The best version of Windows. Best version of Windows Better than 8 1 or 10
Which Windows is better? – this is a very interesting question. But in my opinion it is not entirely correct, since it is not complete. It doesn't fully define what you want to know.
If you are interested in the XP version number, 7, 8, 10, then the answer is obvious. Based on the principle that each subsequent version should be better than the previous one, the answer already suggests itself. Of course, this is Windows 10. At the moment this is the latest version and it is, of course, the coolest. For the newest computers, it should certainly be the best. But questions immediately arise: “Why is it better than the rest?”; "Can it be installed on old computers?"; "Is it possible to install old operating systems on new computers?" To understand the essence of our further discussions, you need to know what an Operating System (OS) is, what it consists of and how it works. This is where we will start.
What is an operating system
From Wikipedia we learn the following definition:
"Operating System, abbreviated as OS (from English operating system, OS) is a set of interconnected programs designed to manage computer resources and organize user interaction." In other words, the OS must manage all computer devices and allow you to enter commands and data from input devices such as keyboard, mouse, scanners, ..., and output the results of command execution to output devices such as a monitor screen or printer.
Composition of the operating system
A modern Operating System consists of 5 important components:
- core- the main part of the operating system, which manages all program execution processes and their access to computer resources, and also manages the file system;
- drivers- programs that ensure the operation of computer devices and components;
- configuration files operating system - contains OS settings specified by the user;
- command processor- converts user commands entered from the keyboard into commands understandable to the operating system;
- GUI- converts mouse commands into commands understandable to the operating system;
That's all.
But why then are the installation packages so large? Yes, because all versions of Windows are not only an operating system, but also packages of utilities (applications) - programs that provide convenience for working with the OS. Therefore, each version of Windows differs not so much in the kernel itself as in the software package. And this is especially noticeable in editions of any version of Windows from XP to ten. That's why they differ so much in capabilities and price.
Considering the fact that after version 7, each subsequent operating system (kernel) is a continuation of the previous one, it should be assumed that versions from 7 to 10 differ little from each other and are quite compatible. And this is confirmed by Microsoft itself: all operating systems from Vista to 10 are compatible. This applies primarily to the 32-bit version. Moreover, they are similar in configuration and require a minimum of 1 GB of RAM during installation.
Hence the conclusion is that Windows 7 to 10 as an operating system differ little from each other and there is not much difference in what you want to install. But they differ significantly in the set of programs, settings and appearance (graphic design).
The most noticeable difference in OS is the bit depth (32 and 64 bits). It is this that determines on which computer which Windows is best installed. And if 32-bit axes are completely compatible with any processors, then with 64-bit axes the situation is completely different.
64-bit processors support execution of 64-bit instructions. At the time of writing, not many such commands (directives) had been invented. There are only 75, but not all processors support them. And the older the processor, the fewer such commands it understands. Processors released say in 2007 - 2010 support only 12 - 20 64-bit directives.
If teams are involved in implementing extremely important functions, such as system security, then the new OS simply will not install on an old processor that cannot implement these functions.
32-bit Windows has a kernel and the entire software package will be 32-bit. A 64-bit OS has a 64-bit kernel. And not all programs will be 64-bit, but only those for which there is an urgent need. The rest will still be 32-bit. Since a 64-bit OS allows 32-bit programs to run.
Since the Operating System is not the grace of God, designed to ensure convenient operation of computers, but a business project created to siphon off users’ money, you need to carefully look at what dirty tricks, or advantages and limitations, or innovations in which package are included. Let's see how different editions of different versions of Windows differ.
Features of Windows 7 editions
Windows Vista and 7 were developed back in the days when there were only a lot of 32-bit processors. Therefore, they were focused primarily on maximizing the use of their capabilities. And some of the capabilities of 64-bit processors were not fully utilized. I mean support for PAE, NX and SSE2. Perhaps this was done in order to ensure maximum compatibility with the previous version of XP and not scare away Windows fans.
Windows 7 (Starter)
Windows 7 Starter For example, Windows 7 Starter exists only in a 32-bit version and allows you to work with memory amounts only up to 2 GB. This is an absolutely minimalistic package, intended more for cheap netbooks. Yes, these are the restrictions. On the other hand, it has everything you need:
1. Windows Media Player;
2. Improved taskbar and jump lists;
3. Windows Search;
4. Joining a home group;
5. Archiving and recovery;
6. Expanded capabilities for playing media files;
7. Support Center;
8. Device management (Device Stage);
9. Streaming media files, including Play To technology;
10. Bluetooth support;
11. Faxes and scanning;
12. Basic set of games;
13. Credential Manager;
14. Any number of simultaneously running applications; 
Windows 7 Home Basic
In principle, this edition can be used on weak laptops and especially netbooks. It is designed for users with minimal requirements and combines reliability and speed with a familiar interface. Surf the Internet. Print documents. Watch films. Listen to music. All this is quite possible. But you can only play light games, mainly from the Windows package. Starter is an OEM version and came pre-installed. I think this is a great solution if money is a problem. But we always want more and better. For me, I would not want to install a disadvantaged version under any circumstances.
