Impressions of 8

[Drew[_3_]]

Looking for opinions I guess on the latest fluff from Microsoft. I have
a fully functional powerful and fast windows 7 desktop (scores a WEI
7.1) and I am wondering whether I should think about upgrading it.

1/ It is a older home built system with a Intel D975XBX2 motherboard,
Intel quad core processor,4 gigs ram and win 7 pro 64, with 2 24" flat
panels Would all this be supported?

2/ I have heard a lot about the formerly Metro interface being a pain
and really focused on touchscreens. These I do not have and do not see a
use for on this system.

3/ I use a older HP laserjet office printer (5yrs old) Would it be
supported. I have heard scary things about drivers not working.

4/ Scanner is only about a yr old so it may be fine but not sure.

Many games, apps and peripherals that work fine in XP, Vista and 7 but
not sure about 8.
I am not looking for someone to tell me to go look for myself because I
would of course do that first. Just looking for opinions on what others
are finding with there hardware and software. Not exactly a hard core
gamer but definitely casual. I do not want to lose a LOT of invested
time and money on new crap if you know what I mean.

[Ken Blake[_4_]]

On Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:04:44 -0700, Drew
> wrote:

> Looking for opinions I guess on the latest fluff from Microsoft. I have
> a fully functional powerful and fast windows 7 desktop (scores a WEI
> 7.1) and I am wondering whether I should think about upgrading it.


I've been running Windows 8 RTM for two days now. And before that, I
ran both the Consumer Preview and Release Preview, both in a virtual
box. So far I like it.


> 1/ It is a older home built system with a Intel D975XBX2 motherboard,
> Intel quad core processor,4 gigs ram and win 7 pro 64, with 2 24" flat
> panels Would all this be supported?


Almost certainly. I don't know for sure about your motherboard and
CPU, but I very much doubt that they would be a problem.


> 2/ I have heard a lot about the formerly Metro interface being a pain
> and really focused on touchscreens. These I do not have and do not see a
> use for on this system.


That interface is entirely optional, and if you don't like it, you
never have to use it. Windows 8 also comes with an interface that's
almost exactly like Windows 7's.

The big thing missing from the Windows 8-like interface is the start
orb, but you can get that back in several ways. I use, and like, the
free, downloadable Classic Shell
(http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/).


But I also recommend that you give the metro interface a try now and
then before making your mind up about it--even if you don't have a
touch screen (I don't either).


> 3/ I use a older HP laserjet office printer (5yrs old) Would it be
> supported. I have heard scary things about drivers not working.


Drivers work. the question is not whether the driver works, but
whether a Windows 8 driver for it exists. Go to HP's web site and see
if it's there. If it's not, it may be available later.


> 4/ Scanner is only about a yr old so it may be fine but not sure.


Same as above. Go to the manufacturer's web site.


> Many games, apps and peripherals that work fine in XP, Vista and 7 but
> not sure about 8.


With few exceptions, if it works under Windows 7, it will work under
Windows 8. I haven't yet run into anything that doesn't. But I don't
play games.




--
Ken Blake

[SC Tom[_3_]]

"Drew" > wrote in message
...
> Looking for opinions I guess on the latest fluff from Microsoft. I have a
> fully functional powerful and fast windows 7 desktop (scores a WEI 7.1)
> and I am wondering whether I should think about upgrading it.
>
> 1/ It is a older home built system with a Intel D975XBX2 motherboard,
> Intel quad core processor,4 gigs ram and win 7 pro 64, with 2 24" flat
> panels Would all this be supported?
>

All but the Win7 :-)

>
> 2/ I have heard a lot about the formerly Metro interface being a pain and
> really focused on touchscreens. These I do not have and do not see a use
> for on this system.
>

I don't like it, and is a deal-breaker for me.

>
> 3/ I use a older HP laserjet office printer (5yrs old) Would it be
> supported. I have heard scary things about drivers not working.
>

If it's a straight printer and not an AIO, you should have no problem
getting it to print.

>
> 4/ Scanner is only about a yr old so it may be fine but not sure.
>

Check its manufacturers web site and see what it says.

