New computer: Windows 7 or 8?

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silverbirch

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#111443 3-Nov-2012 16:30

I'm upgrading my computer very soon, or maybe having a completely new system built. I'm confused as to whether buy Win 7 or 8. If I want to buy 8 it appears I need to do it soon to get a DVD, otherwise will be reliant on a download.

My needs: email, browinsg, Lightroom, Photoshop, ocassonal documents etc.

I'm leaning to Win 8, and if I do get that which version would I need. My current computer doesn't meet requirements to upgrade from XP.

Many thanks.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

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billgates

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#711428 3-Nov-2012 16:50

For your needs Windows 8 home premium will do the job but you can get the Windows 8 Pro version for NZ$50 via download. Install Windows 8 release preview first on your new/upgrade build and go to the below link via Internet Explorer on that machine and it will run the installer for you and let you pay the NZ$50 for upgrade until 31st January 2013.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-NZ/windows/buy?ocid=GA8_O_WOL_DIS_ShopHP_FPP_Light

Do whatever you want to do man.

silverbirch

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#711430 3-Nov-2012 16:57

billgates: For your needs Windows 8 home premium will do the job but you can get the Windows 8 Pro version for NZ$50 via download. Install Windows 8 release preview first on your new/upgrade build and go to the below link via Internet Explorer on that machine and it will run the installer for you and let you pay the NZ$50 for upgrade until 31st January 2013.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-NZ/windows/buy?ocid=GA8_O_WOL_DIS_ShopHP_FPP_Light

Thanks I'll investigate that. I guess the same applies if I wanted to install it on a laptop which currently runs Linux? But how do I find out if the processor on the laptop supports PAE/SSE2? It's a Cpmpaq Presario f500

Thanks.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

billgates

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#711443 3-Nov-2012 17:30

You will need to read some documentation on your hardware specs and look in the BIOS as well. You mentioned Compaq Presario. If I were you, I'd rather build a brand new build of a pc or buy a new laptop. That model is really old and not worth upgrading to Windows 8.

Do whatever you want to do man.

gzt

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#711446 3-Nov-2012 17:33

Moving from XP you might like to ask around for some feedback about the adobe versions you currently have and if these play nice with 7/8. My guess is yes, but sometimes it pays to ask around.

freitasm

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#711450 3-Nov-2012 17:41

HP lists software and drivers for both Windows Vista x86 and x64 for their Compaq Presario f500...

Go to hp.co.nz, search for drivers, enter your PC model and you will see.

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mattwnz

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#711471 3-Nov-2012 18:18

silverbirch: I'm upgrading my computer very soon, or maybe having a completely new system built. I'm confused as to whether buy Win 7 or 8. If I want to buy 8 it appears I need to do it soon to get a DVD, otherwise will be reliant on a download.

My needs: email, browinsg, Lightroom, Photoshop, ocassonal documents etc.

I'm leaning to Win 8, and if I do get that which version would I need. My current computer doesn't meet requirements to upgrade from XP.

Many thanks.

I would say get windows 7, and you then should qualify for a $20 upgrade to windows 8 (read their website to make sure though). Then you get the best of both worlds. The OEM version of windows 8 is about the same as windows 7, which is over 200 for the pro version.

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silverbirch

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#711472 3-Nov-2012 18:22

Thanks all - I'll do some research about my Adobe products - hadn't thought of that. Lightroom shouldn't be an issue as I think I can upgrade to 4 if needs be, but Photoshop CS is old, CS 2. However I'm happy to buy elements.

The latop is a back up computer, my main use is the desktop, which I'm having upgraded, or else a completely new build early December, either an i5 or i7 depending what the person doing it, can get for the $$$

Thanks again appreciate your time and advice.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

silverbirch

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#711479 3-Nov-2012 18:31

mattwnz:
silverbirch: I'm upgrading my computer very soon, or maybe having a completely new system built. I'm confused as to whether buy Win 7 or 8. If I want to buy 8 it appears I need to do it soon to get a DVD, otherwise will be reliant on a download.

My needs: email, browinsg, Lightroom, Photoshop, ocassonal documents etc.

