Windows 7 or Windows 8 for Laptop

[Samuraidog]

Mark me as a former Windows user as well.

Linux is so incredibly easy to install, easy to use, and more stable than Windows. Best of all, it is entirely FREE. No additional cost for office programs.

Of all the different varieties, I like Linux Mint the best.

 

[Samuraidog]

I forgot to mention...

My 68 year old father is a former Windows user too. He used to call me constantly about issues with Windows.
I converted his system to Linux Mint a few years ago, and ever since then, he hasn't had any problems.
Linux Mint is so incredibly easy for a Windows user to get used to. The layout is similar.

If you just surf and use office programs, give Linux Mint a try. You could even do a dual boot system.

 

[spackard]

I'd consider a Mac too.
If you're going to have to struggle to learn a new UI anyway, and one company is struggling to make a new UI (best endorsement in the thread: "it's inevitable" ?) vs another company that's got a reputation for a good UI and seamless upgrades.

2 years from now, maybe MS will be better again. But for now, nah.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
Even windows 8 which I despise...


What about Windows 8, besides the easily modified user interface, do you despise?

And have you spent significant amounts of time with 8.1?

 

[uc50ic4more]

Originally Posted By: Samuraidog
Of all the different varieties, I like Linux Mint the best.


Piffle! I keep saying "Ubuntu" when I should be saying "Linux Mint". Mint'd be a much easier transition for a former Windows user and is almost entirely Ubuntu under the hood, anyhow.

 

[rjundi]

Do folks buy cruddy laptops? I have run Windows XP and now Windows 7 on IBM and Lenovo T-series(T30,T500) and now W series(W530) computers. It runs flawlessly without a single issue or virus.

If you want to simply get work done Windows 7 is decent. The only advantage I have seen with Windows 8 thus far is if you run multiple monitors you set up a task bar for each one.

I spend 40-50hrs behind a computer screen as Web Application architect.

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
Do folks buy cruddy laptops? I have run Windows XP and now Windows 7 on IBM and Lenovo T-series(T30,T500) and now W series(W530) computers. It runs flawlessly without a single issue or virus.

If you want to simply get work done Windows 7 is decent. The only advantage I have seen with Windows 8 thus far is if you run multiple monitors you set up a task bar for each one.

I spend 40-50hrs behind a computer screen as Web Application architect.



Most people don't remove the bloatware that comes pre-installed, may not know anything about preventative maintenance/upkeep, and likely don't pony up the extra dough for an SSD.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I am a diehard XP user. My 9-10 years old Dell Vostro 1000 is running on XP now. My family other laptops are running on W7 and W8 and I hate them.

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Even windows 8 which I despise...


What about Windows 8, besides the easily modified user interface, do you despise?

And have you spent significant amounts of time with 8.1?


Metro is terrible for a laptop/desktop computer. If I were to consider getting windows 8 I would need to use start8 because I want a real start menu, not the horrible metro interface. I should not need to jump through hoops to find shut down/restart/the search function or heck, even the control panel.

 

[simple_gifts]

Any of the mentioned ubuntu based linux distros would be good. Anyone having problems using them haven't really looked @ them, or are seriously challenged. Does it suit everyone's needs, perhaps not, but they do NOT require special technical knowledge.

I have a desktop from system76 (great supplier of linux based gear) and am really happy with it.

I've set up 4 or 5 people on them, and have never gotten any complaints (or calls)

-T

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
Metro is terrible for a laptop/desktop computer. If I were to consider getting windows 8 I would need to use start8 because I want a real start menu, not the horrible metro interface. I should not need to jump through hoops to find shut down/restart/the search function or heck, even the control panel.


I absolutely agree. The fortunate part for people like you and me it's very easily fixable. And there are a whole host of performance improvements over Windows 7, including a very nice incremental backup tool that is great for many users. Seems that if it's the interface you despise, you'd find a lot to like about 8/8.1 given that the interface is a one-time fix.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Windows 8 is fine, Windows 8.1 even better, just add the free Classic Shell to gain the full old-school Windows experience.


BE FORE-WARNED: Win8.1 has a bug where built-in wireless on laptops stops working soon after it's invoked after reboot. TRUST ME on this one. Spent many hours trying to find a solution on a brand new laptop that was Win8 then quickly upgraded to Win8.1.

This issue affects all brands of WLAN cards, Ralink, Atheros, Intel, Broadcom.

Now that you know, enjoy.

 

[Tom NJ]

Thanks all ! Looks like I'll bite the bullet and go Win-8.1. I hear 8.2 will be much more friendly to us old timers, but won't be released until mid 2014.

Tom NJ