What benefits do I get for using Windows 8 compared to Windows 7?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
X

xenonn

Distinguished
Sep 23, 2011
29
0
18,530
I intend to get a new desktop computer from Dell. I'm not going to have a touch screen. I have heard that Windows 8 is faster, but I don't really know by how much faster it really is. When Windows 7 was out, it said it was faster than Vista. But it turns out that it takes up so much of my computer's memory that it starts to lag pretty badly. I'm worried that Windows 8 is going to be even more memory-hungry. My main reason for changing my desktop is for it to run faster because my current one is lagging too much.

Since this is going to be a desktop and I don't have touch screen installed to it, I don't know what other benefits I can get out of Windows 8. There are even many mixed complains about the Metro interface and the missing start button and others. I am even expecting many programmes that I've been using now will no longer run on Windows 8.

Given with so many conflicting thoughts, and Windows 8 will cost me about a hundred dollars more than a Windows 7 machine, I'm thinking hard whether it is worth spending more to get a Windows 8 machine. I need some advice one this.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
ryanrich83

ryanrich83

Honorable
Jul 31, 2012
215
0
10,710
I built a custom desktop a few months ago and went with Windows 8. I am very happy with Windows 8.

It uses less system resources to run than even Windows 7, which used very little anyway.

The interface does take some getting used to, but the Start page is a vastly improved version of the Windows 7 Start menu, but it takes up the whole screen when using it(which is fine by me).

As far as compatibility, everything that ran under Windows 7 should have no issues running under Windows 8. I have yet to have any issues with compatibility.

Plus the Windows 8 machine will probably have better hardware included if you are buying a prebuilt system.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
tomate2

tomate2

Distinguished
Apr 8, 2010
384
0
18,810
Ive been using windows 8 for couple of months now and dont have much to complain
one thing you will notice is that it boots up a lot faster then windows 7
just like how ryanrich83 mentioned it takes some getting use to but there are a lot of helpful free tutorials online to ease your transition to windows 8
you will have to decide if a start button taking up the whole screen (start screen) will be a big problem for you
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
4745454b

4745454b

Titan
Moderator
Apr 29, 2006
29,241
437
93,590
Are the machines identical? 8 is fine, but I wouldn't pay more for it. Another benefit you get is as the new OS you'll get updates and support a lot longer then 7. Drivers and programs will be wrote for it longer then 7 as well. But is all that worth $100 more? No. Not for me anyways.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
bjaminnyc

bjaminnyc

Distinguished
Jun 17, 2011
621
0
19,060
Most software providers have released updates for 8 by this point. Unless you're running media center extenders, IMHO you're better off going with the newer OS. In addition, you should be able to get BLUE for free which will make 8 ascetically more like 7.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
O

odiervr

Honorable
May 1, 2012
343
0
10,810
1. Pls consider building your own computer. I don't know your computing needs, but anyone in the market for a new dell can build a better (more capable and more upgradable) one on their own. Youtube newegg computer build for a how to. It's looks a little daunting, but as a noob of average intel i can tell you it's doable and enjoyable. I bought Dell's for over a decade. Great products but a pain in the ass as they age - lot's of unique motherboard, power supply stuff.
2. If no to #1, then I would go for the cheaper one. $100 more for the same machine with win 8 is WAY too much.
3. If you go for Win 8, pls consider the free program 'Classic Shell'. It will alleviate much pain (makes win 8 look and act like win 7). Just an easier interface for me.

Good Luck
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
B

basha312

Honorable
Jan 16, 2013
6
0
10,510
Windows 8 runs more smoothly (and quickly) then Windows 7 did on my machine. I havent noticed any features I miss from Windows 7 so anything that was dropped I'm guessing most people don't notice. The new start menu along with some other navigational features they added should allow most people to complete tasks quicker with Windows 8 than they could with Windows 7
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
X

xenonn

Distinguished
Sep 23, 2011
29
0
18,530


Thanks! I'm looking at the Dell's XPS 8500 model running on i7 core and 1TB HDD. Does this model have supportive hardwares for Windows 8?

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
ryanrich83

ryanrich83

Honorable
Jul 31, 2012
215
0
10,710
It does have hardware support for Windows 8. Just looking at the specs that are offered, some of the hardware might be limiting depending on your needs.

What will you be using the computer for? Gaming? Video editing? General purpose?

Myself and many others here would be happy to build a parts list for you to build a PC to better suit your needs/price range.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom