Should I upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10? Maybe, well, them, these innovations and beauty? Or still keep up with the times? It is a question of questions that confuses many of today's Windows users confused.
Comparison of Windows 10 and Windows 7
As an example, take any laptop with decent performance, such as the Samsung R60Y+. Don't be intimidated by the fact that this model is 9 years old - it is a machine with a dual-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10 works very fast on it, which cannot be said about inexpensive and weak netbooks: one of these is the Acer Aspire One 521 with its usual processor and only 1 GB of RAM.
Performance Windows 10 and Windows 7
For comparison, a PC of the following equipment was taken:
Startup and behavior when turning on the PC
Windows 8 and 10 versions load faster. This is not a file-by-file loading of the operating system kernel, as it was up to Windows 7, but loading of the last successfully completed session with workable settings and user data. Starting Windows"from scratch" every time you turn on the PC - yesterday's operating systems: this method wore out faster internal drives(SSD drives were especially affected and bootable flash drives LiveUSB, less wear-resistant than a simple HDD) and overloaded great RAM and processor.
After Windows boot 7 shows the classic desktop and taskbar with the main windows menu. In Windows 8.x, the Start button was hidden, but in Windows 10 it was made more accessible, as in earlier versions of Windows. Most of the tools for configuring and debugging Windows 10 are still readily available, which will be discussed below.
To begin with, using the BootRacer program, the time taken by the OS to start is measured - from the appearance of the Microsoft logo to the display of the Windows desktop.
Most best time showed Windows 8.1; Windows 10 booted within 6 seconds, Windows 7 within 5 seconds Don't be a start Windows shells 7 every time from scratch, it would start in just 3-4 seconds. And this is on a PC with a very impressive performance!
Sleep/Sleep and Hibernate Windows
The first mode to safely stop Windows work, without closing the work of programs and without losing data, there was hibernation - saving the entire current session on drive C. The more perfect Windows version, the less time it takes to execute the hibernation command.
The older the system, the longer it takes for it to hibernate; the best time - 21 seconds - showed Windows 10
hybrid sleeper windows mode- a cross between hibernation and normal sleep mode - takes a little less time, and the superiority of Windows 10 is also visible here.
In Windows 10, the time it takes for the PC to go to sleep is the least Windows 7 and 10 system requirements for PC
The following values of RAM, video card memory, CPU and space in the system partition (in the case of using one version of Windows, this is usually the C :) partition must be at least doubled, otherwise this is not work on the computer, but torment.
Computer requirements from Windows 7/10 - table
The main factor is the bit depth of the PC. It makes sense to change Windows 7 to 10, for example, in the following situations:
Which version of Windows is best for gaming
It is necessary that the game does not freeze anywhere - and it does not matter if it is single or multiplayer. Who will like a laptop overheated to failure and noisy at night for half an apartment with its fans, in which your favorite World of Tanks or Call of Duty Black Ops constantly freezes, control of the main character is lost, and you are killed in an easy place in the game?!
Windows 7, 8 and 10 are only slightly ahead of each other - there would be a powerful and high-speed "stuffing" of a computer or tablet. Most games of the last decade require at least Windows Vista, otherwise you are unlikely to play them in GTA-4/5 or in the latest World of Warcraft series.
An example is the game Tomb Raider. No noticeable increase in download speed was found.
Tomb Raider boot times are almost the same on all versions of Windows Windows 10 is slightly behind Windows 7 in Metro Redux and Crysis 3.
Which version of Windows is faster for work apps
As in games, the hardware itself decides a lot here. For example, when running Programs Download Master, Firefox Portable, Adobe Photoshop, Avant Browser and some others, a splash screen (cover) of the application appears on the screen for a second or two, which you are unlikely to speed up - these programs are configured in such a way that they maintain the interval for displaying this screen saver before opening their main working window. This is reminiscent of, for example, the intro of the game Call of Duty or Grand Turismo, but, unlike work applications, you can interrupt the demo and start the game by pressing Enter or clicking the mouse.
This is where productivity matters. If for you a computer is not a toy, but a means of earning money, applications should work quickly - for example, Microsoft Office does not slow down when typing documents; the printer, scanner, copier, etc. work quickly; the local network enterprises do not “fall off” and do not slow down.