Windows 7 (Home Basic)
As I said at the very beginning, each subsequent version is cooler than the previous one. The Windows 7 Home Basic version contains everything that the initial version plus:
15. “Live” thumbnails in the taskbar;
16. Fast user switching;
17. Connect to wireless networks on the fly;
18. Internet connection sharing;
19. Supports multiple monitors;
20. Windows Mobility Center (without presentation mode);
This is the cheapest edition on sale. Some problems were identified in managing equipment connected via USB ports. Because of this, I also do not recommend using it. can fail at the wrong moment.
Windows 7 (Home Premium)
Windows 7 Home Premium version The Windows 7 Home Premium version is even cooler. In addition to all this, it also includes:
21. Glass and advanced navigation in Windows (Aero Shake and Aero Peek);
22. Aero Background;
23. Windows Touch (touch and handwriting input);
24. Creating a home group;
25. Windows Media Center;
26. Playing and editing DVD video;
27. Extended range of games;
28. Scissors, Windows Journal, Sticky Notes;
29. Windows Sideshow (on secondary display);
An excellent solution for most tasks, including games.
Windows 7 (Professional)
30. Location-aware printing;
31. Joining a domain and group policies;
32. Connections to remote desktops (host);
33. Advanced archiving (network and group policies);
34. Encrypting File System (EFS);
35. Windows Mobility Center: presentation mode;
36. Offline folders;
37. Windows XP Mode;
Perhaps the best solution from the entire line. There are all the most necessary applications and nothing superfluous.
Windows 7 (Ultimate)
Windows 7 Enterprise The coolest configuration among home versions is Windows 7 Ultimate, among professional versions Windows 7 Enterprise. If you don’t go into details, they are almost identical in configuration and differ mainly in the licensing scheme and price. The following features have been added to them:
38. BitLocker and BitLocker To Go;
39.AppLocker;
40. DirectAccess;
41. BranchCache;
42. Multilingual user interface (language packs);
43. “Corporate” search;
44. Improvements in the deployment of virtual environments (VDI);
45. Boot from virtual hard disks (VHD);
Of course, this is an extremely superficial description of the applications and features included in Windows 7. To decide whether you need all this. You need to at least know what is what and what you eat it with. The Internet can help in this matter. It’s a pity that it’s not possible to describe everything in detail in one article.
Comparing the above-described capabilities of different editions of Windows 7 Home Premium will be the best option. It will be more than enough for you.
Before moving on to considering the Windows 8 and 10 kits, I would like to remind you that Windows 8 was developed at a time when only 64-bit processors were already being produced. This is probably why it implemented software support for PAE, NX and SSE2. This increased the security of data and the OS itself. But it led to the incompatibility of the new OS with 32-bit processors.
How to determine if your processor supports PAE, NX and SSE2
Microsoft released the program Coreinfo v3.31, which shows you the mapping between logical processor and physical processor. The topology of the logical processor is hardwired into the program. The compliance of the technologies present in your processor is marked with asterisks. The program is launched from the command line. As a result of its work, you will receive approximately the following information:
CPU test In the picture I have highlighted everything that will interest you first. The first two lines are the name and topology of your processor. The next three are NX, PAE and SSE2. All of them should be marked with asterisks as in the figure. And although Microsoft specifies these exact sets of instructions for all 64-bit Windows from 7 to 10 as mandatory, their processor support is only sufficient for Windows 7 and 8. For Windows 8.1 and 10, this is no longer enough. The fact is that in the lists of 64-bit processor instructions there are already more than 75. And old processors, released, say, in 2005, support only 15. Naturally, they physically cannot execute the remaining instructions. Therefore, 64-bit versions of Windows such as 8.1 and 10 will no longer work.
To find out if your old processor is suitable for working with Windows 10 or 8.1, you need to go to the Microsoft page System requirements for installing Windows 10 or 8.1. In the "Processor" line, find the word highlighted in blue. This is a link to the Windows Processor Requirements page. On this page below the text there are tables of correspondence between Windows versions from 7 to 10 groups of processors. Knowing the name of your processor on the Internet, you can find enough details about it and then compare it with the entries in the table.
Features of Windows 8 and 8.1 editions
Now let's look at the capabilities of the Windows 8 and 8.1 editions. Initially, Windows 8 was developed exclusively for mobile devices with touch screens and was called Windows 8 RT (RunTime). It includes sensor-optimized versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote.
Then came Windows 8 and Windows 8 PRO for desktop computers with enhanced touchscreen capabilities. Edition 8 includes everything that is available in Windows 7 Home Premium. And the PRO edition is equal to Windows 7 Ultimate. Both versions do not contain MS Office components. 
It turned out that the initial ideas were not implemented as well as desired. And how I want money. Therefore, a new version 8.1 appeared very quickly. With her, everything is practically the same, only supposedly improved. And the Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition was added, which is equal in composition and capabilities to the previous PRO edition. And the PRO edition and simply 8.1 have become more modest. In general, everything was put in its place as it should be. But a strange limitation appeared. Edition 8.1 supports memory up to 128 GB, and PRO and Enterprise editions up to 512 GB. Apparently they were going to live for a very long time.
