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Recommend OS for a new build

dud

dud

Diamond Member
This will be my first "new" build in 12 years and will probably be i5-based. I have determined that Linux (prob Ubuntu or Mint) would be a good choice for about 75% of what this machine will be required to do ... but unfortunately, does not support gaming to the same level that Windows does. My choices (as I see them) are as follows:

Win 7 - Currently using on most of my machines. I am confortable with this OS. Only concern is that MS will drop support of it sooner than later (it has been out for 5 years).

Win 8.1 - I know little about 8.1 but hear a lot of complaints (especially about Win 8). Only advantange it has over Win 7 is that it has only been out for a year so will prob be supported longer.

Win 10 - Not available until 2015 (?). Only knowlege I have of this OS is what I read on the forums.


Guys/gals, this will be my main machine and I will be highly dependent upon it. This machine will be required for general purpose use (MS Office work, surfing, etc.) as well as playing various games. It is the gaming requirement that is pushing me towards "investing" in a MS OS. Which would you recommend and why? I appreciate your advice ...
 
If not linux, then go for Win8.1. If you don't like the start screen use the desktop only. Add a start button and you are good to go. Main reason over Win7 is longer lifespan and newer kernel. Works a little faster too.

Or install linux and wait for Win10, around April next year. Still in beta stage so not recommended, undependable.
 
I would recommend going with 8.1 as well. It will have a longer service life than 7(7 reaches its end of mainstream support on 1-13-15) and it's believed that MS may give 8.1 users a free/discounted upgrade to 10.

Like ArisVer mentioned if you don't like the oem gui of 8.1 there are many start button programs out that do a nice job.
 
bbhaag said:
I would recommend going with 8.1 as well. It will have a longer service life than 7(7 reaches its end of mainstream support on 1-13-15) and it's believed that MS may give 8.1 users a free/discounted upgrade to 10.

Like ArisVer mentioned if you don't like the oem gui of 8.1 there are many start button programs out that do a nice job.
Click to expand...



Thanks, this is just what I was lokoing for all in one concise post. I had no idea that Win 7 "mainstream" support ends in 1st Q CY 15. This really sucks for Win 7 users. How long do you think MS will continue to support after that time?

Good to know that buyers of 8.1 may get a "free" or at least a discount to upgrade to 10. Damn, if Linux provided better gaming support I would drop MS in a short second. Having to purchase an OS adds from $75 to $125 to the cost of each build. Other than Linux are there any alternatives?
 
dud said:
Other than Linux are there any alternatives?
Click to expand...

If gaming is a priority, then there really aren't any alternatives. Linux is slowly gaining some support (the new Borderlands game for example is also releasing for Linux), but Windows is still the only real solution.
 
dud said:
Thanks, this is just what I was lokoing for all in one concise post. I had no idea that Win 7 "mainstream" support ends in 1st Q CY 15. This really sucks for Win 7 users. How long do you think MS will continue to support after that time?

Good to know that buyers of 8.1 may get a "free" or at least a discount to upgrade to 10. Damn, if Linux provided better gaming support I would drop MS in a short second. Having to purchase an OS adds from $75 to $125 to the cost of each build. Other than Linux are there any alternatives?
Click to expand...

Not that I'm aware of. You could give SteamOS a try but I think it's limited when it comes to browsing and office type applications. I'm also not sure how well it does with streaming video but I believe they have a Netflix app now.
The bright side is it's free to try so if it doesn't work out you won't be out anything except a little time.
 
8.1, Classic Shell 4.10, and possibly an explorer replacement such as Explorer++.

33xa1y8.jpg
 
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If you wanted to try out a Linux distro check out:
http://zorin-os.com/
10 Euros and they claim to support gaming.
*About $13 at time of post.
*They also say to try the free version to make sure it runs on your system.

Everyone here seems to be telling you that 8.1 is the way to go but I prefer Win7. The only advantage to 8.1 that I could see is the updated kernel. And once Win10 is released I foresee mainstream and extended support for Win8.1 to diminish rapidly.
 
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I wanted to thank everyone for responding and providing some amazing advice. If you think about it ... this is a problem that we all face every time we build a new system, assuming that we do not use Linux or have a bunch of Windows licenses in our wallet.
 
Skaendo said:
If you wanted to try out a Linux distro check out:
http://zorin-os.com/
10 Euros and they claim to support gaming.
*About $13 at time of post.
*They also say to try the free version to make sure it runs on your system.
Click to expand...

Zorin uses the same things to support games that every other Linux distribution uses: WINE and PlayOnLinux. I have had decent results especially with POL, but I wouldn't want to try another super modern with it.
 
