please help me : WHY GET WIN.8.1 ?

edythe

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Hi - wrote to Updates area and while getting a repy on how to download/install still want to know 'why' go thru with the 'update' any incur possible glitches during the ''store-update' area since i've been reading users having problems with 8.1. I don't do any major download i.e. films/ business data - just email, reading papers, message boards, etc.... so i'm asking 'here' also: what's the disadvantage of 'not' getting 8.1...thanks in advance - Edythe
 

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I am still using Windows 8.0 on my Laptop and see no reason to upgrade to 8.1. If anything I would have downgraded to Windows 7 except where Windows 8 no longer used MBR type HD I would be trying to install to GPT for the first time. So too risky.

Windows 8.0 works fine. Unless you are gung ho to update to Windows 10 or have a specific program that needs a feature that is only in Windows 8.1 and later, I think you are right. The risk outweighs the reward.
 

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    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
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    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
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    1366 x 768
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    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
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    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
I am still using Windows 8.0 on my Laptop and see no reason to upgrade to 8.1. If anything I would have downgraded to Windows 7 except where Windows 8 no longer used MBR type HD I would be trying to install to GPT for the first time. So too risky.

Windows 8.0 works fine. Unless you are gung ho to update to Windows 10 or have a specific program that needs a feature that is only in Windows 8.1 and later, I think you are right. The risk outweighs the reward.
==========
Many thanks !!!! i really appreciate your opinion and it all makes sense. (ps: i'm 'listed' as a 'power-user' on this board -huge error - LOL )
 

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One more thing you should know:#

Windows 8Latest update or service pack
Windows 8.1
End of mainstream support
January 9, 2018
End of extended support
January 10, 2023



Windows 8.1


7. What is the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy for Windows 8.1?

Windows 8.1 falls under the same lifecycle policy as Windows 8, and will reach end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. With the General Availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 have 2 years, until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 in order to remain supported.

8. Why are you requiring Windows 8 customers move to Windows 8.1 two years after the General Availability?

Historically, we’ve had a similar support approach related to Windows service packs; when a Windows service pack is released, Microsoft provides customers 24 months of support for the prior service pack or original RTM version. Unlike service packs that are typically just a collection of fixes, Windows 8.1 has new features and enhancements. We designed Windows 8.1 to give customers an ability to deploy this update in a manner that is similar to how customers deploy service packs, therefore we are applying the existing service pack support policy to Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 does not change any hardware requirements compared with Windows 8 or Windows 7 and existing Windows Store apps will work with Windows 8.1. The update has little to no impact on existing desktop apps and there is no direct software cost because business customers with Software Assurance licensing will receive Windows 8.1 as a free update. For organizations running legacy applications that need to be upgraded, there are tools to manage deployment in order to help mitigate cost and impact.
Windows Products Support Lifecycle FAQ
 

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Many thanks !!!! i really appreciate your opinion and it all makes sense. (ps: i'm 'listed' as a 'power-user' on this board -huge error - LOL )

Nah, Brink doesn't make those kind of mistakes. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
One more thing you should know:#

Windows 8Latest update or service pack
Windows 8.1
End of mainstream support
January 9, 2018
End of extended support
January 10, 2023



Windows 8.1


7. What is the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy for Windows 8.1?

Windows 8.1 falls under the same lifecycle policy as Windows 8, and will reach end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. With the General Availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 have 2 years, until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 in order to remain supported.

8. Why are you requiring Windows 8 customers move to Windows 8.1 two years after the General Availability?

Historically, we’ve had a similar support approach related to Windows service packs; when a Windows service pack is released, Microsoft provides customers 24 months of support for the prior service pack or original RTM version. Unlike service packs that are typically just a collection of fixes, Windows 8.1 has new features and enhancements. We designed Windows 8.1 to give customers an ability to deploy this update in a manner that is similar to how customers deploy service packs, therefore we are applying the existing service pack support policy to Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 does not change any hardware requirements compared with Windows 8 or Windows 7 and existing Windows Store apps will work with Windows 8.1. The update has little to no impact on existing desktop apps and there is no direct software cost because business customers with Software Assurance licensing will receive Windows 8.1 as a free update. For organizations running legacy applications that need to be upgraded, there are tools to manage deployment in order to help mitigate cost and impact.
Windows Products Support Lifecycle FAQ
---------------------------------------
now i'm really confused: (sorry ) one place says win 8 supported until 2018 & final end 2023....but article states (if im reading it all correctly) that 8-users 'must' get 8.1 by Jan 2016 .... heeelllpppp?
 

