Best/cheapest place to buy Win 8.1?

[MilksAreUs]

^^^^

[Firehorse]

Why you'd want to buy Windows 8 is anybody's guess, I still buy 7 when I can.

Here:

http://software4students.co.uk/t/brands/windows-8

If you're not a student then look here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Wi...ords=windows+8

The £4 saving really isn't worth the hassle of providing proof you're a student.

Windows 7: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Wi...ords=windows+7

[peteyt]

^^^^

Why you'd want to buy Windows 8 is anybody's guess, I still buy 7 when I can.

Here:

http://software4students.co.uk/t/brands/windows-8

If you're not a student then look here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Wi...ords=windows+8

The £4 saving really isn't worth the hassle of providing proof you're a student.

Windows 7: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Wi...ords=windows+7

Windows 8 isn't that bad these days, with windows 8.1/8.1 update 1 giving more features for desktop users.

However windows 10 will be released soon and windows 7/8 users will get a free upgrade if they upgrade within the first year. The date hasn't been announced so it could be a while yet

[Firehorse]

Windows 8 isn't that bad these days, with windows 8.1/8.1 update 1 giving more features for desktop users.

However windows 10 will be released soon and windows 7/8 users will get a free upgrade if they upgrade within the first year. The date hasn't been announced so it could be a while yet

Windows 7 is still less of a mess, more programs are compatible with 7 than 8, although the majority do work with both. Windows 8 has always been funny with text size/resolution and zoom levels.

[AgnesIO]

Windows 7 is still less of a mess, more programs are compatible with 7 than 8, although the majority do work with both. Windows 8 has always been funny with text size/resolution and zoom levels.

Absolute rubbish. 8.1 is far better than 7, and since 8.1 comes free with 8... well, no brainer.

[Firehorse]

Absolute rubbish. 8.1 is far better than 7, and since 8.1 comes free with 8... well, no brainer.

8.1 is essentially a service pack.

Also what is better about it? Tiles? No thanks. Apps like Skype not having a desktop version? No thanks. Utter useless OS.

[AgnesIO]

8.1 is essentially a service pack.

Also what is better about it? Tiles? No thanks. Apps like Skype not having a desktop version? No thanks. Utter useless OS.

You evidently haven't even tried it.

Skype (Desktop): http://www.skype.com/en/download-sky...-for-computer/ - oh look, there is a desktop version

Tiles - can skip them if you really hate them that much on 8.1. It is faster, super easy to use, looks better, better security.

Now you tell me the benefits of 7. There aren't any.

[Firehorse]

You evidently haven't even tried it.

Skype (Desktop): http://www.skype.com/en/download-sky...-for-computer/ - oh look, there is a desktop version That was clearly introduced after discontent voiced by users.

Tiles - can skip them if you really hate them that much on 8.1 you can "skip" them when booting, yes, but they are still there, unless you just so happen to run everything from desktop shortcuts. It is faster marginally, but it's more dependent on your hardware, super easy to use people who aren't used to it would disagree, it is chaos to introduce to an environment users do not recognise and creates a major headache for IT. Most are skipping W8 altogether., looks better entirely your opinion, better security they released the same antivirus engine for W7, and it's useless anyway.

Now you tell me the benefits of 7. There aren't any.

W7 continues the same format that Microsoft first used with Windows at least 20 years ago. People are used to it, it is a standard. W8 changed that, it completely alienated people. W7 doesn't have a "Store" built in. W7 is more open ended for developers, W8 is going the route of Apple in trying to close everything up a bit, control what applications can make it onto the store much like Apple does. Gabe Newell went as far as to call W8 a catastrophe. Also, W7 is compatible with more legacy programs.

See bold.

[Krazybethw]

I have had w8 since december 2012. I then upgraded to 8.1 in my opinion, I prefer w7. When I am on my laptop I only ever use the desktop. I never use the apps etc.

[AgnesIO]

See bold.

Skype desktop was never removed... it has always been available.

Most users only use a few core programs, which are in their start bar. It is no harder than the start menu.

Glad you agree. It is faster.

There are more automatically enabled security things on W8. Therefore, the security is better. Sorry.

And brilliant idea. Because it worked 20 years ago, changing it is wrong. Let's all walk everywhere, because it worked perfectly well before the bike, car, train and aeroplane.

A store is virtually essential if they want to make it a cross-platform OS.