Microsoft Should Keep Both Windows 7 and Windows 8

Microsoft keeps advertising Windows 8, but Windows 7 remains the top choice for many users out there who are looking for a more familiar working environment.

That’s why tech analyst Jeff Kagan thinks that Microsoft should keep both operating systems alive, as customers must be allowed to choose if they wish to go for the traditional desktop UI, or pick the one that also packs the touch-optimized Metro interface.
“Microsoft needs to focus on keeping customers happy and innovating. Since Windows 8 is a total re-write, and since many customers prefer Windows 7, my recommendation is they keep both. Let the user choose the operating system they want. Don’t force a round customer into a square hole.”
Analyst: Microsoft Should Keep Both Windows 7 and Windows 8
 
10.4. . .:d
 

My Computer

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    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
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it's really all we've been saying. Not sure why some insist on viewing it as an unreasonable request.
 

My Computer

System One

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    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
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    Me
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    AMD FX-8150
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    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
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It's a SoftPedia link, which some AV's may block.
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
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    AMD 4400+/4200+
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    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
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    "1842 x 1036"
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    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
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    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
I think the original article is more appropriate. The link in the op is only a comment on it. See here:
Industry Analyst Jeff Kagan Offers Microsoft Recommendation

But. dare I disagree with the more experienced author? Microsoft have already done that in Windows 8. And, in 8.1 even better. The user can now go directly to the legacy desktop which, in most instances, is Windows 7. Yes, it needs a third party menu, but lets not turn the thread into another overlong discussion on that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Use several different computers during a day, so specs are irrelevant.
I think all of us here have ranted about that as much as we can. With the proper addons, I'm basically using the same OS as Windows 7, but it has improved many things, The Copy command, now shows you the speed of the transfer -That's a big help. They took OUT some things, like the full network map which used to be in the network and sharing center. But other than these few things, the OS works almost precisely the same as Windows 7. There is more security on Program Files and System Files, but there SHOULD be. And I've been able to do most of the same manipulating using Explorer as I have ever been able to.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
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    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
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    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
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    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
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    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
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    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
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    Works 550w
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    MSI "M-Box"
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    Water Cooled
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    Dell Keyboard
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    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
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    Chrome/IE 10
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    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Yeah they should continue to support Windows 7. They should even release a Service Pack 2 for that but we know that's not gonna happen after their statement saying there won't be an SP2 for Windows 7 and that they'll just continue to support it with rolls of updates. They can't let anything hinder Windows 8 which right now is not doing as well on the sales as they expected.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Developer Preview, Linux Mint 9
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    Custom Built
His point is the staggeringly obvious:

Microsoft should be just as concerned with hanging on to customers

That is an understatement.

MS haven't made a good job of that recently.

It doesn't matter a damn if a some people on computer forums think you can make 8 behave sort of like 7. I have no idea why they keep repeating that. The public aren't buying it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
What bothers me is that the recent major "developments" they were doing were mostly for those apps.

Apps,apps,apps,apps! They can't get enough of those.

I have no interest for those on my Desktop. And I really loathe the fact that little do they seem to mention the Desktop part and that there is no more SP2 for Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Developer Preview, Linux Mint 9
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    Custom Built
Yeah they should continue to support Windows 7. They should even release a Service Pack 2 for that but we know that's not gonna happen after their statement saying there won't be an SP2 for Windows 7 and that they'll just continue to support it with rolls of updates. They can't let anything hinder Windows 8 which right now is not doing as well on the sales as they expected.

What purpose would a SP2 be for Win 7. If all you are looking for are the updates MS has a page that contains all the updates that have been put out to date. You can download an ISO that can be used to do the updates vs going online. With the ISO you can determine which updates you want or don't want. The ISO can be used across the all flavors of Windows OSs.
 

