I was looking for everyone's opinion on Windows 8/8.1. Is it worth the upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8? What are advantages and disadvantages? Thanks!

I am really impressed with Windows 8/8.1. The UI is really impressive and easy to use on non-touch screen PCs. It has a smoother look and feel to it and runs much better.

 

I would definitely upgrade to it.

I wouldn't, even with the (8.1) upate. It was an OS built to work on tablets. It takes away a TON of control from the user. If you arent an advanced user, it might not be a big deal. For someone who wants full control of their computer, I'd stay with 7. All games/programs I've seen are still compatible with 7, so i Wouldnt chance. My next build im using Win 7 still. Just my opinion

I wouldn't, even with the (8.1) upate. It was an OS built to work on tablets. It takes away a TON of control from the user. If you arent an advanced user, it might not be a big deal. For someone who wants full control of their computer, I'd stay with 7. All games/programs I've seen are still compatible with 7, so i Wouldnt chance. My next build im using Win 7 still. Just my opinion

Can you give me some examples of how it doesn't give you full control, i'm a pretty advanced user? Do you have Windows 8? 

In my opinion, Windows 8 is a giant leap forward (from Windows 7). The loading times are almost 50% quicker (for me, could be different for you). The lack of a - proper - start menu in Windows 8 is really quite disappointing, to combat this I use Start8. I suppose it Windows 8 and 8.1 are more opinion based - personally I like the 90 degree corners, but some may like the rounded ones from Windows Vista/7. I suggest you give it a try in a virtual machine program, such as Virtual PC, Virtual Box, VMWare, etc. and if you don't like it, at least you've tried it and made that judgement yourself. You can get Windows for free, from Microsoft, for 30 days (after which you'll have to either buy it or get rid of it). Good luck in making a choice

When I originally saw it, I hated it. I really hated the metro design and found every simple task had become a lot more long winded. I felt as if basic things were taking much longer (i.e the navigation). Notice that I don't mean the speed of the OS when I say that, the OS itself was very fast indeed.

I was begging my girlfriend to change back to Windows 7 on her laptop, but she wasn't having any of it. She thinks that it's "pretty".

Having said that, I am coming round to it, I could even say I'm beginning to like it, but I don't reveal those sort of feelings. It makes me feel less manly and so I have to play FIFA to feel like a man again.

Hate it, the UI is made for phones or tablets, not for computers.

 

When I originally saw it, I hated it. I really hated the metro design and found every simple task had become a lot more long winded. I felt as if basic things were taking much longer (i.e the navigation). Notice that I don't mean the speed of the OS when I say that, the OS itself was very fast indeed.

I was begging my girlfriend to change back to Windows 7 on her laptop, but she wasn't having any of it. She thinks that it's "pretty".

Having said that, I am coming round to it, I could even say I'm beginning to like it, but I don't reveal those sort of feelings. It makes me feel less manly and so I have to play FIFA to feel like a man again.

 

In my opinion, Windows 8 is a giant leap forward (from Windows 7). The loading times are almost 50% quicker (for me, could be different for you). The lack of a - proper - start menu in Windows 8 is really quite disappointing, to combat this I use Start8. I suppose it Windows 8 and 8.1 are more opinion based - personally I like the 90 degree corners, but some may like the rounded ones from Windows Vista/7. I suggest you give it a try in a virtual machine program, such as Virtual PC, Virtual Box, VMWare, etc. and if you don't like it, at least you've tried it and made that judgement yourself. You can get Windows for free, from Microsoft, for 30 days (after which you'll have to either buy it or get rid of it). Good luck in making a choice

Thanks guys for giving me some input. 

Hate it, the UI is made for phones or tablets, not for computers.

Are you saying this because you have seen what it is like or do you have Windows 8 on your PC? Just wondering. 

I wasn't really looking forward it to begin with, for I had just gotten Windows 7. I just don't care one way or another due to it. Windows 7 serves it's purpose well.

In my opinion no, or i'm not sure. I have Windows 8 because I bought a new computer, and why should I say no to Windows 8 when I got it for free? But from my friends who know a thing or two about computers, they said that it's not worth it. Don't ask me why though.

Works fine for me.

I really like it and it boots up really fast. I don't know why people hate on it. I really like it.

The UI bugs me, well the Metro UI. You can disable that and just use the Metro interface as an app launcher.

It is faster than Windows 7 though, especially for SSDs.

I would wait, if Windows 7 works fine just keep it until there are some more reasons to upgrade. 

I'm not going to even mention the Metro UI because not only is it garbage, but the vision of a "unified operating system" is appalling to me, and most likely why Steve Balmer is stepping down (Huge failure). 