The main difference between Windows 8.1 is the 64-bit version. It implemented a new security system using new 64-bit directives. Therefore, Windows 8.1 x64 could not be installed on older processors that did not support them. Only users of x32 versions did not notice this. Of which there were very few.
In general, as you can see, the equipment is very good everywhere. Therefore, you can install whatever your heart desires. The main limiter will be the set of x64 processor directives. It is most logical to use the PRO version. You will receive everything you can use at home.
Features of Windows 10 editions
Now let's look at the capabilities of the Windows 10 editions. Everything here is quite similar to 8.1: - Windows 10 Home has all the basic operating system features included in the Windows 8 PRO version. Which already speaks about initially greater capabilities than the eight;
- Windows 10 Pro (Professional) for small businesses and home users who need advanced system capabilities corresponds to Windows 8 Enterprise or Windows 7 Ultimate;
- Windows 10 Enterprise (Corporate) for medium and large businesses. The Windows Enterprise edition has all the features of the professional version, as well as additional features that are relevant for use in enterprises. But in essence it differs little from the previous version.
For those who want to buy: if you want to get the most benefits for home use, then the Home version will be more than enough.
Which Windows is better - Answers to questions
Now, having all the necessary information at hand, you can answer more specific questions quite fully and accurately.
Which Windows is better? Or which windows is better?
As I already said, the latest version is always better than the previous ones. Therefore, this is 10. Based on the set of programs and capabilities that can be used at home, this will be the HOME version or, if you really want, then PRO.
Answer: The best option for home use is Windows 10 HOME.
Which Windows is better: 7 or 10?
Considering the principle that the latest development is better than the first, then this is again 10. As you remember, the home edition of the top ten is no worse than the PRO edition of the seven. And Windows 10 Pro (Professional) includes almost all the features of Windows 7 Maximum (Ultimate).
Answer: Windows 10 is better than 7 (if only because it is much more secure).
But here you should take into account the fact that Windows 7 already works well on 2 GB of RAM and on any older processors. For 32-bit tens, 2 GB is not enough. With this amount of memory it works slower than the 7. In addition, ten cannot be installed at all on 32 processors, since they do not have support for PAE, NX and SSE2. And x64 doesn't want to work with older 64-bit processors that don't support the new 64-bit instructions.
New OS for new hardware. In addition, in 2020 all support for Windows 7 will end.
Which Windows 7 is better for gaming?
This question could be answered immediately when considering the capabilities of Windows 7. Theoretically, any edition except the initial edition is suitable for games, due to its limitations. But in reality, Windows 7 Home Premium will be the best solution. Although for games in any case it is necessary to install additional packages such as: Adobe Flash Player, Visual C++, ...
Which Windows 10 is better?
For home use, Windows 10 Home is sufficient.
This is how it all began in 2015.
Now everything has changed.
As a result of the latest reinstallations, it turned out that there are already several versions of Windows 10. The first version was released in July 2015. Its number should apparently be 1507. Subsequent version numbers are 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, 1803, 1809. Version numbers correspond to the year and month of release. In each subsequent version, improvements and improvements are made. But these improvements and improvements through updates are not carried over to older versions. That is, the installed old version of Windows does not receive these innovations. To get them you need to reinstall Windows to a new version. Therefore, all versions exist in parallel. And they are updated separately, independently of each other. The update history of all versions is located at https://support.microsoft.com/ru-ru/help/4018124/windows-10-update-history.
I believe that Microsoft has entered into a conspiracy with other corporations that write software. And they began to include checking the Windows version in new programs. Already the latest versions of Photoshop and Skype do not support Windows versions lower than 1803. There are other programs. Soon there will be a lot of them. Windows version 1703 and earlier home and PRO builds are no longer supported. This means there will be no more monthly updates for them. Microsoft itself recommends installing the latest version of Windows 10. According to it, version 1803 and especially 1809 are the fastest loading and most productive.
So when choosing a Windows 10 installation package, you now also need to check the build version. At the moment, version 1809 has been released and is recommended. If you do not use it, then you simply will not be able to take advantage of new features and new programs. Starting with version 1809, there will be only Corporate and educational builds. Their support will be provided for no more than 30 months. And then install the new version again.
Which Windows 7 is better to install?
The best solution is the one that best suits your needs. For home use, Windows 7 Home Premium is the best solution. But this was the case at the time when it was sold because it was the best price/quality ratio. Now you can download and install any one, except the initial one. Maximum is probably the most common build.
Which Windows is better for a laptop?
A laptop is the same as a desktop computer, only portable. Therefore, the same rules apply to him. Considering that you probably want to use new software, then Windows 10 Home is quite suitable for you.
But which one is 32 or 64 bit? Here you need to know:
What kind of processor is installed on the laptop, 32 or 64 bit, fairly new or very old? - the answer to this question will help clarify whether you can install Windows 10 at all.
