windows 7 compared to XP Pro

kemo · 31 Dec 2009

I'm a big linux guy, and have always been used to how fast it is. while 7 IS faster than "xp" and "vista", my linux distro is still faster for me to game (even though FPS is lower), do office work, and browse the net.

I'm not about to do a "fresh install". I only use 7 to play 2 games.

Again, you've done something wrong.

Yep, I installed 7 and let it do it's updates. Did something wrong? Nope.

I've got 2 pc's, one is a phenom II tri core, the other is a phenom quad, and both have same HDD's, 4 GB ram and 7 ultimate 64 bit, both are darn near the same in "speed".

Still hunting for benchmarks that are based on RTM and later... I found ONE, but it was of both in beta. Have yet to find a detailed one for official "final" releases. I did find a few by windows guys, but all they included was FPS in gaming, which is a no brainer that 7 is going to beat it senseless there.

Anderson2 · 31 Dec 2009

As someone who is moving from XP SP3 to 7 because I have no choice (my main laptop's screen stopped working and I'm using an external monitor till my new laptop arrives) I hope you guys are right about 7 being at least as good as XP.

But, it seems you all ignore one of the main problems and expenses with upgrading to 7 or any new OS: having to update a bunch of software and utilities that worked with XP but may not work correctly with 7. That is where my main concern lies and I am trying to get as prepared as I can to minimize these surprises plus the time wasted to re-install and re-customize the apps that will work on 7.

Just my 2 cents.

omegatron · 31 Dec 2009

pparks1 said:

... it detects "ALL" of my hardware without having to install any 3rd party drivers....and the list goes on and on.

... never ran into a situation where I had to install drivers from anyone but the manufacture of the hardware I installed.

And since I know how to make custom install disc, thus have the option to slip-stream the drivers into the installation...

omegatron · 31 Dec 2009

IMHO. The arguments that XP is to old, to ugly, being the reason to upgrade to 7 is weak at best.

"To Old" To do what exactly? Surf the net? check e-mail? Word processing? Play Games? The majority of what average user want to do with their computer, can be done with any of the windows OS dating back windows 9x.

"To Ugly" means you -more then likely- never skinned your interface.

So far the only advantage that I've seen with windows 7 over xp is stability. Don't get me started with win7 control panel....

gregrocker · 31 Dec 2009

Anderson2 said:

As someone who is moving from XP SP3 to 7 because I have no choice (my main laptop's screen stopped working and I'm using an external monitor till my new laptop arrives) I hope you guys are right about 7 being at least as good as XP.

But, it seems you all ignore one of the main problems and expenses with upgrading to 7 or any new OS: having to update a bunch of software and utilities that worked with XP but may not work correctly with 7. That is where my main concern lies and I am trying to get as prepared as I can to minimize these surprises plus the time wasted to re-install and re-customize the apps that will work on 7.

Just my 2 cents.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

The installer is nearly driver-complete, with newer added during install if you keep connected to internet, and via Windows Updates.

Unlike XP/Vista, MS sponsored the WHQL partnership with all manufacturers to build Win7 drivers, so they have them first.

They also leveraged their support to encourage manufacturers not to hold out on new drivers for older hardware as in Vista.

Those accustomed to XP installs who import their chipset should check first because it's likely the installer has better.

Also compatibility in Win7 is amazing, with most XP and almost all Vista programs running straight away. For others you can usually find a Compatibility mode on the .exe Properties tab or by following the Compatibility Wizard which pops up saying "This program may not have installed correctly."

Post any problems here with exact issue in title to get them worked through.

Anderson2 · 31 Dec 2009

Thank you.

noyb · 31 Dec 2009

... XP is too Ugly ...

Beauty is only monitor deep.
Anybody got any Dumb Blond Jokes ??

FreshSam · 31 Dec 2009

I love the search bar, how I can search for words that are mentioned inside a text file for example, if I'm looking for a song I don't have to scroll through deep folders with music, I can just search the name and have it at a seconds notice.

The taskbar is MUCH better, allowing to keep things more organized and simpler to use.

It takes care of my internet connection so much better, this is on my laptop and where I change internet connections daily, prior to W7 I had to connect manually, it does things for me now.

It finds all drivers instantly, the plug-n-play is amazing.

It's much more organized and easier to use.

It takes care of so many small things that help make life easier.

It does have a fresh new design which looks good, and it's just much simpler and easier to use...

To me xp vs w7 is a no brainer in which is better, but of course XP is enough for browsing and just doing stuff like that. Sure a 15 year old car might drive great but the ride is so much more comfy in a new car

omegatron · 31 Dec 2009

FreshSam said:

Sure a 15 year old car might drive great but the ride is so much more comfy in a new car

... only if that 15 year car wasn't maintained and/or overhauled every once in a while...

FreshSam · 01 Jan 2010

omegatron said:

FreshSam said:

Sure a 15 year old car might drive great but the ride is so much more comfy in a new car

... only if that 15 year car wasn't maintained and/or overhauled every once in a while...

Well the new one would always run smoother and have a more comfortable interior (which is where you are at all times).

But cars aside, sure XP is capable of doing everything I need, but WIN7 does everything easier, faster and smoother. Sure it's not essential for functioning but it is better. Nobody is forcing anyone to upgrade.