I use a regular PC - any reason I should consider Win8?

[McDougal]

Okay, the good news. I got it installed on a 30GB VHD . So far the OS is very responsive, I haven't had a problem.

But, there's a problem with activation. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, I just want a free trial. I did not download the Enterprise edition from Microsoft because I didn't want to give them information. Instead, I downloaded the 64-bit edition from My Digital Life.

What do I have to do to get the 90-day trial? Thanks for the help!

 

[Tepid]

Part 4 of 4: Activate Windows 8..
The following keys are for installing Windows 8 but not to activate.
In order to activate you must use a key provided by Microsoft.
Information about KMS activation can be found here.

You should re-read this information

 

[McDougal]

Yeah, I just saw that. I also just noticed they have a link to the Enterprise trial. I'll just download that and re-install.

 

[McDougal]

I've been running Win8 for a while now, and I have to say, I like it so far. Maybe it's even worth the $70 price to upgrade.

That being said, I've decided to try using Win8 as my only OS. I am taking note of all my programs on my Win7 install, and of course, backing up my files. Then, I will do a format and clean install of Win8. Before I decide it's worth the upgrade, I want to test it with all my programs and games.

I have not installed all my programs yet because my VHD is only 30GB. I will keep running the VHD install until this weekend when I have more time.

 

[Hopachi]

Hi McDougal.

Don't format yet.

First install some programs and use some devices to see if all goes well (some sound, wireless devices and printers can pose problems).
There is a chance some problems may occur with missing or older drivers.

If all devices are found, all goes well and you know how to deal with driver problems, ignore my post here.

Good luck with the new install.

 

[McDougal]

My sound and printer drivers installed automatically and work just fine so far. I've got wired Internet so wireless isn't an issue.

I need to go pick up some blank DVDs since I'm out already (don't want to format my only USB drive). Then I will burn the ISO and install after everything's backed up .

 

[gizbug]

Hey all,

I've done a lot of research on Win8 so far. I like what I'm hearing about the performance and security improvements. However, I'm wondering if it's worth the upgrade over Win7.

That is, on a standard desktop with a mouse and keyboard. As you can see in my system specs, my box is fully capable of running Win8. I'm just worried about Metro. What are your thoughts about using a keyboard and mouse with the Metro UI? Are all the other improvements worth it if I already have a fast and stable system? Will I still be able to run my games and programs?

Thanks guys for the answers !

Yes

 

[McDougal]

I have been running the Win8 trial as my only OS for a couple days now, and so far everything has been great. All of my games run as they did with Win7.

Everything worked right from the start. But the only driver I installed was for my Nvidia GPU, because GPU driver updates can sometimes improve gaming performance.

I will continue running this as my primary OS for the remaining 88 days I have. After that I may consider purchasing.

One question about purchasing though. I did some research, and found some people were having trouble activating. I understand that I cannot upgrade this evaluation to the Pro version. But there have been problems with people clean installing on a formatted drive.

If I buy this version of Win8, will I not be able to activate unless I upgrade from Win7?

Thanks. Sorry if it's a little confusing lol.

 

[cyberzen]

My personal opinion:

Multi-tasking using the snaps
the MS connecting account
People (show all your friends from email / social networking sites)
Mail (built-in email app wherein you can use multiple email)
the Search function
the Optimized boot process
Modern UI

might as well buy here or call 1-800-Microsoft to purchase
I did