As practice has shown, it is better to install Windows 10 if you have 4 GB or more of RAM. Based on this, we can safely assume that 64-bit will be better.
What does windows 10 1607/1703/1709/1803/1809 mean?
These are the release dates of Windows 10 editions. The first pair of numbers indicates the year. Second month. Therefore version 1607, this is the edition released in July 2016. According to Microsoft, edition 1803 is the fastest and most secure. Many programs in new versions support it, and even 1809. Earlier versions become obsolete and their support is discontinued.
If you noticed, since 2017, new editions have been published twice a year. In March and September. Support for older editions was 18 months. Starting with edition 1809, Microsoft promises to provide 30 months of support.
For 2 gigs of RAM, which is better to install Windows 8.1 or 10?
Both theoretically and practically, Windows 8.1 is lighter than 10. Accordingly, it will work faster. I can say for sure that 32-bit versions of both Windows will work, but in any case not very fast. I recommend reading how to speed up your computer.
With 64-bit Windows, things are somewhat more complicated. If the processor is too old and does not support the necessary lists of 64-bit instructions, then you will not be able to install them. Neither one nor the other. Read above on how to check the processor.
Do I need to switch from Windows 7 to Windows 10? Maybe, well, these innovations and beauty? Or still keep up with the times? This is a question that confuses many of today's Windows users.
Comparison of Windows 10 and Windows 7
As an example, take any laptop with very decent performance, for example, Samsung R60Y+. Don't be scared by the fact that this model is 9 years old - it's a machine with a dual-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. Windows 8/8.1/10 runs very quickly on it, which cannot be said about inexpensive and weak netbooks: one of these is the Acer Aspire One 521 with its conventional processor and only 1 GB of RAM.
Windows 10 and Windows 7 performance
For comparison, we took a PC with the following equipment:
Startup and behavior when turning on the PC
Windows 8 and 10 versions load faster. This is not a file-by-file loading of the operating system kernel, as was the case until Windows 7, but loading of the last successfully completed session with working settings and user data. Starting Windows “from scratch” every time you turn on the PC is a thing of the past for operating systems: this method wore out internal drives faster (SSD drives and LiveUSB bootable flash drives, which are less wear-resistant than a simple HDD, suffered especially) and greatly overloaded the RAM and processor.
After booting, Windows 7 shows the classic desktop and taskbar with the Windows main menu. In Windows 8.x, the Start button was hidden, but in Windows 10 it was made more accessible, as in earlier versions of Windows. Most tools for configuring and debugging Windows 10 are still readily available and will be discussed below.
To begin with, the BootRacer program measures the time it takes the OS to start - from the appearance of the Microsoft logo to the display of the Windows desktop.
Windows 8.1 showed the best time; Windows 10 booted within 6 seconds, Windows 7 within 5 seconds If the Windows 7 shell had not started from scratch every time, it would have started in just 3–4 seconds. And this on PC with very impressive performance!
Switch to Standby/Hibernate and Hibernate Windows
The first mode that allowed you to safely stop Windows without closing programs or losing data was hibernation - saving the entire current session on drive C. The more advanced the version of Windows, the less time it takes to execute the hibernation command.
The older the system, the longer it takes to go into hibernation mode; the best time - 21 seconds - was shown by Windows 10
Windows hybrid sleep mode - a cross between hibernation and regular sleep mode - takes slightly less time, and this is also where Windows 10's superiority can be seen.
In Windows 10, the time it takes for the PC to go into sleep mode is the shortest Windows 7 and 10 system requirements for PC
The values given below for RAM, video card memory, CPU and space in the system partition (in the case of using one version of Windows, this is usually partition C:) must be exceeded at least twice, otherwise this is not work on the computer, but torture.
Windows 7/10 computer requirements - table
The main factor is the PC bit capacity. Changing Windows 7 to 10 makes sense, for example, in the following situations:
Which version of Windows is best for gaming?
It is necessary that the game does not freeze anywhere - and it does not matter whether it is single-player or multiplayer. Who would like a laptop that is overheated to capacity and makes noise at half the apartment with its fans at night, in which your favorite World of Tanks or Call of Duty Black Ops constantly freezes, control of the main character is lost, and you are killed in the game in an easy place?!
Windows 7, 8 and 10 are only slightly ahead of each other - if only there was a powerful and fast “stuffing” of a computer or tablet. Most games of the last decade require at least Windows Vista, otherwise you are unlikely to play GTA-4/5 or the latest World of Warcraft on them.
An example is the game Tomb Raider. No noticeable increase in loading speed was found.
Tomb Raider load times are almost the same on all versions of Windows There is a slight lag between Windows 10 and Windows 7 in the games Metro Redux and Crysis 3.
Which version of Windows runs faster applications for work tasks?
