Hardware & Technical Windows 8.1

Can't see that 8.1 is going to change how I use Windows one little bit from how I did with 8, except that right-clicking the Start icon gives me marginally easier access to that useful context menu.

Edit: Actually the 'panes' thing works much better now, so I might find a few things easier.
 
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DirectX 11.2 is going to be an Windows 8.1/Xbox One exclusive. Unless Microsoft changes tack on that, expect gamers to make the shift.

This is the only reason I can see to upgrade from windows 7. In fact the only reason I have windows at all is for gaming. However, when it comes to directx 11.2 I doubt anyone has implemented any of it in a game yet.
 
This is the only reason I can see to upgrade from windows 7.

Personally I like Windows 8(.1), and find it faster to get things done than I did with Windows 7. Certainly boot times are better... Having an extra button on the mouse that I use as a 'Start' button helps.

It's a matter of preference, though, and I'm kind of glad that people are sticking with 7, if only because it's sending the message to Microsoft that the desktop is totally essential. Metro is fine for messing about and picking up emails, but I'd be very uncomfortable with a post-desktop environment.
 
Ignoring aesthetics for now, what are the benefits for going to Windows 8.x? I know a couple of minor changes, like pausing during copying, better task manager options etc. However I know little else. I currently use Win 7 and have no issues with it at all, from pressing the power button to being able to do something around 20 -25 seconds, which seems quite good to me. Don't think any DX exclusivity is worth an upgrade (didn't work for Vista after all), so could someone in the know, fill me in please?
 
Put the 8.1 upgrade on a few days ago. It looks better and it runs smoother too. Definitely an improvement. For those who missed their start button, it's back in a way.

No problems so far anyway :)
 
Put the 8.1 upgrade on a few days ago. It looks better and it runs smoother too. Definitely an improvement. For those who missed their start button, it's back in a way.

No problems so far anyway :)

Yes it's back and all it does it take you back to Tile world <head desk>

;)
 
Hmm ..Im not so impressed....the only real complaint from the customers was the start button missing in windows 8......and that's the best they could come up with ..

If that was put back properly and you had the choice of the Metro menu or the start menu or both... everyone would have been happy.....and MS could probably have done this with a couple of hours work..
 
Anyone tried this ?
for $3 its worth a try...and so far the reviews I have seen are very promising
I noticed the Elite logo screensaver available from your site (the rotating gold-coloured thingy) started crashing when I upgraded to Windows 8.1. Anyone else experienced this?
 
have you tried installing again since you put 8.1 on ?
I assume you upgraded when it was already installed .... there is an option to test it before installing from the menu......wonder if that shows up anything ?

Apologies. Not for the first time Avast antivirus is the culprit. It was giving me a screen corruption and reboot whenever I tried to run FFED3D and now it doesn't like the Elite screensaver. Managed to work around it but puzzled as to why Avast is behaving like this suddenly :mad:
 
Apologies. Not for the first time Avast antivirus is the culprit. It was giving me a screen corruption and reboot whenever I tried to run FFED3D and now it doesn't like the Elite screensaver. Managed to work around it but puzzled as to why Avast is behaving like this suddenly :mad:

Perhaps Avast doesn't like 8.1 ?
To be honest I installed an 8.1 on someones laptop last night and actually struggled to find a free antivirus that stated it was 8.1 compatable....

So in the end I activated the windows defender ( that installs with 8.1 ) and it is actually pretty good....Its really windows security essentuals so why they call it defender I have no idea ?
 
Classic Shell also looks very useful (I haven't tried it, mind you), and is free.
I use Classic Shell and can thoroughly recommend it.

It's free, and regularly updated.

It's the ONLY thing that keeps me using the pre-installed Win8 on my laptop - and if I have to do a reinstall, then Win7 will be going on it.

Win7 will be going on my new Elite rig next year too.
 

Philip Coutts

Volunteer Moderator
The "missing" start button just doesn't bother me. Yes it was confusing at first but if you work at it you get used to it.
 
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