Windows 8 - Printable Version

Windows 8 - Printable Version

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Windows 8 - Dismas - 01-02-2013

Introduction

So, I'm writing this post even with all the hate Windows 8 is getting. As I'm writing this post, I am using Windows 8, and I am going to mention a few ways you can survive using it. I had tried the operating system in the early development phases and was absolutely horrified, although I have actually grown to like it. Why bother? Well, there are actually a few pros, and it's always great to have an operating system that is up to date. While I'll agree with the haters right off the bat on the fact that the Modern UI is shit, I think there are many improvements.

[Image: mrzG6.jpg]

Performance

I noticed that there are actually minor improvements in terms of performance on my own machine, but looked up some data to back my observations so you guys wouldn't call me a liar. A series of tests were conducted by Hexus with the following computer specs:

Intel Core i7-3770K
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H
Patriot 8GB DDR3-1600
256GB Samsung SSD 830 Series
Corsair AX750

I think most would agree those are pretty decent specifications, as their hardware isn't bad by any means. While the shutoff time was the same with 7 and 8, booting/restarting was 17-18% faster with Windows 8. Several seconds might not be worth the switch, but it's certainly nicer to be able to log in sooner.

Spoiler: Boot/Shutdown/Restart

Now about CPU performance... With the PiFast test, Windows 8 was slightly faster than Windows 7. With Cinebench they performed the same. However, in PCMark 7 they stated "Windows 8 has the edge in image manipulation (25Mpx/s compared to 13Mpx/s) and web browsing (183MB/s compared to 158MB/s)."

Spoiler: CPU

In terms of graphics, Windows 8 performed a little bit better but not by a whole lot. They tried DiRT Showdown and said "DiRT Showdown runs fractionally quicker on Windows 8, but there's not a lot in it; a three per cent increase in average FPS is hardly a reason to rush out and upgrade." In Luxmark things were the same for them.

Spoiler: Graphics

With regards to memory, they performed practically the same although Windows 8 is technically better.

Spoiler: Memory

With SATA and USB data transfer things are interesting. Windows 7 moved large files a bit faster than Windows 8. However, Windows 8 could move numerous smaller ones faster. Windows 8 was also noticeably faster at writing files for a game (files of various sizes). Things are pretty much the same with USB and SATA, Windows 8 was able to move more files of various sizes faster while Windows 8 could move larger ones faster.

Spoiler:

Personally, I have to say I did notice a tiny difference with speed although I am intrigued by the data with regards to USB/SATA file transfer speeds. I tested my speeds and the comparison was the same as theirs. I'd have to say Windows 8 performs a bit faster, but by no means is it slower than Windows 8. Not necessarily faster enough to upgrade off the bat, but still by a little bit. A lot of people hate the Modern UI, so I'll address ways to improve it a little.

Function

No doubt, Windows 8 is notorious for its tablet-like interface and terrible Modern UI. While it might be awesome on a tablet, adding it for regular PCs was a bold move on Microsoft's part. Most technical users (like myself) would have to say that it's almost an insult. I'm slightly inclined to agree. Microsoft was aiming to reshape the operating system and I have to say that they did, but not necessarily for the better. In terms of function, however, I feel that the operating systems are comparable if you disregard the Modern UI. Outside of the Modern UI menu, things are normal besides a few buttons being enlarged.

I'd have to say that Windows 7 is better for usability but there are ways to improve Windows 8. In terms of simplicity of the UI (outside of the new menu), I actually like it a bit more. I have a very simplistic wallpaper and I think it looks nice with the square-cut theme. Some people might prefer the new theme over the old one, but it should be different from person to person. Windows 8 has retained many of the window features that Windows 7 had and it's pretty much the same. You can still lock the position/size of windows and the large majority of programs you use should work the same and there are few issues.

Start8

Most people were disappointed with how the traditional start menu (that had been in many of the previous versions of Windows) was removed. I thought it was neat that they were trying something different and was able to deal with the giant buttoned interface at first but quickly became annoyed. I'd probably be using Windows 7 if Start8 didn't exist. Start8 is a program that is designed to add back the start menu. It also allows you to use the Modern UI menu when you'd like to. I rarely use the Modern UI menu, but sometimes it is fun to look at. It works flawlessly and can be purchased from Stardock at a reasonable price.