As in games, the hardware itself decides a lot here. For example, when you launch the programs Download Master, Firefox Portable, Adobe Photoshop, Avant Browser and some others, a splash screen (cover) of the application appears on the screen for a second or two, which you are unlikely to speed up - these programs are so configured, they maintain the interval for displaying this splash screen before opening your main working window. This is reminiscent, for example, of the intro of a Call of Duty or Grand Turismo game, but, unlike desktop applications, you can interrupt the demo video and start the game by pressing Enter or clicking the mouse.
Labor productivity is important here. If for you a computer is not a toy, but a means of earning money, applications should work quickly - for example, Microsoft Office does not slow down when typing documents; the printer, scanner, copier, etc. work quickly; The enterprise local network does not “fall off” and does not slow down.
Launching Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge
Internet Explorer 11 and the new Microsoft Edge browser are taken as an example. With each shift, Windows IE gets a little faster. Microsoft is right - Edge is much faster than slow-witted IE.
Edge browser loads almost twice as fast as IE, regardless of Windows version Internet Explorer is clunky, and yet banks and corporations use it - they don't need Chrome, Opera, or Firefox.
Adobe Photoshop launch monitoring
Throughout its history, Photoshop has accumulated so many software modules, templates, filters and settings that it takes a very long time to launch even on high-speed machines.
Photoshop loading speed on Windows 7 and 10 is almost the same The further development of Windows did not greatly affect its startup speed.
How Microsoft Excel performed
Overall, nothing has changed in Excel performance.
Excel 2013 runs almost the same on all recent versions of Windows This is one of those cases where productivity in work applications does not change for the better.
People's reviews about Windows 10
One fine morning, I came across news about the public availability of Windows 10 from the company Melkosoft. Initially, I was very surprised by the release of the 10th after the 8th, but that’s not the point, I immediately downloaded it and hemorrhoids began, because after a 2-hour installation, a 5-hour search for firewood that would work correctly system, I came across a crude, unfinished system in which even the conductor does not work reliably! Popandos, comrades! The graphical component is very minimalistic and uninteresting, almost everything was ripped off from 8, but a start menu was added, conceptually it’s a mixture of 7 and 8, to be honest, this is of no use, I would say that I’m waiting for a full-fledged version, but it can’t be so after what I saw. Result: Despite the ardent desire to switch to Linux, I rolled back to seven
Qwetyshttp://otzovik.com/review_1424470.html
Since 2013, I have been using the Windows 8.1 operating system and was completely satisfied, but when I saw a discussion of Windows 10 on the Internet on forums, how beautifully people describe how good and convenient it is, I couldn’t resist and went to the official Microsoft website. In general, I downloaded the installation and started installing this system. The installation did not take long, like all windows, it quickly installed, rebooted and then it started... Well, of course, I’ll immediately note that the interface is beautiful, the icons were replaced with more neat ones, the taskbar and the main screen. The screen began to freeze , you are looking for settings to adjust but you can’t understand where they are located, I read on the forums that you need to demolish the previous version and I bought a Windows 10 image with a license key. In general, I formatted the hard drive and installed Windows 10... And it started again... - now I’ll just list What problems did I encounter? The store does not work - there are always errors, the explorer does not work, updates do not work, games and programs do not start - something is always missing from the library... All files that are not enough for the full operation of the PC cannot be found in on the Internet specifically for Windows 10. As a result, Windows 10 was disposed of and the PC was returned to Windows 8.1
Lengushihttp://otzovik.com/review_1955777.html
Good day. Most of us are accustomed to the Windows 7 operating system, so it’s understandable that the transition to Windows 8,8.1 and 10 is met with hostility. After all, you need to get used to the new, but the old has already been studied inside and out. It’s probably strange, but for me personally, it is learning new things that arouses great interest. New things don’t just mean new problems, bugs and other crap. New is also a solution to old problems, optimization, improvement, improvements. I have already installed Windows 10 five times, demolished it, returned to 8.1 and 7. But at the moment I have clearly decided to stay on the top ten. It is more convenient, it works many times faster than previous operating systems, and yet it is new. In the end, new versions of programs and games are optimized for it. Games don't interest me at all, but still. There was only one unpleasant moment - an annoying message asking me to upgrade to the top ten, which appeared with updating previous versions of the OS. But even with him it was easy to fight. There was no need to install updates, or it was tedious to remove something from the installed ones. It’s a matter of two minutes. Turning on bluetooth on the keyboard doesn’t work for me, but there’s a very convenient panel here. Just for me. They say that a dozen monitor users and send data to Microsoft. Well yes, that's true. What next? It is stupid for the average user to worry about this. Not everyone is an employee of the FSB or similar organizations. Why such paranoia? Terrorists may need to worry, but ordinary people have no reason to. A fake problem, which by the way can be solved by installing a small patch that destroys all the shit, including the cool thing Cortana. I use it with pleasure. I disabled the standard antivirus and installed my favorite Avast. I don't know any problems. Oh yes, there was one serious problem. I have a folder with films. At the moment, its volume exceeds 400 GB and Windows was not friendly with this folder. The bar at the top took a long time to load. Everything froze. The problem was solved simply, in the folder settings I changed the folder optimization from “video” to “general elements”. It’s strange that she was dumb when it came to optimizing for video. But I solved the problem, and this is the main thing. Of course, I recommend this operating system. Fast, attractive, easy to use and configure.
