Which Windows Operating System?

[anotheoldgit]

Now that Windows XP has been sent to room 101, and since I hear so many bad reports of other Window operating systems, what do the majority think is the best one to go for?

[Buenchico]

85% of XP users are reported to be sticking with it (and, as far as my desktop is concerned) I'm sticking with it for the time being.

Vista was always regarded as a bit of a disaster (although I've never had any real problems with computers using Vista) but it's nearing the end of its 'official' lifetime anyway. (Mainstream support for it ended in April 2012. Extended support will end in April2017)

Windows 7 is one of Microsoft's better offerings. It's similar enough to previous version of Windows not to have users tearing their hair out because they can't work out how to complete a simple task and also very stable. While mainstream support for it runs out next January , extended support [which is what actually matters to most people] continues until January 2020.

Windows 8 was loved by a few, but loathed by many, when it first came out. It seemed designed to work with touch-screen devices (so that Microsoft could do battle with Google's Android OS), leaving desktop users bewildered. There were also plenty of other problems with it too. Windows 8.1 seems to be a definite improvement but a lot of older software (and some older hardware, such as printers and other peripherals) won't run under it.

If I was buying a new computer now I'd definitely be looking for Windows 7, which means steering clear of places like PC World (where they only offer Windows 8.1) and searching out the independent traders who are still offering it.

[dunnitall]

I dislike Win 8 immensely but I have the Win 7 shell on it on the PC. On the lap top I have Win 7 but out of all I prefer winXP but didn't keep it because of no support now. Best of luck AOG it's a matter of horses for courses et al.

[hc4361]

Well I really like Windows 8.1

[Daffy6543]

7 was great but you'd be better off going for 8.1

[hc4361]

Or wait for Windows 9, that is due to be released in the coming months

[anotheoldgit]

Thanks Buenchico for your extensive information, also thanks to all others who have been good enough to answer my question, indeed food for thought.

I think I will stick to XP until it fails me.

[Richard1966]

The IT team at work have advised us to stick with win7 until they evaluate win9. They won't touch win8 with a long stick.

[Buenchico]

^^^ I hope part of that evaluation, Richard, will include checking whether the manufacturers of all the peripherals used in your company (such as printers) will be supplying drivers for Windows 9.

Many individuals (and quite a few IT departments!) seem to be ignore potential problems like that until they find that they've not only got to pay for a new version of Windows but replace lots of peripherals as well!

[TTG]

Windows 7 with all the visual effects swtiched off and the "classic theme" is great. Recommend Chillblast or PC Specialist for a Windows 7 pc. Though Windows 7 Home Premium will only be available until October for retail sale as far as I know. The more expensive Pro version will still be available.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9246387/Microsoft_sets_Oct._31_as_stop_date_for_Windows_7_consumer_PC_sales

[berniecuddles]

don't understand why people don't like windows 8 i love it, upgraded to 8.1 earlier Today well happy with it!

[galeck1947]

HP is still producing Windows 7 desktop and laptop computers which are available from their store. They have said that the demand for Windows 7 computers has prompted them to continue to continue their production .