Windows 7 vs. Windows 8.1

Comparison between windows 7 and windows 8.1

                    There are many who are ready to move from windows XP to the latest versions but the only confusion which prevails in their mind is which version of windows to choose. So, if you want a straight forward comparison between Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, you are in the right place. While choosing an operating system between these two keep the following points in mind:

• Interface:

                   In Windows 8.1 when switching on the computer, users are greeted with the now-familiar Start screen – a page of apps and live tiles. This Metro interface includes everything in the form of apps, including the classic desktop mode that has proven to be the preferred view for so many. In addition, apps like IE 11 are great for touch screen web browsing, but not much else. Thus here Windows 7 has an upper hand.

• Legacy apps:

                  If you are deciding whether or not to upgrade to Windows 8 from Windows 7, you need to consider various things. The first point to bear in mind pertains to you if you're running a business and are installing Windows 8 onto multiple computers, all of which will need legacy apps and services.

                  If this is the case, Windows 8 may not be an advisable choice unless absolutely necessary. While Microsoft has implemented some more mouse-friendly features, the operating system remains predominately designed for a tablet with an awkward transition to the Desktop mode when legacy apps are called upon. Businesses still rely on some legacy software, no matter which sphere they operate in, choose wisely.

• Market share matters:

                 Windows 7 is still the operating system with the most market share. The day when Windows 8 has the majority market share of the Microsoft ecosystem has not yet arrived though, and so it is still possible to choose between the two. The support and developer community is strong, despite its release being almost six years ago. But unfortunately it will soon close down. If you need support from Microsoft do choose Windows 8.

• Boot time:
  

                   Windows 8 machines only take 10-15 seconds to boot up, with some switching on even faster depending on the SSD. Gone are the days when you have to distract yourself by going to make a cup of tea while your system wakes up. On the other hand Windows 7 systems take comparatively larger time to boot and shut down.

• Enterprise features:

                Windows 8.1 has more enterprise features than Windows 7, with Windows to Go featured on the Enterprise edition allowing users to start a personalized version of Windows from a USB or any other machine running Windows 7 or 8. It also means that the Windows Store is enabled by default, allowing users to access apps across multiple machines.

• Performance:

                Microsoft used Windows 8 as a guise under which to revamp the engine, and the results is a much faster system that consumes fewer resources than before. This makes it a better choice than Windows 7 for low-end PCs.

The redesign opts for simple colours and fewer visual effects, also contributing to the increased speed due to resources saved compared to the Aero Glass effect of Windows 7.

• Security:

                 Security is a massive issue for both individual users and businesses and, as the most popular desktop operating system, Windows is sadly the primary target for malware and viruses.

Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 share many security features, both of them using BitLocker Drive encryption, but 8.1 goes one step further by enabling them by default. You can always download Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7, and it’s free, but its younger brother has it already built into the system.

                Secure booting on UEFI systems is also included with 8.1, making it much harder for rogue malware to infect the bootloader. PCs running Windows 8.1 can also automatically connect to VPNs.