Windows 8, 8.1 & 10 versus Windows 7

alphanumeric said:

All it means is, there will not be a completely new version released every few years. Windows 10 will become Windows. Windows will then be updated/upgraded periodically. It will continuously evolve over time. I personally wouldn't believe anything that author says. he seems to like to sensationalize that which isn't true. You'll still be able to buy Windows like you do now. There may be a subscription version offered in the future but it won't be the only option. Like office is now, you can buy a perpetual license for it for a one time fee or go by subscription with office 365.

Personally, the only thing that excites me about Windows is a new release! In 8 and 10 , the captains of theseforums can tell us about the increase in traffic around these (pre)release episodes. I don't know what I'll do, already I feel quite depressed. I think I'll go an stock up on scotch.

Windows said:

I have been a power user of Microsoft Windows based desktop operating systems for 20 years, starting with Windows 3.1. I will be honest and state immediately that I strongly dislike Microsoft's most recent OS releases, which obviously includes Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 (Technical Preview). In terms of daily usability, I find Windows 7 to be greatly superior; for me Windows 7 is, by far and away, the best Microsoft OS release. Perhaps my opinion is shared by the overwhelming vast majority of Windows users, since it presently holds a hugely dominating market share compared with all other Windows operating systems.

After installing the latest Windows 10 Technical Preview on a virtual machine, my initial impression is that Microsoft is endeavouring — a bit too much — to compete in the mobile-centric computing market. Furthermore, I dislike its design and the superfluous features. As regards the extraneous features, it appears to me that Microsoft is dumbing down the interface. For example, the system applications, including the Control Panel, are becoming increasingly obscured with each new release.

To users who presently utilise Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 installed on a desktop PC or laptop), what do you feel are the benefits of these operating systems in comparison with Windows 7?

sorry guys, did not read all of the 20 pages here on the board, but i must say this:

Windows are you joking? Windows 10 is the best that ever happened and in my opinion when staying as an insider, it will only get better and better.

Jeffyrs

Before we start comparing win 10 with, say, win 7 we should spend the time to find out where MS is headed and the principles behind their strategy and implementation guidelines. Go here WPC 2015 live stream - Windows 10 Forums. It takes some time but it is well worthwhile. MS has to be interested in the corporate world not an individual sitting at home (like me!). I was particularly impressed with the emphasis on security. How can this not be important in the hacker world we now live in?

Older versions of windows cannot take MS into the future so worrying about cosmetics, and whether the control pane will disappear, are just so irrelevant.

If you are happy with what older versions give you, by all means keep using them. Criticising win 10 because it doesn't look like win 7 is just a waste of time. If this is important to you, just ignore win 10 and get on with your life.

I am going with the new vision and am looking forward to being a participant rather than harking back to the "Golden Era" that never existed.

CountMike said:

Win 10 is just as "desktopcentric" OS as all other ones were and works best on desktops. Everything else is just looks and means to use it on other devices and they are not prerequisite to use on desktop machine. Any changes to Control panel, start menu etc. are just normal development and do not hinder usability on desktops. They might be a bit confusing to people used to old ways but in a year or so old ways will be forgotten. I already have to think hard when I run into a W7 computer and even more with an XP.

Oh contraire, my good friend. In Tablet mode 10 is very similar to 8.1, which was not considered "desktopcentric" for some reason even though it could be configured to boot to the desktop. In 10 when closing out an app, either Win32 or WinRT it returns to the Start menu automatically of which I like over 8.1. In 8.1 when closing out a desktop app it stayed on the desktop. That's not where I want to be. I have to press the WinKey. Not a big deal, but all the same I have to hit the key.

However, in Tablet mode in 10 I lose keyboard snapping functionality. Touch-snapping works with mouse, but not the keyboard.

I didn't think I'd like 10 when introduced at first, but I'm warming up to it. There are other great features I'm enjoying. :)

linw said:

Before we start comparing win 10 with, say, win 7 we should spend the time to find out where MS is headed and the principles behind their strategy and implementation guidelines. Go here WPC 2015 live stream - Windows 10 Forums. It takes some time but it is well worthwhile. MS has to be interested in the corporate world not an individual sitting at home (like me!). I was particularly impressed with the emphasis on security. How can this not be important in the hacker world we now live in?

Older versions of windows cannot take MS into the future so worrying about cosmetics, and whether the control pane will disappear, are just so irrelevant.

If you are happy with what older versions give you, by all means keep using them. Criticising win 10 because it doesn't look like win 7 is just a waste of time. If this is important to you, just ignore win 10 and get on with your life.

I am going with the new vision and am looking forward to being a participant rather than harking back to the "Golden Era" that never existed.

Very well stated there, linw. Short and sweet.

CountMike said:

While all of that is true for tablet mode, what I meant under "desktop" is real physical Desktop computer including laptops without touch screen, classical PC if you will.

I see what you mean now. My apology. A tower desktop PC.

I like your reference of "classical PC" as well.

Even Apps can also be considered desktop programs when you look at it that way. Ability to run them on desktop computers as well as on portable devices makes them even better deal once (if ever) they are properly made.

They're desktop apps now that they run on the desktop screen. :)