There most certainly is a 32-bit Windows 8. I'm running it in my VM now (final release from MSDN).
Windows 8 vs. Windows 7 Benchmarks: Microsoft's Latest OS Put to the Test
- Thread starter Steve
- Start date
G
Guest
LOL - so the really big takeaway from all this is, use Win7 or Win8, other than start/stop they're basically the same - but be aware that Firefox and especially Chrome blow away IE10, so make dang sure you're not using IE; and under no circumstances use any browser shackled by the Metro browser limitations.
Hmm, not sure that's what MS was aiming for ...
Hmm, not sure that's what MS was aiming for ...
G
Guest
I would agree with the others, I do not like the metro UI and wish that Microsoft gave you the option between the two on installation. I know there are some of you out there will say just run it in desktop mode.. it just not the same and most if not all business users will stay away from this OS like the plague. I think Microsoft has just just themselves in the foot on forcing this new UI on every one. I can see maybe if you had a tablet it might be okay, but not for a desktop user. I think with such a low upgrade price (around $40 moving from Windows 7) they think they will get a lot of users to convert, but I bet when they try it they will go back to Windows 7. I hope they introduce the performance enhancement in Windows 7 Service Pack 2.
RubinOnRye
Posts: 58 +3
People didn't like the Vista/Windows 7 interface for a long time, some still don't.
Ugh....I'm not the biggest fan of the "metro" interface, but I might as well start to learn it. 
And there's some people who say that they'll skip this and wait for Windows 9.
But how do we know that Microsoft will abandon the "Start" Menu altogether and discontinue this feature for all future versions of Windows?
All I can say is we should all try to embrace this new UI and get used to it in case Microsoft does indeed continue this route.
And there's some people who say that they'll skip this and wait for Windows 9.
But how do we know that Microsoft will abandon the "Start" Menu altogether and discontinue this feature for all future versions of Windows?
All I can say is we should all try to embrace this new UI and get used to it in case Microsoft does indeed continue this route.
G
Guest
"Ugh....I'm not the biggest fan of the "metro" interface, but I might as well start to learn it.
And there's some people who say that they'll skip this and wait for Windows 9.
But how do we know that Microsoft will abandon the "Start" Menu altogether and discontinue this feature for all future versions of Windows?
All I can say is we should all try to embrace this new UI and get used to it in case Microsoft does indeed continue this route."
It seems you like a basic common sense in how free market enterprises work. The less number of copies people purchase of Windows 8, the less money Microsoft makes. The more inclined Microsoft might be willing to actually listen to the hands that are feeding them next time around.
You making a conscious decision to go out and buy a product you don't have a strong interest in allows and encourages Microsoft to continue producing whatever software 'they' want to put out instead of what the consumers of the product want.
The consumer decides on whether or not Windows 9 goes back to the roots of Windows 7 or continues down the same path as Windows 8. Make no mistake about that. Microsoft cannot afford to make decisions in a bubble.
I consciously will 'choose' NOT to buy Windows 8. I making a conscious decision with my wallet no matter how cheap it is. I hope many people will join me.
And there's some people who say that they'll skip this and wait for Windows 9.
But how do we know that Microsoft will abandon the "Start" Menu altogether and discontinue this feature for all future versions of Windows?
All I can say is we should all try to embrace this new UI and get used to it in case Microsoft does indeed continue this route."
It seems you like a basic common sense in how free market enterprises work. The less number of copies people purchase of Windows 8, the less money Microsoft makes. The more inclined Microsoft might be willing to actually listen to the hands that are feeding them next time around.
You making a conscious decision to go out and buy a product you don't have a strong interest in allows and encourages Microsoft to continue producing whatever software 'they' want to put out instead of what the consumers of the product want.
The consumer decides on whether or not Windows 9 goes back to the roots of Windows 7 or continues down the same path as Windows 8. Make no mistake about that. Microsoft cannot afford to make decisions in a bubble.
I consciously will 'choose' NOT to buy Windows 8. I making a conscious decision with my wallet no matter how cheap it is. I hope many people will join me.
LOL. Hey man, I'm with you. I'll be sure to tell my system administrators at work who commands over 800 workstations to make sure not to upgrade to Win 8 in the next few months.
Thanks for the tip bro. I'm sure every little bit helps. =P
@RubinOnRye
Sad, but true I'm sure. On a side note, I still have friends and relatives who still use WinXP because they refuse to embrace the changes of Vista/Win 7. Nothing wrong with it as long as the functionality still works for them.
DAOWAce
Posts: 325 +64
So encoding performance is better on 8, ugh.
I will never touch 8 unless it's on a tablet. The OS is an insult for desktop power users like myself (as is Microsoft's insatiable and pointless need to re-design the UI for every Windows release. That alone keeps me from using Windows 7 in more than a VM.)