>
> Many games, apps and peripherals that work fine in XP, Vista and 7 but not
> sure about 8.
>

All 32-bit games and apps I tried worked fine (granted, I didn't try too
many). AFA peripherals go, check on-line by specific type and make.

>
> I am not looking for someone to tell me to go look for myself because I
> would of course do that first. Just looking for opinions on what others
> are finding with there hardware and software. Not exactly a hard core
> gamer but definitely casual. I do not want to lose a LOT of invested time
> and money on new crap if you know what I mean.

I know exactly what you mean. I already went through all that "upgrading"
from WinXP to Win7, and don't feel like going through that again. I
downloaded the RTM Evaluation copy of Win8 Ultimate, and was going to do an
upgrade from Win7 HP 64-bit, but that's not an option (no direct path from
HP to Ultimate). If I could have done the upgrade without having to
reinstall my apps, I might have had a better impression of it.
--
SC Tom

[G. Morgan[_7_]]

Drew wrote:

>Many games, apps and peripherals that work fine in XP, Vista and 7 but
>not sure about 8.
>I am not looking for someone to tell me to go look for myself because I
>would of course do that first. Just looking for opinions on what others
>are finding with there hardware and software. Not exactly a hard core
>gamer but definitely casual. I do not want to lose a LOT of invested
>time and money on new crap if you know what I mean.

Install the free eval. and see for yourself. I have had no problems
with the RTM version. I upgraded from within Win 7, not a fresh
installation and all my programs work.

[...winston[_2_]]

"SC Tom" wrote in message ...

>
I know exactly what you mean. I already went through all that "upgrading"
from WinXP to Win7, and don't feel like going through that again. I
downloaded the RTM Evaluation copy of Win8 Ultimate, and was going to do an
upgrade from Win7 HP 64-bit, but that's not an option (no direct path from
HP to Ultimate). If I could have done the upgrade without having to
reinstall my apps, I might have had a better impression of it.
>

Fyi...
The Windows 8 RTM versions are
Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise
- W8, W8P, W8E

The Windows 8 RTM Evaluation version is Enterprise (no Ultimate)
- since 'Evaluation' no upgrading only clean install

Once Win8 goes General Availability (GA on Oct 26) the expected upgrade paths from Win7
versions Home Premium (HP), Pro (P), Ultimate (U) to Win8 versions are:

HP to W8 or W8P
P to W8P
U to W8P

Notes:
1. Windows 8 Pro replaces Win7 Pro and Ultimate

2. W8E is only available to Software Assurance Customers and MSDN/Technet Pro subscribers
- W8E is not capable of the Media Center add-on
- For those with access to W8E only Windows 7 Pro (but not Win7 Ultimate) and Win7 Enterprise can upgrade to W8E

3. Media Center (not Media Player which is included) is only available for W8P as an add-on via 'Add Windows Features' (fka Windows
Anytime Upgrade)
- Free for W8P (installing the W8 Media Center Pack)
- Fee for W8 (requires W8 Pro Pack, which upgrades W8 to W8P and gives you the ability to obtain Media Center)

--
....winston
msft mvp mail

[SC Tom[_3_]]

"...winston" > wrote in message
...
>
> "SC Tom" wrote in message ...
>
>>
> I know exactly what you mean. I already went through all that "upgrading"
> from WinXP to Win7, and don't feel like going through that again. I
> downloaded the RTM Evaluation copy of Win8 Ultimate, and was going to do
> an
> upgrade from Win7 HP 64-bit, but that's not an option (no direct path from
> HP to Ultimate). If I could have done the upgrade without having to
> reinstall my apps, I might have had a better impression of it.
>>
>
> Fyi...
> The Windows 8 RTM versions are
> Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise
> - W8, W8P, W8E
>
> The Windows 8 RTM Evaluation version is Enterprise (no Ultimate)
> - since 'Evaluation' no upgrading only clean install
>
> Once Win8 goes General Availability (GA on Oct 26) the expected upgrade
> paths from Win7
> versions Home Premium (HP), Pro (P), Ultimate (U) to Win8 versions are:
>
> HP to W8 or W8P
> P to W8P
> U to W8P
>
> Notes:
> 1. Windows 8 Pro replaces Win7 Pro and Ultimate
>
> 2. W8E is only available to Software Assurance Customers and MSDN/Technet
> Pro subscribers
> - W8E is not capable of the Media Center add-on
> - For those with access to W8E only Windows 7 Pro (but not Win7 Ultimate)
> and Win7 Enterprise can upgrade to W8E
>
> 3. Media Center (not Media Player which is included) is only available for
> W8P as an add-on via 'Add Windows Features' (fka Windows
> Anytime Upgrade)
> - Free for W8P (installing the W8 Media Center Pack)
> - Fee for W8 (requires W8 Pro Pack, which upgrades W8 to W8P and gives you
> the ability to obtain Media Center)
>
You are correct- I installed Enterprise (beam me up, Scotty). I don't know
where Ultimate came from in my mind. I was hoping you'd get the gist of my
post anyhow.
--
SC Tom

