Windows 8 vs Windows 7 Performance

The 'Entry Level' with 8GB of ram is laughable, that's not entry level. I understand memory is very cheap, but that's still not entry level.

The reason for the gripe is comparing the two OSes should look at strengths. Though I'm not a Win8 fan, Windows 8 does seem scale down better than Windows 7 in low memory systems. I think if you tested it with only 1GB of ram that Windows 8 would be faster.
 
dexvx said:
Ok, I don't even understand the first sentence of what you're trying to explain (seriously). Please explain.

As for the "type" of technology, it is clearly too early to tell. But from where things are going, it's also seems inevitable that touch will be intergrated into the UI.

The last major paradigm shift in UI's (imo) was incorporating the mouse or a pointing device. I'm not old enough to remember this shift, but I clearly recall talking to folks who were arguing the same thing as we are arguing about touch today.
Click to expand...

It depends on the device. Mouse input in a desktop scenario is far more efficient than touch. Not true on a handheld device in a on the go situation.

Moving your wrist 2cm is a lot easier than moving your arms all over to touch different parts of a screen. Moving your thumb 1cm on a mobile device is rather easy, too.

It's situational. It's also not really new tech, other than gestures and multitouch. POS registers have had touch screens for decades.

Having touch integrated into a multiplatform OS is far from a bad thing.
 
DeathPrincess said:
What new things are you talking about? :confused:

Windows 8 brings very very little new stuff, and just rearranges a few buttons in a kind of weird and anti productive way. It's not breaking new ground anywhere, don't be fooled. :p
Click to expand...

Oh.. really? Tell that to the masses that can't stop crying about how Metro "ruined" everything.

Some things are done in a different way, but I agree with you in that they're not really THAT different. I disagree about the new way being less productive, I feel the exact opposite. The start screen has everything I want to use with big icons, and it goes away when I want to use something. For me that's a lot better than a old desktop cluttered with icons, even though I can have that too if I desire. What's not to like?
 
I've had Windows 8 for two weeks now, all I can say is that it's a learning experience. Moving from DOS-based PC to Windows 95/98 SE was a change for me, and was a much faster transition. Moving from XP to Vista and then 7 was more welcome as the interface were about the same.

Then, here comes Windows 8 and there are still a few things I have to learn about how to get around in this OS. So far, launching apps/programs just from searching for it than me scrolling through a long menu of installed programs is faster than it was for me in 7. Everything is nearly integrated into that search feature, it's insane Microsoft implemented that. But, I've slowly gotten used to it since I can just search for the program to launch then click on it. My commonly used programs are always pinned to taskbar anyway.

2012-11-14_11-31-37.png


Do I consider ModernUI and Start Screen an improvement over the Start Menu? Yes and no.

There is almost always something that takes one extra step in Windows 8 to do something compared to doing it in Windows 7. On the other hand, I feel like I'm doing things faster in Windows 8 compared to 7. The Search for and one-click launch for programs and applications is actually welcoming. The faster feel of the UI and the OS itself is pretty good. Eventually all of us will have to get used to this whether we like it or not because Microsoft is going to push this UI in future iterations of Windows. I'm pretty good with computers, but this OS is taking a little longer getting used to than Windows 7, XP, and 98 before it. It's starting to become second nature to me now as I get more comfortable with the OS. As we speak, it feels no different than Windows 7. Programs work like they did in Windows 7, and haven't had any major issues to speak of.
 
AMD T-type said:
Looks like AMD chips are benefiting more than Intel chips, interesting.
Click to expand...

In ways that seriously make me wonder wtf happened. Different compilers?

If we get a debunking on Win8's phoning home and other suspicious bits I might get it, just for the price.
 
octoberasian, the search-based application starting was available in Win7 as well. The notion that it feels faster to open things in Win8 has to do with the way you open them and the way you have to open them in order to avoid using the Metro screen and scrolling sideways. What I mean is, if you were to launch programs in Win7 the way you do in Win8 you would see no difference, but because you've had to adapt to a new way of using the OS, a way that's more efficient because it keeps your hands on the keyboard and uses shortcuts, it becomes an illusion of increased productivity.

