Windows 7 or 8 for a couch/tv gaming system?

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Josh7890

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Mar 22, 2013
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I've ordered all the parts for a new mid-range gaming PC to use as a console replacement (my first build in many many years), except for the OS. Since the OEM copies of Windows 7 and 8 cost around the same, I'm debating about which one to get.

Other than using Windows 7 at work, I haven't had much experience with Windows since Windows XP. I'm primarily an OS X user.

Here's what I see as the pros and cons:

Windows 7:
- Pro: possibly more stable
- Pro: possibly more compatible with older software (I'd like to play some older classics from time to time)
- Con: will be out of date sooner

Windows 8:
- Pro: newer, longer period of support
- Pro: maybe a better UI from the couch???? (I really don't know - I've never used the Metro UI)
- Con: I've heard it's less stable and less compatible with some games

Keep in mind that this will be a single purpose couch/tv gaming machine, and minor performance differences don't bother me one way or another. I have another computers for HTPC purposes, file serving, and general computing, so none of these functions matter in my OS choice.

Does one or the other work better with controllers? Either XBox controllers, or (ideally) PS3 controllers using MotionInJoy? Can you navigate the Metro UI with just a controller?
 
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edogawa

edogawa

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Jan 4, 2012
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Windows 8 is better, stable, no compatibility issues(maybe an issue on rare occasion), faster, new features, etc.

Buy Windows 8, then install Start8(or classic shell), which will return the normal desktop, and hide metro.


I have used Windows 8 since the launch day with Start8, I've had zero operating system issues. Games will work fine on Windows 8. Programs will work fine on Windows 8.


Motion joy works on both, and will work just as well on 8. I use motion joy for Ps3 controllers.

Anyone who say you should buy 7 or 8 is fooling themselves(you just need start8).
 
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edogawa

edogawa

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Jan 4, 2012
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You don't have to get start8, it's only 5 dollars though. You can get classic shell which I believe is free. Having the normal desktop and start menu back is more user friendly.

You could just setup metro for launching games too, or use steam big picture mode.

Metro for launching games launcher would work pretty well if setup right.

Depends on how you want things. In the end buying 8 just makes more sense since it's about the same price anyway.
 
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4745454b

4745454b

Titan
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Apr 29, 2006
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I usually tell people to just buy the cheapest. There were some great deals for 8 when it came out. There are very few differences between them. And 8 does have a classic layout. Yes, its an extra mouse click. Big deal. If you have a copy of 7 laying around then use it. If you can get 8 way cheap then use that. If you are going to have to buy both new, not sure. I'd probably pick 8 however.

I have the family pack for win7. 3 legal upgrade copies and I'm using one. I'll probably be on 7 for while...
 
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bigcyco1

bigcyco1

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Feb 11, 2012
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Windows 8 is certainly an ambitious effort on the behalf of Microsoft, but it seems I'm missing something that's keeping me from enjoying it.I cannot stand windows 8 personally.Because it's not a pleasant experience. On the other hand some members here like it though.I would say it's personal preference.
 
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aramisathei

aramisathei

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Aug 25, 2012
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For your purposes either OS should work fine.
If you have to buy a new one, may as well go with Windows 8 since it'll receive better support in the coming years.

For using your gamepad with the OS, look at a program like Xpadder.
You can map your gamepad as a mouse, so you wouldn't even need to get off the couch for the most part.

And as an aside, stick with the Xbox controller if you have an option.
MotioninJoy adds a bunch of secondary crap to implement its drivers that is difficult to get rid of and can cause some serious problems further on down the line.
 
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