What operating system should I buy?

[Mendozer03]

I'm confused as to which version of 8.1 I should buy. I don't really care about features as gaming will be its' main function. I wanted the cheapest 64 bit option. Any suggestions?

 

[USAFRet]

Regular Win 8.1 is all you need.

 

[utgotye]

There's always Linux. Give Mint a try if you don't want to stray too far from the Windows feel.

 

[hackerk]

i would suggest you to go with win 7 ultimate version. because it is the most stable version ever i had seen after win xp. don't go for win 8.1 it is full of bugs. go with win 7

 

[utgotye]

If not Linux, then I highly recommend Windows 2000. It's the only OS i have ever had to try and break because other wise...nothing, rock solid.

 

[USAFRet]

i would suggest you to go with win 7 ultimate version. because it is the most stable version ever i had seen after win xp. don't go for win 8.1 it is full of bugs. go with win 7

There are so many things wrong with this statement...
1. Win 7 Ultimate is no more or less stable than any other level of Windows 7. All the same codebase. And I'd argue that Win 7 Ultimate is slower in normal use, because of all the extra services and functions that are running, and completely not needed. In addition to the very much larger price tag.

2. Windows 8.1 is NOT 'full of bugs'.

 

[USAFRet]

If not Linux, then I highly recommend Windows 2000. It's the only OS i have ever had to try and break because other wise...nothing, rock solid.

Windows 2000? Really?
And what 'games' are you planning on running on this 15 year old OS?

 

[utgotye]

That's why I said Linux.

 

[USAFRet]

That's why I said Linux.

The same question presents itself.
From the OP "...as gaming will be its' main function..."

How is Linux a better choice than a recent Windows OS, for this particular use?

 

[utgotye]

He wants the cheapest x64 option...well that would be Linux.

If you are insistent upon Win8.1, non-Pro is fine, you won't have it long anyway.

 

[USAFRet]

He wants the cheapest x64 option...well that would be Linux.

If you are insistent upon Win8.1, non-Pro is fine, you won't have it long anyway.

'Cheapest OS', and 'cheapest OS that will fit the gaming needs' are two different things.

 

[utgotye]

Linux works just fine for games, and it's not like the selection is limited. Steam alone has well over 1000 games for Linux.

/my participation in this thread hijack

 

[USAFRet]

Linux works just fine for games, and it's not like the selection is limited. Steam alone has well over 1000 games for Linux.

/my participation in this thread hijack

As opposed to almost 6,000 for Windows.
Linux as a games OS is only applicable if the games he wants are available on that platform.