I will never touch 8 unless it's on a tablet. The OS is an insult for desktop power users like myself (as is Microsoft's insatiable and pointless need to re-design the UI for every Windows release. That alone keeps me from using Windows 7 in more than a VM.)
G
Guest
Look. Eventually, we'll all have to update to Win8. However, my issue is that it's basically a "phone". I don't want a phone, I want a PC.
EXCellR8
Posts: 1,797 +1
I was recently doing a little IT work at one of the Microsoft locations in Boston; it was impossible to ignore how hard the company is pushing 8. All of the employees got new touch screen LCD and tablets... or will get tablets either way. On top of that the scheme of the place was very inspired by the whole "metro" style or whatever they call it now.
I didn't really get to talk to anyone about Windows 8 performance but I do know that the little Lenovo port replicators I installed don't have Win8 drivers, which translated into a lot of confused/annoyed employees...
I didn't really get to talk to anyone about Windows 8 performance but I do know that the little Lenovo port replicators I installed don't have Win8 drivers, which translated into a lot of confused/annoyed employees...
G
Guest
Agree
And the time saved with Win8 to boot is more than lost getting through Metro etc.
Win7 for me and looks like for quite a while.
And the time saved with Win8 to boot is more than lost getting through Metro etc.
Win7 for me and looks like for quite a while.
stansfield
Posts: 106 +33
I don't see what the problem is with the metro interface. It is so easy to delete the lot and I have replaced it with pinned tiles for my programs which gives quite an attractive appearance.
I have added a shut down button to the taskbar to avoid using the "charms bar" which I find a pain in the backside and eventully hope to find a way to eliminate it completely and provide taskbar or alternative methods of accessing its functions. On the whole I like windows 8(modified) and with an ssd and 2.5 dual core laptop the startup time is 13 secs and shutdown time instantaneous.
There are plenty of geeks working on mods for w8 and eventually we should be able to eradicate
and replace the detail we find annoying.
I have added a shut down button to the taskbar to avoid using the "charms bar" which I find a pain in the backside and eventully hope to find a way to eliminate it completely and provide taskbar or alternative methods of accessing its functions. On the whole I like windows 8(modified) and with an ssd and 2.5 dual core laptop the startup time is 13 secs and shutdown time instantaneous.
There are plenty of geeks working on mods for w8 and eventually we should be able to eradicate
and replace the detail we find annoying.
G
Guest
Guest said:
"Look. Eventually, we'll all have to update to Win8. However, my issue is that it's basically a "phone". I don't want a phone, I want a PC."
Says who? Are they working on a new law in Washington I haven't heard about that mandates that every U.S. citizen must update their OS to Windows 8? The things people say. Where is Bill Cosby when you need him most?
stansfield said:
"I don't see what the problem is with the metro interface. It is so easy to delete the lot and I have replaced it with pinned tiles for my programs which gives quite an attractive appearance.
I have added a shut down button to the taskbar to avoid using the "charms bar" which I find a pain in the backside and eventully hope to find a way to eliminate it completely and provide taskbar or alternative methods of accessing its functions. On the whole I like windows 8(modified) and with an ssd and 2.5 dual core laptop the startup time is 13 secs and shutdown time instantaneous.
There are plenty of geeks working on mods for w8 and eventually we should be able to eradicate
and replace the detail we find annoying."
You obviously 'do' see the problem with the metro interface since you are doing everything in your power to circumvent its use. All this because Windows 8 boots up and shuts down faster? It's amazing how smart marketing can brainwash people into doing crazy things. It seems to me that people have a blind obsession with being on-board with the latest technology. Somehow, if it's new they gotta have it, no matter what the cost.
It seems to me, after having read so many posts with regards to Windows 8 that people don't realize they have a 'choice' regarding whether or not to upgrade to Windows 8. The fact is, there is choice, but unless you speak with your wallet, and purposely choose 'not' to upgrade to Windows 8, then Microsoft will assume this is what the masses want. If you genuinely love the 'gay' metro interface then, by all means, upgrade to Windows 8. If you are a person who doesn't like the new Windows 8 OS, like the obvious two posters I have quoted, then DONT BUY IT.
"Look. Eventually, we'll all have to update to Win8. However, my issue is that it's basically a "phone". I don't want a phone, I want a PC."
Says who? Are they working on a new law in Washington I haven't heard about that mandates that every U.S. citizen must update their OS to Windows 8? The things people say. Where is Bill Cosby when you need him most?
stansfield said:
"I don't see what the problem is with the metro interface. It is so easy to delete the lot and I have replaced it with pinned tiles for my programs which gives quite an attractive appearance.
