Better than 8 or 7. Best version of Windows

Almost all modern users personal computers use Windows operating systems from Microsoft. The latter are easy to install and easy to use. But when the need arises to reinstall the OS, the problem of choice immediately arises and the question arises: which is better, Windows 7 or 8? It is worth saying that the operating systems are very similar, although they have many differences.

Windows 7 went on sale in October 2009 and was the next version after the sensational Windows Vista. So, let's take a closer look at what the Seven is superior to. new version at number 8.

from "Windows 7"

The seventh version of the OS is more suitable for those who are not a supporter of various kinds of fundamental changes, updates, and so on. This system has been studied far and wide by users, in addition, its performance and reliability have been tested by time. All bugs and shortcomings have already been fixed and found in it, and it copes with almost all types of standard tasks.

The familiar Start menu

The main difference between “Windows 7” and “Windows 8” is that in “Seven” there is a menu and a “Start” button familiar to everyone, which simply does not exist in its usual form in “Eight”. Therefore, using the seventh version is much more familiar and convenient. Those who have difficulty getting used to new things will especially not like a different type of menu. And, it’s worth saying, any advanced user at first cannot get out of the habit and looks for the familiar “Start” button on the taskbar.

Window transparency

Many users have noticed that the Windows 7 interface has a significant advantage - it is transparent. Unfortunately, Windows 8 no longer has such a function. Here the windows became opaque again. The transparent interface makes the design of the operating system more attractive and modern. This is important for those who are very tired of the frosted windows of previous versions. It is also worth mentioning the roundness of sharp corners in the seventh version.

XGood compatibility with most programs and games

When asking the question: “Which is better, Windows 7 or 8?”, it is worth saying that “Seven” has been on the market for quite a long time, which means that most programs, drivers and games are well compatible with this OS. And this is an important point for those who like to install many different games, programs and utilities on their computer.

Ability to install widgets

If you have become a fan of widgets on the desktop, then when you compare Windows 8 and Windows 7, you will immediately answer that the latter is much better. In the eighth version there is simply no such function as widgets, unless you install third party program, which is not recommended at all. This approach will increase the burden on RAM and the system as a whole, and many programs do not differ in quality.

conclusions

We have figured out the advantages of the “Seven”. As you can see, there are actually not so few of them. Of course, most of the advantages of “Seven” are the pleasant visual design of the operating system. Now let's decide why Windows 8 is better than 7 and why this update was necessary. It is worth noting that this version went on sale almost exactly three years after Windows 7, also in October, but in 2012, and at first many were against this OS and criticized it to smithereens. So, the main advantages of Windows 8.

Start screen Metro

This innovation has caused a lot of discussions and debates on many sites and forums. Some people are very happy with Metro, while others never tire of vilifying it. It’s worth saying here that Metro and its capabilities are considered more like the advantages of Windows 8 over Windows 7. This interface was truly a breakthrough in the development of the OS. Many people get used to it very quickly, and when carefully considering all its capabilities, it becomes a truly pleasant innovation. Microsoft has taken care of separate applications for Metro. By the way, there are no analogues of such applications for the usual desktop, and they are much more convenient than usual programs for desktops.

The new Metro interface makes accessing PC settings easier and faster. Now you just need to point to the bottom right corner and the “Start”, “Device”, “Settings”, “Search” and “Search” button will immediately appear. General access" If you compare “Windows 7” and “8”, then this introduction makes it much easier to find settings, and the “Search” function also immediately opens them. The latter can be called an analogue of the usual “Start”. In Figure Eight, each corner of the desktop is functional and responsible for some action.

New design

For lovers of everything new and unusual, the answer to the question: “Which is better, Windows 7 or 8?” will definitely become “Windows 8”. It has new sounds, buttons, features, themes, and other innovations that pleasantly refresh the boring interface of the Seven, but at the same time are not very different from it.

Improved version of IE browser

There are such computer users, who do not like to search and install other browsers and prefer ready-made ones. As you know, it doesn’t matter whether you have Windows 8 or 7 installed, the standard browser there will be Internet Explorer. In Windows 8 it has been updated and is more convenient to use. It is worth saying that the changes concern not only its external component, but also its internal one. IE has become more reliable, faster and smarter in operation compared to the version in Windows 7. And in the new version of the operating system there are two Explorers: the desktop version and Metro.