Launching Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge
Taken as an example Internet Explorer 11 and new browser Microsoft Edge. With each Windows change IE speeds up a bit. Microsoft is right - Edge is much faster than slow-witted IE.
Edge Browser loads almost twice as fast as IE regardless of Windows version Internet Explorer clumsy, and yet banks and corporations use it - they don't need Chrome or Opera or Firefox.
Adobe Photoshop startup monitoring
Photoshop throughout history has accumulated so many software modules, templates, filters and settings that it takes a very long time to start even on high-speed machines.
Photoshop download speed on Windows 7 and 10 is almost the same Further windows development did not greatly affect its speed of launch.
How did Microsoft Excel perform?
In general, nothing has changed in the performance of Excel.
Speed Excel work 2013 is almost the same in all latest versions Windows This is one of those cases where productivity in work applications doesn't change for the better.
People's reviews of Windows 10
Somehow, one fine morning, I came across the news about a public windows access 10 from the company Melkosoft. Initially, I was very surprised by the release of the 10th after the 8th, but that’s not the point, I immediately downloaded it and started having hemorrhoids, because after a 2-hour installation, a 5-hour search for firewood that would correctly become on system, I came across a crude, unfinished system in which even the explorer does not work stably! Popandos, comrades! The graphic component is very minimalistic and uninteresting, almost everything was torn off from the eight, but the start menu was added, conceptually it is a mixture of 7 and 8, to be honest, it’s useless from zero, I would say that I’m waiting for the full version, but it can’t be so after what I saw. Bottom line: Despite the ardent desire to switch to Linux, I rolled back to seven
Qwetyshttp://otzovik.com/review_1424470.html
I have been using since 2013 operating system windows 8.1 and was completely satisfied, but when I saw it on the Internet on the forums windows discussion 10, how beautifully people tell how good and convenient it is, could not resist and went to the official website of microsoft. In general, I downloaded the installation and started installing this system. The installation was not long, like all windows, it quickly installed, rebooted, and then it started ... Well, of course, I’ll immediately note that beautiful interface, the icons were replaced with more accurate ones, the taskbar and the main screen. The screen began to freeze, you are looking for settings to adjust and you won’t understand where they are located, I read on the forums that you need to demolish the previous version and I bought windows image 10 with a license key. Generally formatted HDD and installed windows 10 ... And it started again ... - now I’ll just list what problems I contacted. The store doesn’t work - constantly errors, the explorer doesn’t work, updates don’t work, games and programs don’t start - something is constantly missing in the library ... Everything the files of which are not enough for the full operation of the PC - it is not possible to find on the Internet specifically for windows 10. As a result, windows 10 was disposed of and the PC will be returned to windows 8.1
Lengushihttp://otzovik.com/review_1955777.html
Good day. Most of us are used to the Windows 7 operating system, so it is clear that the transition to Windows 8,8.1 and 10 is perceived with hostility. After all, you need to get used to the new, and the old has already been studied up and down. Probably strange, but for me personally, it is the study of the new that excites great interest. The new is not only new problems, bugs and other crap. The new is also a solution to old problems, optimization, improvement, improvements. I installed Windows 10 five times already, demolished it, returned to 8.1 and 7. But on this moment clearly decided to stay in the top ten. It's more convenient, it's many times faster than previous operating systems, and yet it's new. In the end, new versions of programs and games are optimized for it. Games do not interest me at all, but still. There was only one unpleasant moment - an annoying message with a proposal to upgrade to the top ten, which appeared with the update of previous versions of the OS. But even he was easy to deal with. It was not necessary to install updates, or it was tedious to remove something from the installed ones. It's a matter of two minutes. Turning on the bluetooth on the keyboard does not work for me, but here there is a very convenient socket. Just right for me. They say that a dozen monitors users and sends data to Microsoft. Well, yes, it is. What's next? relive ordinary user this is stupid. Not all are employees of the FSB or similar organizations. Why such paranoia? Terrorists can and should worry, but ordinary people there are no reasons. An inflated problem, which, by the way, is solved by installing a small patch that demolishes all kaku, including the cool thing Cortana. I use it with pleasure. I turned off the regular antivirus only and installed my favorite Avast. I don't know the problem. Oh yes, there was one big problem. I have a movie folder. At the moment, its volume exceeds 400 GB, and it was with this folder that Windows was not friends. The bar at the top took a long time to load. Everything hung. The problem was solved simply, in the folder settings I changed the folder optimization from “video” to “common elements”. It's strange that she was stupid with optimizations for video. But I solved the problem, and this is the main thing. Of course, I recommend this operating system. Nimble, cute, easy to handle and set up.