I have added a shut down button to the taskbar to avoid using the "charms bar" which I find a pain in the backside and eventully hope to find a way to eliminate it completely and provide taskbar or alternative methods of accessing its functions. On the whole I like windows 8(modified) and with an ssd and 2.5 dual core laptop the startup time is 13 secs and shutdown time instantaneous.
There are plenty of geeks working on mods for w8 and eventually we should be able to eradicate
and replace the detail we find annoying."
You obviously 'do' see the problem with the metro interface since you are doing everything in your power to circumvent its use. All this because Windows 8 boots up and shuts down faster? It's amazing how smart marketing can brainwash people into doing crazy things. It seems to me that people have a blind obsession with being on-board with the latest technology. Somehow, if it's new they gotta have it, no matter what the cost.
It seems to me, after having read so many posts with regards to Windows 8 that people don't realize they have a 'choice' regarding whether or not to upgrade to Windows 8. The fact is, there is choice, but unless you speak with your wallet, and purposely choose 'not' to upgrade to Windows 8, then Microsoft will assume this is what the masses want. If you genuinely love the 'gay' metro interface then, by all means, upgrade to Windows 8. If you are a person who doesn't like the new Windows 8 OS, like the obvious two posters I have quoted, then DONT BUY IT.
stansfield
Posts: 106 +33
guest, I think you misunderstand.
I don't see the metro interface as a problem since it is possible to get rid of it!!!!!
For some increase in performance from w7 I am willing to adapt w8 but if it appears not to be worthwhile then I won't use w8. Like most who use this site, I like playing around with OS's etc and nothing is written in stone!!! Re-read my comments where it says "on the whole I like w8 (modified)" since your
penultimate sentence says otherwise.
I don't see the metro interface as a problem since it is possible to get rid of it!!!!!
For some increase in performance from w7 I am willing to adapt w8 but if it appears not to be worthwhile then I won't use w8. Like most who use this site, I like playing around with OS's etc and nothing is written in stone!!! Re-read my comments where it says "on the whole I like w8 (modified)" since your
penultimate sentence says otherwise.
Wizz-Fizz
Posts: 37 +14
I did some pretty extensive testing myself with the Consumer Preview on, what is now, a very low spec laptop.
I must admit, I was quite impressed with the performance. I had some compatibility issues, but I believe that that was the CP version.
My concern here with this side-by-side, as call me a cinic, is that its not a true apples to apples comparison.
My primary example being the Win 8/Excel 2013 c Win 7/Excel 2010
Lets keep the testing and comparisons even shall we?
Truth be told, we are NOT comparing Win 8 and Win 7 with this test.
Throwing a completely different version of office into the mix completely invalidates that test!
I agree that Win 8 has some improvements in the figues, and that the documented improvements look wonderful, but... and there is always a but....
I really dont see these improvements to be great enough to offset the sheer costs of upskilling the workforce (at my workplace) to use, what is in essence, a completely new OS.
My two cents worth......
I must admit, I was quite impressed with the performance. I had some compatibility issues, but I believe that that was the CP version.
My concern here with this side-by-side, as call me a cinic, is that its not a true apples to apples comparison.
My primary example being the Win 8/Excel 2013 c Win 7/Excel 2010
Lets keep the testing and comparisons even shall we?
Truth be told, we are NOT comparing Win 8 and Win 7 with this test.
Throwing a completely different version of office into the mix completely invalidates that test!
I agree that Win 8 has some improvements in the figues, and that the documented improvements look wonderful, but... and there is always a but....
I really dont see these improvements to be great enough to offset the sheer costs of upskilling the workforce (at my workplace) to use, what is in essence, a completely new OS.
My two cents worth......
Im not seeing enough of a performance difference to make up for the crappy UI. I already know how to use Win 95 - 7; that alone is reason enough to resist migrating to Win 8. Win 8 my GTX 680 can render some office program at 4000 FPS and it boots a few seconds faster, if you deduct all the google searching trying to figure out how to make the damn thing work I more than make up for the 10ms faster OS response time by simply knowing exactly what Im doing without having to relearn something I already know how to do.
Sorry Microsoft, I have better things to do than throw 17 years of muscle memory out the window so you can push your crappy app store.
Sorry Microsoft, I have better things to do than throw 17 years of muscle memory out the window so you can push your crappy app store.
G
Guest
Generally good artile, but I think that section with browser testing is bad. Using browser-vendor benchmarks which often are tailored to their own browser is mistake and skews results against IE because suit then doesn't include Microsoft's own tests (IE testdrive). AFAIK there are few benchmarks which are independant and might have better validity then current selection.
G
Guest
Not quite true.
"Windows 8 Professional" 32 bit is available through Microsoft tech network. No word on the difference in OS architecture tough...
"Windows 8 Professional" 32 bit is available through Microsoft tech network. No word on the difference in OS architecture tough...