[Image: 2c1c9056ab0163f7c033559b4c1bc81d.png?1357138045]

[Image: 2c1c9056ab0163f7c033559b4c1bc81d.png?1357138045]

Decor8

For the select few that are using tablet PCs that might want to use the Modern UI menu, there's a program called Decor8. What Decor8 does, is it allows you to have full control over the Modern UI menu's appearance, and it allows you to choose any image as the background. Sadly enough, Microsoft took the Apple approach to making their menu and you can only pick from several backgrounds by default. If any of you had iPhones when they first came out, you'll probably remember being stuck with a black background. Similar situation. Like Start8, Decor8 can also be purchased from Stardock.

[Image: 31cd6ffe0cdabd3dcf3e66dc3836a833.png]

[Image: 31cd6ffe0cdabd3dcf3e66dc3836a833.png]

Animation

A few people might notice the pretty animations when minimizing or moving windows around. While it will look pretty at first, some people might get annoyed with the delay. For those people, it's pretty easy to fix. Just type "SystemPropertiesPerformance" into search (with Modern UI menu or Start8). You can pick which features to disable or enable. Pretty simple.

Summary

From my experience, Windows 8 isn't as terrible people make it out to be. There are many improvements, which are often offset by the removal of features like the original start menu. As always, there are ways to fix these small issues, and I think it's worth upgrading if you have the time and money. However, some people might find that it's too large of a task to fix everything and sticking with Windows 7 might be the best option for them. Personally, I think it was a poor move on Microsoft's part but the operating system works, and no doubt they worked pretty hard and the improvements are there. Things like the Modern UI menu give the operating system a poor appeal in general, so I made the post to inform people of the small improvements that were made. Regardless, if you spend the time you can make Windows 8 just like Windows 7.

Sources:

Hexus.net

RE: Windows 8 - Mustnabs - 01-02-2013

Windows 8 getting hate? Nah Windows 8 rocks, in terms of graphics, effects, and speed.

RE: Windows 8 - n3cr0m4nc3r - 01-02-2013

I mindlessly hate win8
And thats all I have to say about that.

RE: Windows 8 - w00t - 01-02-2013

Properly configured slack ware outperforms windows in everything, and wine runs exes at practically the same speed, the only difference being load time.

RE: Windows 8 - Dismas - 01-02-2013

(01-02-2013, 05:33 PM)Mustnabs Wrote: Windows 8 getting hate? Nah Windows 8 rocks, in terms of graphics, effects, and speed.

In terms of speed it's slightly better, or at least the same. Graphics depends on your tastes, but the Modern UI menu is absolutely worthless.

(01-02-2013, 08:33 PM)w00t Wrote: Properly configured slack ware outperforms windows in everything, and wine runs exes at practically the same speed, the only difference being load time.

You're comparing Windows 8 with a Linux-based operating system. Need I say more? Tongue

RE: Windows 8 - Kinanizer - 01-02-2013

I heard Win8 couldn't run batch programs any more. This rumor is the only reason I haven't switched. Is that rumor true?

RE: Windows 8 - Dismas - 01-03-2013

(01-02-2013, 11:39 PM)Kinanizer Wrote: I heard Win8 couldn't run batch programs any more. This rumor is the only reason I haven't switched. Is that rumor true?

Of course you can run batch files. Not sure who told you that...

RE: Windows 8 - Kinanizer - 01-03-2013

(01-03-2013, 12:03 AM)The Anarchist Wrote:
(01-02-2013, 11:39 PM)Kinanizer Wrote: I heard Win8 couldn't run batch programs any more. This rumor is the only reason I haven't switched. Is that rumor true?

Of course you can run batch files. Not sure who told you that...

I thought so, it seemed ridiculous. Then I'll be updating right now.

RE: Windows 8 - Phytrix - 01-03-2013

Amazingly written. I think the main issue people have with W8 is the huge leap from 7. It's so hard to adapt, and most users would rather use something they're used to rather than having to majorly adapt. I feel they should've eased W7 users into W8, not shoved them into something they haven't really seen.

RE: Windows 8 - AxeMurderer - 01-03-2013

I don't really see a reason to upgrade. The performance boost doesn't seem that big, I like Aero as it is, and I just don't see the need to upgrade from 7