Windows logo. I have an Ubuntu dual boot and that works just fine, so I don't think it's the hardware. I mostly use it for web browsing, movies, word processing and some gaming. Will Windows 8.1 in desktop mode hinder any of those activities, or will not paying to reinstall Windows 7 be a better option?
I recently built a new PC and went Windows 8, and I must say I love it. There are a lot of improvements in Windows explorer as well as some speed improvements. I haven't tried Windows 8.1 yet but I assume it's slightly better. I am using Startisback, which is amazing; I completely forget that the horrid start screen exists - it is exactly like using Windows 7 only better.
http://startisback.com/
It costs $3 for a license usable on 2 computers.
I recently built a new PC and went Windows 8, and I must say I love it. There are a lot of improvements in Windows explorer as well as some speed improvements. I haven't tried Windows 8.1 yet but I assume it's slightly better. I am using Startisback, which is amazing; I completely forget that the horrid start screen exists - it is exactly like using Windows 7 only better.
http://startisback.com/
It costs $3 for a license usable on 2 computers.
8.1 is a free upgrade from 8, so I'll be giving it a go once I get my hands on an SSD. I'm hoping that a fresh OS install will fix my Source games freezing issue.
8.1 is a free upgrade from 8, so I'll be giving it a go once I get my hands on an SSD. I'm hoping that a fresh OS install will fix my Source games freezing issue.
Performance is mostly same if not better from what I have seen so far. But there are loads of things that are quite buggy as far as programs go.
And well the windows 'App' thing drives me mad.. Also getting some download links for W8 will be annoying, because most of the stuff you will need is in the App section already installed and well I just don't like that damn thing.
Performance is mostly same if not better from what I have seen so far. But there are loads of things that are quite buggy as far as programs go.
And well the windows 'App' thing drives me mad.. Also getting some download links for W8 will be annoying, because most of the stuff you will need is in the App section already installed and well I just don't like that damn thing.
LuckyLukeStill using 7 and not really interested in 8. Seems like a touch / mobile version of windows...?
I feel like it's windows 7 but for like people that dont understand how a start menu works
[quote=LuckyLuke]Still using 7 and not really interested in 8. Seems like a touch / mobile version of windows...?[/quote]
I feel like it's windows 7 but for like people that dont understand how a start menu works
fsXDLuckyLukeStill using 7 and not really interested in 8. Seems like a touch / mobile version of windows...?
I feel like it's windows 7 but for like people that dont understand how a start menu works
People understand it, its just fuckin' stupid.
[quote=fsXD][quote=LuckyLuke]Still using 7 and not really interested in 8. Seems like a touch / mobile version of windows...?[/quote]
I feel like it's windows 7 but for like people that dont understand how a start menu works[/quote]
People understand it, its just fuckin' stupid.
Eh, I use windows 8 and it's pretty much a better version of windows 7 once you install a program to give you the old start menu back. The metro screen isn't super great for non-touchscreen devices but it's not as horrible as people make it out to be.
However in your case (upgrading from 7 to 8.1) I have to agree with marquee. Windows 8 has really small improvements in performance and stuff but it probably isn't worth an upgrade.
Eh, I use windows 8 and it's pretty much a better version of windows 7 once you install a program to give you the old start menu back. The metro screen isn't super great for non-touchscreen devices but it's not as horrible as people make it out to be.
However in your case (upgrading from 7 to 8.1) I have to agree with marquee. Windows 8 has really small improvements in performance and stuff but it probably isn't worth an upgrade.
it took me a little bit of time to get used to, but i find the home screen really helpfull, with all the programs on it presented well, leaving the desktop empty.
it took me a little bit of time to get used to, but i find the home screen really helpfull, with all the programs on it presented well, leaving the desktop empty.
Windows 8.1 will give you the ability to boot straight into desktop mode and add the start menu button back to the taskbar. It also adds some customization options to the tiled start screen UI. There aren't many differences between 8 and 8.1, but the tweaks are enough to improve user experience without having to use third party mods. Hopefully it'll be less buggy.
Honestly, I'm still a fan of good ol' 7.
Windows 8.1 will give you the ability to boot straight into desktop mode and add the start menu button back to the taskbar. It also adds some customization options to the tiled start screen UI. There aren't many differences between 8 and 8.1, but the tweaks are enough to improve user experience without having to use third party mods. Hopefully it'll be less buggy.
Honestly, I'm still a fan of good ol' 7.
#11 the start button it adds just takes you to Metro, it isn't a normal start button.
if you want that you still need 3rd party mods, but that isn't a big deal.
#11 the start button it adds just takes you to Metro, it isn't a normal start button.
if you want that you still need 3rd party mods, but that isn't a big deal.
obe_However in your case (upgrading from 7 to 8.1) I have to agree with marquee. Windows 8 has really small improvements in performance and stuff but it probably isn't worth an upgrade.
ArryWindows 8.1 will give you the ability to boot straight into desktop mode and add the start menu button back to the taskbar. It also adds some customization options to the tiled start screen UI. There aren't many differences between 8 and 8.1, but the tweaks are enough to improve user experience without having to use third party mods. Hopefully it'll be less buggy.
Honestly, I'm still a fan of good ol' 7.
Thanks everyone for the input, and thanks to the quotes for the opinions. If I can reinstall Win 7 without having to pay, I'll probably do that. Will update when I find out what my OEM installed Win 7 license includes.
[quote=obe_]
However in your case (upgrading from 7 to 8.1) I have to agree with marquee. Windows 8 has really small improvements in performance and stuff but it probably isn't worth an upgrade.[/quote]
[quote=Arry]Windows 8.1 will give you the ability to boot straight into desktop mode and add the start menu button back to the taskbar. It also adds some customization options to the tiled start screen UI. There aren't many differences between 8 and 8.1, but the tweaks are enough to improve user experience without having to use third party mods. Hopefully it'll be less buggy.
Honestly, I'm still a fan of good ol' 7.[/quote]
Thanks everyone for the input, and thanks to the quotes for the opinions. If I can reinstall Win 7 without having to pay, I'll probably do that. Will update when I find out what my OEM installed Win 7 license includes.