Updated Task Manager

When choosing which is better, “Windows 7” or “8”, it is also worth saying that the “Eight” has one more innovation that can be considered a plus: an updated version. Now it is more understandable and comfortable for the user. In it you can not only disable the process, but also analyze the operation of the computer, disable or enable programs in startup, etc.

Operation of two processor cores

Most likely, many have already heard and are aware of the features described above. It's all design and visuals. But many do not know about the most important advantage of Windows 8. It is support for the simultaneous operation of two processor cores. Comparing "Windows 7" against "8", it is worth saying that previously all Microsoft operating systems supported the operation of only one core of your processor. That is, it didn’t matter whether it had one core or eight, the system could only work with one of them. This was the main reason for frequent freezes and appearances of " blue screens" The latter, by the way, received a new design in the G8. Supporting two cores simultaneously helps the operating system cope with tasks faster and easier, and if one core fails, the system switches to the second and restarts the first. This advantage“Eights” can be called the most important for users who value performance and stability.

conclusions

As you can see, Windows 8 can rightfully be called the most modern and fastest version of this operating system from Microsoft. But, despite all the advantages of the eighth version, sometimes it becomes necessary to install Windows 7 instead of Windows 8 for various reasons. So, you have decided to install “Seven” instead of the “Eight” pre-installed on your laptop or PC. Such a step will lead to encountering some problems that do not allow replacing the G8 with the Seven.

Problem of replacing 7 with 8 No. 1

In the UEFI BIOS of your laptop or PC, the UEFI-boot item is activated (in addition, also pay attention to the item Secure boot or something similar). Activating the UEFI-boot item makes it possible to create a UEFI service partition on the target drive with a GPT table of contents. It is worth saying that not a single edition of Windows 7 supports installation on a drive with such a table of contents. For this reason, these items in the BIOS must be deactivated.

Sometimes BIOS settings can be opened from the G8 service menu. You can get there by holding normal reboot and holding down the Shift button.

Problem #2

As mentioned earlier, pre-installed Win 8 operating systems are usually installed on a drive with a GPT table of contents, and to install Win 7 it must be converted to the traditional MBR main boot area. You can make such a conversion during the installation of “Seven”. At the moment when the installation wizard prompts you to select a partition or drive to install the OS, you need to press the key combination Shift+F10, which will open command line. In the command line that opens, type diskpart and press ENTER.

  • At the command prompt, type list disk and press ENTER again.
  • You need to remember the disk number that needs to be converted to an MBR disk.
  • Now at the command prompt you need to type select disk (instead of “enter disk number”) and press ENTER.
  • Enter the clean command to remove partitions and clean up the disk.
  • After that, at the prompt from diskpart, enter convert mbr and press ENTER.
  • You can close the command prompt (by closing the window or using the exit command).

Now in the window for selecting a drive to install “Seven”, click the “Update” button and continue installing Windows.

Additional information about ASUS laptops with Windows 8 preinstalled

Laptops from ASUS often have G8 preinstalled. In order to install Windows 7 instead, you must first deactivate the Secure boot item in the BIOS in the Security section. And after that, in the Boot section, activate Launch CSM, that is, select Enabled instead of Disabled (this way it is activated. After performing these manipulations, click “Save” and exit the BIOS. Then go to the BIOS again and select change boot priority in the Boot section. That is, in As the First boot device, you need to select a flash drive or depending on what you are going to install Windows from.

The replacement of “Eight” with “Seven” often occurs due to the need to install some program that is needed for work, but which is not designed for Windows 8. So these tips will solve it possible problems replacing one version with another.

Both versions of Windows have advantages and disadvantages. But each user chooses the appropriate version for himself. One has only to add that Windows 7 is more suitable for those who choose stability and do not like innovations. Moreover, a lot has been written for it useful programs and interesting games. And “Windows 8” is an operating system for lovers of novelty and active PC users, because, as mentioned, it noticeably speeds up the computer and is able to cope with many tasks at the same time.

So look, evaluate and choose what suits you and your PC best for more efficient and faster interaction. What is more important to you, a familiar operating system or instant response? By answering these questions, you can make the right choice and determine the best OS for yourself.

Computers running Microsoft operating systems occupy the lion's share of the market. With the progress of progress, new and new ones appear Windows versions, often having fundamental differences from the previous ones. As a rule, the main changes affect the design and usability of the system.