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  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
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    HP Pavilion p1423w
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    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
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    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
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    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
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    ATI Radeon HD 5450
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    HD Realteck (Onboard)
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    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
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    Tower
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    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
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    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
What purpose would a SP2 be for Win 7

The same purpose any sp serves. It is much more convenient to have install media with it all included. MS remove the superseded stuff too. That is why they do them.

In addition to security fixes, an sp will usually include some additional features/enhancements. MS haven't been wasting their time with all the sps they have done over the years, they are clearly of great value to the users.

Not sure why you are asking, you already knew that.

With the ISO you can determine which updates you want or don't want

How ? I haven't looked at it , but I wouldn't be surprised if there are at least 500 in there.

I only need 130. There are a variety of people producing special update lists to try and reduce the burden, geeks only need apply.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I'd like to see a service pack for Win 7 which contains all the good bits from Win 8, like the new file transfer setup, the new task manager, the improved right-click menu in the bottom left corner, Hyper-V etc. But NO METRO. At all.

That would make Win 7 into what Win 8 should have been, and both the 7-lovers and the 'I like 8 but not Metro' crowd will be happy.

They should then totally scrap the idea of forcing 8.1 onto desktop users and concentrate on developing it exclusively for tablets/phones, where it's best suited.

Not going to happen, of course, but it's what should happen. Should already have happened, in fact.


Wenda.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 'Ultimate' RTM 64 bit (Pro/WMC).
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AS8951G 'Desktop Replacement'.
    CPU
    i7-2670QM@2.2/3.1Ghz.
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB@1366Mhz.
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    GeForce GT555M 2GB DDR3
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    Realtek HD w/Dolby 5.1 surround.
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    Built-in. Non-touch.
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    18/4" 1920x1080 full-HD.
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 750GBx2 internal. 1x2TB, 2x640GB, 1x500GB external.
    PSU
    Stock.
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    Laptop.
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    Stock.
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    Full 101-key
    Mouse
    USB cordless.
    Browser
    IE11, Firefox, Tor.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, MalwareBytes Pro.
    Other Info
    BD-ROM drive.
I'd like to see a service pack for Win 7 which contains all the good bits from Win 8, like the new file transfer setup, the new task manager, the improved right-click menu in the bottom left corner, Hyper-V etc. But NO METRO. At all.

That would make Win 7 into what Win 8 should have been, and both the 7-lovers and the 'I like 8 but not Metro' crowd will be happy.

They should then totally scrap the idea of forcing 8.1 onto desktop users and concentrate on developing it exclusively for tablets/phones, where it's best suited.

Not going to happen, of course, but it's what should happen. Should already have happened, in fact.


Wenda.

Wenda, now why do that? If they did then there would be no reason for win 8 or 8.2.

R/. . . know, I know, that would be good because win 8 is just a bunch of B.S. that should have never been put out to start with. . .\R
 

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System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
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    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
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    ATI Radeon HD 5450
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    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
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    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
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    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
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    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
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    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
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    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
know, I know, that would be good because win 8 is just a bunch of B.S. that should have never been put out to start with.

Now, where did I say that?

In fact (from a post of mine on another thread): "there really isn't anything seriously wrong with 8, and some of the claims I've read are, indeed, ludicrous. I actually prefer 8 to 8.1 because of the latter's overt net-centricity, which I do not like and will not be embracing." and "I will be upgrading my PC (laptop) within the next two years or so. And I (Shock! Horror!) own an Android tablet and a smart-phone.

But then, I did pony-up for a retail copy of Win 8 Pro, so I haven't contributed to any slump there.




Wenda.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 'Ultimate' RTM 64 bit (Pro/WMC).
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    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AS8951G 'Desktop Replacement'.
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    i7-2670QM@2.2/3.1Ghz.
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    Acer
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    8GB@1366Mhz.
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    Built-in. Non-touch.
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    18/4" 1920x1080 full-HD.
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    Toshiba 750GBx2 internal. 1x2TB, 2x640GB, 1x500GB external.
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    Stock.
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    Stock.
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    Full 101-key
    Mouse
    USB cordless.
    Browser
    IE11, Firefox, Tor.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, MalwareBytes Pro.
    Other Info
    BD-ROM drive.
What purpose would a SP2 be for Win 7.