 

However, as a user who has used Windows 8 and 8.1 ever since I built my computer in Early 2013 (So about 1 year), I absolutely love Windows 8 Desktop mode. It is much snappier than Windows 7, and is pretty much the exact same OS as Windows 7 minus a start menu to put it simple (I also use Start8). 

 

There isn't as many improvements on Windows 8 as I'd like to see because the folks over at MS were all focusing on the Metro UI, but the desktop UI has gained some serious improvements like a beautiful new task manager (Finally), increased sleep/wake/power on speeds, and overall snappier response of the OS. 

 

For newer hardware, I highly recommend Windows 8. If you're running an older computer, you may not get the best bang for your buck (Because Win8 is designed for newer hardware). 

I was looking for everyone's opinion on Windows 8/8.1.

My opinion is that we already have a couple of threads on this, one of which I made a while ago, so this thread should be closed. I also have no problem with Windows 8/8.1 and most people who hate it with an undying passion are a bunch of crybabies who don't want their precious 19 year old GUI touched.

I have adapted to Windows 7 but I did have a Windows 8 computer and it was pretty good (until it got infected with a virus making all applications non-accessible) but the layout was funky and pretty nice but I love the Windows 7 layout

 

Completely off topic but a fire engine just passed by my house

Can you give me some examples of how it doesn't give you full control, i'm a pretty advanced user? Do you have Windows 8? 

 

Yea, Also... no I don't have it. I worked as a computer repair tech before becoming a police officer. I've worked on a few with Windows 8, Like someone said earlier, it makes simple tasks on 7, more complex. So, maybe saying it takes functionality away is wrong, but i know for sure it takes simple things longer. Getting into control panel, device managers, everything like that. I've heard (from other reliable sources) that advanced functionality is limited compared to 7 and XP. So from my personal experience I just hate the UI, going from XP to 7 was an easy transition. From working on the 8s (that needed repair) to the one I built with 7 on it, was a lot more difficult. I'm sure you can learn it all though, the internet has all the info on there. I just prefer 7's layout, and like i said I believe it gives you more control over your system. Even if its just passively restricting things. I guess it's hard for me to explain. Either or, its no VISTA so you probably won't go wrong either way.

Yea, Also... no I don't have it. I worked as a computer repair tech before becoming a police officer. I've worked on a few with Windows 8, Like someone said earlier, it makes simple tasks on 7, more complex. So, maybe saying it takes functionality away is wrong, but i know for sure it takes simple things longer. Getting into control panel, device managers, everything like that. I've heard (from other reliable sources) that advanced functionality is limited compared to 7 and XP. So from my personal experience I just hate the UI, going from XP to 7 was an easy transition. From working on the 8s (that needed repair) to the one I built with 7 on it, was a lot more difficult. I'm sure you can learn it all though, the internet has all the info on there. I just prefer 7's layout, and like i said I believe it gives you more control over your system. Even if its just passively restricting things. I guess it's hard for me to explain. Either or, its no VISTA so you probably won't go wrong either way.

I gotta call BS on that dude. It's even easier to access things like control panel or device manager. You don't even have to move your mouse. The start screen is a giant search engine, so I could actually type the word 'control' and smack the enter key and the window will be brought right up. Or you can make a tile for them if you think you're moving too many fingers by typing. lol Advanced functionality isn't limited, but it is a little more well hidden, and it's due to today's user base. It's not 1994 anymore. Everyone has a computer, and most people who own them have absolutely no clue how to properly use it. Devices like the iPhone have gone with a "less is more" approach that has clearly worked for the laymen consumer. Less stuff to fiddle with = less chance of your average person breaking it. As a repair tech myself, I don't like it, but the market of today needs it.

In my opinion, Windows 8 is a giant leap forward (from Windows 7). The loading times are almost 50% quicker (for me, could be different for you). The lack of a - proper - start menu in Windows 8 is really quite disappointing, to combat this I use Start8. I suppose it Windows 8 and 8.1 are more opinion based - personally I like the 90 degree corners, but some may like the rounded ones from Windows Vista/7. I suggest you give it a try in a virtual machine program, such as Virtual PC, Virtual Box, VMWare, etc. and if you don't like it, at least you've tried it and made that judgement yourself. You can get Windows for free, from Microsoft, for 30 days (after which you'll have to either buy it or get rid of it). Good luck in making a choice

What he say, I use Windows 8 and i love it. Is much fasters with games than Win7.

I have 8.1 and I use it at school everyday, I absolutely hate the interface and how it works. The fact that it is very fast I like, but the amount of problems I have had with it installing older games; Call of Duty 4 and GTA IV, make it not worth it in my opinion. I hate the start up tiles and what not, so I use Start8 to bypass it, but in general, I would say don't bother upgrading. I also hate the fact that whenever I log onto a new computer at school, I have to sit thru the 5 minute start up tutorial. There is no way around it either.