Impending Window 8.1 Upgrade - Benefits?

my2cents

Veni, Vidi, Vici
VIP Member
Guru
Messages
2,191
Hello all,

I've been on vacation so I've missed a lot of 8.1 news (I guess). Anyway, as a non-apps person, I don't see any immediate benefit to arbitrarily rush into this upgrade for the following reasons:

1. I've already got the boot directly to desktop and start button covered via Start8.
2. I don't want to lose the inherent Windows 7 system imaging.
3. I don't like the fact that the inherent WEI testing will be lost.

Now, I already know all the alternatives for 2 and 3 above because I am running 8.1 Preview on my laptop; however, I just don't see any immediate benefit for a non-apper to rush into this upgrade. So, am I missing any major improvement here?

Thanks for responding.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Can't think of much..

1. Finger print log on built in
2. Windows directory is smaller.

It's fun to play around with something new though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
Can't think of much..

1. Finger print log on built in
2. Windows directory is smaller.

It's fun to play around with something new though.

Thanks for that info. Yes, I also like to play around as well; however, I like to keep my play area separate from my work area and that upgrade would have to be done in my work area because that's where my Win 8 (paid version) resides. Again, thank you!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Well as it happens I use 8.1 for my work but luckily I need only 3 programs - word, excel and IBM Client Access. I tested these and have used 8.1 for about 2 weeks now. No major issues for me. I like the boot to desktop as I'd never bothered to install any tool to do it but it is a trivial improvement as is (for me) changing the look of the all apps screen.

The only minor irritations I've found are

VirtualBox caused BSOD on resume from sleep if you have bridged networking installed so I reinstalled it without as I don't need it.

Cisco AnyConnect does the same but I rarely use it and it isn't supported on Win 8 anyway. No big deal.

SkyDrive folder isn't backed up by File History so I'm backing it up manually at the moment. I make system images ad-hoc through file history also so have only lost the scheduling.

I'm generally happy with it but there are no must-have's I can think of. Perhaps I missed something though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
2. I don't want to lose the inherent Windows 7 system imaging.
I believe I saw somewhere that the System Image function is back in Windows 8.1 RTM, tucked away on a File History menu (it wasn't there in 8.1 Preview I think). However I think the Windows 7 Backup is still gone?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, 10
Correct. The difference is in File History you can only create an image immediately. You can't schedule it to run every week/month as you could in 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
2. I don't want to lose the inherent Windows 7 system imaging.
I believe I saw somewhere that the System Image function is back in Windows 8.1 RTM, tucked away on a File History menu (it wasn't there in 8.1 Preview I think). However I think the Windows 7 Backup is still gone?

Hi DavidY,

Now that would be a welcome return for my purposes, and that alone, might be enough for me to consider making the transition. I don't need the backup function but I do prefer the inherent system image function that I am currently using on Win 8. Thanks for the tip. I'll check that out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Correct. The difference is in File History you can only create an image immediately. You can't schedule it to run every week/month as you could in 8.

I can live with that because I only create a system image "on demand." Thanks!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Welcome back, my2cents. Lol! By the looks of your new avatar your boat sank?!!

Not sure, but I thought I read somewhere that WEI program is still present within the system. It's just that it's hidden. If my memory serves me right, one can perform this via the command line. Please don't quote me on that though.

Some good points would be system navigational options without using 3rd party programs to do so. The option to boot to desktop instead of Start Screen for one. The option to use All Apps instead of Start Screen for another, although I realize it doesn't quite fit the bill for the elimination of the Start Button and Menu for some users. Some "non-Metro/Modern desktoppers" as I call them seem to be satisfied with that. Along with that option they use native menus on the desktop that they configure. jimbo45 started a few threads on how to perform that. There's one here: http://www.eightforums.com/customization/21163-classical-menu-without-using-3rd- There's a more recent one, but I can't seem to find it.

"This PC" was added to File Explorer, which is a big aid to help organize and network.

