Windows 7 vs Windows 8(.1)

~~Ever since Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP, there has been some confusion as to which is the better operating system to upgrade to: Windows 7 or Windows 8.
The consensus is that Windows 7 is the most robust operating system Microsoft has released since Windows XP. It’s more aesthetically pleasing due to its simplicity and the Aero look glass-like transparency of windows and task bar; more secure due to the bugs fixed since Windows Vista and the more user-friendly User Account Control; simpler to use since it still has the Windows Start Menu and everything is pretty much where they were in previous iterations of Windows.
At TRA Consulting, we pride ourselves in not only helping you fix your computer and network problems, but also in helping you make the transition to newer technologies. If you need help upgrading your Home or Office computer or network, contact us and we’ll swiftly and gladly help you. We service the Long Beach area, as well as the Southbay, Orange, and Greater Los Angeles area.
The biggest gripe the masses have with Windows 8 is the lack of a Start Button and Menu. I do agree that the lack of a Start Button takes some getting used to, almost like you are learning to use a new operating system. The fact of the matter is, that if you take away the desktop from Windows 8, what you have left is Windows RT, the operating system for Windows tablets like Surface and Surface 2 (and the upcoming Surface 3). Side note, the Pro version of these tablets come with full Windows 8, which include a desktop, so it feels like a regular laptop. What Microsoft took away with the legacy Start Button, they instead added access to their new operating system as well as the windows store and their apps. Microsoft listened to the people who said they missed the legacy start button by including it with the release of their 8.1 update, although it did not bring back the legacy start menu. I believe that was a smart move by Microsoft since the legacy start menu would be redundant and clunky, especially on touchscreen devices.
Last, but not least, is the relative faster speed at which windows 8 runs on a computer compared to Windows 7. There have been benchmark tests done comparing the two and windows 8 comes ahead by a slight margin. Some of the reasons why Windows 8 is slightly faster is because windows 8 was made with tablets in mind. Tablets are smaller and mobile, so they cannot have the same horsepower as desktops or laptops, and they need to be energy efficient to not drain battery life. Windows 8 also doesn’t have the gpu resource-hog of Aero glass. This gives Windows 8 a more flat look, but at the same time helps to make switching from the regular desktop to Windows apps very fast and smooth.
Each version of Windows has their advantages and drawbacks, and choosing one is a matter of preference. Despite what you choose, at TRA Consulting we can help you maintain your computer safe from viruses and your data protected from hackers. We service the Long Beach, Orange, Southbay, and Greater Los Angeles Area. Give us a call today!