The most striking example is the transition from the traditional interface design in Windows 7 to the new Metro style in Windows 8. Not all users appreciated the innovation and remained working on an older, but familiar system. However, changes in the interface do not mean that Windows 8 is somehow worse. It is quite difficult to immediately say that Windows 7 or Windows 8 is better. The system is installed according to the desires and needs of each user separately. That is, how many users there will be, so many opinions there will be. You can choose a system for yourself if you study all its pros and cons.

Windows 7


An older operating system with many similarities to classic XP. Its interface is convenient for most users who began their acquaintance with computers long before its inception, with XP, 95 or older versions.

pros

  • Start button! Without comments is practically a symbol of everyone’s favorite Windows, providing convenient access to programs for accustomed users.
  • Focused on the inexperienced user - this includes a convenient, detailed interface, a well-thought-out System Recovery Service in case of damage, and special protection against manual harm (blocking all threatening actions and warning about this). This section also includes improved Control and Task Panels.
  • Improved management of connected devices - setting up any connected device, be it an old printer or a fancy video camera, has become much simpler and clearer.
  • System stability - with good configuration and constant updating of all system components, as well as the presence of a normal antivirus, problems with the performance of the OS usually do not arise. And support for the latter, at the time of release, DirectX made it ideal for computer games(if you have an appropriate video card).
  • Excellent compatibility mode with old applications - most old programs and games launched almost without problems when compatibility was set. You can even run games designed for Windows 95.
  • The ability to use all RAM (x64) - in older systems it was impossible to put more than 3.2 GB of RAM into operation, but in the "seven" volumes of more than 4 GB are easily supported.
  • Fast work with information - searching for any file on the computer is quite fast. Even terabyte data were “searched” without problems hard disks in the shortest possible time.
  • For laptops, the system is well optimized in terms of energy consumption - the battery charge is not consumed too quickly.
  • A bunch of different widgets for almost everything.

Minuses

  • The OS requires a large supply of resources - old computers are not always capable of running Windows 7. They simply do not have enough capabilities for this. For the system to show itself in all its glory, you will need a fairly powerful and modern computer.
  • Reduced capabilities of Explorer - finding anything with its help is problematic, since Microsoft employees went a little overboard in simplifying the interface.
  • Almost complete lack of native protection - it is not difficult to pick up a virus on this OS, even if the Windows Defender, and Firewall. The operating system is vital good antivirus.
  • There may be driver compatibility issues for 64-bit and 32-bit systems.
  • Difficulty sharing files over the network.

Windows 8

A completely updated and redesigned system, which, as conceived by Microsoft, was supposed to absorb all the best from previous versions, combining it under an updated modern interface.

pros

  • Availability and unity on all devices - the interface is extremely similar on smartphones, computers, and tablets.
  • The version does not require a significant supply of resources from the device - you can run the OS on an outdated PC.
  • Fast loading compared to Windows 7 - a non-cluttered and non-overloaded PC running this version boots in just under a minute.
  • Eight can be written as removable media and use the operating system from it.
  • The ability to burn discs and process file images using the system itself. The same applies to archives - the OS can independently unpack and pack them.
  • The updated Task Manager shows all available information about a particular process, allows you to quickly remove it and assess the impact on the computer.
  • Explorer has been improved compared to the previous version - it is much more informative and convenient. All necessary tools placed in the header of the window.
  • Advanced system recovery capabilities - allows you to fix it if any serious error occurs without resorting to reinstalling the system. Most often, it simply rolls back, practically without affecting the user’s files. It is possible to restore the original initial settings without losing your own data.
  • Ability to use the latest DirectX (at the time of release) and support for two processor cores.
  • Improved Internet browser An Explorer that can rival any other in performance.

Minuses

  • The tiled interface is unusual for most users - when updating, many PC owners rolled back to the previous version precisely because of the appearance. It was difficult for them to relearn the new principles of interacting with a device without a Start button.
  • Not all applications are compatible with the new version.
  • The search is divided into a tiled part of the system and a stationary one.
  • Almost all functions of the new interface (including the Store) are designed for use on touch devices.
  • Sudden notification or toolbars that appear can be very distracting from your work.
  • The presence of synchronization with the Cloud gives some users a reason to dislike the version due to concerns about file confidentiality.

Drawing conclusions

Even after studying all the pros and cons, it is simply impossible to say unequivocally what is better than Windows 7 or Windows 8. For each operating system there is a client who will appreciate all its advantages and will not consider its disadvantages important. Some will prefer the unusual interface, while others will find it necessary to have a “Start” button. It all depends on the personal preferences of the device owner.

