windows 8.1 pro or Windows 7 on 4th gen i5 PC?

[GeezerMan]

I just got ahold of a 3 year old Dell business class PC with a 4th gen i5 and a wiped disk. I can load win 8.1 pro, and it will auto validate. The EULA allows the install of Win 7 pro 64 bit as well, and I can get a Dell install disk for that.
This is not for gaming use, just general use. now, 8.1 will be supported longer than win 7 . I know of the various apps to bring back things like the start menu, like "classic shell."
I never really used 8.1 pro. but it's too late for the free win 10 upgrade

So, what's the user opinions out there when comparing win 7 and win 8.1 with some add ons like classic shell?

thanks

 

[vailr]

I recommend Win8.1, although the Win10 free upgrade is still probably an option. So: try downloading the official Win10 .iso file and use that to create a bootable USB thumb drive of at least 8 Gb. Install Win10 and skip the part where the 25 character activation code is typed in. Then see if Win10 gets activated after a day or two.

 

[quikah]

Paul Thurrott just tweeted that Win10 is still activating with 7 & 8 keys.

 

[GeezerMan]

thanks guys. I found this item too
http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-windows-10-free-upgrade-offer-assistive-features/

 

[Ketchup]

8 annoyed me, but 8.1 was fine. Still like 10 better, if that works out to be a choice for you.

 

[tcsenter]

Can't think of any reason you should not upgrade unless you have a particular reason such as legacy needs, some older app you paid for that doesn't run on W8 or isn't supported fully. You don't have to really forego the other. Buy a spare HDD (they are cheap), keep activated installation of W7 on it that you can swap and boot when needed, or dual-boot W7 and W81.

 

[sweenish]

Is Haswell already 3 years old?