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Windows 7 vs Windows 8.1

11 years ago

I am in need of a new computer and I am looking at HP laptops. There are 2 that I like, one with Windows 7 and the other with Windows 8.1. I have been using XP and have been told that Windows 7 would be a better choice for me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Comments (10)

emma
11 years ago
From my experience with W 7 & 8...I would google Classic Shell and see if it is compatible with W 8.1, if it is I would go with it. I think every computer I have had except ME has been faster than the last one. Classic Shell is a great software that converts the W8's into a computer more like the version we are use to. My Acer laptop is very fast and the monitor part moves to comfortable positions for your vision, especially if you have mid range vision. It converts from a laptop to a tablet, a very large tablet.
star100
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks Emma, I will look into Classic Shell.
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damccoy, Thanks for the advice and I know you are right and it has been a topic of conversation many times. When I joined the site several years ago I considered the negatives. However, there are a lot of people who need my expertise in various areas where I offer suggestions, advice, help. I usually get from 10 to 30 emails a week from folks in other forums I participate on this site and from folks who lurk the site looking for help and information. I set the email address up especially for this use. I do have it spam filtered and virus checked and surprisingly, only get maybe 5 spams a month mostly from Chinese firms wanting me to sell their products. Spam hasn't been a problem since 2006 but if it does become one, I'll kill the email address. There are some people who just aren't what they say they are and they are just a handle in cyberspace. Most of the folks with real problems, especially in my area, know who I am personally. I do appreciate your advice and from reading many of your posts, I know you are genuinely trying to help!!! Thanks!!
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mikie_gw
11 years ago
I helped update some HP laptops to the 8.1 & 8.1u1.
HP apparently installs out of the box somebody;s Start button.

That's the reason I became involved.. They couldn't do the updates. Updated failed.
I simply uninstalled the Start button program and they updated no problem. Told them go back to HP support if they wanted that Start button installed again.

Those shells cause problems for people on other brands too, so when something doesn't work... look in the event logs !.
jean_ar
11 years ago
I had windows 7 and loved it, very easy to use, but, when the new computer had windows 8 in it.my problems started.I hate windows 8 and I upgraded to 8.1 thinking its got to be better then this w.8. well,I guess its a tad better, but not much. Both w.8 and w. 8.1 are nightmares. so go with window 7 is best choice.
emma
11 years ago
I have never had a problem with with Classic Shell and I can update just fine on it.
DA_Mccoy
11 years ago
If indeed W9 comes out next year as reported, and who really knows, with W7 you will be not one but two versions behind current status. W8/8.1 is different and has a learning curve, but it is no big deal.

DA
owbist
11 years ago
It is mind over matter. Simply decide you will find your way around the newest operating system.

Never felt the need to run Classic Shell, it just seems another program running that I have not had a need for.

If a person has never ran 7, 8 or 8.1 then they will have a learning curve so go with the latest, the challenge is no greater.
DA_Mccoy
11 years ago
"If a person has never ran 7, 8 or 8.1 then they will have a learning curve so go with the latest, the challenge is no greater."

Like it O.

DA
marie_ndcal
11 years ago
I went from XP to Windows 7 and am still learning. Trial and error works for me. I think if I train on7, then 8.1 would be the next step before 9
allen456
11 years ago
Hate Windows 8.x

Highly recommend Lubuntu

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