Window 7 or Window 8?

Stick with Windows 7 if you don't plan on using the touch gestures. Windows 8 is horrible in my opinion, the Start screen is filled with useless apps that I don't need. In the end, I have to switch to the desktop app to use it like a normal Windows. An unnecessary hassle.

 

I suggest just settle with Windows7. Windows8 is not that user friendly. If you have lived your life with a start button, you won't find it on Windows8. It is very complicated and programs are even hard to find. Even just a simple document, you'll end up loosing your way. So I suggest, choose Windows 7.

 

Windows 8 isn't that bad. However, there are certain issues like you accidentally clicking one portion of the screen which would take you to the home screen or clicking on another side which would show the settings. It's a bit sensitive at first. And the lack of a "Start" button is really a bit irksome. For me, I'd personally go for Windows 8. Though it's a bit confusing at first, the added features make it compelling enough to get.

 

Since Windows 8 is aimed at touch screen devices, then I suggest that you stick to Windows 7 instead. I'm using Windows 7 now and it's a decent OS, and since I have been hearing a lot of negative feedback about Windows 8, then I won't install one if ever I get a new laptop.

 

I'm still using Windows 7 and have no real reason to change, my sister's laptop has Windows 8 and as flashy and fancy as the metro UI looks its not something I really see myself using. I wouldn't mind a change though, hopefully Microsoft's next software package brings something more exciting.

 

I say go test 8 out in a shop just so that you get a hang and feel for it. If you are going to use your machine for some serious work then i say that 7 is the safer option for now as there are no real compatibility issues at the moment and for me it is really smooth. But if it just general use then go ahead and get 8.

 

In my opinion they overdid it with Windows 8. As some of the other posters have stated, if you have a touch screen device and are looking for a Windows os then definitely give 8 a try. If you have a regular non touch screen device, then I would stick with Windows 7. It is a very clean cut system with little to no flaws in my opinion.

 

I agree with this. Unless your laptop is a touchscreen, Windows 8 can be a pain in the butt. I have windows 8. My laptop is not a touchscreen and I have found it to be very annoying. My suggestion is to go with Windows 7 and upgrade to Windows 8 later if you want to.

 

I still have Windows 7 because it's the classic look of a computer to me. Windows 8 is just like smartphones and tablets and I feel like they should've just left things the way they were. If you don't have a touchscreen computer then I'd say stick with the classic look with Windows 7 but if you have a touchscreen or want to keep up with the times or what's trendy then get Windows 8.

 

If you do have the option, choose Windows7. Even if it comes with Windows8, just format it and put Windows7. For some reason Microsoft thought it would be a good idea to implement a touch-based interface for their next OS... when most of places where it would be used don't have touchscreens in the first place.

Also Seven it's already mature enough to have it's problems solved by now.

 

I think that it really depends on what you're going to be using your computer for. I looked at Windows 8 when I bought my laptop; however I've worked with computers for many years and overall the Windows 7 operating system matched my needs much better than Windows 8. For those who like a touch screen I can see how they might prefer Windows 8, but I do so much typing that I didn't feel it would suit my needs for the most part. I can always choose a software program like dragon to avoid so much typing too, so hands down I went with Windows 7 and it is a nice operating system; where I haven't heard very many positive things about Windows 8; nor from any of the reviews that I checked out for Windows 8.

 

Windows 7 is great for overall system if you don't have a touch screen. Otherwise, you need to amp up to Windows 8. It's the wave of the future and soon, anyone who doesn't have this system will be behind (tech-wise).

 

I had a hard time finding laptops with Windows 7 a couple of months ago when I needed a new laptop, so I settled with a laptop with Windows 8. It took awhile to get used to, and I'd honestly rather have Windows 7, but Windows 8 isn't that bad. It seems like a step in the right direction, but the whole "no start button" thing is pretty annoying.

 

You'll probably get Windows 8 when you order a new computer but since 8.1 you can just choose to let it automatically boot to a normal desktop.
I really don't like Windows 8 with the Metro UI because I think it's only suited for computers with a touch screen. If you don't have a touch screen, certain movements and actions will be very tricky when done with a mouse.

 

Linux is free, but you can't really play games or use all the same software.

 

Windows 8 is great when it comes to touch devices but whack when used on non touch devices. That is the statistic I have carried out. Personally I will stick to Windows 7 for a while until things become better on the Windows 8 side.

 

I much prefer Windows 7. I'm currently using Windows 8 on my laptop and I can't say it's awful, but most of the programs/games are not compatible with Windows 8, so I'd probably prefer to have Windows 7 on this laptop for that reason. Apart from that reason, Windows 8 is actually really good and I'd have it on a computer I'm not going to be using for gaming.

 

Besides gaming, most software is now available for Linux. At least most office software is.

I prefer Windows 7 so Windows 8. I don't like the tabbed interface at all and prefer the search bar being right above the windows button.

 

Windows 8 is very slick, and that is all that it has to it. Stick with Win 7 - it's fast, it works well, and thankfully it isn't Win 8.