Windows 7 or 8?
- Thread starter Phidippus
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aznricepuff
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- Oct 17, 2013
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I actually recommend windows 8. It will likely have better support for games going forward, and other than that it is more secure and runs more efficiently than windows 7.
The only major drawback of windows 8(.1) is that it lacks the Start Menu. If that is a dealbreaker for you, then go with windows 7. But don't pass up win8 just because of its (ill-deserved) bad reputation.
The only major drawback of windows 8(.1) is that it lacks the Start Menu. If that is a dealbreaker for you, then go with windows 7. But don't pass up win8 just because of its (ill-deserved) bad reputation.
- May 16, 2006
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This isn't something we can really answer for you. I would say go find a Best Buy or some other shop that sells computers and see if they have any demo units running Windows 8.1 (get a copy of 8.1 instead of 8 if you go that route, instead of getting 8 and then having to upgrade it afterwards). Try it out first and see what you think.
Don't buy into all the negative hype either. Most people complaining about Windows 8 and 8.1 didn't take the 5 seconds they would have needed to solve their problems. Of course some people do have legitimate issues with it, but that's why I tell anyone asking this question to try it out for themselves first.
Don't buy into all the negative hype either. Most people complaining about Windows 8 and 8.1 didn't take the 5 seconds they would have needed to solve their problems. Of course some people do have legitimate issues with it, but that's why I tell anyone asking this question to try it out for themselves first.
B4vB5
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- Oct 24, 2013
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My humble answer would be Windows 7 Pro/Home 64bit. Unless you have or is buying a touchscreen, then Windows 8 for longterm benefits.
The whole start menu thing missing, for me personally, is kinda void, when one knows about the secret menu (Win+X) to Shutdown Windows 8(.1) and the (awesome) Launcher still works on the Metro screen(2 times Win-key(iirc) from anywhere to start any program fast). I thought the best feature of Vista/7 was and is that Launcher, I use it so much I should pay taxes but I never ever wade through the Start menu itself, unless I wanna find the "Startup" folder, which for some reason I didnt shortcut.
I dare to say that Launcher is the single most productive quantum leap in Windows since Alt+Tab or so.
So the short answer 7 unless you got a touchscreen, since you said (dedicated assumed) gaming rig. If you don't find fidling with stuff and adjusting stuff and get surprising features and hickups any annoying to your gaming, go 8 for longterm gains.
The whole start menu thing missing, for me personally, is kinda void, when one knows about the secret menu (Win+X) to Shutdown Windows 8(.1) and the (awesome) Launcher still works on the Metro screen(2 times Win-key(iirc) from anywhere to start any program fast). I thought the best feature of Vista/7 was and is that Launcher, I use it so much I should pay taxes but I never ever wade through the Start menu itself, unless I wanna find the "Startup" folder, which for some reason I didnt shortcut.
I dare to say that Launcher is the single most productive quantum leap in Windows since Alt+Tab or so.
So the short answer 7 unless you got a touchscreen, since you said (dedicated assumed) gaming rig. If you don't find fidling with stuff and adjusting stuff and get surprising features and hickups any annoying to your gaming, go 8 for longterm gains.
Dark Lord of Tech
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With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 0EM you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.
OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
Microsoft.com ^
OEM vs. Retail
OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:
The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.
Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.
Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.
OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.
Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.
As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).
sevenforums.com
Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.
License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
Microsoft.com ^
OEM vs. Retail
OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:
The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.
Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.
Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.
OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.
Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.
As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).
sevenforums.com
Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.
License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,818
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