Which OS for New System (Win 8 vs Win 7)

[Tankata]

Hi,

I am about to get the parts and build a pc. However, there is now the question of which OS to get. Unfortunately, the $40 upgrade promotion thing only applies to upgrades from XP, Vista or 7. This means that i have to buy the OEM version of windows 8 instead of the promotional download. Coincidentally, windows 7 and Windows 8 both cost the same OEM (both $95).

In any case, i was wondering which one to go with for a new computer (i can provide specs if they are needed).

Also, if anyone had any ideas about how to get the $40 promotional price without buying 7/Vista/Xp, that would be great as i then i could get an OS for only that much.

My new computer is also not a touchscreen.

Ty in advance for any help.

 

[Tankata]

i know that...

 

[unksol]

I would suggest installing the windows 8 trial and seeing if you like it first.

Note that windows 8 should include downgrade rights to windows 7, and you can reinstall 8 at anytime as you own the license, so buying 7 doesn't make a ton of sense. But you have to jump through some hoops and call Microsoft etc, so if you really don't like 8 just getting 7 is easier.

Info on downgrade rights. Obviously read through and make sure they will work for you before purchasing if you might want to downgrade
www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/downgrade_rights.aspx

 

[Tankata]

Hi, and thanks for your reply.

So pretty much, if i buy 8, it comes with the option to downgrade to Windows 7 Professional. How though, would i be able to install windows 7? Does it already come loaded on the windows 8 installation disk or does microsoft have to mail you a separate disk? Then, i could just upgrade again to windows 8 if i wanted because i already have my own product key.

Correct me there if i am wrong.

In the licencing T&C's you listed above, it says:
"To downgrade Microsoft Windows or Windows Server software, customers must:
Purchase a PC preinstalled with Windows or Windows Server software." (as one of the conditions for downgrade eligibiltiy.)

Would this be fine though if i just had the OEM version of 8 (as in how would they know if i had a prebuilt or custom built system)?

Thanks again

EDIT: I noticed that it also said you had to have Windows 8 Pro preinstalled, which means that i would have to buy Pro which costs an exta $50 so... it think probably not then

 

[unksol]

I think they would have to honor it as its OEM. Want sure if you were looking at pro or not, as I just knew the $40 upgrade was pro. Their instructions say to install 7 then call to activate. Official Windows 7 ISOs are available here

Http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/3316.2-1-microsoft-windows-7-official-iso-download-links-digital-river.aspx

This is the jumping through hoops and dealing with Microsoft part, which might be a pain, and why I suggest you try the eval version of 8 first, and just get what you like. If Pro really is 50 more it would actually be cheaper to buy 7, then the 8 pro upgrade for 40 anyway if you wanted both options, and less tricky/hassle

 

[Max1s]

First off, if you are using a computer with a mouse and keyboard and dont want to use it primarily as a media/theater pc, and you want to do more office work, windows 7 is better. 8 is more of a tablet style feel. Some people like it, as its 'easier' to use, but for people that dont have problems navigating a desktop and folders and windows, windows 7 is preferred.

As for buying your OS, either just buy it normally or dont, anything in between is not a good idea.

 

[Tankata]

Yeah, ill probably just go with 7 then, i dont really want to waste my time getting 8 and then wishing i had got 7.

Ty for help guys.

 

[Tankata]

Best answer selected by Tankata.