Were I to venture a guess, and I will, it would serve a considerably larger purpose, for considerably more people, than win 8's sp1(aka 8.1) served.
 

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  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
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    PC/Desktop
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    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
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    AMD Radeon HD 6570
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    Creative X-Fi Titanium
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    PX2710MW
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    1920x1080@60Hz
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    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
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    Noctua NH-D14
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    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
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    60meg cable
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    Cyberfox
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    AVG Security Suite
If many corporations are using Windows 7 and its much easier to expect that those corporations that are still on XP will have Windows 7 as their next choice of upgrade, then the more reason, Microsoft should pack a Service Pack 2 for Windows 7. It will be good if they included some good bits from Windows 8, but they'll never do that, nevertheless, a new service pack should contain improvements because there is always room for that.

It could also save a lot of time than manually configuring security/stability updates for a hundred workstation PCs. A team of ITs can take care of that in one day, after the employees have gone home if each of them would have a copy of the SP2 bundle. They could even put the SP2 bundle on a shared network drive, to be accessed and copied to all the network PCs that need them.

But I just hate the fact, that MS will rather prioritize Windows 8 with the apps, apps, apps, apps for that. M$ is likely to do what they can in their power to make Windows 7 old and obsolete.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Developer Preview, Linux Mint 9
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
If many corporations are using Windows 7 and its much easier to expect that those corporations that are still on XP will have Windows 7 as their next choice of upgrade, then the more reason, Microsoft should pack a Service Pack 2 for Windows 7. It will be good if they included some good bits from Windows 8, but they'll never do that, nevertheless, a new service pack should contain improvements because there is always room for that.

It could also save a lot of time than manually configuring security/stability updates for a hundred workstation PCs. A team of ITs can take care of that in one day, after the employees have gone home if each of them would have a copy of the SP2 bundle. They could even put the SP2 bundle on a shared network drive, to be accessed and copied to all the network PCs that need them.

But I just hate the fact, that MS will rather prioritize Windows 8 with the apps, apps, apps, apps for that. M$ is likely to do what they can in their power to make Windows 7 old and obsolete.

Hey Vertex... relax ;) Windows 7 will be the next XP. Microsoft 7 support end on 2020 but I bet that they will be forced to extend it.
If you buy a new PC/Laptop with 8 on board you can still downgrade to 7.
People that didn't like Win 8, I'm pretty sure, won't like Win 8.1 'cause there's NOTHING seriously improvement about the classic desktop experience.
Microsoft is very sensible to the market... let's see what will be their next step after the Win 8.1 flop!

P.S. Maybe a Ballmer's substitute?? :dinesh:
 

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  • OS
    Win 8 (?)
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    i7 3930k
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    AsRock X79 Extreme 9
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    Crucial Ballistix 1600 4x8GB
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    Nvidia GTX 670
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    Logitech
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    FF
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    Avast Internet Security
Hey Vertex... relax ;) Windows 7 will be the next XP. Microsoft 7 support end on 2020 but I bet that they will be forced to extend it.
If you buy a new PC/Laptop with 8 on board you can still downgrade to 7.
People that didn't like Win 8, I'm pretty sure, won't like Win 8.1 'cause there's NOTHING seriously improvement about the classic desktop experience.
Microsoft is very sensible to the market... let's see what will be their next step after the Win 8.1 flop!

P.S. Maybe a Ballmer's substitute?? :dinesh:

Well XP had 3 service packs. Just wanna see more for Windows 7 and yes 2020 is still some time to go.

And about Ballmer's replacement, they should have replaced him long ago lol :p
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Developer Preview, Linux Mint 9
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    Custom Built
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