Windows 8 vs Windows 7 question / dilemma

frag1 · Oct 2, 2014

So heres the thing, im building a new rig right now so i need new windows for it. I dont want W8 im not gonna touch that shit... pun intended
So based on what ive learned so far i have 2 options:

no1: i can bite the bullet, purchase W7 home premium OEM which costs 90 euro where i live, install it and after a year when W10 comes along basically throw it into the trash.

no2: get a copy of W8.1 Pro OEM which is 135 euro, downgrade it to W7 Professional - please confirm i can do this
and then after 1 year since w8 even OEM is transferable, - again pls confirm - i can uninstall it and use it elsewhere or probably sell it.

So recap, pls confirm if w8.1pro is downgradable and transferable and give your thoughts.
thanks

4ktv · Oct 3, 2014

Windows 10 will very likely be a free upgrade to windows 8 users so if you plan on that you may want to buy the copy of windows 8.1.

The other thing you could do is install the preview of windows 10 for free and then buy it when it comes out. Note that you will have to do a clean install if you do this because the windows 10 preview won't be able to upgrade to the retail windows 10 so keep that in mind. Also if you use this for gaming of any kind the GPU drivers aren't perfect so I wouldn't recommend it at all if that's the case.

Then well it's not done yet and I am sure there are other bugs as well, though I really haven't run into any yet other than with the GPU driver on games.

If you really hate anything to do with windows 8.1 like the whole thing, then get windows 7 and stay with it even after 10 is out because there will still be some windows 8 blood for say in windows 10. (Some of the GUI isn't leaving and the hybrid boot isn't leaving for example. The always online live account thing also doesn't seem like it's leaving, but I hope it does get out of the way. If you have used steam it's like that but for the WHOLE OS.)

If you don't do gaming, I would think about Linux because really windows even with all the back lash really seems to be going down a dark road.

frag1 · Oct 3, 2014

yes it is for gaming why else would i call it a rig

(4790k gtx970sli and all that good stuff that goes along with it)
and its gonna be my primary pc so w10preview or linux is out of the question

its not that i hate w8 necessarily, in fact i understand when it comes to core performance, dx support and everything, w8 is vastly superior to w7. its just the whole start button thing beeing a mess.
with w10 on the other hand it seems decent

also can you explain the always online thing ? ive never really used win live and i wasnt really paying attention to PCs in general in last 2-3 years, im just comming back to it now.

Dark Lord of Tech · Oct 3, 2014

Windows 8.1 will also receive Direct X updates.

With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 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 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

angelice · Oct 3, 2014

If it is just a matter of not liking the Metro Screen lack of start menu/desktop, then just install classic shell on windows 8, you get the performance(with upgradability) as well as the look and feel of 7. (I know not the same thing but its still better)

Guest · Oct 5, 2014

I know ppl HATE Win8, but 8.1 is loads better and even 8 is ok when you get used to it. My advise is though, get Windows 10 now it's out. Even if it's really expensive, go for it. It can't be much worse than 8, plus it should follow the old Microsoft pattern of good.bad,good,bad...

4ktv · Oct 5, 2014

Windows 10 is in beta and there for doesn't cost anything. The main issue it has right now is this build is more aimed to business to get them off xp/7 so 3D game support is not up to par right now.

4ktv · Oct 5, 2014

frag1 :

When you set up windows 8 you get two choices, log in to Microsoft account like you log in to steam or make a new Microsoft account. Like steam the offline log in is hit and miss at best from what I can tell. Though unlike steam there is no way I know of to set offline mode your self to ready it for connection loss.

I found a way to make a standard old school log in, but they really shove that online log in thing down your throat in 8.1/10.

angelice · Oct 5, 2014

yeah thats y most people think it will be awful because 8.1 was more of a full release than an update.

Guest · Oct 23, 2014

Oh right, well, get it when possible then. Now if you can be a tester, later if not.

Just be patient. I've waited for countless things in my life and I'm glad I did. I waited 6 months for a phone to arrive from China, and I'm glad I did because it's surprisingly good!

Hope it turns out well for ya!

ToineF · Oct 23, 2014

I would go with windows 8.1 and simply get stardock or something like that to bring back the win7 UI features.

And when windows 10 come out you will most likely get for free or very cheap.

I hate windows 8 UI too... HATE IT!

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