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Which Windows is better than 7 or 10? This question is raised by many users, because before reinstalling the operating system, it is not always completely clear which of these versions will be the most acceptable. The debate about choosing one OS or another will most likely not stop for a long time, and everyone finds their own advantages among these versions. Let's try to figure out all the advantages, disadvantages, performance of the “seven” and “ten”.

Almost all users of Microsoft operating systems have moved from one stable version to another. At one time, XP was considered the most successful and functional. The appearance of Vista did not impress many, primarily because it had many shortcomings and bugs that were not corrected even through the release of patches and updates. The developers themselves, understanding all the shortcomings of the newly-made OS, began to develop a conceptually new operating system, as a result of which Windows 7 was born in 2009, which really turned out to be stable and practical to use.

Evolution from “seven” to “ten”

After some time, specialists from the OS Windows development company felt the need to create an improved operating system, the graphical shell of which was as similar as possible to the one that began to be implemented in mobile devices. This was primarily due to the need to enter the market with a new mobile platform that would compete with Android and iOS in the mobile platform market, and accordingly bring the desktop version as close as possible to the mobile one.

However, most users did not like this solution and the 8th version, in fact, like Vista, did not gain as much popularity as XP and the “seven” had before. As a result, the developers made a “Solomon” decision - to combine mobile version with the classic desktop, which ultimately led to the emergence of Windows 10.

In terms of performance and functionality this release was noticeably better than the 8th version.

Let's figure out how Windows 7 and 10 differ, and which version will better satisfy certain requirements.

Comparative characteristics of the “seven” and “ten”

All testing will be performed on a computer with the following characteristics:

  • processor core i5 3.4GHz;
  • RAM 8 Gb;
  • Video GeForce 980 GTX;
  • HDD 1Tb.
  1. Operating system loading and unloading speed

Turning on the computer, and, accordingly, the time parameter for loading the OS in these two versions is actually the same: 5 seconds. 7 versus 6 sec. in version 10.

But as for exiting sleep mode, here latest version clearly surpasses the previous one and has a significantly lower indicator. If for a complete shutdown on the 10 it takes only 10 seconds, then on the 7 it takes up to 17. That is, this indicator varies almost twice. The same applies to exiting hypernation mode (the difference is also about 7 seconds).

  1. Appearance and graphical interface.

Comparing the design of two objects is always a subjective thing, because each person has his own taste and vision. Before comparing these two operating systems, it must be said that the user’s transition from “seven” to “ten” will be quite painful, because in some graphical aspects these operating systems differ radically.

The design of the 10th version is made in a strict direction: flatness and sharp corners. Windows 7 is more familiar to those who have been using this OS as the main operating system on their computer for decades. It all depends on the specific taste of the person himself.

In the “ten” there is a choice of desktop display: classic and in the form of tiles, which was introduced in the 8th version. This parameter can be attributed in favor of the newer version, since in the seven there is no such choice at all. The Start menu in 7 is also more familiar, but in 10 it is presented as a hybrid of classics and tiles.

In general, we can note the fact that the “ten” looks much more colorful and prettier than its predecessor. If we also take into account the fact that there is voice assistant, then in the graphical shell option, Windows 10 is much more attractive.

Program and game performance

On startup Microsoft Office, software downloads take approximately the same amount of time. No significant differences were found here.

When testing the work Mozilla browsers and Chrome, the “seven” has proven itself much better. The loading and display speed of pages is much faster here. It is worth noting that the newly created Edge browser, which is installed only on 10, is generally not inferior in response time to the above-mentioned browsers on 7, but this question is subjective, since such an application simply does not exist in 7.

As for working with hard drives in general, the throughput and copying speed to different partitions are approximately the same.

Based on the use of new modern toys, we can say that they work approximately the same. When comparing the performance of Crysis 3, the fps indicators did not actually differ, although this parameter was still higher in the 10th version. The only thing is that in a more modern version of the operating system there may be difficulties in launching those games that were released even before the advent of the “seven”: they simply will not be able to be installed.

conclusions

Based on the above, we can say that if you are planning to purchase Windows OS, then the choice, of course, should fall on version 10. If you currently have “seven” installed, then you shouldn’t bother too much and rush to switch to a more modern version, because from the above we can say that the two separate products are approximately the same.