This is the same way I use my laptop with Ubuntu 12.04LTS. Think of HUD as Win8's search features but that it works for the programs you're using as well and even embeds the options those programs come with. On my ThinkPad running 12.04, I almost strictly keep my hands on the keyboard and don't use the ThinkNipple nor trackpad because I can do everything via keyboard shortcuts and HUD much faster. Cut, paste, copy, edit, close/open tabs, open programs and even open my web page straight into the web page with just 3 taps on the keyboard.

But I can also do a lot of this on my desktop as well, but because I'm so used to using a mouse and avoid using Linux (or even Win7 as its search is pretty robust, though it doesn't include the application-specific options), I find myself hovering my hand over the mouse far more often.

I've noticed what you're implying to, although with a different operating system
 
cdr_74_premium said:
Oh.. really? Tell that to the masses that can't stop crying about how Metro "ruined" everything.

Some things are done in a different way, but I agree with you in that they're not really THAT different. I disagree about the new way being less productive, I feel the exact opposite. The start screen has everything I want to use with big icons, and it goes away when I want to use something. For me that's a lot better than a old desktop cluttered with icons, even though I can have that too if I desire. What's not to like?
Click to expand...

The start screen is like a big desktop cluttered with stuff. It is no different, though the start menu had a better system and was more customizable. The screen is kind of annoying when you are in a low light enviroment and it fills the whole screen, so it goes dark/light/dark all the time. :D

What is to like? It's the same stuff with a "different" look piled on it. Theyve conned a bunch of people for repaying for the same thing. The problem with Windows 8 is that it has nothing new about it and adds some pointless crap to everything (Metro applications). The new frosted lucky "charms" bar is pointless too, and stuff like "hovering" and sliding is irksome. The lack of customizations without third party applications is very evident (makes it feel kind of locked down). Why can I not decide to bypass stuff I wont use like Metro applications or disable touch/pen features (like in 7/Vista). Theres very little you can do in the default arrangement to streamline it to how you want to work. It's "use it the Microsoft way or fuck you". To get to the screen I have to either have on hand on the keyboard (which is impossible when using the big Wacom tablet), or reach for the mouse and wait for the stupid hot corner thing to pop up. Why is there no option to have a button there? It's my computer, why I can't I do what I like with it? If I want to be inefficient and have an instant use button that takes up >1% of the screen, I should be allowed to. Why can't I set the start screen to use smaller icons? I know they did some "study" that "most people" get confused if theres more than 3 brightly colored things on screen, but apparently i'm not most people and would prefer to have more stuff. My Windows 7 start menu has 50 icons, more than 8s full screen, and I have 0 "difficulty". If theyd have just made this new stuff an option, rather than the law, then no many fewer people would have had a problem with it (though there's still nothing worthwhile added which makes it a rather pointless "upgrade") as theyd just have more ways of fitting the software to them. They have never stated why they've locked it down in this way, but probably to promote the Metro store and have it in center view to promote their ailing phone OS. :confused:

It's just a junk update that the fewer people bother with the better. It will tell them that people like options and want stuff when they pay money.
 
What a useless review as far as GPUs go.You absolutely need to use the very latest GPU drivers in this test. Why did they stick to 306? They should have at least used 310.33.
 
DeathPrincess said:
To get to the screen I have to either have on hand on the keyboard (which is impossible when using the big Wacom tablet), or reach for the mouse and wait for the stupid hot corner thing to pop up. Why is there no option to have a button there?
Click to expand...

Don't know why Windows 8 opponents always seem to talk about waiting for the hot corners, I've NEVER seen this, they are instant even on a new Atom device. With a Wacom dual mode tablet, pen and touch, you'd have a fantastic way to control Windows 8 with gestures without having to touch a mouse or keyboard since this is exactly what it was designed to do, assuming that Wacom has Windows 8 drivers for gesturing which I'm sure they will if they don't already. With a pen only device it would be possible to just swipe the pen from the side to bring up the Charms Bar, that's how it works with a Wacom tablet.
 
heatlesssun said:
Don't know why Windows 8 opponents always seem to talk about waiting for the hot corners, I've NEVER seen this, they are instant even on a new Atom device. With a Wacom dual mode tablet, pen and touch, you'd have a fantastic way to control Windows 8 with gestures without having to touch a mouse or keyboard since this is exactly what it was designed to do, assuming that Wacom has Windows 8 drivers for gesturing which I'm sure they will if they don't already. With a pen only device it would be possible to just swipe the pen from the side to bring up the Charms Bar, that's how it works with a Wacom tablet.
Click to expand...

