Switch from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 - Worth it?

[IMpossible]

I should add that if you don't need to switch then stick with 7. The only reason I switched is because all new computers come with 8 and I bought a new laptop recently. So in that case it's not worth it to me to buy 7 again. But don't upgrade to 8 just to do it - don't waste your money.

Money is not the problem. Actually I'm a big fan of new things and updates and I was curious about Windows 8.1.
Are you satisfied with it?

 

[JustUs]

A few words of warning about Windows 8/8.1 that most do not know.

Windows 8/8.1 comes with embeded anti virus. Win 8* uses Microsoft Security Essentials. If you install another AV product you risk a software conflict.

Of the recently tested AV products, MSE performed the worst.

However, the installation of an after market AV product most often slows the entire system down due to said conflicts.

 

[bertbaby]

Hmm you guys make it hard to make a decision There's pros and cons for Windows 8.1.... Currently I'm facing performance issues with my Windows 7. When I reformat it, it takes me like 1-2 months until my system starts becoming slow. And I know what I'm doing as I am using Windows since 98. No matter what processes I kill and close, the problem won't stop. The slow booting process is really starting to annoy me. Guess I'll upgrade to Windows 8.1 soon.

I have my copy of Windows 8 sitting on the shelf. I bought a new computer a little over a year ago but after reviewing the changes in Windows 8 it became clear to me that Microsoft was really more interested in imposing their new store via their craplets aka the interface formerly known as Metro than creating a usable desktop solution. Keep in mind I'm no Luddite that is resistant to change, I run Ubuntu as well in my office. I do have Windows 8 running on one of kid's laptops and I immediately installed the classic shell so she could find everything. I love the quick boot of Windows 8 but the rest of the interface with those stupid charms is beyond any reasonable comprehension.

As to your system slowing double check the programs and apps you have installed. I have a six year quad machine that has been running for 5 years on Win 7 that was on its knees in terms of speed and disk thrashing. For me a reinstall is impossible, I work in IT and do development work and I literally have hundreds of apps that I use. What I did was to start uninstalling some of these apps and network drivers that I don't use anymore. I removed twenty of them including some Cisco and Juniper drivers and guess what the computer is running at a decent clip once again and the hard drive is silent.

 

[IMpossible]

I have my copy of Windows 8 sitting on the shelf. I bought a new computer a little over a year ago but after reviewing the changes in Windows 8 it became clear to me that Microsoft was really more interested in imposing their new store via their craplets aka the interface formerly known as Metro than creating a usable desktop solution. Keep in mind I'm no Luddite that is resistant to change, I run Ubuntu as well in my office. I do have Windows 8 running on one of kid's laptops and I immediately installed the classic shell so she could find everything. I love the quick boot of Windows 8 but the rest of the interface with those stupid charms is beyond any reasonable comprehension.

As to your system slowing double check the programs and apps you have installed. I have a six year quad machine that has been running for 5 years on Win 7 that was on its knees in terms of speed and disk thrashing. For me a reinstall is impossible, I work in IT and do development work and I literally have hundreds of apps that I use. What I did was to start uninstalling some of these apps and network drivers that I don't use anymore. I removed twenty of them including some Cisco and Juniper drivers and guess what the computer is running at a decent clip once again and the hard drive is silent.

Thanks for this reply, I'll try to take a look at what I can do.
However there is one more thing that I got to ask you about.
Ever since my last reformatting to Windows 7, my Laptop's Fan is working like frenzy, as if some sort of background process is using too much CPU/GPU power and causes it to heat up?! Before reformatting, I had the exact same system settings but it was Windows 7 Professional instead of Windows 7 Ultimate (now). Got any idea?

 

[HelloInsomnia]

Money is not the problem. Actually I'm a big fan of new things and updates and I was curious about Windows 8.1.
Are you satisfied with it?

All I'm saying is that I don't see any advantages right now unless you like the interface more. I don't and so I use Classic Shell and everything is back to the way I like it. The only issue I have with it right now is that for some reason on this laptop the transfer speeds are way slower than on the older version of this laptop which is running Windows 7 - this one has better hardware specs so I can't explain that..

