Windows 7 or 8.1

[negold]

So I am going to be building a PC for my dad for web browsing, and I wanted to know, should I use Windows 7 or 8.1? When I talked to my dad about what he thought of the Win 8 UI, he said the thing he didn't like was about how the I.T. guy who had set it up for him had spelled his name wrong. -_- Anyway, it also sounded like he was complaining about Metro. However, I know that Microsoft will stop releasing security updates for Win 7 in January 2020. Not sure if the PC will last him that long, but maybe. So should I get him Win 7 or 8.1? Thanks!
Partlist: http/pcpartpicker.com/p/79VLxr

 

[THM01]

Windows 7 hands down, no contest.

Also, Windows 10 is coming out and will be available (rumored) end of July, and will be free for any owner of Windows 7 OR Windows 8.

Edit: Unless he really likes Windows 8.

Also, if he really wants to change his name on the computer...
(if its the computers name then go to this link: http/windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-computer-name#1TC=windows-7)

If its the log-on name then see this link: http/www.eightforums.com/tutorials/8782-user-account-name-change-windows-8-a.html

 

[USAFRet]

And for an opposing viewpoint, no reason NOT to get 8.1 now instead of Win 7.

A couple of built in tweaks, and it is indistinguishable from Win 7. With the performance enhancements of Win 8.1.
Metro? I haven't seen that screen in weeks.

 

[tiny voices]

I would get 8.1 for sure. It really is better in every capacity than 7.

 

[THM01]

In my opinion, the overall user interface is so poorly made for a standard desktop computer. It's way more "tablet/touch" oriented. But its really just preference. Are there performance enhancements in 8.1? Yeah. But just generally using for web browsing and not much else, especially on a budget build that won't have a lot of ram (which is what I'd assume you're making for him?), I like the simplicity and ease of use of Windows 7.

Really just comes down to preference. Either way he might want to upgrade to Windows 10 when it comes out for free in a few months so it's probably not that big of a deal either way. Might want to go with whatever's cheaper? Your call. Best of luck!

 

[USAFRet]

In my opinion, the overall user interface is so poorly made for a standard desktop computer.

If you leave it on the defaults, you're probably right. Easily fixed, though. On my 8.1, I've seen the Metro thing maybe twice this year.
Other than that, looks and acts a lot like 7.

 

[tiny voices]

Yeah, I can't even remember the last time I saw the Metro screen. I much prefer 8.1 to 7 on my desktop.

 

[THM01]

In my opinion, the overall user interface is so poorly made for a standard desktop computer.

If you leave it on the defaults, you're probably right. Easily fixed, though. On my 8.1, I've seen the Metro thing maybe twice this year.
Other than that, looks and acts a lot like 7.

That's very true. I was just trying to think from the "Dad turns it on and it works and doesn't have to mess with anything" viewpoint.

Hopefully it won't matter and Windows 10 will be a positive game changer

 

[atheus]

8.1. Optimizations are good. Take advantage of them. As many have said, as a desktop user you won't see anything that's aimed at tablet users more than once in a blue moon. It works, and it works well.

 

[negold]

In my opinion, the overall user interface is so poorly made for a standard desktop computer. It's way more "tablet/touch" oriented. But its really just preference. Are there performance enhancements in 8.1? Yeah. But just generally using for web browsing and not much else, especially on a budget build that won't have a lot of ram (which is what I'd assume you're making for him?), I like the simplicity and ease of use of Windows 7.

Really just comes down to preference. Either way he might want to upgrade to Windows 10 when it comes out for free in a few months so it's probably not that big of a deal either way. Might want to go with whatever's cheaper? Your call. Best of luck!

Thanks! I think I will use Windows 7, and when Windows 10 comes out, if he's ready for the jump, I'll install that for free. Thank You!