[Stewart[_4_]]

"Drew" > wrote in message
...
> Looking for opinions I guess on the latest fluff from Microsoft. I
> have a fully functional powerful and fast windows 7 desktop (scores
> a WEI 7.1) and I am wondering whether I should think about upgrading
> it.

Why bother to "upgrade" if there is no need to?

>
> 1/ It is a older home built system with a Intel D975XBX2
> motherboard, Intel quad core processor,4 gigs ram and win 7 pro 64,
> with 2 24" flat panels Would all this be supported?
>
> 2/ I have heard a lot about the formerly Metro interface being a
> pain and really focused on touchscreens. These I do not have and do
> not see a use for on this system.
>
> 3/ I use a older HP laserjet office printer (5yrs old) Would it be
> supported. I have heard scary things about drivers not working.
>
> 4/ Scanner is only about a yr old so it may be fine but not sure.
>
> Many games, apps and peripherals that work fine in XP, Vista and 7
> but not sure about 8.
> I am not looking for someone to tell me to go look for myself
> because I would of course do that first. Just looking for opinions
> on what others are finding with there hardware and software. Not
> exactly a hard core gamer but definitely casual. I do not want to
> lose a LOT of invested time and money on new crap if you know what I
> mean.

[Drew[_3_]]

On 10/20/2012 9:09 AM, Stewart wrote:
> "Drew" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Looking for opinions I guess on the latest fluff from Microsoft. I
>> have a fully functional powerful and fast windows 7 desktop (scores
>> a WEI 7.1) and I am wondering whether I should think about upgrading
>> it.
>
> Why bother to "upgrade" if there is no need to?
>
>>
>> 1/ It is a older home built system with a Intel D975XBX2
>> motherboard, Intel quad core processor,4 gigs ram and win 7 pro 64,
>> with 2 24" flat panels Would all this be supported?
>>
>> 2/ I have heard a lot about the formerly Metro interface being a
>> pain and really focused on touchscreens. These I do not have and do
>> not see a use for on this system.
>>
>> 3/ I use a older HP laserjet office printer (5yrs old) Would it be
>> supported. I have heard scary things about drivers not working.
>>
>> 4/ Scanner is only about a yr old so it may be fine but not sure.
>>
>> Many games, apps and peripherals that work fine in XP, Vista and 7
>> but not sure about 8.
>> I am not looking for someone to tell me to go look for myself
>> because I would of course do that first. Just looking for opinions
>> on what others are finding with there hardware and software. Not
>> exactly a hard core gamer but definitely casual. I do not want to
>> lose a LOT of invested time and money on new crap if you know what I
>> mean.
>
>
It is not that I will upgrade just wondering about if I could with
minimal trouble.

[...winston[_2_]]

"SC Tom" wrote in message ...

"...winston" > wrote in message
...
> > The Windows 8 RTM Evaluation version is Enterprise (no Ultimate)

> You are correct- I installed Enterprise (beam me up, Scotty). I don't know where Ultimate came from in my mind. I was hoping
> you'd get the gist of my post anyhow.


I did get the gist of it...just had a lot of extra time on my hands to elaborate on the upgrade routes.


--
....winston
msft mvp mail