G
Guest
well I already wasnt going to switch to 8, because I tried it and hated it. The interface really sux. The metro feature is retarded. If I wanted a tablet I would use my ipad. Personally I view this as Microsoft conceeding to Apple, trying to gain back some market share by putting apps all over the screen. FAIL
Nice to know WIN7 kicks it's butt in gaming anyway.
Nice to know WIN7 kicks it's butt in gaming anyway.
G
Guest
From what I see of the results, Win7 & win8 are pretty much equal for the average person day to day... so the only selling point is the new look... oh dear... poor Microsoft...
Most average people (the bulk of buyers) are not bothered if something is 5 seconds faster or slower, for them only differences of several minutes or more are important. If Win8 was able to do things in a few seconds that Win7 takes several minutes to do then they'd be impressed.
Win8 is almost certainly destined to be remembered in the same way as WinMe and Vista...
It also doesn't help when companies such as AMD stop supporting hardware on Win8... the 48xx (like my 4850) is not supported, and there will be no Catalyst Control Panel in Win8, so no overclocking or tweaking of AA, etc... That knocks the price up of Win8 dramatically as I would have to buy a new GPU to keep up to date in it...
No thanks... I'll stick to Windows 7 for a few more years. It does everything I need it to and looks nicer to boot!
I would be very surprised if Modern UI doesn't disappear from the Desktop with Windows 9 in a couple of years! It really is that awful on the desktop.
Compared to Windows 3.1, Windows 95 was amazing a the time. However Windows 98SE was the best iteration of that product line, to me Win95 and Win98 were betas on the road to Win98SE.
Then along came WinMe... oh dear... there were some great ideas in there but no... just no... again, in a way WinMe was like an early Alpha version of XP (Windows 2000 was more like a beta to Windows XP). Finally XP came out and hit the ground running!
So MS true to form launched Windows 7 Beta... sorry... Vista..., along with the other two betas (Windows Server), until finally Windows 7 came along...Now Windows 7 is a hard act to follow...
Again MS is sticking to the 'release a beta' tradition with the release of Windows 8! So the question now is will Windows 9 be another beta step or a final product? If I was forced to guess I would say it may be another beta... then I would predict Microsoft will release the final, which I predict may be called just "Windows" no version numbers at all.
1.0 + 2.0 + 3.0 = 3.1
95 + 95SR + 98 = 98SE
WinMe + 2000 = XP
Vista + Sever + Home Server = 7
8 + 9 = Windows™
Have I got it right? Only time will tell...
Most average people (the bulk of buyers) are not bothered if something is 5 seconds faster or slower, for them only differences of several minutes or more are important. If Win8 was able to do things in a few seconds that Win7 takes several minutes to do then they'd be impressed.
Win8 is almost certainly destined to be remembered in the same way as WinMe and Vista...
It also doesn't help when companies such as AMD stop supporting hardware on Win8... the 48xx (like my 4850) is not supported, and there will be no Catalyst Control Panel in Win8, so no overclocking or tweaking of AA, etc... That knocks the price up of Win8 dramatically as I would have to buy a new GPU to keep up to date in it...
No thanks... I'll stick to Windows 7 for a few more years. It does everything I need it to and looks nicer to boot!
I would be very surprised if Modern UI doesn't disappear from the Desktop with Windows 9 in a couple of years! It really is that awful on the desktop.
Compared to Windows 3.1, Windows 95 was amazing a the time. However Windows 98SE was the best iteration of that product line, to me Win95 and Win98 were betas on the road to Win98SE.
Then along came WinMe... oh dear... there were some great ideas in there but no... just no... again, in a way WinMe was like an early Alpha version of XP (Windows 2000 was more like a beta to Windows XP). Finally XP came out and hit the ground running!
So MS true to form launched Windows 7 Beta... sorry... Vista..., along with the other two betas (Windows Server), until finally Windows 7 came along...Now Windows 7 is a hard act to follow...
Again MS is sticking to the 'release a beta' tradition with the release of Windows 8! So the question now is will Windows 9 be another beta step or a final product? If I was forced to guess I would say it may be another beta... then I would predict Microsoft will release the final, which I predict may be called just "Windows" no version numbers at all.
1.0 + 2.0 + 3.0 = 3.1
95 + 95SR + 98 = 98SE
WinMe + 2000 = XP
Vista + Sever + Home Server = 7
8 + 9 = Windows™
Have I got it right? Only time will tell...
cliffordcooley
Posts: 13,141 +6,441
If I was to make a guess, at the rate Microsoft is going they will likely drop the Windows naming completely. They are changing the desktop experience, logos, and corporate name font, why not change the name while they are at it. The name seems to be the only constant, whats keeping them from changing it.
Do not see much of a difference between windows 7 and 8! Have a great day on purpose!