SkyDrive is more integrated into the system with it's own folder and Store app if one likes to use that, although one cannot back it up in File History as adamf stated. On the other hand SkyDrive is a backup system within itself.

Background personalization options have been added. One can now configure the same background on both the Start Screen and the Desktop for one. I use Bing desktop so both backgrounds change daily. One can configure one's lock screen to scroll through one's pics for another. There are other personalization options.

Bing is now integrated in the Charm's search so one can also get results from the Inet.

These are some I can think of right now.

Lol! I think Ms would like everyone to forget about Windows 8 and move on to 8.1. I think they rushed 8 out the door too fast without accumulating and/or listening to enough user feedback. They should have taken a longer pre-release period to make the substantial changes. They sure got a hell of a lot of bad press concerning 8!

I've been dual booting with 8.1RP to learn some of it. Personally I'm looking forward to the upgrade on the 18th. My only concern is upgrading via the Store. Would much rather have an ISO in order to fresh install. I'm not one for upgrades. We'll see how it goes. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Welcome back, my2cents. Lol! By the looks of your new avatar your boat sank?!!

I'll tell you more when I get a chance to respond to your PM.

Not sure, but I thought I read somewhere that WEI program is still present within the system.

Yes, I know how to run it on 8.1 but thank you for that reminder.

Also, thank you for all that additional information as well. Much appreciated and good luck with your own upgrade. Thanks again.

Cheers!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Hello all,

1. I've already got the boot directly to desktop and start button covered via Start8.
2. I don't want to lose the inherent Windows 7 system imaging.
3. I don't like the fact that the inherent WEI testing will be lost.

Now, I already know all the alternatives for 2 and 3 above because I am running 8.1 Preview on my laptop; however, I just don't see any immediate benefit for a non-apper to rush into this upgrade. So, am I missing any major improvement here?

3. I suspect the final, final version will have the WEI back in it.

I agree about timing. No need to rush into it, but changing is probably inevitable as I have read they will stop support of 8.0 after 1 year. I see it as just a major fix of the rough edges, and will switch after a few weeks to let them get the obvious bugs out of it. But, it does not solve the real blunder, which is not providing two distinct interfaces; one for keyboard/mouse users, and one for touch screens.

I think MS is making a major mistake in the direction they have taken with the user interface. PC's are the mainstay of the business community and power users around the world, and they are not going to be impressed by a playschool type of interface for touch screens that they do not have.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    AMD FX-8350
    Motherboard
    Asus M5A99FX Pro R2.0
    Memory
    16 GB Viper 3 DDR3-2133
    Graphics Card(s)
    HIS Radeon HD 7770
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PA248Q
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    128 GB 840 Pro Samsung SSD
    2 x 1TB Seagate Barracuda (Storage Space - Simple)
    PSU
    Antec 550
    Case
    Antec Sonata II
    Cooling
    CoolerMaster TPC 812
    Keyboard
    CM Storm Quickfire XT Brn - wired PS/2
    Mouse
    Roccat Lua - wired USB
    Internet Speed
    15
    Browser
    IE10
    Antivirus
    MS Defender
Yes, WEI stuff can still be gleaned from running winsat at a command line.

As others have mentioned, image backups is back under File History.

I wouldn't probably pay to move from 8 to 8.1, but being free, I don't have any qualms for why I don't want to move.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Hello pparks1,

Yes, WEI stuff can still be gleaned from running winsat at a command line.

Roger on that. I've been doing that on 8.1 Preview occasionally.

As others have mentioned, image backups is back under File History.
This is what I really wanted to confirm.

I wouldn't probably pay to move from 8 to 8.1, but being free, I don't have any qualms for why I don't want to move.
Conversely, I still don't see any good reason to rush into it personally. I don't like upgrades in general and I certainly would follow up with a clean install but I guess I'll need an ISO to do that.

Thanks for the info!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Back
Top