Chiefcrowe said:
I'd go with 8.1 and then upgrade to 10 later. It is more secure and faster than 7 in my experience.
Click to expand...


I think that is the best option,good chance he will be able to upgrade to Win10 for free as well or cheap price(not confirmed yet).

Another option is dual boot with Linux and Windows.


He is use to Win7 so something like Win8.1 with Start8 or free third party Start menu.
Win8.1 with start8
8.png
 
I'd install GNU/Linux, and wait on the new Windows. Since you keep computers forever, the latest will give the longest support.
 
If you own a copy of Windows already, just run a dual boot system, and wait for Win10 to be released.
 
It's Not Lupus said:
extended support for windows 7 ends jan 2020.
Click to expand...

MS doesn't care about 7 anymore. All the new features and shiny bits like new DX will be in 10 and if backported to 8.1 only. Once something hits security support only its obsolete. 8.1 is mainstream supported until January 2018. Assuming we don't all blow each up by then though! :awe:
 
Skaendo said:
If you own a copy of Windows already, just run a dual boot system, and wait for Win10 to be released.
Click to expand...



I do not own enough copies for all of my machines hence I started this thread asking the direction I should tak OS-wise.
 
Personally i would go with Win8.1.

It has fixed alot of the oddness that 8 had and if you really need the start menu, you can get one of the free ones.

personally I use on my home machine and once I set it to boot to desktop automatically and set the start menu to set program over apps on the start screen I rarely see the metro stuff.

One note with 8.1, if you do not want to sign in with a microsoft account you can get around it 2 ways. This is one stupid oddity that got into 8.1.
In 8 it gave you the choice upfront
1) Easiest leave network unplugged until you get to the desktop
2) When it asks to sign in, say create new, and then there is the option to cancel it/login with local account
 
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Dahak said:
Personally i would go with Win8.1.

It has fixed alot of the oddness that 8 had and if you really need the start menu, you can get one of the free ones.

personally I use on my home machine and once I set it to boot to desktop automatically and set the start menu to set program over apps on the start screen I rarely see the metro stuff.

One note with 8.1, if you do not want to sign in with a microsoft account you can get around it 2 ways. This is one stupid oddity that got into 8.1.
In 8 it gave you the choice upfront
1) Easiest leave network unplugged until you get to the desktop
2) When it asks to sign in, say create new, and then there is the option to cancel it/login with local account
Click to expand...

I wouldn't go with Win8/8.1. Your just setting yourself up for disappointment there. You might as well install some Linux distro and wait for Win10 to be released if you cant get gaming to work on Linux.
 
Skaendo said:
I wouldn't go with Win8/8.1. Your just setting yourself up for disappointment there. You might as well install some Linux distro and wait for Win10 to be released if you cant get gaming to work on Linux.
Click to expand...


100% disagree with this statement,personally Win8.1 has been solid on both my systems,gaming wise it has been great too,think oldest game I've working fine on Win8.1 is XCOM-Apocalypse which is 1997 game so pre-Win98 lol..

Btw I was a Win7 user as well so don't say these things lightly.

Plenty of support now in gaming for Win8.1 and obviously companies are throwing out good driver support.

As I stated earlier good chance you get Win10 free if you have Win8.1 or at the very least discounted price,we just have to wait for official confirmation from Microsoft on this matter.


I forgot to say Linux user too,for PC gaming you NEED Windows OS.
 
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I guess it comes down to what your definition of the gaming requirement is. If you want to play the latest AAA titles, or you want to be able to install and run a game without having to configure another application to wrap around it then there is only one choice: Windows.

You also mention MS Office work. If your files are fairly simple then you can get by with one of the Linux equivalents. If they use VBA macros or advanced Office formatting then there is only one choice: Windows.

So, you can roll with the solution you know will work out of the box for you (Windows) or you can roll with a solution that most likely won't work with at least part of your requirements (Linux).

Or, do what others here do. Dual boot both and have the best of both worlds. Or run a Linux VM.
 
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Why would you want to buy a dated, and IMO crappy OS, when Win10 is going to be released?

Mem said:
As I stated earlier good chance you get Win10 free if you have Win8.1 or at the very least discounted price,we just have to wait for official confirmation from Microsoft on this matter.
Click to expand...

Do not fall for this. MS will never let Win10 go for free. They cant make any money giving it away. This statement just doesn't make any sense. These are just rumors.

The original rumor started with MS giving Win9 to people who purchased a Win8/8.1 License for free.
 
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