Windows 8.1

[WarHorse47]

I don't think any OS is without flaws. Sure, Microsoft has to please its shareholders but many changes are due to customer demand as well.

While I was waiting for my new system to be delivered, I dreaded going to Win8 but logic prevailed. I still had my old computer so I spent my time researching Win8. As I have with all previous OS (my experience goes back to the days of DOS), I purchased and read a very thick book on Windows 8 just so I could understand the program better. After the new computer arrived and was setup, I had no problem navigating Win8 or installing most of my software. The only issues I encountered (minor) was that several older programs would not install or function due to outdated drivers and support, so there was an additional cost in replacing these programs with versions that support the 64-bit Win8.

Now that I have it, I like it better than the Windows NT 4.0 we had at work and the Windows XP I had on my old home machine. Aside from dealing with the Start Menu stuff (I do not have a touch screen, BTW), setting up the user control permissions to run Flight Sim software is an important lesson one must master. If there are any issues that frustrate me its with FSX, not Win8.

--WH

[ianhind]

I went from XP to Win7 so that gives an idea of my OS refresh rate. I've still got an unopened copy of Win7 ready for the next laptop that comes with Win 9/10. Current laptop came with OEM Win7 so didn't need it.

And my OS refresh is faster than the company I work for which tends to influence my thinking.

At the end of the days, it's an operating system. What I run on it is what matters!

[Tomliner]

Thanks for the info gents.Regarding virus protection etc,I have to admit to still using Norton on the basis of better the devil you know.AFAIK I've had no problems with it and at least their removal tool works ok(I used it once prior to install an upgrade although it wasn't really neccessary).I'll play things by ear next year. EricT

[DaveB]

Get it off your system.. NOW

There's nothing at all wrong with MSE as far as I can see mate. I've been using it for ages and the price is right Don't stray off to dark and dangerous websites and MSE will keep you safe

ATB
DaveB

[Tomliner]

Hi Dave,I'll probably keep it on until it expires at the end of the year.I always manage to get it for less than half the normal asking price anyway.I've just looked at MSE on Micosoft's website and although it states that XP is supported,I wonder if that still be the case after MS stop supporting XP next year. EricT

[TSR2]

Hi mate, strictly speaking no software can be properly supported when the is provider withdraws support for the OS. You'll see over the next 6 months or so XP will no longer be supported operating system from lots of vendors. In aircraft terms its having its CoA withdrawn, and as such, while the components might be supportable, they won't be supported on that airframe. This is nothing new. Apple withdraw official support for their OSs after 3 or 5 years from memory. Its just too expensive maintaining support for something that will be almost 13 years old.

[dfarrow]

That's definitely the most expensive times ... supporting a teenager . Will XP turn into a Kevin next year ?

Dave f.

[TSR2]

No Dave,

Kevin gets kicked out of the house for being a pain in the ass next year

[dfarrow]

Nice one , Ben

[GHD]

Its just too expensive maintaining support for something that will be almost 13 years old.

It would cost nothing if they got it right first time