No, it's an Intuos 4 (the 5 series have issues and they removed stuff like the function screens and replaced it with useless fluff) so no touch whatsoever (nor need for it). There are pen gestures, but they are all disabled, as it is made to work on stuff off a single screen (and all of the buttons are reprogrammed to do set functions for set programs). If a pen is swiped across the screen it will just draw a big assed line (which is what it should do, and often does). It could be made less focused on the task it's intended for to accommodate stuff it didn't need before. But that would be kind of silly. :p
 
I have Windows 8 installed on all of my computers and it's noticeably snappier, especially on the E-350 HTPC. Good to see that the scheduler actually makes a sizable difference on Piledriver (hopefully Bulldozer too).

I work at a university help desk and I was worried about a huge increase in people calling in about Windows 8. For the most part it's just people calling about an incompatibility with one piece of software we offer. From what I can remember, this is smoother than the Vista launch for us so far.
 
In my AMD C-50 laptop, the difference is like night and day. It was a slow machine before, now it's so snappy I can't believe it's the same computer.
 
DeathPrincess said:
If a pen is swiped across the screen it will just draw a big assed line (which is what it should do, and often does).
Click to expand...

I'm not so sure that is what it should do. This does refer to 1-finger swipe gestures which may only apply to the Intuos5 (that's the touch and pen based one correct?) but these notes don't make that distinction and a pen works just the same as a finger with the edge swipes on all of Windows 8 tablets, all but one which originally ran Windows 7.

Driver supports Intuos5 (PTH), Intuos4 (PTK) and Intuos3 (PTZ) pen tablets and the Cintiq 24HD Touch, Cintiq 24HD, Cintiq22HD, Cintiq 21UX, Cintiq 12WX, Cintiq 20WSX, DTU-2231, DTU-1931 and DTU-1631 pen displays.

Save the file to your computer and then double-click on it to launch the installer.

Release Notes:
•Added support for Windows 8
•Added new Windows 8 1-finger "swipe" gestures
•Implemented enhancements to the touch user interface
•Other enhancements and bug fixes

Be sure to uninstall any current tablet driver installation before installing.

Note: If you are a left-handed pen user and use an Intuos5 or Cintiq 24HD touch, select your handedness in the "Options…" dialog box of the Wacom Tablet Properties control panel to enable proper functioning of palm rejection.

If you have any questions, please contact Wacom Technical Support at 800-922-6613.
Click to expand...

http://www.wacom.com/support/drivers
 
octoberasian said:
I've had Windows 8 for two weeks now, all I can say is that it's a learning experience. Moving from DOS-based PC to Windows 95/98 SE was a change for me, and was a much faster transition. Moving from XP to Vista and then 7 was more welcome as the interface were about the same.

Then, here comes Windows 8 and there are still a few things I have to learn about how to get around in this OS. So far, launching apps/programs just from searching for it than me scrolling through a long menu of installed programs is faster than it was for me in 7. Everything is nearly integrated into that search feature, it's insane Microsoft implemented that. But, I've slowly gotten used to it since I can just search for the program to launch then click on it. My commonly used programs are always pinned to taskbar anyway.

2012-11-14_11-31-37.png


Do I consider ModernUI and Start Screen an improvement over the Start Menu? Yes and no.

There is almost always something that takes one extra step in Windows 8 to do something compared to doing it in Windows 7. On the other hand, I feel like I'm doing things faster in Windows 8 compared to 7. The Search for and one-click launch for programs and applications is actually welcoming. The faster feel of the UI and the OS itself is pretty good. Eventually all of us will have to get used to this whether we like it or not because Microsoft is going to push this UI in future iterations of Windows. I'm pretty good with computers, but this OS is taking a little longer getting used to than Windows 7, XP, and 98 before it. It's starting to become second nature to me now as I get more comfortable with the OS. As we speak, it feels no different than Windows 7. Programs work like they did in Windows 7, and haven't had any major issues to speak of.
Click to expand...
Hey your start icon looks almost just like the one I made, only better. Where did you get it?
 