I'm leaning to Win 8, and if I do get that which version would I need. My current computer doesn't meet requirements to upgrade from XP.

Many thanks.

I would say get windows 7, and you then should qualify for a $20 upgrade to windows 8 (read their website to make sure though). Then you get the best of both worlds. The OEM version of windows 8 is about the same as windows 7, which is over 200 for the pro version.

I've found this http://www.elive.co.nz/microsoft-windows-8-oem-full-dvd-SY05390.php, which seems to be what I need. Although Win 7 would probably fulfil all my needs too. The only thing I'm concerned about there, is the 16Gb memory limit, although I think i'm going to notice such a huge improvement going from the current 1.6 processor with 2 Gb memory, to an i5 or i7 with either 8 or 16 Gb memory, that it won't be an issue.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

gzt

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#711487 3-Nov-2012 18:50

I have not looked closely at the differences pro/home but personally I would go Pro and future proof for a later ram upgrade (and probably better networking)

Image sizes are only going to get larger and the more you can handle in RAM the better workflow you have.

I guess you could upgrade to pro later, but personally I always prefer a clean install rather than a 2 stage process and the occasional gotcha.

Ventura

109 posts

Master Geek
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#711563 3-Nov-2012 23:10

The Windows 8 download gives you 5 licenses for $50 before Jan 2013. I have installed it on my old dv2000 Compaq laptop with 3Gb Ram and runs fine. If your software runs on Win7 it should run on Win8.

dontpanic42

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#711578 3-Nov-2012 23:56

Ventura: The Windows 8 download gives you 5 licenses for $50 before Jan 2013. I have installed it on my old dv2000 Compaq laptop with 3Gb Ram and runs fine. If your software runs on Win7 it should run on Win8.

You need to be careful in the way you word 'The Windows 8 download gives you 5 licenses for $50'.
The way it reads implies that for handing over only $50, you are permitted to install your one licence key on 5 separate machines, which I'm sure isn't the case.

I believe it's 'maximum limit of five upgrade licenses per customer'.
Which means one can purchase up to five separate licences (@ $50 per license) using one Microsoft Account, which would come to a total of $250 for the five licenses.

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mattwnz

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#711583 3-Nov-2012 23:59

Ventura: The Windows 8 download gives you 5 licenses for $50 before Jan 2013. I have installed it on my old dv2000 Compaq laptop with 3Gb Ram and runs fine. If your software runs on Win7 it should run on Win8.

Are you sure it gives you 5 licenses for $50? I had heard that too, but can't find any information on that. On the MS website is says it is limited to five upgrade licenses per customer, which would mean if you want 5 licenses you would pay $50 per license, totaling $250

mattwnz

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#711584 4-Nov-2012 00:03

dontpanic42:
Ventura: The Windows 8 download gives you 5 licenses for $50 before Jan 2013. I have installed it on my old dv2000 Compaq laptop with 3Gb Ram and runs fine. If your software runs on Win7 it should run on Win8.

You need to be careful in the way you word 'The Windows 8 download gives you 5 licenses for $50'.
The way it reads implies that for handing over only $50, you are permitted to install your one licence key on 5 separate machines, which I'm sure isn't the case.

I believe it's 'maximum limit of five upgrade licenses per customer'.
Which means one can purchase up to five separate licences (@ $50 per license) using one Microsoft Account, which would come to a total of $250 for the five licenses.

Yes that is the way it is worded on the MS website, but I think people are getting confused by this. Otherwise it would only be $10 per PC.

Ventura

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Master Geek
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#711587 4-Nov-2012 00:08

Looks like you guys are right. This seems to have been clarified in the last day or two in the small print. It wasn't reading like that on release day. Cheers

dontpanic42

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#711589 4-Nov-2012 00:09

Quoted from this page: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/terms-conditions

The promotional price is limited to one upgrade per PC and a maximum limit of five upgrade licenses per customer.

and

Each upgrade license applies to only one PC and you can install the upgrade only on PCs that have a valid base license and one of the following operating systems:Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP (SP3).