Windows 7 vs. Windows 8.1...opinions?

[Sabre]

Thinking of purchasing a new desktop, but most of the deals I find on-line have Win8.1 installed. I understand it was coded for optimal use with touch-screens. Opinions? I ask because on one manufacture's website, it was actually $75 bucks more to downgrade to Win7, vs taking the Win8.1 that came standard.

[glzsqd]

If windows 8.1 is already coming with your setup, id suggest keeping it.   go to Ninite.com and download Classic Shell(Classic Start) to get the good old Start menu back.

[100Coogn]

I would get the cheapest of the two, then upgrade to Windows 10 this fall.  For free.

Coogan

[SIM]

Isn't that supposedfree upgrade, only good for a year?

Not much of a free upgrade if it will shut down at the end of that year.

[glzsqd]

Isn't that supposedfree upgrade, only good for a year?

Not much of a free upgrade if it will shut down at the end of that year.

What your referring to is the Tech demo. Windows 10 isn't out. They say Windows 10 will be "free" to anyone running A windows 7 and 8 OS(legitimate or not) but you'll almost definitely have to jump through lots of hoops to get it.

[Latrobe]

I say get Win 7. My friend has Win 8.1 and it's just a complete nightmare.

[Delirium]

Windows 7 is a better running OS and from what I've seen the DRM limitations from W8 makes it horrid.

[ROC]

Windows 7.  Win8 seems to be geared towards the tablets and such, windows 7 is the standard now for businesses. They won't be killing it off soon, as it's very expensive for businesses to set up their entire networks and don't like changing OS every time a new fad comes out.  It's stable and functions well.
Most of my offices are on 7, I've even got some older plan viewing systems still using XP, not one win8 in the system.

[Meatwad]

8.1 is rubbish and an absolute PITA to do anything with

[Vudu15]

WIN 7

[Ack-Ack]

Thinking of purchasing a new desktop, but most of the deals I find on-line have Win8.1 installed. I understand it was coded for optimal use with touch-screens. Opinions? I ask because on one manufacture's website, it was actually $75 bucks more to downgrade to Win7, vs taking the Win8.1 that came standard.

Some manufacturers offer the chance to "degrade" the OS and offer Windows 7 instead of Windows 8, some even cut the price if you do.  In any event, with Windows 10 just around the corner and you can still play AH with Windows 8.1 with no real issues, just stick with it and upgrade to Windows 10 in the fall for free. 

[glzsqd]

Download Classic shell for winodows 8.1

It's really worth it.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

The biggest impact of Windows 8 from my experience has been that it breaks a couple of legacy games that still work in 7. Other than that with Classic shell it's doable. I've been using Windows 10 for a long time now on all my gaming machines and no complaints there except it's a bit ugly.

[100Coogn]

Isn't that supposedfree upgrade, only good for a year?

Not much of a free upgrade if it will shut down at the end of that year.

No, the upgrade is free if you download it within one year.  If you choose not to do so, then you will have to pay to upgrade.
Windows 10 does not expire after a year.

Coogan

[Maverick]

Had a PC built for me and specced win 7 for it. I am satisfied with the thing. No glitches and an improvement over vista that was on my old system.