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I know it is confusing but the bottom line is support for 8 is going to end much sooner than for 8.1.
 

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I know it is confusing but the bottom line is support for 8 is going to end much sooner than for 8.1.
-
---------------------------
OK I WAS 'thick' -now i understand it (i hope) :
because win. 8 now has the 8.1 ''update''(meaning that 8.1 is considered an 'update of/for win 8 and not a
'new' program on it's own (i.e. 10) that I'd better do the 8 ''update'' called (8.1) by Jan. 16' !!! ....and that it's
8.1 (not 8) that once installed that will then have mainstream support to jan. 2018 and end of extended to jan 2023 before needing win 10?... ...now i realize why i got confused: i saw
''windows 8/latest update or service pack ''windows 8.1/end of mainstream support , etc. was referring to 8.1 ''not'' 8 !! wow i better go back to school for remedial reading ! ok i better bite the bullet and do that 8.1 ''update'' for win 8 . Do i now have it all figured out ? thanks sooo much !
 

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wow i better go back to school for remedial reading !
Not really:)
Microsoft has never made it easy on customers and users:(
It's the same for their licensing or better yet, look up how many different "Skype"'s they have, and each one is for a specific type of user.:what:
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Update Pro in Hyper-V/Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Cliff's Black & Blue Wonder
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
    Memory
    32 GB Quad Kit, G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series schwarz, DDR4-3866, 18-19-19-39-2T
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 ROG Strix O24G, 24576 MB GDDR6X
    Sound Card
    (1) HD Webcam C270 (2) NVIDIA High Definition Audio (3) Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ BL2711U(4K) and a hp 27vx(1080p)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    C: Samsung 960 EVO NVMe M.2 SSD
    E: & O: Libraries & OneDrive-> Samsung 850 EVO 1TB
    D: Hyper-V VM's -> Samsung PM951 Client M.2 512Gb SSD
    G: System Images -> HDD Seagate Barracuda 2TB
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000i High Performance ATX Power Supply 80+ Platinum
    Case
    hanteks Enthoo Pro TG
    Cooling
    Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB TT Premium-Edition 360mm and 3 Corsair blue LED fans
    Keyboard
    Trust GTX THURA
    Mouse
    Trust GTX 148
    Internet Speed
    25+/5+ (+usually faster)
    Browser
    Edge; Chrome; IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender of course & Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit as a
    Other Info
    Router: FRITZ!Box 7590 AX V2
    Sound system: SHARP HT-SBW460 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
    Webcam: Logitech BRIO ULTRA HD PRO WEBCAM 4K webcam with HDR

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
wow i better go back to school for remedial reading !
Not really:)
Microsoft has never made it easy on customers and users:(
It's the same for their licensing or better yet, look up how many different "Skype"'s they have, and each one is for a specific type of user.:what:
=----------------
so the verdict is i'd better do the 8.1 ''update'' for Windows '8' before January to keep getting ''supported' ??? is that an 'affirmative' ?
don't look forward to it at all - reading so many problems for users ...
waht is your opinion on this sent to me 19 hrs ago also:

I am still using Windows 8.0 on my Laptop and see no reason to upgrade to 8.1. If anything I would have downgraded to Windows 7 except where Windows 8 no longer used MBR type HD I would be trying to install to GPT for the first time. So too risky.

Windows 8.0 works fine. Unless you are gung ho to update to Windows 10 or have a specific program that needs a feature that is only in Windows 8.1 and later, I think you are right. The risk outweighs the reward.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
I am still using Windows 8.0 on my Laptop and see no reason to upgrade to 8.1. If anything I would have downgraded to Windows 7 except where Windows 8 no longer used MBR type HD I would be trying to install to GPT for the first time. So too risky.

