Windows 8 or 7 on brand new network?

[ICT_GUY]

Core duo PC's, brand new server.

 

It's going to be a do over from scratch as currently the clients are all XP.

 

Lots of old software that is going to have to be replaced.

 

All feedback appreciated.

[Steve21]

Win7. No point at all going for Win8 until there's a proper way to deploy, and manage everything you'd want. And there's really no benefit to Win8 without all the touchtouch stuff imho.

 

Steve

[VeryPC_Tom_M]

A lot of this comes down to how you're wanting to configure your network.

 

While I use Windows 8 at work and home, I don't need to consider GP and Security (proxy in TIFKAM IE) implications.

 

I'm sure that there's been various questions asked in the Windows 8 Forum here, to guide you to some of the potential pitfalls you may face.

 

Windows 8.1 -MAY- resolve some of these problems, but as it's rumoured to be going to RTM at the end of August, it may not be available for the beginning of the next school year.

[FN-GM]

Windows 8. Replacing Windows 7 machines here with it.

[ICT_GUY]

And your reasons for choosing win 8?

 

I like win 7 personally, but that is because I am used to the old style I guess.

[FN-GM]

Its a similar interface with new tablets. Educates users to the new interface. Some users prefer it. Works well on our large touch screens. The person opinion of the IT dept should have no influence.

[Vasriel]

You said lots of old software will be replaced, but is there any that won't be replaced? Have you tested it will work with Windows 8?

[gshaw]

Windows 8.1 should make life much easier in terms of network deployment so I'd definitely hold out until then at the very least; at present I'd be sticking with 7 on desktops but looking to run 8 on tablets with a view to testing 8.1 on some trial desktops and see how it goes in terms of user acceptance and compatibility. IE10 causes problems for some of our web apps so make sure you've factored that into your testing as well.

[ICT_GUY]

You said lots of old software will be replaced, but is there any that won't be replaced? Have you tested it will work with Windows 8?

 

Not had a chance to play with windows 8 much (at all). I was waiting till 8.1. I have not had a chance to test the software yet, but I am hoping to gut most of the legacy applications. We still have some that stipulate win 95 and at least one that has a recommended spec of a 486!

[Davit2005]

If you are going from Win XP to Win 7 be best to check every bit of software is compatible before you deploy everywhere and then find things don't work at the lesson time.