Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 8.1?

mrcheez · 24-02-2014 6:15pm #1

I have the option to take one of these and put it on my new PC at home.
Which one should I choose and why?

The machine will be used for Web Development / Media Server and Gaming.

I love the Windows 7 UI etc so I'm leaning that way... but understand support for it will wane in a few years.

thehouses · 24-02-2014 6:17pm

For a new system I would go with 8.1 because of longer support and you can add in a free tool to return the proper start menu very easily. It is supposed to be faster and more secure as well.

swoofer · 24-02-2014 6:23pm

windows 7 ends 2020! windows 8.1 2023, and if you can get a chance look at the april edition of PC Advisor page 24 and that may help you to choose 8.1.

You dont say how peorful the home pc is ie 64 or 32bit.

mrcheez · 24-02-2014 6:36pm

Sorry 64 bit... would that be a factor in deciding between 7 or 8?

mrcheez · 24-02-2014 6:38pm

hmmmm

http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/160076-directx-11-2-will-be-a-windows-8-1-and-xbox-one-exclusive-microsoft-dangles-the-upgrade-carrot

PropJoe10 · 26-02-2014 12:48am

Windows 8.1 with Classic Shell >> Windows 7, although Windows 7 is also a fine choice.

janeparker · 27-02-2014 6:32am

Windows 8.1 is available with enhanced GUI that helps to boost gaming experience for users.

mrcheez · 27-02-2014 12:00pm

I ended up installing 8.1... huge learning curve but I'll get it eventually

PropJoe10 · 27-02-2014 1:20pm

mrcheez wrote: »

I ended up installing 8.1... huge learning curve but I'll get it eventually

Try classic shell if you find the metro thing to be annoying. It basically turns it into Windows 7 or XP layout, whichever you prefer. Best addon I have used in years.

excollier · 02-03-2014 3:38pm

Or wait for Windows 9 next April, such is Microsoft's confidence in 8. Who knows, it may be as good as 7 if they are careful (7 is as good an OS they have ever produced)

Son Of A Vidic · 02-03-2014 6:40pm

mrcheez wrote: »

I love the Windows 7 UI etc so I'm leaning that way... but understand support for it will wane in a few years.

13 years after its release and I still have XP Pro on one of my desktops. I keep getting my updates and security fixes as normal. Didn't Microsoft also once say that they would stop supporting XP in 2011? So OP if they're supporting XP for this long, I wouldn't be worried about going with Windows 7.

Traitor · 03-03-2014 12:21am

Corvus Maximus wrote: »

13 years after its release and I still have XP Pro on one of my desktops. I keep getting my updates and security fixes as normal. Didn't Microsoft also once say that they would stop supporting XP in 2011? So OP if they're supporting XP for this long, I wouldn't be worried about going with Windows 7.

Screw NT. Use windows 3.1 or 95. It runs amazingly fast on current hardware. (if you can get it to boot on over 2 gigs).

Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 8.1?

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