Windows 8.0 works fine. Unless you are gung ho to update to Windows 10 or have a specific program that needs a feature that is only in Windows 8.1 and later, I think you are right. The risk outweighs the reward.
Miles - appreciate your input but what about fact that mainstream support will end for Win . 8 ? thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
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    PC/Desktop
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    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
Miles - appreciate your input but what about fact that mainstream support will end for Win . 8 ? thanks

Are you running a business on it? Have you ever called technical support? Did you ever need a Windows Update to keep it working? Why update something that isn't broken so that you can break it but have support for it now that it no longer works?

Seriously though, I don't know your situation like you do. Most of the time I download drivers or search out solutions and keep it tweaked. In fact when I boot Linux I am a bit lost because when I don't have to keep tweaking it to keep it working it is difficult to figure out what I should spend my time on. I guess I'll have to get back into programming on Linux to keep me busy. :)

Only you can answer what you need. But I am sure there are millions still using XP who aren't working up a sweat that it isn't supported since it isn't broken. Moving to a new machine often forces you to change OS version since the drivers just aren't there. But I don't see why, unless your income depends on it, you would need to update an old working system that still works.

Your decision after all. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Miles - appreciate your input but what about fact that mainstream support will end for Win . 8 ? thanks

----------------------------
Are you running a business on it? Have you ever called technical support? Did you ever need a Windows Update to keep it working? Why update something that isn't broken so that you can break it but have support for it now that it no longer works?
Seriously though, I don't know your situation like you do. Most of the time I download drivers or search out solutions and keep it tweaked. In fact when I boot Linux I am a bit lost because when I don't have to keep tweaking it to keep it working it is difficult to figure out what I should spend my time on. I guess I'll have to get back into programming on Linux to keep me busy. :)
Only you can answer what you need. But I am sure there are millions still using XP who aren't working up a sweat that it isn't supported since it isn't broken. Moving to a new machine often forces you to change OS version since the drivers just aren't there. But I don't see why, unless your income depends on it, you would need to update an old working system that still works.
Your decision after all. :)
-------------------------------
BOY! I CAN'T ARGUE WITH YOUR ABOVE LOGIC - no i'm not running a business and negative to your other questions... now that you mention it, my friend still uses Win 7 !! plus she has a computer store for any problems...she's set to auto update (if she's getting any -LOL) but her computer person set the pc up for her and she's 'happy' ...appreciate your input - you sure put a different view on matters ! ... thanks again very very much ...
 

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you sure put a different view on matters ! ... thanks again very very much ...

Note I am not trying to brow beat you into submission or anything. :) I was hoping you would get a laugh out of it. But I think most middle of the road home PC users don't have to sweat support so much if they are on a PC that is "burned in" with the OS having years of stable dependable operation. Of course the car salesman wants to sell you a new model and none of us want MS to go out of business. But you might wait until you feel the need for a new machine.

Thanks for the kind words in your reply. I think I did at least get a smile if not a belly laugh. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
you sure put a different view on matters ! ... thanks again very very much ...

Note I am not trying to brow beat you into submission or anything. :) I TOTALLY UNDERSTOOD YOUR ''APPROACH'' - LOL - I was hoping you would get a laugh out of it. I DID APPRECIATE YOUR 'SUBTLE' ''REALITY-SHOCK' AND ENJOYED IT ALL ! But I think most middle of the road home PC users don't have to sweat support so much if they are on a PC that is "burned in" with the OS having years of stable dependable operation. YES - NO MAJOR PROBLEMS (SHHUSSHHH I DIDN'T SAY THAT ! ) Of course the car salesman wants to sell you a new model and none of us want MS to go out of business. But you might wait until you feel the need for a new machine. POINT TAKEN; WHY 'COURT' TROUBLE !! DON'T THINK I'LL DO THE 8.1 UPDATE...AND WON'T BUY THAT NEW CAR - LET'S NOT EVEN 'GO THERE' ;)
Thanks for the kind words in your reply. I think I did at least get a smile if not a belly laugh. :)
I'M GLAD I MADE SOMEONE SMILE TODAY ! best regards ...
 

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