Solved Should I jump to Win 8?

websquad

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Look at my system specs. Question is, should I jump to Win 8? I'm not going to replace any of my four displays with touch screens. I like have 4-5 windows open at one time (often more). I have all my major icons on a dedicated 15" LCD panel, turned to portrait position, and kept in order using the excellent "Fences" utility (see attached snipped screen) ... see no need for Metro. Use InDesign, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver -- assume these Adobe products are compatible. Use MS Office products (also compatible?).

So, what's in it (Windows 8) for me?
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    eVGA nForce 780i
    Memory
    Two Patriot DDR2 Extreme 4GB PC-64000
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidda GeForce 8800GT; eVGA 9500 GT
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" HP; two 19" Envision; 15" Planar
    Hard Drives
    120GB SanDisk SSD; two 1GB Western Digital drives; 400GB Seagate Baracuda; two 150GB Western Digital Raptors (10K rpm)
    PSU
    Cooler Master Power Pro 750w
    Case
    Cooler Master CM Cosmose 1000
    Cooling
    Fans ...
    Keyboard
    MS Natural Clone
    Mouse
    Logitac Performace Laser wireless
    Internet Speed
    10Mbps
    Other Info
    Floppy; modem; Philips DVD

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire E1-571
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer Type-2
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Sound Card
    High Definiton Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    PSU
    Generic
    Keyboard
    QWERTY
    Mouse
    ELANTECH Touchpad
    Internet Speed
    12.68Mbps
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Hello and welcome!

As usual, Windows 8 is just like any other Windows OS version (except vista) where there are performance and features that are improved. For your multi-monitor setup, Windows 8 has a new feature for that. It's like how Stardock has a program to add a Taskbar and panorama images to each monitor, Windows 8 has that innately built in. You can have different Taskbars, with different items pinned to each Taskbar if you'd like. There are new multi-monitor wallpapers that can span screens better.

The Start Screen can be used in both landscape and portrait mode real well. You can take all you have on your Fences utility and keep your portrait screen as your Start launcher. You can group the tiles, add more, have less, whatever. And in red too! :D

Windows 8 has MUCH better improvements towards system efficiencies, such as less CPU usage, less disk usage, and overall less RAM usage with fewer processes running. It has a feature called Hybrid Boot that can take a five year old PC and make it boot more akin to a PC with a Solid State Drive in it, like it can boot in 10-15 seconds and shut down in 6-15 seconds. It also has a neat feature called Storage Spaces, which is kind of like a software RAID, but better from what I know. You can allocate different hard drives from SATA to USB to be used as backup media. Windows 8 also has built in anti-virus through the use of Windows Defender, which is like Microsoft Security Essentials, and Windows 8 has actually been found to withstand 85% of the top malware, and has been taken off Kaspersky Labs' list of security riddled software which now is being occupied by an apple product. It may be the most secure Windows version out of the box EVER. Windows Updates are VASTLY improved to the point where it NEVER pesters you anymore about updates, they run in the background, with fewer restarts. If you do need a restart, it'll tell you Windows will restart in like two days if it hasn't been already.

It also introduces these new metro styled apps, as well as a Windows Store for such. The Windows Store is AWESOME! It not only has these metro apps, but since you're a Desktop user, it also houses Desktop apps as well. A few days ago, I found Grand Theft Automobile 4 under the Games category as well as Adobe Photoshop CS6 under Photos. The Desktop apps can be reviewed by people, you can see the details for them, and to download, it takes you to the publisher's download site to get it. The metro apps are pretty neat, especially ones with live tiles. The ones with live tiles are kind of like gadgets from before, except they don't really use system resource to constantly be checking things. You can see the latest headlines, stock info, weather conditions, if you have new emails or new messages from a social network, what song you're currently playing, and you can even use an app to create live picture tiles. They don't really use much system resource, which is nice. If you have a smartphone with certain apps you like to use a lot, chances are that you can get those same apps for Windows 8, in a form to take advantage of more screen estate as well as VASTLY better hardware to render, as these new apps are built to use the graphics card versus the CPU, so graphics and text render more quickly.

Overall, there are several good reasons to upgrade to Windows 8, other than the 40 dollar upgrade fee. I would recommend testing it first, with the Enterprise RTM 90 day trial that brummyfan posted. Make a partition and go. We're here to help, as Windows 8 also takes a bit of time to learn and make it your own.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
If you don't know if you need something it's because you don't need it , at least it's my way of thinking.

COKE you not little be exaggerating ? I know you want everyone adopt Windows 8, be honest at least, Windows 8 will not change an old mechanical drive in SSD, especially if you upgrate from 7
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
@websquad:

Try the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant on your rig. But, don't expect it to uncover every problem you might have with 8. Given some of the things you say, I would be surprised if you were not disappointed with some of the Win8 "features." Indeed, you might be very disappointed from the "what's in it for me perspective?" I wouldn't be overly eager to "jump" given your setup--unless I prepared very carefully for a return to where I started if things don't work out. There are various ways to be prepared, but personally, I recommend using Acronis True Image to backup your whole system on an external drive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
If you don't know if you need something it's because you don't need it , at least it's my way of thinking.