heatlesssun said:
Don't know why Windows 8 opponents always seem to talk about waiting for the hot corners, I've NEVER seen this, they are instant even on a new Atom device. With a Wacom dual mode tablet, pen and touch, you'd have a fantastic way to control Windows 8 with gestures without having to touch a mouse or keyboard since this is exactly what it was designed to do, assuming that Wacom has Windows 8 drivers for gesturing which I'm sure they will if they don't already. With a pen only device it would be possible to just swipe the pen from the side to bring up the Charms Bar, that's how it works with a Wacom tablet.
Click to expand...

So, in addition to having to purchase standard interface devices in the form of a keyboard and trackpad to get a tablet to be competitive with a cheap Compaq Presario, I also have to buy a bunch of Wacom hardware? That's great news! I can't wait to spend more on interface junk than on an entire laptop from WalMart.

I do admit that I like the idea of being able to control Windows 8 without having to touch a mouse or keyboard. Then again, with that combination of junk you have to attach, you still have to touch something to control the computer. Honestly, if Microsoft wanted Windows 8 to be a real improvement, they would have integrated wireless thought-based control that didn't demand any new interface hardware or additional cost to the consumer.
 
SkribbelKat said:
So, in addition to having to purchase standard interface devices in the form of a keyboard and trackpad to get a tablet to be competitive with a cheap Compaq Presario, I also have to buy a bunch of Wacom hardware? That's great news! I can't wait to spend more on interface junk than on an entire laptop from WalMart.
Click to expand...

I never said anything about anyone buying a Wacom tablet, DeathPrincess has one and I was simply pointing out that there was Windows 8 driver that might improve his experience with hardware he already has with Windows 8. The drivers are free you know.

SkribbelKat said:
I do admit that I like the idea of being able to control Windows 8 without having to touch a mouse or keyboard. Then again, with that combination of junk you have to attach, you still have to touch something to control the computer. Honestly, if Microsoft wanted Windows 8 to be a real improvement, they would have integrated wireless thought-based control that didn't demand any new interface hardware or additional cost to the consumer.
Click to expand...

The T650 touch pad as result of the drivers it installs gives Windows 8 limited touch awareness that activates the Modern UI onscreen keyboard so is it possible to do text entry, no the fast of course but it would be kind of cool with an HTPC to only need a small pad for mouse and gesture control and even limited text input.
 
Windows 8 to me was a no go.

It was that time of the year/month last night to reinstall Windows! So, since I was starting over fresh I figured I'd go a head and install Windows 8...at least to try it out.

After getting the Start button back and turning off the Metro UI it seemed all good. Started installed programs and drivers...including Steam to play some games.

Restarted my PC and Steam wouldn't start. At all. Tried reinstalling, deleting .BLOB, etc...just COULD NOT get Steam working at all anymore. OK...and yeah I'm sure YOU aren't having a problem with Steam, but I was, something I never had issues with using Windows 7.

Then I looked at a picture (my wallpaper), hit escape to get back to desktop, only to be greeted by some Metro shit...just simply couldn't hit ESCAPE and have the photo viewer QUIT. Took about 3-4 clicks to get back to the desktop...what a PITA...

Also, I honestly didn't notice any speed difference...maybe a second or two shaved from boot, but who the hell cares? Everything else felt the same despite all the talk I've heard of Windows 8 being smoother and faster overall...I just didn't see it.

At the end of my Windows 8 experience it just left a bad taste in my mouth. I am now back on Windows 7 and everything works without having to install a 3rd party Start button nor having to skip over an entire UI overhaul.

Over all the ONLY thing I liked about Windows 8 vs. Windows 7 was the Task Manager...other than that I couldn't care less about 8.

Well, at least I can now bash it from experience, eh?

Really wish Microsoft would release a Metro-free version. I know my experience with Windows 8 drove me away, and I'm sure I'm not the only one!

Oh well...at least Windows 7 will be supported well into Windows 9/10/11 I'm sure...so unless Microsoft shapes up I have no reason to leave 7. It just fucking works.
 
JoeUser said:
Windows 8 to me was a no go.