Kosmonaut Mishahttp://otzovik.com/review_2744012.html
Summary: is Windows 10 as necessary as it seems
So, if you have a lot of free time and want to please your eyes with a new design - go ahead! What will change from the fact that the main Windows menu will become not just a menu, but in the form of a tile with large icons and cells of different sizes? You can't argue with statistics: more than half of people still love Windows 7 - it works very well on their computers.
The first requirement for any operating system is functionality, which includes features such as:
The list threatens to become endless. As huge as it was, people were waiting for new features, new features from Windows 10, and not just new splash screens and shining panels, mosaics and animations, which Gates never skimped on. Since Microsoft is unlikely to release a new version of Windows (under the name 11 or Prima), all hope for windows updates 10, in which what is already there will be brought to mind.
Video: Windows 10 settings
Updating Windows to the "top ten" is not such an important matter. If you don't need Cortana, virtual desktops and other "bells and whistles", stay on Windows 7, in any case, you won't lose anything either in work or in leisure.
What better than windows 7 or Windows 8.1? Many colleagues after buying a new computer or laptop come to me and ask me to demolish the eight and install the seven. I used to agree to do this, but then I decided to install myself on Windows computer 8.1 and see why it's so bad that people immediately want to remove it. As I thought, it's all about habit. And in general, I even liked the eight more than the seven.
There are, of course, nuances that sometimes make you break your head. For example, in Windows 8.1 it is inconvenient to search necessary program. But you can just link "Programs" to the panel quick start(in the same place where the Start button is located), and everything immediately falls into place, or rather, almost the same as in previous versions of Windows.
The control panel can also be on the desktop, and poke around in a long search for all its settings.
I must say right away that after a month of working with Windows 8.1, I no longer wanted to return to the seven, but this is only out of habit. In fact, the eight is more sharpened for mobile devices with touch screens, and not everyone will like its interface.
Sometimes you forget, you press the Start button, and you fly out to a menu that doesn’t make a damn thing clear. And why do you need such a menu on a desktop computer? Other than an annoyance, I don't see any benefits in it.
Benefits of Windows 8/8.1
There are, of course, in the eight and advantages. It's fast loading and a pretty user-friendly all-windows-like interface. office applications 2007 and 2010. Not a bad Windows Defender, which provides basic protection from viruses. But in any case, you can not do without an antivirus program.
Also in the eight there is a store where you can buy or even install a lot of free useful programs. Directly from the system, you can find out the weather, the ruble exchange rate, and play. But all this is only when connected to the Internet. You can create your own collections and collect cooking recipes.
Also has its own cloud service(OneDrive), which can store up to 7 GB of data, which allows you to do without a flash drive. I threw files at home into a kind of cloud, and at work I took from it what was needed.
The main advantage of the eight is stability, and a much lower load on the processor, compared to the seven.
Those who have not worked with Windows 7 will get used to the eight very quickly, but for those who are used to the seven, it makes no sense to switch to Windows 8.1, especially since it will soon be possible to try the top ten.
If you want to try to install one of these systems (or both at once) on your computer or laptop, then you first need to ask on the official website of your equipment manufacturer if your computer supports this particular system, and if there are drivers for these systems for your equipment.
Which systems are better to install Windows 8/8.1
It makes no sense to install these systems on old computers without drivers. The system itself may be installed, but it will not work without drivers. Finding drivers for a desktop computer is much easier than for a laptop, tablet or netbook.
Usually drivers are either for Windows 7 or for Windows 8/8.1. On a desktop computer, it's better to install both systems, and try which one you like best. I did so. I have all three systems on my computer: Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1.
This is purely my opinion. Which is better Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 is up to you. And for this, you must first try to work with them, and then draw conclusions.