In contact with

Decide for yourself what better windows 7 or windows 10, anyone can do it in a practical way. To do this, it is enough to conduct an experiment and put it on old laptop new build 1703 for PC. If the old versions of the “ten” worked with a system load comparable to Windows 8/8.1, then the latest build has become more voracious in terms of the device’s hardware resources. What can we say if Microsoft recommends for its future cloud version of the “tens” for educational institutions laptops based on at least 4-core Celeron processors with 4 GB of RAM. But this is a “stripped-down version of the ten”, designed to oust Chromebooks from schools. What then can we say about the normal operation of a full-fledged “ten” on old devices released during the Vista era. Only Windows 7 works more or less normally with them.

If you are looking for a replacement for Windows 10, then know that in addition to Linux distributions, you can simply use older ones, but current versions OS. Even Win 8.1, despite the terrible METRO interface, is sometimes more profitable (especially if it’s licensed).

New system for new devices

The debate about which operating system is better - Windows 10 or Windows 7 - is resolved only when you have a relatively new device, which is 2-3 years old. Older ones will definitely work faster on the “seven”. Even installing a fast SSD drive won’t help (with it, version 7 of the system will become lightning fast).

There was a time when streaming Flash content played better on Windows 10:

  1. video;
  2. movies.

However, with the release of more optimized browsers and antiviruses (which significantly “load” the device’s hardware), it is easier to use Windows 7. That is, on older and weaker devices, Windows 7 is again more relevant. It can work on devices originally designed for Vista with single-core Celeron processors, while newer systems will not even be installed on such a configuration.

When choosing what to install on your computer - Windows 7 vs Windows 10 - you should proceed from the hardware of your device and personal aesthetic wishes.

After all, it is not news that not all users like the interface of the tenth windows.

Privacy and Security

In each banner, Microsoft claims that the new Windows 10 has become safer and more secure, that it is ready to offer the user much more than the old “seven”. But is this really so? Something similar was said about XP from 2001, whose network share is still higher than that of Windows 8.1.

Security refers to “patches” that cover potential OS vulnerabilities, and standard anti-virus software. Install a good antivirus on Windows 7, and you simply won’t need Windows 10. But universal metro applications have not become popular since the G8 (2012); they are still perceived as a tribute to universality with mobile platforms.

In addition to security itself, a large number of users are interested in the level of confidentiality of the new system.

And in this aspect, the “dozen” of all releases have enough problems. The corporation knows literally everything about users. Not many people would like someone to know their browser history, all the passwords and texts they typed on the keyboard, or view personal photos and videos. Although Microsoft claims that it encrypts all data, is it really so?

Glitches and automatic updates

To ensure up-to-date anti-virus protection and constantly improve functionality, Microsoft abandoned the practice of giving the user a choice when downloading updates. From now on, they are downloaded and installed automatically, without the user’s knowledge. In the first releases, this caused a lot of problems for users who lost unsaved data during reboots or suffered bugs that came with each new update. There were even utilities released by third-party specialists that disable automatic updates, surveillance and removal of METRO applications.

Moreover, Microsoft's innovation (so-called cumulative updates) is not so much intended to help the user as to help the corporation reduce the load on its servers. If previously updates came to the device only when needed, now large (400-500 MB) packages are downloaded every Tuesday. And since by default, each PC with 10 on board shares updates with computers across local network, such packages are needed only so that the PCs themselves update each other, putting less load on the corporation’s servers.

Built-in Skype, viewing 3D content

The new release of dozens 1703 finally allows you to update metro applications and download extensions for your local user account. Edge browser. The assembly includes integrated Skype and applications for developing and viewing 3D content. However, is it really needed if only specialists do it, and the standard browser has been used by a very small percentage of users since the days of IE6? Of course, if you have a license for Windows 10 and new computer, then returning to Windows 7 is stupid, but you shouldn’t specifically look for a more outdated OS.

Every device must work what it was designed to do. The laptop worked on XP - most likely it will work with difficulty on Win7. If the PC was running Vista or 7, there is no need to torture it with “ten” unless there is an urgent need for it. After all, all games and programs are released specifically for this OS, but with optimization for the top ten.

If you make a scrupulous comparison of what you stand to lose by betting old system, then it turns out that there is nothing special.

There is absolutely no point in buying the “tenth Windows” specifically.

Gaming computers and new OS

When the computer is used by the user exclusively for gaming purposes and surfing, then the best solution will be using a newer operating system. This to corporative clients We need strict support for outdated software and paperwork. For the average user, a “good Windows” is the one that is newer. Moreover, users, as usual, will use its capabilities by a maximum of 10%. Users extremely rarely use standard software:

  • browsers;
  • record players;
  • antiviruses.