Kosmonaut Mishahttp://otzovik.com/review_2744012.html
Summary: is Windows 10 as necessary as it seems?
So, if you have a lot of free time and want to please your eyes with a new design - go ahead! What will change if the Windows main menu becomes not just a menu, but a tile with large icons and cells of different sizes? You can’t argue with the statistics: more than half of people still love Windows 7 - it works just fine on their computers.
The first requirement for any operating system is functionality, which includes features such as:
The list threatens to become endless. No matter how huge it was, people expected new features, new functions from Windows 10, and not just new screensavers and shiny panels, mosaics and animations, which the “Gates office” never skimped on. Since Microsoft is unlikely to release a new version of Windows (under the name 11 or Prima), all hope is for Windows 10 updates, which will bring to mind what is already there.
Video: Windows 10 settings
Updating Windows to Windows 10 is not that important. If you don’t need the Cortana “voice”, virtual desktops and other “bells and whistles”, stay on Windows 7; in any case, you won’t lose anything either in work or in play.
Windows 8, like one of its predecessors, makes it easier for Windows 7 users to switch to Windows 10. It, like Vista, is one of the most unsuccessful projects from Microsoft. Despite this, users who were lucky enough to work in the “Eight” quickly adapt to the new tiled interface of the “Ten”. It was thanks to the unsuccessful Windows 8 that developers were able to smoothly transfer the user audience from the classic desktop interface for two decades, where a mouse and keyboard are used as input and control devices, to its mobile version - a tiled one, where the computer is controlled via a touch panel or display.
Today we’ll look at how the G8 is inferior to Windows 10, and we’ll study the main differences between operating systems so that every beginner can choose the optimal OS for themselves.
Negative user reviews
In this indicator, the G8 is inferior only to Vista:
- lack of a Start menu;
- a qualitatively new interface concept, extremely inconvenient for desktop devices;
- lack of drivers for many devices compatible with Windows 8;
- inability to disable Metro or change it to Aero;
- incompatibility with a huge number of programs, especially outdated ones, the development and support of which has been discontinued;
- there is no way to fine-tune the interface;
- on older devices with weak graphics systems, if it works, it’s very bad;
- a completely different interface concept, which is why users had to spend a lot of time relearning and changing habits.
The list of flaws in Windows 8 is far from complete, and there is no point in continuing it: users rated the new interface negatively (especially due to the lack of Start), which, to a large extent, also applies to Windows 10.
New browser
Unlike all other Microsoft operating systems, Windows 10 is distinguished by the presence of an integrated Edge browser, which replaced the slow IE. Edge is a new word in surfing the global network. It combines a minimalistic interface and functionality necessary for quickly opening pages and supporting a huge range of Internet technologies (Flash, JavaScript). The G8 is equipped with another version of the impractical Internet Explorer, which only the lazy use.
Notification Center
The Action Center in Windows 10 has made its way to computers, and here it performs almost all the same functions as on mobile devices. Thanks to the new feature, users have access to a list of so-called “hot actions” (activating and disabling WiFi/Bluetooth), switching the interface to tablet mode, and quickly creating notes in OneNote. Notifications about important events (incoming mail, availability of updates, virus detection, device connection) also pop up here and shortcut keys for connecting to new devices are displayed.
In the settings, you can specify which applications are allowed to display pop-up information windows, and which ones are blocked. Here you can also set the types of system alerts that Windows 10 is allowed to display.
Phone Manager program
Thanks to a new tool that's finally arrived in Windows 10, users can connect their mobile devices to their computer, share data between devices, and sync them. In addition to being tailored to work with Windows Phone devices, the utility supports many third-party portable devices. Even a smartphone running Android and iOS can be configured in a few clicks. Before synchronization, you can select the types of data that should be excluded from the process.
Tablet mode
The developers of Windows 10 have added to the new OS the function of adapting interface elements to the size and type of display used. This way, additional options for touch control of the device are enabled on the tablet, and in most applications designed for a tiled interface, the font size and the width of the ribbon panel with tools are increased.
It is turned on in the system parameters and contains several additional options.
Window
When working with a considerable number of applications, especially on large displays, the user faces the question of conveniently placing several windows on one screen. Unlike Windows 7, where you can only place two windows side by side, the “ten” supports expanding any application to ½ or ¼ of the display size.
In Windows 8, using the Modern UI mode was quite difficult due to problems with closing windows that opened in full screen mode.
Moreover, interface elements are placed in one of the corners, without overlapping other maximized windows. Using a combination of the “Win” key and the keyboard cursor block, windows can be minimized, expanded, and moved.
Virtual tables
Microsoft has finally intercepted the experience of the creators of MacOS and Linux and introduced support for multiple virtual desktops only in Windows 10. There is no answer to the question: “why wasn’t this in Windows 8?”
The “Task View” button located on the taskbar will display an interface where you can manage virtual tables: change, delete them, or add them. When one of the tables is closed, all its active applications are moved to the neighboring one.