I would like to hear your opinion on these systems. Share with us your observations and concerns.
Detailed comparison Windows 7 And Windows 8. Describes the main innovations in Windows 8, and also provides detailed comparison its performance with Windows 7 in various applications and games.
General information about Windows
Some time ago, the final version of the new operating system from Microsoft - Windows 8. It has already been discussed on this resource, have been prepared detailed guides on its installation: , and , but here is the most main question left unattended: Is it worth installing Windows 8 at all?
This article, I hope, will help you decide whether to install Windows 8, what benefits you will get after installing it, and what difficulties you will face. This material is a logical continuation of the previously published Windows comparisons XP, Vista and Windows 7: .
What's New in Windows 8
First, let's look at what innovations Windows 8 offers, what's new in it? The most obvious innovation is the updated interface. He is known by the name Metro or Windows interface 8 (Windows 8 UI). Its main feature is the start screen:
It contains application shortcuts, as well as the so-called live tiles (live tiles). By and large, their main difference from labels is that the information on them changes, they themselves can change the size. This is a kind of analogue of widgets from Windows Vista and Windows 7.
This start screen replaces start menu, from which Microsoft got rid of in windows 8. Perhaps this is the most controversial innovation in the new operating system. Fortunately, it can be restored using third-party utilities. How to do this is described at the end of the article:.
Another innovation in Windows 8 is the so-called active corners. Hovering the mouse cursor to the right edge desktop a small menu appears:
Looks a little odd. If you move the mouse cursor to the left edge, you can switch between applications. By the way, the applications themselves can work in two modes: in the desktop mode with a classic interface, as well as in the Metro-interface mode, which is focused on working with touch screens.
Among other changes in appearance it should be noted the rejection of translucency and rounded corners in various interface elements. The interface of the operating system has become cleaner, so to speak, it has become a little smoother. In many places it has been changed and improved, the so-called Ribbon-interface of control panels has been used more often. Such an interface first appeared in Microsoft Office 2007, and then began to be used a little bit in other applications. In Windows 8, the same Explorer is equipped with a similar interface with the ability to hide it.
In addition to the interface Windows 8 deep integration with Microsoft Sky Drive. This is a service for storing files in the cloud. To Work with Microsoft Sky Drive quite simple: there is a folder in the system skydrive, whose contents are stored in Microsoft servers. If the file is moved to it, then it is automatically sent by the system to cloud storage, which is assigned to the account Windows Live ID. This allows you to sync pictures, music, movies, documents, and other files between different devices and also allows you to share them with others.
At Microsoft Sky Drive, like any similar service, there are two main drawbacks:
- for its operation, it is necessary to quickly and, if possible, unlimited connection to the Internet;
- storage is limited to a few gigabytes. It can be increased for a fee.
Apart from various files Microsoft Windows 8 allows you to synchronize and system settings. This requires an account. Windows Live ID. Almost all settings are synchronized in addition to passwords. If desired, their list can be configured in the system.
Account Windows Live ID also required to download and purchase apps from the built-in store in Windows 8 Windows Store. This app store allows you to not only install applications, but also keep track of their updates. Comfortable, in a word.
In Windows 8, in addition to those mentioned above, there is a whole bunch of innovations: a new Internet Explorer, a redesigned Task Manager, a redesigned copy dialog, a redesigned system restore mechanism, an ARM version, and many others. We will not dwell on them in detail in this article.
Since the operating system is mainly used for running games and programs, it is very important at what speed they will work there. Therefore, let's move on to the most interesting part of this article - to compare the performance of Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Windows 7 and Windows 8 performance comparison
To compare the speed of these operating systems, both synthetic applications for performance testing and test packages based on real applications were used. The advantage of the first is the greater accuracy and repeatability of the results, the advantage of the second is a greater correspondence to real tasks. In addition to performance tests, the startup speed of the system and applications was measured.
Test conditions
To ensure accuracy, all measurements were taken on the same laptop and with the same versions of drivers, applications and at the same settings. The comparison was made on a laptop Asus N61Vn with quad-core processor Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000, 4GB DDR3 RAM and with graphics card nVidia GeForce GT240M. 64-bit Russian versions were used Windows 7 SP1 Professional And Windows 8 Pro RTM with all updates available at the time of testing. The drivers for both systems were the same. Anti-virus and other applications that can affect the measurement results were not installed, all settings are by default.