They always try to replace them with third-party free or even hacked analogues, the same most often happens with the OS.

If we talk about gaming power, the latest releases of Windows 10 offer gamers ample opportunities: this includes a new DirectX library and a more optimized “game mode”. On Steam, subscribers for the most part have long since switched to a newer OS. And according to their statements on the forums, new games work with the “ten” much better than with its predecessors. A-priory gaming computer has a lot of RAM, a powerful processor and video card, as well as a fast storage device, here the gluttony of the “tens” is almost unnoticeable.

Painful choice: what to do?

Before choosing which Windows to buy, weigh the pros and cons. And if version 7 is almost impossible to find in stores, then version 10 is quite expensive. It’s better to install a test build with a slow update cycle and see how it works on your device, evaluate whether the game is worth the candle. Very often it turns out that users, having overestimated the capabilities of their device, install an operating system on it that is not entirely compatible and then complain about it.

You cannot thoughtlessly install systems that are only nominally suitable for your device.

Literally one incorrectly working driver can negate all the achievements of the system and turn working on a PC into a real punishment.

But if frills and imaginary security are not so important to you, it is better to install a less demanding OS, and by definition this is Windows 7.

How does Windows 8 differ from Windows 7, the positive and negative aspects of switching from one version to another, which of these operating systems to choose - all these questions will be answered. After you decide on the version of Windows, instructions will be given for switching from Windows seventh to Windows eighth and, vice versa, from Windows eighth to Windows seventh.

The main differences between Windows 7 and 8

The main difference in these versions is the visual part: the desktop and other design of the system have radically changed. Windows 7 is a desktop familiar from older versions of the operating system with separate shortcuts and icons, Windows 8 is randomly arranged tiles that match the color scheme to the background color. Which of the designs suits you personally is up to you to decide. Therefore, let's look at the more significant changes that Windows 8 brought us.

Synchronization and quick access to social networks

By updating to the new version of the OS, you will be able to link several of your devices: computers, laptops, phones under Windows control. This is useful if you use several devices in turn: you don’t have to make the same changes on each of them, do it on one and synchronize it with the others. In this way, you can synchronize settings, design, calendar, photos, passwords, history and bookmarks from browsers and some other elements.

Items you can sync

Simplify working with multiple monitors

If you work with the system on several monitors at once, you will feel improvements: there are more settings, separate taskbars and design options. The main difference is that each screen can be configured individually, rather than as one unit.

The ability to work with two screens has been improved

Transferring elements

The process of copying and cutting files has changed: now all transferred elements are summarized in one window, and in this window there is a detailed scale in the form of a graph about the speed of the procedure.


All copied files are displayed in one window

The main advantage is the ability to pause the process and then start it again. This can be useful if you notice that the file names are the same and you need to rename them before they replace each other.

Detailed information about the copied file

Flexible reset and update

All Windows users are recommended to reinstall the system once every six months to a year, since you don’t treat it with care, it still gets clogged over time and starts working noticeably slower than it could. In Windows 7, the only way out of this situation is to reinstall the system or perform a system reset. In both cases, all your data will be permanently deleted. In Windows 8, the situation has changed, now there are two functions - reset, which works the same as in Windows 7, and update, which allows you to restore everything system files and settings to default values ​​without deleting user content.

You can either reset the system or update it

Changing the security system

There is now the ability to create a graphic password, which has long been familiar to all users touch phones. You can not set a password using numbers, but select any photo and set several mouse movements on it, repeating which you will unlock the computer. In some cases, this system is less reliable, since someone can follow your mouse movements; in some, on the contrary, it is more reliable, since no one will guess the password by entering your date of birth.

Draw your graphic key onto the image

The level of protection against encryption viruses has also been increased. A built-in SmartScreen function has appeared: when trying to download a file from the Internet, you will receive a warning from this service if the file you are downloading has not been verified by other users, or the site you are on is suspicious to the system.

The computer warns that the site may be unsafe

Setting up disk space

Change settings disk space will allow you to merge multiple partitions hard drive And external drives into one whole. This function can be useful if you want to expand the memory of your computer using third-party disks or flash drives, and will also help you forget about those moments when one partition of your hard drive is full and the second is almost empty.

Performance

Windows 8 is more optimized, so it can run and start up a little faster than Windows 7. Of course, if your computer has weak hardware, then don't expect to notice much change. The system may start loading faster by a few seconds.

