Joanne Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 My machine is running like a dog and I haven't imaged it since I started here, so now is the time. BUT... Windows 7 or Windows 8.1? I'm on Server 2008 R2 with the DC. Thanks in advance!
Wonderburg Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Hi Joanne, As long as you are not restricted to Windows 7 due to certain programs, I'd personally use Windows 8.1. With 8.2 around the corner now would be a good time to get used to the whole Windows 8 interface. It's always good to keep updated
Simcfc73 Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 If you have a touch screen w8, if you don't windows 7. *waits for 'stuck in the past gibes*
tmcd35 Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 If you have a touch screen w8, if you don't windows 7. *waits for 'stuck in the past gibes* I'm with you in retro-7-land
Joanne Posted June 16, 2014 Author Posted June 16, 2014 I'm already very familiar with Windows 8.1. I've had it on my laptop at home since it came out. I don't have a touch screen... suppose if I install 8.1 I can get the group policy crap working... No software restrictions that I know of... the network is 64 bit Windows 7...
StevieM Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 While I've left the rest of the domain on Windows 7, I've got 8.1 on my laptop now. After despising Windows 8 with a passion, the improvements that came with 8.1 made it worthwhile. There are still a few things that really annoy me, but overall I do like it now. I'm non-touch, so very rarely go near the metro side of things. I really do miss the 'Start Menu', though.
Dos_Box Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 I'm on Win 8.1 with Start 8 as my replacement start menu: The Windows 8 Start menu returns with Start8! I've been using Start 8 since Windows 8 was released and is the best £3.50 I've spent is quite a while. Given the stability and features of Windows 8 I would recommend moving especially as it'll make using and working with W8 easier once your domain moves over. 1
gshaw Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Another vote for 8.1, surprisingly usable on a desktop after using it for some time on my home machine plus a couple of laptops
StevieM Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 (edited) I'm on Win 8.1 with Start 8 as my replacement start menu: The Windows 8 Start menu returns with Start8! I've been using Start 8 since Windows 8 was released and is the best £3.50 I've spent is quite a while. Given the stability and features of Windows 8 I would recommend moving especially as it'll make using and working with W8 easier once your domain moves over. Just installed Start8 and I no longer have ANY issues with Windows 8.1. Of course, @Joanne, you could always dual-boot - if you felt the need. Edited June 16, 2014 by StevieM
bladedanny Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 In the past I've had various OSs on my machine that differ from the the rest of the network. Now I have the same as everyone else so when I'm doing any training materials or showing staff etc. it's the same on mine as it is for them. If your network clients are windows 7 I'd go with that.
Michael Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Windows 7 (1st preference) or Windows 8.1 with Classic Shell
themightymrp Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 I'd go 8.1. My office PC is the only one in school not on 7 and it is nice and quick! Not had any issues here, using 2008 DC
Joanne Posted June 16, 2014 Author Posted June 16, 2014 Downloading the 8.1 ISO from VLSC as we speak... I might have to get myself some more RAM though... pitiful at 2GB
Michael Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 I'd highly recommend Windows 7 in that case. Windows 8.1 runs slow with 2GB of memory. It runs nice on the right system, but it has a larger memory appetite!
Joanne Posted June 16, 2014 Author Posted June 16, 2014 I might steal the RAM out of a machine in the PPA room that nobody uses. They have 2 extra laptops to use in there now so I don't think it will be missed!
Zoom7000 Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 Definitely Windows 8.1 for me. I though performance was good on Windows 7, but 8.1 far exceeds it!
abillybob Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 It depends whether or not you're connecting it to the Domain? If you are connecting a Windows 8 machine to a 2008 R2 domain then you may encounter some serious problems. If you leave it as a local machine however then I'd recommend Windows 8.1 all the way, the driver compatibility and the reliability of the OS is superior compared to that of Windows 7. It does get on my nerves not having a simple start menu sometimes so I installed Classic Shell work like a dream and the application is tiny, I was really impressed the way it works and install that on every windows 8 machine I have used ever since! Give it a go!!! This is what mine looks like
LeMarchand Posted June 16, 2014 Posted June 16, 2014 8.1 on any of "my" machines across my sites, even if I've had to reallocate RAM. *whistles*
Joanne Posted June 16, 2014 Author Posted June 16, 2014 I'm all 8.1-ed up now with Office 2013. OMG Outlook 2013 is a beautiful thing! Used office 2013 for ages, but never outlook....
Joanne Posted June 16, 2014 Author Posted June 16, 2014 It depends whether or not you're connecting it to the Domain? If you are connecting a Windows 8 machine to a 2008 R2 domain then you may encounter some serious problems. If you leave it as a local machine however then I'd recommend Windows 8.1 all the way, the driver compatibility and the reliability of the OS is superior compared to that of Windows 7. It does get on my nerves not having a simple start menu sometimes so I installed Classic Shell work like a dream and the application is tiny, I was really impressed the way it works and install that on every windows 8 machine I have used ever since! Give it a go!!! This is what mine looks like [ATTACH=CONFIG]25106[/ATTACH] I had issues at a previous place with 2008R2 and 8. I've cracked this machine straight onto the domain and it seems to be working normally thus far. Got all my mapped drives, folder redirects and even the don't remember last username group policy. So far so good.
SYNACK Posted June 21, 2014 Posted June 21, 2014 (edited) It depends whether or not you're connecting it to the Domain? If you are connecting a Windows 8 machine to a 2008 R2 domain then you may encounter some serious problems. If you leave it as a local machine however then I'd recommend Windows 8.1 all the way, the driver compatibility and the reliability of the OS is superior compared to that of Windows 7. It does get on my nerves not having a simple start menu sometimes so I installed Classic Shell work like a dream and the application is tiny, I was really impressed the way it works and install that on every windows 8 machine I have used ever since! Give it a go!!! This is what mine looks like ] What issues did you have stacks of 8.1 machines on a Sever 2k8 network without any major issues. Edited June 21, 2014 by SYNACK
Jasbo Posted June 21, 2014 Posted June 21, 2014 "Now I have the same as everyone else so when I'm doing any training materials or showing staff etc. it's the same on mine as it is for them" That's good advice, I have my admin machine for network admin and an office machine built the same as everyone else for training and replication of issues. Both 7 at present but going to upgrade my admin machine to 8.1
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