Comparison of Windows 7 and Windows 8 in games
To measure and compare performance in games and other applications that use heavily graphics card, it is most convenient to use test packages from the family 3DMark. As practice shows, they give a fairly accurate idea of the system performance in certain games.
3DMark2001 SE
Both systems showed approximately the same results with a minimal advantage of Windows 7.
3DMark03
The tests were repeated three times. On Windows 7, the final result is slightly higher. As with 3DMark2001 SE, the difference is minimal.
3DMark06
In general, the situation is similar to 3DMark03, but the gap is slightly larger (about 5%). The tests were also repeated three times. Let's take a look at the subtest results separately:
Notably, in the CPU test, Windows 8 scored higher than Windows 7. In other tests, Windows 8 was slightly faster.
3D Mark Vantage
3DMark Vantage is a more up-to-date and complete gaming performance test. The situation in it is generally similar to the results in other benchmarks from this series. To complete the picture, consider the results of the benchmark Heaven Benchmark 3.0.
Heaven Benchmark
IN this test Windows 8 showed little better performance. The gap is minimal.
Conclusions on tests of Windows 7 and 8 in games
Let's sum up the intermediate results of testing in gaming applications. As the measurement results showed, the game Windows performance 7 and Windows 8 are roughly on the same level. If you choose which system to install on gaming computer or a laptop, there is not much difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Comparison of Windows 7 and Windows 8 when working with regular programs
To measure the speed of work application programs it is convenient to use test applications from the family PCMark. We'll start with PCMark05:
PCMark05
The results are on the same level. In case of PCMark05 Graphics Windows 8 scores suspiciously low. For a more detailed study of this issue, an earlier Windows assembly 8 and similar results were obtained there. Most likely this is due to a bug in PCMark05.
Futuremark Peacekeeper
This test allows you to measure the performance of the browser. In this case, the browser used Opera versions 11.64 . Here are the results:
Windows 7 turned out to be a little faster, but the difference is not so great that we can talk about some significant advantage. Let's consider another similar test.
sunspider
Windows 7 again performed slightly better, running the test faster.
7-Zip
7-Zip is quite popular free archiver. More details about it are described here:. This archiver also has a built-in test. Here are his results:
Windows 7 showed about the same result as Windows 8.
Cinebench
test application Cinebench allows you to evaluate performance in 3D modeling programs and other similar applications. Measurements have shown that both systems demonstrate similar results.
Windows boot speed
This is hardly the only test where Windows 8 shows significantly better results. Windows 8 really loads much faster than its predecessor. Studies have shown that the shutdown time for Windows 8 is also less.
Application launch time subjectively remained at the same level. This is due to the fact that it is primarily affected by hard speed disk, not the operating system itself.
Conclusions on Windows 7 and 8 tests in application programs
The situation is generally similar to that in games. The performance of both systems is about the same, except for the abnormally low result in graphics tests in PCMark05. I was frankly pleased with the decrease in boot time and shutdown of the new operating system. This is a plus.
It's time to sum up the final results and try to clarify the question of what is better to install on a laptop or computer.
The final results of the Windows 7 vs. Windows 8 comparison
The results of the comparison in the form of individual abstracts:
- Windows 8 shows about the same performance as Windows 7. Installing Windows 8 in order to significantly increase system performance in games or applications does not make sense;
- Windows 8 turns on and off much faster. If this is important to you, then she is for you. fit better than Windows 7;
- Windows 8 is best for use on devices with touch screen. If your laptop, monoblock or computer has it, then Windows installation 8 will significantly improve the convenience of work;
- With devices without a touch screen, things are not so simple. The fact is that Windows 8 was initially optimized for touch screen control. These optimizations are visible in many UI elements. The problem is that with the help of a mouse and keyboard it is not as convenient to use it as we would like it to be. Not everyone will like moving the mouse from one edge of the monitor to the other, getting used to pop-up menus, new ways of controlling. It's not even about the habits that have developed over the years of use. previous versions Windows. It's just inconvenient. Yes, you can get used to it all, turn on the Start menu using third-party utilities, set it up so that the Desktop turns on immediately instead of the start screen, apply other settings, or you can simply install Windows 7 according to the guide:
In this article you will not find a bunch of charts and comparison tables. There are plenty of such comprehensive reviews on the Internet. Today we want to very briefly and in simple words to answer a frequently asked question today:
Which is better: Windows 7 or Windows 8.1?
