Looking at buying a copy of Windows

[Solo_Wing]

I’m considering buying a copy of Windows to use for gaming and a bit of development work.

From a gaming perspective, is there any significant difference between Windows 7 and 8? I’m not interested in the Metro interface in Windows 8, just the regular desktop environment. I see the prices for each are roughly the same.

[UrbanReflex]

I don’t know about gaming, so I’ll leave that to those that do.

However, I do believe these is no start menu in Windows 8 at all, forcing you to use the metro interface to launch apps. Again, I’m not positive, but I wanted to bring this up so that you’re aware of it (if I’m right).

Looking forward to people’s clarifications, I don’t know a lot about W8 aside from a brief play and a few Youtube vids.

[Solo_Wing]

You’re correct, there is no Start menu. I always thought the Start menu was a bit inelegant. This might mean we’ll have to add shortcuts to regularly used apps on the desktop, which is messy, though.

[frelled]

If you have plans on using a touch screen, it might be worth it. If you are a traditional desktop user, stick with Windows 7. The new interface is horrid with a mouse/keyboard. It isn’t even about getting used to something new. I work with Ubuntu and Win 7(and some XP systems). Not really sure what goal MS was aiming for with Windows 8. If they would have just left the traditional interface with the option of the new one for tablets, that would have been best. They also have an annoying habit of pushing you toward the Windows Marketplace with Win 8. The cost of Win 8 is too high for what amounts to added advertisements.

[Solo_Wing]

Forcing the new interface on users is likely an attempt to coherse users them using the Windows app store. In a sense, they’re less open than even Apple. At least on OSX, using the Mac App Store is an option for developers and users, but it basically stays out of way if you don’t want to use it. You’re still free to release an app that doesn’t meet the App Store’s requirements by a providing a standard dmg file as a download from your website. It appears to be possible to distribute Metro apps without using the Windows app store, but it doesn’t look particularly easy. If Microsoft takes away the traditional desktop in a later version of Windows, I think it will be game over for Windows as an open platform.

[frelled]

I really am excited regarding the Steam beta for Linux. The only think keeping me on Windows personally at home is gaming. If enough of my games pop up on Linux, I can make that my primary OS and only boot into Windows 7 for the occasional non-compatible game.

http://blogs.valvesoftware.com/linux/

Every other piece of software I use is open source and available for Linux currently. As long as Nvidia gets their drivers in shape, then I think all will be well.

[Solo_Wing]

Looks like Steam for Linux and Big Picture mode are part of their strategy for making a dedicated Steam box for the living room. Here’s a recent article:

kotaku.com/5966860/gabe-newell-l … n-consoles

Speaking to me during a brief interview on the red carpet at the VGAs last night, Newell said Valve’s current goal was to figure out how to make PCs work better in the living room. He said the reaction to Steam’s TV-friendly Big Picture interface has been “stronger than expected,” and that their next step is to get Steam Linux out of beta and to get Big Picture on that operating system, which would give Valve more flexibility when developing their own hardware.

“Well certainly our hardware will be a very controlled environment,” he said. "If you want more flexibility, you can always buy a more general purpose PC. For people who want a more turnkey solution, that’s what some people are really gonna want for their living room.

It’s nice to have options.