Unfortunately, there is no function for dragging desktops to change their order. But to switch between them, to create and close tables, there are hotkey combinations.
Now you can create your own interfaces for work, games, entertainment and navigation on the Internet.
The most joyful event for Windows users with the release of the “ten” was the return of the full-fledged “Start” menu, which was removed from Windows 8. But now the new menu will combine classic shortcuts, both in the “seven”, and some elements new Windows 8 interface.
“Start” is divided into two functional areas, where on the left are links to pinned or frequently used applications, settings and shutdown buttons, and on the right are tiles of active programs and shortcuts for calling programs integrated into the “top ten”.
The search built into the menu works on your local computer and on the Internet.
Powerful command line
Unlike Windows 8, the computer OS has added functionality, which cannot but please system administrators and experienced users.
Improvements to the highlight function are one of the important changes to the command line. Now you can select its contents in fragments (as in a regular notepad), rather than copying all the contents or tedious lines one by one.
The text in the window wraps when you resize it, which was not the case in Windows 8. The need to scroll to view the contents of the command line has disappeared.
Additionally, it is worth noting the presence of new key combinations for working with CMD and the appearance of a function for adjusting its transparency in the range from 30 to 100%.
Other Features
Subtle, but still differences in operating systems that should be taken into account if you want to switch to Windows 8 or “top ten”:
- availability of a disk analyzer and support for Xbox One in Windows 10;
- Windows Hello in the “ten” provides the opportunity to protect your device using biosensors (for example, a fingerprint scanner);
- The Recycle Bin is now displayed in Start without cluttering up your desktop space;
- Windows 8, unlike its brother, did not collect almost all possible information about the user (passwords for websites and WiFi, chat history in instant messengers, email messages) for sending it to Microsoft servers;
- Windows 10 practically does not give the user the opportunity to refuse updates or select updates to install, installing all available updates.
In conclusion, we can say that Windows 8 was only an intermediate link between the classic represented by the “seven” and the innovation in the world of window OS users, therefore, if you are not afraid of forced installations and unknown updates, feel free to choose the “ten”.
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We'll look at how the next version of the operating system will differ from the existing Windows 8.1.
Windows 10 brings back the Start button, adds multiple desktops and a responsive interface
The Start button is back
The biggest complaint about Windows 8 was the decision to get rid of the Start button. Microsoft was focused on introducing a tiled interface, assuming that users wouldn't mind a desktop with limited functionality. This was a critical bug that was fixed in Windows 10.
The Start menu allows you to access applications, content search, contact applications and websites.
Windows 10 price
Windows 10 will be free for existing Windows 7 and 8x users for the first year.
Microsoft will then revert to a traditional one-time license. Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 users will receive free updates for the life of their device.
Personal assistant
Microsoft's Personal Assistant will be built into Windows 10. Microsoft says the assistant will be able to provide regionally specific answers to questions. Users will also be able to access the assistant at any time.
Spartan web browser
Microsoft will launch a new web browser for Windows 10, currently codenamed "Spartan".
Three key features of the browser were demonstrated:
— people will be able to comment on any web page using their finger/stylus or keyboard input;
— Spartan will have a reading mode;
— the voice assistant will be integrated into the browser.
Windows Phone 10
A specialized version of Windows 10 will be launched for smartphones with an updated office and other applications similar in appearance and functionality to computer ones.
Windows Phone 10 also has Skype and other instant messaging services built-in.
Windows 10 interface will be adaptive
Microsoft was so obsessed with touchscreens that it forgot about working on traditional computers, where the keyboard and mouse were the main way to enter information. This was fixed to some extent with the 8.1 update, and the problem will be finally resolved in Windows 10.
The new Windows 10 interface will allow you to adapt depending on the hardware on which it runs. On any device from 7 inches, Windows 10 will retain full desktop functionality.
If you are working on a hybrid device, you will be shown the standard desktop. However, if you detach the keyboard, the operating system will detect this and ask you to switch to tablet mode.
Multiple desktops
Borrowing from Apple's OS X, Microsoft has finally introduced multiple desktops.
This will make it easier to work on different projects at the same time. This will be convenient for employees as they will be able to keep their personal and work environments separate.
Unified application store
Now developers will be able to create one application that works on all Windows devices from mobile phones to touch displays.
Large enterprises will be able to create their own application stores for employees with the ability to install the selected open application.
Universal Applications
One of the main problems with tile applications was that they could not be worked with like regular programs. This all changed with universal apps. They will be displayed in the same window as programs, so they can be changed, moved, expanded, minimized and closed.
Flexible security updates
Security and critical updates will continue to occur monthly.
Consumers will receive updates through Windows Update as soon as they are ready.
Microsoft also allows you to install only critical app updates first and install updates later in a more flexible manner.
Improved multitasking
Windows 10 will use up to four apps on one screen. The operating system will place them on the desktop so that it is convenient to work with them.
