I have going to have a new computer built in the next week or so. My current desktop runs XP which I have used for years and am very happy with but as Microsoft, in a effort to get even more money out of their customers IMO, have withdrawn support for XP I am going for an updated OS. I have got Windows 7 on my laptop and am familiar with it but as 8.1 is the newest OS I am torn between the two, although I have heard there have been problems with 8 when using a mice and keyboard rather than a touch screen.

Has anybody out there got an opinion on which is best ?

I didn't like the interface with Windows 8.1 so I downloaded Classic Shell, never had a problem with it. Take a look at the site.
http://www.classicshell.net/

7.

8 is good for a tablet device it with mouse and keyboard it's dreadful. Also it's a LOT different layout and navigation wise. I'd personally go for W7 all day long. Ultimate choice is yours though

This is my Windows 8.1 using the Classic Shell Program. I just need to tidy up a few icons..

If your used to XP windows 7 would be the Natural Step for familiarity.

Windows 8 is not for every one.
* To take full advantage of 8 you need Touch Screen ability.

Windows 9 is out next year

Hope that helps.

Hi,

Xp had to go mate. There are many reasons all over the internet but for a modern computer with uefi bios and sad xp was a dog in comparison to 8.1.

As previously mentioned you can get a classic start menu such as, startisback, start8 etc.

8.1 has many features like music streaming, free games via the store,not to mention the subsonic boot up times.

If you are getting a i5 or better and are adaptable to new operating systems, go for windows 8 with a shell.

If your getting a dual core pentium with 4gb ram or less and don't like change then get windows 7.

PS windows 7 was as good if not better than xp in my opinion.

I'm running XP on my old PC and Win 8.1 on my new laptop. Win 8.1 is way better than XP. All you really need to do is disable the Metro screen so it boots straight to the desktop. Once there, it's basically the same as Win 7.

I'd recommend that the infuriating "charms" sidebar be disabled too. And get the Iobit start button:
http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php

Once you've got used to 8.1 you'll nver want to return to XP.

or you can get 7 and make ZERO modifications and download no patches and all that and have it work perfectly fine straight out of the box.

I Have just bought a new PC and I opted for windows 7 ultimate.

I feel more comfortable and am more familiar with that so it probably comes down to your preference. And coming from XP, 7 is probably the natural progression like someone has said already

I don't think I am missing out on much with windows 7 ultimate?

What? No patches! That's crazy! Enjoy IE 9 and all the security flaws oh and heart bleed virus no .net framework. (I could go on)

Windows 8
Faster boot up times
Better enterprise features such as windows to go
Better performance out of the box (proven in real world benchmarks)
Security such as encrypted boot loader
Better built in features such as xbox music etc

Windows 7
Familiar interface for people moving from xp.

Don't forget Win 7 support will expire before Win 8.1 support. And WIn 7 will not be supported as long as XP was as it has been extended a few times due to the amount of businesses using XP.

Win7 support will be until 2020 :-
http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?alpha=windows+7

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2010820/how-long-will-microsoft-support-windows-7.html

Dave