XP to Windows 7 or 8

Also though, what are your computer specs? Because if you're upgrading a system that was running WinXP it might not run Win7 or 8 too well anyway.

And if your CPU supports 64bit, go with a 64bit version of Windows to upgrade to.

 

Interestingly, tests show Windows8.1x performs remarkably well on old XP machines. My wife is convinced I upgraded her laptop hardware, when all I did was change it from XP to Win8.1x.

 

If you are set on getting the highest-end version regardless of your needs, I'd definitely choose Windows 8 because it only has Home and Pro editions (not counting Enterprise which isn't meant for consumers). So you won't be paying an inflated price to get something marked as "Ultimate." For example, Newegg charges $189 for Win7 Ultimate but Win8.1 Pro is $139 (OEM versions).

It is worth noting that Windows Media Center was removed from the OS and is a separate download now, but even if you get that it only adds $9.99 to the cost.

 

Usually, yeah. But if his box is really old and his cpu lacks SSE2 instructions he won't be able to use Win8. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/what-is-pae-nx-sse2

It's better to know what the hardware is before recommending anyone anything.

 

It might sound a bit strange, but if I had the choice I would go with Win 7. I don´t think that Win 8 sucks, but some things did annoy me.

Yes exactly, I know how you feel.

 

Intel Core 2
2.4 GHz
3 GB RAM
Running XP SP3
Dell 04/2008 mfg date

 

Thanks... However, I don't want Windows 8, for my desktop. I don't want to use tiles. Is that price at newegg for WIN7 Ulltimate original disc or download? Also, probably not available to those outside of the USA.

 

You don't have to use tiles. You can run Win8 without ever seeing the tiles.

 

right you are.
i never see the tiles either.

there are many ways to go around that.
for example, you can access the Control Panel by right-clicking on the Start button, chose the Control Panel and search for what you need, from Defrag to firewall to Add/Remove programs to Updates, etc.

to launch non-Windows programs there are many ways to go around the tiles.
mine is just to put all my shortcuts in a folder named, you guessed it, "Shortcuts". lol
i just launch the folder
other people will chose Classic Shell or whatever.

having said that, it's very easy to add your own shortcuts to the tile/Metro menu and group them.
if you can't add a shortcut for one of your program to the Start/Metro just add a shortcut to this folder: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu, and you will be then be able to add it to the Metro tiles.
i did this in about 10 minutes just for fun.
eh, i might even start using it now that it's done!

 

Hi Brian, long time no see...I still haven't done a restore with IFW by Terabyte, even after you helped me to take a snapshot. ...not game, I guess...I just think it is because, I have always relied on FD-ISR.

I just have an aversion to Windows 8. But, when I get around to getting a new custom desktop, I will get whatever new flavour of Windows is available.

 

I don't work on, or advise anyone with door stops, so to be honest anyone even talking about it shouldn't have a system that is at least beyond toaster level. My father inlaw had a Single-Core 1.1ghz Celeron until last Christmas when I refused to work on it anymore. Some people need to be nudged to ditch their umbilical cords. My wife has an ancient laptop, which runs Windows 8.1 amazingly well, but it's a dual core with 4GB, but it's still close to 7 years old. (Toshiba Satellite A305-S6883)

 

Absolutely 7 I tried 8, haven't had an OS get in my way as much since Win 3.11 for normal day-to-day things like editing documents.
The point of an operating system is to let you easily organize and run OTHER THINGS
7 does, 8 purposely makes it perversely difficult.
Yes 8 can be tweaked to make it (almost) bearable, but you shouldn't have to, that's wasted time too.
If the object is to promote Linux Win8 is a work of PURE GENIUS!

 

it's not that difficult.
it's just different.
it's simple really, just launch Windows programs by right-clicking on the Start button, launching the Control Panel and search it to launch a Windows program.
for example, if you search Metro for Updates it will launch a Metro app for Windows Updates.
if you search the Control Panel it will launch the Desktop version.
it's really the only niggle i have with Windows 8; the duality of some functions in both Desktop and Metro flavors.

i tried a whole bunch of Linux distros in the last year, over 20 different ones, and went back to Windows.
so there you go.
----
edit:
now that i have set up my Start/Metro screen i find it a lot faster than using a folder with my shortcuts to launch programs.

before, i'd have to double-click on the desktop to launch Directory Opus file manager, another click to click on my favorites, another click to select my Shortcuts folder, then another click to close the folder after the program was launched.
that's 4 clicks.

now, i only have to click once on the Start button!

 

Me too. I prefer Metro to a Win7 Start Menu.

 

Yeah, that should be fine. Get a 64bit version of Win7/Win8. Sometimes on Dells they don't offer drivers on their support site for newer versions of Windows (they basically only include support for what came installed on the box). But, that's usually not a huge issue and the drivers can be tracked down, if Windows doesn't automatically install them (and it usually does anyway).

I know it. Just that when someone says they have an XP system it literally can be anything built since 98 even. Or even if their cpu can handle it, they might have to throw some more ram in, and then it'll run whatever fine. Sometimes also a new videocard if the onboard is older (cause of drivers).

I don't recommend people run old legacy hardware (10+ years old) as their main systems either (less it actually does do everything they need). Then you're looking at Linux distros that work on older hardware, and that's a whole nother topic in itself.

 

Much appreciated.

 

Windows 8.1 has a ROBUST driver install system, and will find drivers automatically for virtually every configuration out there. By the way.

 

I have Windows 8.1 Pro, I dislike the Tiles but I can tolerate them. After Windows 9 comes out Microsoft says they will bring back Xp style start menu in a update, I can't wait.

 

Just install Classic Shell.

http://www.classicshell.net

I haven't seen tiles in... Months? My experience in terms of 'look' with Windows 8.1 almost explicitly mirrors XP/7.

 

I'm a bit confused on which package to buy for a novice like me? The package with the physical disc, or those license keys and go to the download site? Been noticing those choices on ebay.

Edit: there is also the "System Builder" which sounds like an enhancement to what you already have but am not sure. Any comments on that are appreciated.

Edit2: I take it the "full version" essentially means box, instructions, disc. Should I be attempting a download version or go with a full build with instructions for novices like me?

 

Win8 different versions: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/compare
Win7 different versions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions

So I'd get this if you want Windows 8: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...416778&cm_re=windows_8-_-32-416-778-_-Product

Or this for Win7: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...416808&cm_re=windows_7-_-32-416-808-_-Product

If I was buying a version of Windows today I'd just get Win8 and install Classicshell.

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

I do not know why people are so dismissive of windows 8 and 8.1
Windows 8.1 will be faster on the same hardware and Microsoft have already stated that the start menu will be back in an upcoming update.
on non touch hardware 8.1 will boot to desktop so you do not even need to see the metro stuff.
I feel people are spreading FUD just like with vista. how many people bashed vista without even trying it ?

 

Sorry I didn't mean the differences between the versions. I meant should I buy the full version with the physical disc (box), or for less go with the license key and download site? This is what I'm finding on ebay. I am asking from the point of a novice who is installing it myself. I imagine the full box version, right?

 

Afair 8.1 forced to search for programs & files in a weird way, cheated by fast startup which messes with taking and restoring system images, and plain forced me to do things their way. Not right now M$. I'll wait till your engineers are back from helping the ***, *** or whomever create backdoors. Then I expect Windows 9 to be much much better. The every other MS OS good/**** dealie that everybody pretends isn't real.