It was that time of the year/month last night to reinstall Windows! So, since I was starting over fresh I figured I'd go a head and install Windows 8...at least to try it out.

After getting the Start button back and turning off the Metro UI it seemed all good. Started installed programs and drivers...including Steam to play some games.

Restarted my PC and Steam wouldn't start. At all. Tried reinstalling, deleting .BLOB, etc...just COULD NOT get Steam working at all anymore. OK...and yeah I'm sure YOU aren't having a problem with Steam, but I was, something I never had issues with using Windows 7.

Then I looked at a picture (my wallpaper), hit escape to get back to desktop, only to be greeted by some Metro shit...just simply couldn't hit ESCAPE and have the photo viewer QUIT. Took about 3-4 clicks to get back to the desktop...what a PITA...

Also, I honestly didn't notice any speed difference...maybe a second or two shaved from boot, but who the hell cares? Everything else felt the same despite all the talk I've heard of Windows 8 being smoother and faster overall...I just didn't see it.

At the end of my Windows 8 experience it just left a bad taste in my mouth. I am now back on Windows 7 and everything works without having to install a 3rd party Start button nor having to skip over an entire UI overhaul.

Over all the ONLY thing I liked about Windows 8 vs. Windows 7 was the Task Manager...other than that I couldn't care less about 8.

Well, at least I can now bash it from experience, eh?

Really wish Microsoft would release a Metro-free version. I know my experience with Windows 8 drove me away, and I'm sure I'm not the only one!

Oh well...at least Windows 7 will be supported well into Windows 9/10/11 I'm sure...so unless Microsoft shapes up I have no reason to leave 7. It just fucking works.
Click to expand...

Eh, you can't say you've experienced Windows 8 when the first thing you did was install a Start Menu replacement. Steam issues is Steam issues, not a Windows issue. I and thousands others can assure you that Steam works just fine with Windows 8. Perhaps you should check out Device Manager to make sure there's no Unknown Device listed. Find reference drivers too if you have to. Update your BIOS too.

But yeah my one beef with Windows 8 is that some programs are defaulted to Metro apps - picture viewer and PDF reader for example. They should have made Metro apps default only in Windows RT and use the same default as Windows 7 in Windows 8. Easy to remedy. Right-click photos, select "Open With" then "Chose Default Programs" and chose the program you wish and you're good to go. Less savvy users won't know that though.
 
AMD T-type said:
Less savvy users likely wont care.
Click to expand...

I'm not too sure about that. Windows' selling points since 1995 have always been its ability to multi-task. Make an app full screen and you'll have a bunch of people crying bloody murder why they can't see their browser or IM while reading a PDF.

I love Windows 8, don't get me wrong, but making Metro the default app is wrong and asking for trouble.
 
Agreed, most of the tweaks I did to make it "ok this isn't so bad now" a regular user wouldn't have a clue how to do...
 
Azhar said:
I'm not too sure about that. Windows' selling points since 1995 have always been its ability to multi-task. Make an app full screen and you'll have a bunch of people crying bloody murder why they can't see their browser or IM while reading a PDF.

I love Windows 8, don't get me wrong, but making Metro the default app is wrong and asking for trouble.
Click to expand...

Which essentially means that if we go back to the Windows 7 way for that, there will be no programs to open various files unless the user downloads and installs them.
 
MrLonghair said:
It would perform even better if you could turn off it's Aero.
Click to expand...
That is one thing that pissed me off that W8 doesn't have aero.

That had virtually no performance loss, and is irrelevant on my quad core 4.6ghz w/ 3GB video memory 7950 video card. :rolleyes:

Same thing with the video wallpapers, why did they do away with optional eye-candy? I don't get it.
 
Azhar said:
I'm not too sure about that. Windows' selling points since 1995 have always been its ability to multi-task. Make an app full screen and you'll have a bunch of people crying bloody murder why they can't see their browser or IM while reading a PDF.

I love Windows 8, don't get me wrong, but making Metro the default app is wrong and asking for trouble.
Click to expand...
You can multi-task, its just a different way of managing windows and getting to stuff.

It takes a bit getting used to.

What really helps though is to have a gesure mouse or gesture device on a desktop. These are REALLY good for power users.

