How to decide: should you upgrade to Windows 8?

[Brink]

With all the hype about Windows 8, one question remains for most current Windows users: should you upgrade to Windows 8? In this article, David Gewirtz walks you through all the possibilities, so you're armed with the best decision-making strategy for your needs.

Upgrading an operating system install is never a small decision. Upgrading to Windows 8 is a particularly challenging decision because the user-interface has so substantially changed from what we were all used to in Windows 7. In this article, I'll give you some guidelines that -- based on your personal circumstances -- will help you decide what's right for you.

If you don't have time to read all the details, you can skip to the end of the article and read a short summary of my recommendations.

Read more at source:
How to decide: should you upgrade to Windows 8? | ZDNet

 

[RoasterMen]

I'm still for Windows 7.

 

[JerometheGiraff]

I'm using Windows8 & 7. Can't complain I love 8.

 

[LittleJay]

I have both 7 & 8 installed and alternate between them.

 

[theveterans]

I won't be upgrading to Windows 8 on my current laptop, but I might buy a convertible laptop with Win 8 in the future.

 

[robinb9]

I updated on one computer from windows 7 ultimate 32 bit- took me about 2 hours, had to install new drivers and new updated applications, then Microsoft issued the last set of horrible security updates and Windows 8 crashed. I had to revert back and start all over again- now that was a pain.

I also upgraded from a laptop running windows 7 home premium, now that did not go too bad- go figure and it was older than the desktop. Took about an hour

My opinion:
Do not upgrade if you are not a advanced user
Make sure if you do upgrade, you use the compatability tool that comes within the upgrade and listen and fix the issues before you do the upgrade.

My personal opinion:
If you are in love with "Apps" and like the new look then go for it
If you the least bit skeptical wait till there is service pack because there are lots of bugs in it that need fixing.

robin

 

[Layback Bear]

Two things I found in the article and my suggestions for help.

• If you're running Windows 3.x, 95, 98, or Me: Seek professional help. NIMH · Home

If you're a Mac or Linux user: Stop yer laughing. It's not polite.
NIMH · Home

NIMH is working on a help program for those that choose Windows 8.

 

[probertq]

i am running windows 8 and i love it..its faster, it needs less RAM and i love few of the apps.

 

[PwnFrnzy]

I use both 7 and 8.
I use Windows 7 for my tower because I'm, more comfortable with W7 regardless I like the desktop style.
I then use W8 on my netbook. I have to launch things from the desktop interface because of the stupid required resolution thing. W8 is on the netbook because it's a lot more snappier than W7 was on the low-powered machine.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I've ordered a cheap upgrade to W8 Pro and will hold on to it for a possible upgrade later but only because it was so cheap. W7 is still rocking my stability world and it's hard to imagine how a new look or a few app's would matter much till I have a touch screen system....but that's just me !

 

[Wordsworth]

I've ordered a cheap upgrade to W8 Pro and will hold on to it for a possible upgrade later but only because it was so cheap. W7 is still rocking my stability world and it's had to imagine how a new look or a few app's would matter much till I have a touch screen system....but that's just me !

I plan to do the same before the upgrade price is over with but probably won't install to this system but to one with a new board (UEFI). That will be my excuse for why I need to rebuild from the board up.

 

[mic2013]

i just want to know that is windows 8 is good for programming

 

[Lee]

I run both. Win 8 is my main OS, and win 7 is installed in a VM. With three monitors I can run both OS's at the same time. On the Hanspree 25" is win 8 main screen then on my 23" Dell (2048 x 1152) is where I run iTunes, PDF reader, web browser (this monitor is always in portrait mode full time). Finally on the 24" Hanspree is win 7 in a VM (this is usually full time, hence both OS's are running at the same time).

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
W7 if you use complex applications which have lots of sub menus, sub sub menus etc -- Windows 8 Horizontal tiles with no hierarchical structure is a pain for launching these typoes of applications

For simple apps home users might well like Windows 8 -- it's snappier - especially on lower powered hardware, built in ISO virtual mounter is very useful, File history for keeping track of your data updates also good, security is streets better than 7 -- built in (confusingly called Windows defender --it's a "re-branded MSE" built right into the kernel --always a good idea), better hardware detection.

I'm using Windows 7 on my main computer but have a nice ultrabook type of laptop where I run Windows 8.

For people who just want to "Try before buy" - download the ENTERPRISE 90 day (or is it 180 -- can't remember now) trial W8 version and install as a VM. Install of W8 is really EASY and automatic.

@mic123

download the free Visual studio from Ms -- you don't need the complex version from msdn - the freebie is more than enough. -- plenty of programming for W8 both "Classical" and Metro style apps.

I do find the whole Metro (W8 UI) stuff a pain -- I rarely if ever run full screen mode unless I'm watching videos / movies. However it's possible to run W8 almost entirely from the desktop.

Touch screens are better handled in W8 if that's your thing and W8 will have the same interface whether on a W8 smartphone, a tablet or a computer -- so this could also be an advantage for some.


Enc screenshot of W8 start -- you can see it gets a bit complicated if you have loads of applications -- that's where a "Classical menu" system is better.

clicking Desktop (bottom left tile) brings you into the traditional desktop familiar to XP / W7 users.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[bassfisher6522]

Windows 8, agreed with all the other pro's associated with that OS. The only problem that I find with windows 8 is if you have some what of an older system, the driver support for that hardware is very little to none existent. Even though windows 8 has a lot of generic drivers but they just doesn't cut the mustard.

So in my case and like most others with this older hardware, even though windows 8 runs, it doesn't run well or at it's potential and eventually there are problems that arise down the road. So in order to keep and use windows 8 we must upgrade that hardware to maximize the efficiency of windows 8.

While dual booting with it, I did get quite use to 8 and damn near like it.

 

[maxie]

Had Windows 8 did not like it so went back to seven its a matter of personal taste.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Purchase the upgrade to 8 as cheaply as you can but use 7 for now. Then as software vendors continue to upgrade versions to run with 8 upgrade then, especially if you purchase a touch screen monitor. For me I'm just biding my time as why change from a proven winner such as 7 until I can smoothly upgrade/transfer all my currently smooth running programs.....now called app's (I hate that!) I see great promise with W8 and we have one computer in the family running it and It's frustrating to learn but in the end you can't buck trends like these most if not all of the look and feel will continue to move forward.......no looking back. It's just with a traditional desktop machine I find little reason to switch OS's just yet ! Your mileage may vary !

 

[Alejandro85]

i just want to know that is windows 8 is good for programming

The OS in itself is not important, but the IDE you use is what matters, as well as the type of programs you do. Where Win8 becomes important is in testing. As every day more computers will appear with Win8 preinstalled, it's important that you test your programs in it just to make sure they're compatible, so ideally you should have at least a VM with 8 for testing purposes.

 

[McDougal]

I got the Win8 Pro upgrade for Xmas along with a new 120GB SSD. Upgraded from Win7 Pro, been running it for a little more than a week with no problems at all.

The interface took a little getting used to but now I don't think about it even without a touchscreen. I love the performance improvements.

However, I still have Windows 7 installed on the family computers just because of the learning curve with 8. And also a copy of Win7 for my PC in case I ever want to revert back.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Exactly it's a matter of personal choice. I hear the performance is good with 8 and in some instances better than 7 but I don't get much details as to what is meant? Is it a overall snappiness or other? Unfortunately the mobile driven market with continue to drive even the desktop markets and of course is leading to the general ill-informed opinions that the desktop pc will be replaced and is a dead device walking.......heaven forbid !