Should I use windows 8.1 or stick with windows 7?

I am using Windows 7 Ultimate x64 AMD Dual Core Processor and 3 GB of RAM and a Geforce 8800 GTS gpu. I mainly do internet browsing and games like WoW, Source engine based games, and other games that aren't too resource needed.

I was wondering if an upgrade to windows 8.1 would be good for me or if i should wait for upgraded hardware.

Honestly, if you're satisfied with your setup, then no need to upgrade to win 8.

The improvement on performance of windows 8 over 7 is minimal, except for boot times which are usually much better on 8. With 8.1, MS also reduced the overall OS footprint (less memory usage, less disk space taken by the system) so it might be better on very low-end machines, but this isn't your case.

I recently bought a small laptop that came, of course, with Windows 8.1. I have a Windows 7 disk but decided to play with Windows 8 for a few days. For two days, I hated it. Then I discovered I didn't have to use a touch screen and I could use it pretty much like Windows 7. I bought Windows 8.1 for my desktop and don't regret it. Windows 8 sounds like it would have been miserable for me but with 8.1 the real irritants were removed.

There are a number of sites you can find with Google that compare Windows 8 with Windows 7 to see advantages of the engine in Windows 8.

Whatever, enjoy.

in my opinion windows 7 is much much better then windows 8.
you should stay with windows 7.

Windows 9 is behind the corner, like spring 2015, so better wait for it and do not bother with this junk.

I prefer 7 but thankfully with the work they did with 8.1 and the 8.1 Update its become a decent OS. Thankfully they added the boot to desktop option in 8.1 so you don't even need to see the Metro Screen at all. Unless you were going from XP or Vista I wouldn't bother upgrading.

No need to bother. I don't think there are real advantages to 8 for desktop computers, and it requires third party tools to make it comfortable. Switch when there's a feature you need, or else wait 2 years and switch to Windows 9 after its first major update.

Should you upgrade, providing your system will support it, a definite yes.

Questions to consider:
Should You Upgrade to Windows 8.1? Questions to Consider
Make Windows 8.1 look like Windows 7
Making Windows 8.1 Work Like Windows 7 | Windows 8.1 content from Windows IT Pro

From the get go I've felt that there's nothing compelling enough about Win 8 to warrant an upgrade from Win 7. However, there's no reason not to use it on newly built or purchased machines.

I am running Windows 8.1 as if it were Windows 7 and I needed no third-party software.

One of the reasons had hadn't tried Windows 8 before 8.1 was that the Microsoft compatibility program said I should replace most of my software. When I got the laptop with Windows 8.1 I loaded Microsoft Office 2003 fully expecting it to not run and it runs fine. Then I loaded my older, much older, Random House Websters Unabridged Dictionary and that loaded fine, too. None of my old software had to be replaced. I don't play games, though.

Hi there

If it works and you're happy with it why change.

I'd only upgrade if I liked playing around or tinkering. I do dispute some of the findings here -- IMO Windows 8.1 update 1 is a "half way" decent system but if you don't want to mess around just stay and run W7.

Cheers
jimbo

Welcome to Windows EightForums, TwistedChi.

The best way to find out is to use it yourself. Perhaps visit a computer store to try it first. Preferably a MS store where you'll get more skilled help and better answers to your questions. There is a bit more of a learning curve than coming from other previous Windows editions, however not as bad as the press made it out to be.

I find the system much better to be personally organized due to the Start Screen vs Start Menu. Placing and arranging app, file, folder, IE favorite, weather, world times, news, etc. tiles in an order you prefer, not the way MS saw fit with the non-comunicative Start Menu. Here's a short video:

Start screen - Windows tutorial

The overall system is quicker in transferring/sharing data with others via the Charms and apps working in conjunction. Via the Desktop app/portal Charm included.

Kind of an old test, but fairly accurate:

http://usabilitygeek.com/windows-8-vs-windows-7-speed-and-performance-testing/

Faster system boot, but with a "quality real-time" faster boot:

http://www.eightforums.com/general-support/16379-real-quality-boot-time-8-verses-7-a.html

I found that it works just as well with mouse and/or keyboard as 7 with much more added support for touch and/or stylus.

If using multiple devices it's miles ahead of the others.

You may also want to compare editions:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/32281-compare-windows-8-1-editions.html

Lastly, it runs faster on my older Acer than 7 did.

I always recommend Windows 8.1 since it's far more stable and faster than any other version of Windows. And if you don't like the new UI than you can always install something like Classic Shell to brng the start menu back. I almost can't remember when I last saw the sart screen. Despite it's controversial new UI, from a technical point of view it's simply the better operating system than Windows 8.