You'll be able to switch between open applications using the familiar Alt + Tab. There is also a "view tasks" button on the "taskbar". By clicking on it, you can show all open applications, rearrange them and switch between virtual desktops.
Copying on the command line
Power users rejoice as copy and paste will be enabled in Windows 10 on the command line.
conclusions
Microsoft has recently been releasing normal operating systems every other time. At one time, releasing Windows Vista, which users remember with horror, and immediately after it the successful Windows 7, which users really liked.
The next step was Windows 8x, which users tested at their own expense and helped make a new product. Windows 10 is likely to be a success thanks to bug fixes and useful innovations.
In terms of the number of negative reviews, Windows 8 can only be compared with Windows Vista. Therefore, everyone was looking forward to the release of the new Windows 10. Everyone wanted something new and innovative. Externally, Windows 10 and Windows 8 are very similar, but this is only at first glance. I tried to find the differences between these two systems.
1. Microsoft Edge browser
Microsoft's new browser is the main difference. Fast, modern, with a minimalist user interface. As soon as a new web tab is created, the user is shown a search bar, frequently visited web resources, news, weather, stock and sports widgets, as well as recommended applications from the Windows Store. All information is dynamic and relevant to previous actions. When you hover over the tab title, a mini-image of the contents of the open web page is shown.
The browser still requires improvements, but it has rightfully taken the place of Internet Explorer, which has earned a lot of criticism and dissatisfaction.
2. Create virtual tables
For a long time I looked with envy at Mac OS and Linux users in terms of virtual desktops. It’s very convenient to have one desktop for home, and a second, for example, for work. Finally my dreams came true. Microsoft, although belatedly, still gave users the opportunity to create virtual tables. Each of them can open different applications, which is very convenient. Switching between tables is done using the Win+Tab buttons.
3. Disk space analysis
Windows 10 has a tool that allows you to analyze the availability of free disk space, as well as how much is used and for what type of content (games, applications, programs, system files, etc.). It is very convenient and practical.
4. Notification Center
On a PC, the notification center performs all the same functions as on smartphones. This is a single area where the user will find all messages output by applications. You no longer have to scroll through “live” tiles, looking at what’s new on them. In the system settings, you can specify which applications can send you notifications and which are prohibited from doing so. I was also pleased with the presence of quick access buttons to the settings of some functions.
5. Quickly place windows on ½ and ¼ of the screen
In Windows 10, you can very easily move the application window to any corner, as well as to the left or right edge of the screen. In this case, it will be expanded to ½ or ¼ of the screen. This will give tablet owners the opportunity to rationally use screen space. Looks good on PCs and laptops too. Applications can also be moved, minimized and expanded using the Win + cursor keys.
6. Tablet mode
Windows 10 supports the Continuum feature, which is designed to automatically adapt the appearance of the OS to the type of device you are using. Users of hybrid devices and tablets are faced with the problem of optimizing applications. "Tablet Mode" solves this problem. It's easy to enable in Action Center and configured in Settings.
7. Metro applications in desktop mode
In Windows 8, I very rarely used Modern UI style applications. They expanded to full screen, and closing them at all was a problem. And their functionality was much less. In Windows 10, this problem was partially solved. Now applications can be placed on the floor of the screen, minimized and expanded, that is, like classic applications. It is very comfortable. The functionality, however, still remains the same.
8. Phone Manager application
The appearance of the Phone Manager application in Windows 10 was most pleasing. Many users expressed a lot of criticism towards Microsoft regarding the synchronization of the OS with phones and tablets on IOS and Android. It has happened. We were heard. The application is very good and convenient.
9. Launching games for Xbox One
For many people, games are increasingly becoming a way of cultural pastime. Windows 10 brought support for cross-platform play with Xbox One. Now you can easily play Xbox One games directly on your PC and tablet. To run the game, you need a high-speed Wi-Fi connection, a computer, a properly configured Xbox One app, and a game console.
10.Windows Hello
Windows Hello is a more personalized way to sign in to Windows 10 devices with a glance or a touch. You'll get enterprise-grade security without having to enter a password. Not all users will be able to take advantage of Microsoft's innovation. To do this, your computer must be equipped with a fingerprint scanner or a camera that supports this feature. One of the few devices that is compatible with Windows Hello is Intel RealSense, a sensor that should be located above the monitor and includes two different cameras: a standard one with Full HD resolution and an infrared one. By combining the images from these two cameras, RealSense is able to reconstruct the user's face and confirm his identity.
11. Cart in the start menu
For many, this innovation will not seem interesting. I'm one of those people who don't really like to clutter up my Desktop. Now I can easily free it from the Trash. This was not the case in any OS version.
Many will be surprised why I didn’t mention the return of the Prodigal Start? I consider this not an innovation, but rather a correction of an error that caused a lot of criticism and became the main culprit in the failure of Windows 8. Although Windows 8.1 had a stripped-down version of Start, this did not change the situation.
According to various estimates, about 50 million have now been updated to Windows 10. This is quite good for an operating system that was released recently. There are still many problems in it, but it is clear that Microsoft is working tirelessly.