 

[bertbaby]

Thanks for this reply, I'll try to take a look at what I can do.
However there is one more thing that I got to ask you about.
Ever since my last reformatting to Windows 7, my Laptop's Fan is working like frenzy, as if some sort of background process is using too much CPU/GPU power and causes it to heat up?! Before reformatting, I had the exact same system settings but it was Windows 7 Professional instead of Windows 7 Ultimate (now). Got any idea?

If the drive is also churning as well then the culprit is indexing that is turned on by default by Windows. Large drives that are filled with stuff take forever to index. If that is the case there are numerous articles about how to Indexing turn off and it's not as simple as you would think. A simple menu click doesn't do the trick and you have to go deep into the processes to actually kill it.

 

[HelloInsomnia]

If the drive is also churning as well then the culprit is indexing that is turned on by default by Windows. Large drives that are filled with stuff take forever to index. If that is the case there are numerous articles about how to Indexing turn off and it's not as simple as would think. You have to go deep into the processes to actually kill it.

I mean when transferring form the computer to an external drive - I don't think indexing would affect that?

 

[bertbaby]

I mean when transferring form the computer to an external drive - I don't think indexing would affect that?

Sorry I was answering Impossible's question. I have seen that too, slow USB speeds can be attributed sometimes to multiple devices being on the same bus. Trying removing everything to see if that helps enough; otherwise check the USB drivers.

 

[BabaDimri]

I wouldn't do it because i'm used to Win 7 and i really like it how it is. Wouldn't do it because i'll use time to get to know it better.

 

[saqr2]

switch to linux

 

[Wilson Grant Fisk]

If the laptop fan is working overtime then it could be clogged up.
Get a can of compressed air and try blowing the dust out.
If you are not technical then just get a laptop cooler/stand and see if it improves airflow.

 

[saqr2]

windows is bullshit.

 

[WizGizmo]

Thread moved to the Blackhat Lounge.

 

[saqr2]

linux mint is good option for laptop

 

[HelloInsomnia]

switch to linux

windows is bullshit.

linux mint is good option for laptop

Tell us how you really feel..

Some of us can't use lnux unfortunately because of software specific to other OS'

 

[tompots]

The main difference between windows 7 and 8.1 is the start menu. When I first switched it was a real pain in the but, and gave me the felling that Microsoft did everything in there power to make the operating system as un user friendly as possible. But with that said, after about a month and a half I got use to it. In my opinion windows 8.1 is not for users that are going to be working on there computer everyday. It's more for web sufferers that use devices to accesses the net.

 

[bertbaby]

switch to linux

I just love the way fanboys have to interject into every Windows conversation as it they are getting a royalty with each license they convert. In fact I do use Ubuntu but there are plenty of good Windows apps that are not available in Linux. And please don't mention WINE the windows emulator. Like sex with two condoms on it can be done but nobody enjoys the experience.

 

[WickedLamborghini]

As other members said, Windows 8.1 is not that big of an improvement over Windows 7. To me, by far, I like the boot time and I always enjoyed 3rd party programs like VLC.

It's pretty simple to understand, the interface is really smooth and very intuitive. I don't know why there is so much hate over a OS.
Things usually move... People shouldn't stick to the past and inovate.

 

[JustUs]

The main difference between windows 7 and 8.1 is the start menu. When I first switched it was a real pain in the but, and gave me the felling that Microsoft did everything in there power to make the operating system as un user friendly as possible. But with that said, after about a month and a half I got use to it. In my opinion windows 8.1 is not for users that are going to be working on there computer everyday. It's more for web sufferers that use devices to accesses the net.

Yes, Windows 8 has the unfortunate tendency of making a computer act like it is a cell phone.

 

[bertbaby]

It's pretty simple to understand, the interface is really smooth and very intuitive. I don't know why there is so much hate over a OS.
Things usually move... People shouldn't stick to the past and innovate.

It's funny that you say that about innovation but early word has it that Windows 9 will include the return of the Start Menu or as they are calling the next release the "Revenge of the Desktop". The Metro apps are a poor substitute for the Start Menu.