Laptops and touchscreen tablets will already have this functionality out of the box.
 
Ducman69 said:
What really helps though is to have a gesure mouse or gesture device on a desktop. These are REALLY good for power users.
Click to expand...

Know what's great for a power user? A regular mouse, a regular keyboard, a regular monitor, and Windows 7.

There is no reason we need to try and unite the desktop and mobile experiences. Desktop usage is different than mobile usage. That would be like car manufacturers saying "screw having a range of models - we're going to design and sell only one car that will apply to all situations" except that it ends up just being a compact car that is useless for carrying stuff and only works for some people. But simple is better!
 
dandragonrage said:
Know what's great for a power user? A regular mouse, a regular keyboard, a regular monitor, and Windows 7.

There is no reason we need to try and unite the desktop and mobile experiences. Desktop usage is different than mobile usage. That would be like car manufacturers saying "screw having a range of models - we're going to design and sell only one car that will apply to all situations" except that it ends up just being a compact car that is useless for carrying stuff and only works for some people. But simple is better!
Click to expand...

Well its going to happen regardless.
 
xBanzai89 said:
Well its going to happen regardless.
Click to expand...

What is going to happen? Microsoft is going to try and push this on us? Fine, but they can either release SP1 which allows you to revert back to Windows 7 UI, or I will stick with Windows 7, or I will go to Linux. Others will be looking for alternatives too. Some of you may accept Windows 8, but it IS going to piss a lot more people off than 7 did, and I personally hope they join the rest of us looking for alternatives, even if they mean non-MS alternatives.
 
dandragonrage said:
What is going to happen? Microsoft is going to try and push this on us? Fine, but they can either release SP1 which allows you to revert back to Windows 7 UI, or I will stick with Windows 7, or I will go to Linux. Others will be looking for alternatives too. Some of you may accept Windows 8, but it IS going to piss a lot more people off than 7 did, and I personally hope they join the rest of us looking for alternatives, even if they mean non-MS alternatives.
Click to expand...

I don't think that Microsoft or anyone was under the delusion that there's be a lot of people that don't like Metro and want the old UI. Microsoft is taking a risk though that losing some customers in a market that it dominates and is in relative decline versus tablets is an acceptable loss rather than be completely out of the tablet space.

Businesses make these risk/reward moves everyday, it's just how things work. I just don't think that most people really are going to care that much about the new UI one way or the other. Most will figure out what they need to do the tasks that they need and that's about it, as it has always has been. However there will be new options in terms of software and hardware that Windows has never had before, and if those things have enough appeal, then the new UI becomes moot, and that's what Microsoft is counting on.
 
heatlesssun said:
I never said anything about anyone buying a Wacom tablet, DeathPrincess has one and I was simply pointing out that there was Windows 8 driver that might improve his experience with hardware he already has with Windows 8. The drivers are free you know.



The T650 touch pad as result of the drivers it installs gives Windows 8 limited touch awareness that activates the Modern UI onscreen keyboard so is it possible to do text entry, no the fast of course but it would be kind of cool with an HTPC to only need a small pad for mouse and gesture control and even limited text input.
Click to expand...

Yeah whatevah. Call me back when it can read my mind and then I'll accuse Microsoft of turning into Creepy Uncle Microsoft and totally recommend people use Chrome OS or maybe a 5x3 notecard instead.
 
Ducman69 said:
That is one thing that pissed me off that W8 doesn't have aero.

That had virtually no performance loss, and is irrelevant on my quad core 4.6ghz w/ 3GB video memory 7950 video card. :rolleyes:

Same thing with the video wallpapers, why did they do away with optional eye-candy? I don't get it.
Click to expand...

I don't recall video wallpapers in anything other than Vista Ultimate, and that was disabled in 7 because it was buggy. And just like people used to complain that Vista and 7 used more battery power on their laptop but wouldn't turn off transparancies MS probably saw it better to just disable it just to shut them up.
 
I have Win 8 on all of my computers. There was some bumps, but everything is running fine on all of them now.

One thing I have noticed. I HIGHLY recommend installing from the internet download rather than physical media. If you do it from the Windows Assistant Download and you run the "refresh" feature then it just works. If you install with physical media, when you go to run a refresh then you have to run around looking for the disc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top