New File History feature

This function commands the system to save previous versions of settings, visual parameters and edited files. That is, if you realize that a file has been corrupted, you can restore its previous version. Please note that this feature is not enabled by default as it may require a large amount of memory to operate. But you can configure it so that it stores the history of files and settings on a third-party storage device: a flash drive or disk.

Change in Task Manager

The design of the task manager has changed for the better. Now its main page shows only currently running programs, and not everything in a row. This will make it easier to close unresponsive applications.

Easier disabling of apps

In the “Processes” tab, you can observe and sort information about how and how much each application or process loads the central processor, writing to the disk and the disk itself, as well as the Internet connection. These statistics will help you monitor your computer's load at any time.

Detailed statistics on computer load

Technical improvements

The new version of the OS supports USB 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0 and NET.Framework 4.5 and DirectX 11.1. Support for ARM architecture.

RAM offload

Windows will close open source software, which you do not use for a certain period of time. This is done to reduce the load on RAM and processor created by a large number of unnecessary running applications. All files located in the closed Windows program, will be automatically saved, so you won't lose any data due to this.

Working with disk images

The new version of the system has the ability to create disk images in ISO format without third-party programs, and also use them as a virtual disk. A virtual disk is another partition of a hard disk, but all the files on it are written to one ISO file. That is, you can delete this file and, accordingly, immediately erase the entire partition, or copy it and transfer it to another computer or third-party storage device.

Summary of the differences

Windows 8 surpasses its previous version in the number and convenience of functions and services, supports more modern applications and additional programs. The only thing in which the new OS could theoretically be inferior to Windows 7 is the interface. If this does not bother you, and you are satisfied with the new visual parameters of the system, then you can safely switch to the new OS.

Transition from Windows 7 to 8

So, if after reading the differences described above, you decide that it is worth upgrading to a new version of the OS, then you need to follow these steps:

  • First you need to get Windows image 1. Version 8.1, since the previous version 8 contains a lot of errors, which were subsequently corrected in version 8.1. At the moment, the image in ISO format can be downloaded from unofficial sites, for example, from here http://pyatilistnik.org/skachat/.

    Download the Windows 8.1 image

  • Download and install the third-party UltraISO program from the official developer website http://ultraiso-ezb.ru. We will need it to create a bootable flash drive.

    Download and install the program

  • You will also need a flash drive itself, at least 4 GB. Please note that it must be completely empty. It also needs to be formatted in a specific format. To do this, insert it into your computer and, while in Explorer, right-click on it and select “Format.”

    Let's start formatting the flash drive

  • In the window that opens, select the NTFS format and format the flash drive. All data from it will be permanently deleted.

    Select NTFS format

  • After formatting, run the previously downloaded UltraISO program. In the panel quick access Expand the “File” section, select “Open” and specify the path to the previously downloaded Windows image.

    Open the OS image

  • Select the device that will become the installation flash drive.

    Selecting the media

  • In the recording method, select USB-HDD+ mode.

    Selecting the USB-HDD+ recording method

  • Click on the “Burn” button to begin the process of creating installation media.

    Click on the “Record” button

  • Wait until the program is in automatic mode will finish recording.

    We are waiting for the end of writing the image to the flash drive

  • Turn off your computer. When turned on, enter the BIOS.

    We go into the BIOS while turning on the computer

  • Being in BIOS settings, set the boot order to start with your installation flash drive. By default, the computer first checks HDD for the presence of an operating system and, seeing it there, turns it on. But if you put the flash drive first in the list, the computer will turn on with the program installed on it.

    Install bootable USB flash drive first place

  • If you do everything correctly, you will see the Windows installation process greeting.

    Windows 8 installation begins

  • Select the language in which the installation will take place.

    Select the language in which the installation process will take place

  • Click on the “Install” button.

    Click on the “Install” button

  • Accept the terms of the license agreement.

    We accept the license agreement

  • Choose what you want to do: update the system or install it from scratch. With the first option, all your data will not be affected, with the second, only data stored not on drive C will remain. Of course, if you do not format the partitions. The system update will take place automatically, so we will consider manual installation.

    Choose manual installation or update

  • A window will open with a list of sections. You need to prepare one of them for installing Windows itself, so click on the “Configure Disks” button.

    Click on the “Disk Configuration” button

  • Select the drive where you want to install the system. It is advisable that at least 20–40 GB be allocated for the partition you choose, but more is better, since in the future you may encounter the fact that it becomes clogged, and it will be impossible to clean it because it contains system files. In this menu you can delete sections, combine them, split them. But the main goal is to format the partition allocated for the system.