To avoid unnecessary tinsel, we will not mention Windows 8. We will only compare Windows 8.1 Update 1 and Windows 7 SP1. Also, let's make a reservation right away - the owners of only those configurations that officially support both of these operating systems have the opportunity to choose between Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
If there are no drivers for a specific operating system on the official website of your hardware manufacturer, then there is practically no point in installing it on a computer. Such a system will bring more problems than convenience.
As a rule, pick official drivers for desktop computers is somewhat easier than for mobile platforms. With laptops and netbooks, the situation is often complicated - when the manufacturer's official website contains drivers either only for Windows 7 or only for Windows 8/8.1.
Disadvantages of Windows 8.1
1. Sharpening for touch screens and mobile devices.
In Windows 8, developers are chasing two birds with one stone. They tried to release a universal operating system that would be suitable for both computers and tablets. We believe that this approach is wrong. Judge for yourself: well, why does a user of a stationary PC need some kind of tiled applications? Why does he need a Charms panel? And is it convenient for him to call it by moving the cursor to the corner of the screen? And the Start menu that opens in full screen will not appeal to every user of a stationary PC.
Therefore, in this case, versatility is more of a minus than a plus. And all these throwing from side to side with the Start menu: sometimes they decide to remove it, then gradually return it. Experiments, we understand. But again, there is a desire to create a universal OS for all devices: mobile and stationary, touch and gadgets with classic input methods.
2. Using the "Computer Settings" interface along with the old Control Panel.
It is clear that the developers have taken a course to gradually replace the Control Panel and replace it with a new settings interface. For example, when editing account rights from the control panel, at some point you need to launch a new settings interface.
However, for the user, this state of affairs looks unsystematic and incomprehensible: when some actions can be performed in the familiar Control Panel snap-in, and to correct others, you need to launch a different interface.
In the picture below, you can see the new "PC Settings" settings interface. At the bottom, a link to the classic Control Panel flaunts lonely:
3. Removal of some highly requested settings from the GUI.
A striking example is the Wireless Network Management section that is missing in Windows 8. As a result, manually delete the profile wireless network can now.
Perhaps, for an advanced computer scientist, this way of managing networks will be another reason to show off erudition in front of friends, however, for an inexperienced user, a problem is created out of the blue.
Although, most likely, the missing element network settings can also be attributed to the "smooth" transition from the Control Panel to the new settings interface.
Benefits of Windows 8.1
Some of the benefits of Windows 8.1 include:
1. A fairly convenient ribbon interface for all windows, familiar to us from Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010:
2. Ability to pause in copy and move modes in the built-in explorer, plus display the speed of the operation:
Our HP G62 notebook, equipped with a classic spindle hard drive WD on 7200 RDP, boots Windows 7 x64 in 46 seconds and Windows 8.1 x64 Update 1 in 40 seconds. The measurements were carried out by pressing power button from off to .
4. Built-in Windows Defender
Defender (aka Defender) is an analogue of an antivirus Microsoft Security Essentials, which successfully provides basic protection.
5. Built-in SkyDrive (OneDrive) and sync
The cloud service allows you to store 7 GB of user data for free. If you use multiple devices, you don't need to transfer anything to a "flash drive" - your work files are always at hand.
The User Settings Sync feature works with a Microsoft account and lets you sync some user settings: Start layout, theme, language settings, browser settings. You can enter your LiveID details on a new Windows 8.1 device and in a few minutes you will see your familiar desktop. Also, it is great to speed up the setup after reinstalling the system.
conclusions
Windows 8.1 certainly has a number of improvements, but it is unlikely to significantly outperform its predecessor Windows 7 in terms of performance. Yes, loading in Windows 8 is faster, but usually the user is much more important than performance in production mode. Boot, shutdown, hibernation, and wakeup times are important, but these metrics are rarely the deciding factor when choosing a working OS.
