|
Windows 7 vs. Windows 8
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
"The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change." ...Heraclitus
Dear clients and friends,
As they say, while you were sleeping the world changed again especially when it comes to technology. Everywhere you turn, we are inundated with new hardware, new software, new apps, and new networks, all touting to be "better than ever." But as the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." especially when it comes to changing your computers operating system. Among the many questions we receive at NetSpedite, the most interesting question is, "Should we upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8?" Based on our recent experience with our client base, here is a brief synopsis of our findings and recommendations.
As always, I welcome your feedback and comments and especially your referrals to friends and family. In return, I would be pleased to provide you with a 1-hour consulting session. There is a coupon at the end of this newsletter.
Respectfully,
Scott
Technical Director
PS - Please do not overlook the warning notice at the end.
The Pros and Cons of Windows 8
The Windows 8 release has been one of the most anticipated releases of the year. It has been three years since Windows 7 hit the market and Windows supporters have been eagerly waiting for the new release.
Pros of Windows 8
- The first desktop operating system to support mobile computing
- For developers, Windows 8 provides a quick, simple and more efficient development process
- Power users will have greater access to new utilities
- No more Start menu, a new user experience in a colorful boxy design that uses tiles to provide you with relevant information at glance
- Tiles update in real time to show you upcoming calendar events, incoming tweets and weather
- A new user interface to better support multiple monitors
- Powerful sync tools for your apps and preferences
- A single sign on to all devices
- Windows 8 is faster than Windows 7 in some aspects such as startup time, shut down time, wake up from sleep, multimedia performance, web browser performance, transferring large files
- Battery life has also improved enough in Windows 8 to be noticeable
Cons of Windows 8
- New user interface is hard to navigate, and confusing to find your way back to the Start menu
- Average users will likely find it hard and confusing
- New interface created for touch screen tablet computing rather than a desktop
- Classic keyboard and mouse style does not flow well on Windows 8
- Slower in 3D graphic performance and high resolution gaming performance
- From an IT perspective, Windows 8 could end up costing businesses a lot of money
- To take advantage of new features, new hardware will need to be purchased to support touch sensitive aspects of the OS
- Windows 7 has been the norm for many years with significant intellectual investment in its look and feel
- Windows 8 does away with the traditional task bar and features a new ribbon based interface
- There will be no service pack updates to Windows 8 until Q'3 - Q'4, 2013
|
|
Recommendations
Perhaps the major consideration to take into account is the relative newness of the Windows operating system. Windows 7 isn't that old and has been a significant improvement from Windows XP and Vista. Businesses might have a hard time justifying another upgrade that will take computers off line and let's not forget about significant training requirements and costs to consider.
If your company has settled in to Windows 7, it makes little sense to start the process all over again. The Pros are just not compelling. If you take the jump to Windows 8 expect a steep learning curve for you and your staff. In the end, a handful of features and improvements in Windows 8 cannot justify the decision to upgrade so if you are running Windows 7 on your PC there is no urgency to upgrade and invest in new hardware just to run Windows 8. Besides Windows 9 will be here before you know it. To refrain, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
|
Peace of Mind......Guaranteed!
NetSpedite, LLC Copyright 2013
Computer & Networking Consultants |