    Format hard section disk

  • Confirm formatting. All files, including the previous Windows 7, will be permanently deleted.

    Confirm formatting

  • Mark the formatted disk and click on the “Next” button.

    Select the partition on which Windows will be installed

  • Wait for the system to install. Do not interrupt the process under any circumstances, otherwise the system will not be installed correctly.

    We wait until the system is installed on the computer

  • After installation is complete, the process begins Windows settings. Name your computer and choose a primary background color.

    Select the background color and PC name

  • You can customize Windows for yourself later, so choose standard settings.

    Selecting default options

  • If you want, log in to your account Microsoft records. This is optional, so you can skip this step.

    Login to your account or skip this step

  • If you are not logged in to a Microsoft account, you will have to create a local account, that is, register a user with administrator rights for your computer.

    Choose to create a local account

  • Name the user as you wish. You don't have to set a password, but if you need one, you can enter it and create a hint in case you forget it.

    Enter the name and password for the account

  • Done, Windows 8 is installed and initially configured.

    The system is installed and configured

  • Rollback Windows 8 to 7

    There are two ways to roll back the system: legal and not. The legal option is only suitable for users who have a licensed version of Windows 8 “Professional” on their computer. The unofficial method completely repeats the option of switching from Windows 7 to Windows 8, described above in the article, only in the first steps you need to create an installation flash drive not with Windows 8, but with a hacked Windows 7. All other steps are repeated: start from the installation flash drive, go through the installation process and perform the initial settings of Windows 7.

    If you have a licensed professional Windows 8, you can roll back to previous version operating system for free, but subject to certain conditions:

  • Only users with the professional version can perform a free rollback. The rest will need license key to activate, or you will have to use a hacked system.
  • The key you use for activation must be licensed, but it can be used on several computers.
  • You must have installation disk with Windows 7 Professional.
  • Your computer or laptop must have drivers for the seventh version of the OS, otherwise it will not be able to work fully and correctly. If you bought a device with the eighth OS already installed, then there is a high chance that it will not have drivers. But they can be downloaded from the official website of the company that assembled your computer or laptop. Drivers for external devices (headphones, mouse, etc.) are downloaded from the website of the device creator, and sometimes installed from the device itself if it is more or less new.
  • The Windows 7 installation will look like this:

  • First you need to prepare your computer. To do this, go to UEFI (analogous to BIOS in Windows 8) and enable Legacy or BIOS Mode. This is necessary because Windows 7 does not support UEFI.

    Select Legacy mode

  • Insert the installation disk with the system into your computer and boot from it. To do this, you need to change the boot order while in the BIOS. By default, the computer first checks the hard drive, finds on it operating system and boots from it. But if you move the disk to the first place in the Boot section, the computer will start booting from it and, accordingly, will start the installation process. Please note that the disk will appear in the BIOS settings only if you first insert it into the drive, and only then restart the computer and enter the BIOS.

    We put boot disk first place

  • Go through the Windows installation process Choose a manual installation rather than a system update.

    Select manual Windows installation 7

  • When the disk selection window opens, format the partition on which Windows 8 was installed and install Windows on it.

    Formatting the main disk partition

  • When asked to enter your activation code, do so.

    Enter the license key to activate Windows

  • But if you enter a code that has already been used on another computer, then after the installation is completed you will be written that the system could not be activated. This is normal, you must explain over the phone that you have exercised your official right to roll back the system. To do this, open the application " Windows activation» via the Start menu.

    The system needs to be activated

  • Expand the entire list of activation methods.

    Select “Show other activation methods”

  • Select activation by phone.

    Select the method “Use automatic telephone system”

  • Call the number provided and dictate your code that you entered when installing the system.

    Call the specified number

  • If it is really official, then they will confirm to you that you have the right to rollback, and will dictate a special number in response, which you will need to enter in special fields in the “Windows Activation” window.

    Fill in the empty blocks with the code dictated to you over the phone

  • After entering the code dictated by the operator, you activate the system. Done, all that remains is to install everything necessary drivers and you can start using the system.

    Updating drivers

  • So, it’s worth switching to a new version of the OS, unless you are offended by its design. It has more advantages than disadvantages, all of them will not improve your computer very much, but they will bring small pleasant changes. In any case, you can try updating to new Windows, use it and, if you don’t like it, roll back.

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