Choose between Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 based on your needs.
Choose between Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 based on your needs.
The default start screen layout on Windows 8 felt uninspired and restrictive. It presented a collection of tiles without clear organization or guidance, making it hard to see potential uses. There was no intuitive way to customize the interface, which contrasted with the more user-friendly options available in Windows 7. The absence of helpful tools until Windows 8.1 introduced the "help" app made the experience even less appealing. In comparison, earlier versions offered straightforward tutorials and accessible resources on official sites and YouTube channels, helping users discover features more easily. Personally, I remember prioritizing frequently used items like my favorites in the bottom-left corner and using pinned shortcuts for quick access—something that wasn’t as seamless on Windows 8. Now, with newer versions, I’ve adapted to a different layout, but the shift felt less intuitive at first.
If I would(I won't I like W10) I would go with Windows 8.1, there's nothing in this world that would make me go back to Windows 7. Windows 8.1 + Third party start menu = HEAVEN, I had the best experience both in gaming and daily use in Windows 8.1. Windows 10 is getting there, a few more months of update and it'll get there(not that I'm having problems).
Windows presents numerous problems for me. Linux suits my requirements unless I occasionally play DayZ. I prefer standard Windows 8. I appreciate having fewer than 50 million choices. I’m fine with "Metro" and its functionality. The 8 flat version uses the least resources. 8.1 has too many strange driver issues, and 10 can’t run half my Steam games. Windows 7 feels outdated—almost 8 years old now? It’s not current, and the only staff member at the Chinese office closes early.
Linux covers nearly every task on my system. The Windows drive I use runs version 8.1 since I don’t want to mess with it. As long as it functions, I’m okay. My Windows games and a few apps work fine. I don’t mind W10 much, but Ubuntu 15.10 beta is gone—so that’s settled. CentOS is my top pick (#2), Xubuntu is my favorite (#3) and SteamOS is my next choice (#4).