Widows 8

[Ken Lang]

When i got my Windows 7 computer I had to buy the professional
version which has a windows xp version in it as well. This so I could run older programs on the computer.

In the regular C drive I have 21 folders, in the X86 group I have 80 folders. Mostly old programs that won't work with 7.

Someday I'll probably have to work with Windows 8. Does anyone know if it has the same dual function?

[Jack Stoner]

Win 8 has a Virtual XP mode option, just like Windows 7, as long as the CPU has the capability.

You can also just use "compatibility mode" as that will work for some without the Virtual XP.

I have a couple of old programs that were designed in the XP days (e.g. Office 2003) and they work in the native mode for both Win 7 and Win 8, no need for compatibility mode or a Virtual XP mode.

[Ken Lang]

Cool. I hear Win 8 is much different than 7. True?

[Jack Stoner]

I only have it as it was $39.99 download for Win 8 Pro (I think good till end of this month) as I do some PC Support and wanted it in case I get a call from a user with it.

Its like having a Windows Phone with the touch screen icons for the Apps, however, there are 3rd party add-on's that will give you the familiar start menu on the desktop back, like it is in Win 7.

There are those that predict Win 8 will be another Windows ME or Vista (a dud). I'm in that corner. Microsoft seems to have an every other Operating System hit or dud. Win 98SE was a fairly good OS, Win ME was iffy, Win XP (after updates) was good, Vista was not so good, Win 7 was Vista improved and a very good OS. Win 8???

[Ken Lang]

Thanks. I'll hang on to win 7. I have 2 desktops and a laptop
with XP on them. Those are old enough they won't take
win 7 as far as I know.

Thanks Windows, for making 2.5K dollars obsolete and eventually unusable.

I will keep those, however, as long as they work.

[Jack Stoner]

Update. This was just posted on the Windows 8 forum by a user"

Old software: windows 95 - 98 - Millenium -2000 works fine

Hi there, I have installed some old windows 95 software (swedish software) and it works But not at Vista or 7 system. W 8 seems to me is an success, W 8 Pro makes my day!

[Jim Priebe]

Ken
Windows 8 is definitely NOT a dud. The media jumped on it as knocking it was a sure fire seller for their mags. Just because your programs went into the x86 section does not mean they are not compatible - it may have more to do with 32 or 64 bit programming or other issues and the Operating System (OS) is savvy enough to deal with that.
Win 8 builds on what 7 was and (tries) adds and interface that is more familiar with what is on your new smart phone or Apple or Android whatever.
There are simple ways of using it just as you would see Win 7 it is just a case of getting familiar with it as with all computer software.
The Win 8 OS is also more memory efficient, faster booting and much faster shutting down. Yes there are some legacy programs that will have trouble running but more likely won't actually load on to it but that also may be a newer hardware and BIOS issue or more to do with the installing software failing to correctly recognise it but picture this - drive your model T Ford down the freeway and there will be issues!
Win XP was a great OS but trust me it also had/still has problem areas particularly in fully releasing memory areas - it's more about we are now familiar with it's quirks and know how to deal with them.
8 will run on quite old computers as long as the unit has sufficient space on the root hard drive (prob 80Gb minimum) and sufficient memory (1 Gb best minimum but it will run on less) however there is little point as few benefits will be gained by going this way and remember that a new fast computer WON'T necessarily run you OLD programs much faster because they are still the same old programming - like water still boils at 212 no matter what the stove or hot plate is.

[Ray Montee (RIP)]

Several years ago, I purchased a DELL Laptop with VISTA installed. I hated it from the get go.

I upgraded to Win-7 and really enjoyed it after using Win-2000 for a mighty long time.

When I recently decided to purchase a new unit, I searched and searched for a Win-7 equipped PC. There were a few but they were scaled down as far as 'guts' were concerned.

Thus, I purchased a DELL 8500 with Win-8 with ALL of the bells and whistles. I was considering installing Win-7 and the tribulations of a dual boot set-up sorta jolted me back into reality.

In the interim, I've really fallen in love with Win-8 and am glad I took that route. There are a few things that I still have to figure out however most of the stuff I need is right there at my finger tips.

I don't think you can go wrong with Win-8 but I'm no computer geek!