In most cases, it makes no sense to replace the beloved “seven” with the “eight”. This will not give any tangible increase in performance, and the joy of improvements will be "compensated" by the aforementioned inconveniences.
Users desktop computers and laptops, we recommend installing Windows 7 SP1 x64 Professional or higher. Well, we offer owners of gadgets with touch screens to choose between Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. For, until you try out the new OS yourself, no review will help you decide.
P.S. the article reflects the subjective opinion of the author and is not the ultimate truth.
With the release of the eighth version of the operating system from Microsoft, many users began to wonder how much better it is than the usual “Seven”, and whether it makes sense to change their favorite interface. It is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. Moreover, in Lately laptops and system blocks go on sale from the outset installed Windows 8. Let's compare these two operating systems in terms of basic parameters.
Beginning of work
In Windows 7, booting up after switching on takes about a few minutes. IN new version OS developers have worked to fix this. The result was that in Windows 8, the system startup time was reduced by at least a factor of two.
In addition, here the emphasis is on the use and sleep patterns. Thanks to this, very little time passes between you press the power button and the system is ready to work. This can be considered one of the advantages of the new operating system over the seventh version. If we talk about shutdown, then the difference in time between versions of the operating system is small.
Working with files and documents
Let's consider whether the speed has changed when performing basic actions with files or documents. So, the window that opens when copying documents has become quite convenient. In both versions of the operating system, here you can see information about the time spent on the operation, as well as the speed of copying.
However, the interface has been slightly changed. In addition, a feature has been added to Windows 8 that allows you to pause the operation. It can be useful if you need to copy a large amount of information, but you need to leave. Speaking about the speed of the operation, I note that the various tests conducted show the result in favor of Windows 8. But the difference is literally a few seconds, so it makes little sense to talk about performance improvement in this case.
Working with applications and programs
A lot of applications and programs work in both the seventh and eighth versions of the operating system. In the latter case, however, the developers took care of updating the utilities. So, the good old Internet Explorer in Windows 8 comes in the tenth version. This means that the Internet browser in the operating system is endowed with additional features, including advanced protection mode, SmartScreen filter, etc.
Many standard programs, For example, live movie Video Maker and Windows 7 work in much the same way. Of course, the developers have taken care to improve application performance in Windows 8. However, the difference was not too big.
The main difference of the new operating system is that the familiar desktop interface has been significantly changed. Microsoft representatives explained this by saying that the system is intended mainly for devices with touch screens, which have recently become increasingly popular. Some people think that the tiled interface is less convenient, others - on the contrary. However, you can always install an additional one that will allow you to return the familiar Desktop and even the Start button in Windows 8.
In Windows 8, developers have included new update and reset capabilities. It's easier than in Windows 7 to create a system image. In addition, it is possible to reinstall the OS without losing personal data and user information. Also in Windows 8, you can set passwords using pictures and gestures. This function can be found in Charms bar - Users. All you need to do is select a photo from the library, create three gestures on it.
Summarizing
So, all of the above can be summarized in a few points from which you can conclude which version of the operating system suits you best. Let me remind you that everything is relative and depends only on your preferences, as well as the performance of the computer or laptop on which the OS is installed. However, I will note the following.
- In games and applications, the systems demonstrate almost the same performance. Therefore, changing Windows 7, hoping that the work of programs will improve, does not make sense.
- Windows 8 starts up faster than Windows 7. If it's important to you this characteristic, then consider installing a new version of the operating system.
- Windows 8 is designed specifically for touchscreen devices. If you have it, then installing this operating system can significantly increase your comfort when working. However, using the mouse or keyboard to control the new interface is not as easy as we would like. Of course have third party utilities, which will help return the familiar interface, but then does it make sense to put the "Eight"?
As you can see, there are several significant differences between operating systems. The choice is always left to the user. Although recently most computers and laptops go on sale with the built-in eighth version of the system. However, nothing prevents you from installing a second system or reinstalling. True, there is no doubt that soon Microsoft developers will please us with another operating system, which, perhaps, will surpass all previous options for the convenience of working with it.