COKE you not little be exaggerating ? I know you want everyone adopt Windows 8, be honest at least, Windows 8 will not change an old mechanical drive in SSD, especially if you upgrate from 7

I know a hard drive doesn't become a SSD, I'm not insane. I'm simply saying that with Windows 8 and Hybrid Boot, a mechanical hard drive powered system can boot up at relatively the same speed as if it were running a SSD.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Is Hybrid Boot called Hybrid Sleep in the Power Plan? How do you turn it on/off?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Still not true, with a mechanical you have to wait to open an apps as the OS is still not fully load, with a SSD you can open an apps as soon you hit the desktop or the start page, the apps will open right away, from your spec COKE, I notice you don't have an SSD. The difference come even more obvious when peoples have a lot of stuff that automatically open.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
Still not true, with a mechanical you have to wait to open an apps as the OS is still not fully load, with a SSD you can open an apps as soon you hit the desktop or the start page, the apps will open right away, from your spec COKE, I notice you don't have an SSD. The difference come even more obvious when peoples have a lot of stuff that automatically open.

Yeah I know, I'm saying it's that fast. Of bloody course it's not going to be instantaneous like a SSD, but boot time with Hybrid Boot in Windows 8 puts startup time in the category of SSD boot times. They're obviously not going to be the same.

:doh:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Is Hybrid Boot called Hybrid Sleep in the Power Plan? How do you turn it on/off?

Hybrid Boot is under the Power Options panel under Hardware and Sound in the Control Panel. Hit the side link that says Require a password on wakeup to get into the next screen. Then, hit Change settings that are currently unavailable, it'll let you checkmark off Turn on fast startup.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
The 90-day Enterprise trial version rocks!

I've only just gotten rid of it and gone W8 Pro.

Not regretting it (well, not a lot, there IS the Aero issue...).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
To answer the OP:

You get bloatware, adware, exhortations to go online - they are trying to lead people online as much as possible.

They have various ways of getting benefit from that at everyone else's expense.

The soon to come subscription service will be a joy, no doubt.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
To answer the OP:

You get bloatware, adware, exhortations to go online - they are trying to lead people online as much as possible.

They have various ways of getting benefit from that at everyone else's expense.


The soon to come subscription service will be a joy, no doubt.


wow that was direct and right on the spot
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
Hybrid Boot is under the Power Options panel under Hardware and Sound in the Control Panel. Hit the side link that says Require a password on wakeup to get into the next screen. Then, hit Change settings that are currently unavailable, it'll let you checkmark off Turn on fast startup.

Thanks, it was not obvious :D

I did find this in the Help though:
Notes
• The fast startup setting doesn’t apply to Restart. You need to shut down and then start your PC again for fast startup to take effect.
• Fast startup is turned on by default in Windows.

Mine was set to on.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
To answer the OP:

You get bloatware, adware, exhortations to go online - they are trying to lead people online as much as possible.

They have various ways of getting benefit from that at everyone else's expense.

The soon to come subscription service will be a joy, no doubt.
True. I pretty quickly turned to using a local logon to abstract from the hype/online pressure. What subscription service are you talking about?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
Two big plusses - Upgrade is cheap at the moment and its seems to run faster.
Big Minus - Its takes some getting used to but once you figure that you can run it in a desktop mode similar to Windows 7, then not much difference!

However, if you up for a challenge, give it a go. Also see my thread - http://www.eightforums.com/general-...start-screen-link-start-screen-questions.html . It may help in the transition.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Fujitsu
Subscription service hasn't started yet.

Patents were filed a while back.

It is probably a bit soon - starting it now would frighten people away.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
After BIOS is loaded (it is, of course, OS independent), it takes 29 seconds to boot until all icons are showing and I'm ready to do some work in Win 7 (I only do a cold boot a couple of times/week); it takes 23 seconds to recover from hibernation (6,290,332 KB hibernation file). It takes 5-6 seconds to load Photoshop CS6. I takes about 1 second to load Microsoft Word.

I'm comfortable with this performance. Of course, have a SSD for my OS and my software helps.

I'll pass on 8.

Thanks for all the input ...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    eVGA nForce 780i
    Memory
    Two Patriot DDR2 Extreme 4GB PC-64000
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidda GeForce 8800GT; eVGA 9500 GT
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" HP; two 19" Envision; 15" Planar
    Hard Drives
    120GB SanDisk SSD; two 1GB Western Digital drives; 400GB Seagate Baracuda; two 150GB Western Digital Raptors (10K rpm)
    PSU
    Cooler Master Power Pro 750w
    Case
    Cooler Master CM Cosmose 1000
    Cooling
    Fans ...
    Keyboard
    MS Natural Clone
    Mouse
    Logitac Performace Laser wireless
    Internet Speed
    10Mbps
    Other Info
    Floppy; modem; Philips DVD
That's reasonable. Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
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