Windows 8

**Alundil** · 08-23-12, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by blackgold

you're running windows 7 right? Why not just use the windows system image feature. put it on an external drive, make the boot cd and roll with it. it's a free solution and it will be your PC as it is now.
Brian

Another very valid solution from blackgold as well. Ghost is inexpensive (I think I got the last copy I bought for $8 or so on a Newegg sale) but not free.

There are free alternatives like the OS based solution that bg mentioned.
Clonezilla (Clonezilla - About) w/ LiveCD option
Ghost for Unix (Ghost for Unix (G4U) | Open Source Alternative - osalt.com) w/ LiveCD option

**Partyball** · 08-23-12, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Bunni

Oh Dear! No wonder everyone is so miserable... What, like client apps, or you guys stuck on using silly stuff like exchange?

like 90% of the programs here use windows exclusively on that side. We don't run an exchange server but the CAD systems and whatnot REQUIRE a windows server.

**Partyball** · 08-23-12, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Alundil

Another very valid solution from blackgold as well. Ghost is inexpensive (I think I got the last copy I bought for $8 or so on a Newegg sale) but not free.

There are free alternatives like the OS based solution that bg mentioned.
Clonezilla (Clonezilla - About) w/ LiveCD option
Ghost for Unix (Ghost for Unix (G4U) | Open Source Alternative - osalt.com) w/ LiveCD option

Could always just take that HD out and install a new one for the different OS.

**Alundil** · 08-23-12, 08:44 AM

He could certainly do that as well. Though I think his student/$0 thing implies that he might not have another laptop/netbook hdd on hand.

**packetshooter** · 08-23-12, 08:46 AM

Dell Doesn't See Boost From Windows 8 - Hardware - Desktops/PCs - Informationweek

Dell doesn't have a hot outlook for Win8.

You might be able to get Norton Ghost really cheap from your school's IT shop or they might hook you up. Otherwise Blackgold's approach is good.

I did what partyball just suggested to load win8 on a thinkpad....just swapped out the drive but that's dependent on if you have one laying around.

**Phyrelight** · 08-23-12, 11:32 AM

when I upgraded my OS I did it on a new HD. The lifespan of a decent hard-drive is about that of the operating system so when I change operating systems I always do it to a new HD. As a plus I can put the old drive back in and be back up and running near instantly while I get all the kinks worked out with the new OS. When windows 8 first comes out it will have issues. There will be missing drivers, compatibility issues etc. I have an extra bay in my system and I just move the sata connection to the drive I want to run off of.

**hannibal** · 08-23-12, 12:31 PM

I have been playing with Windows 8 in a virtual machine for some time and I will be honest, I am not impressed and I am not even considering an upgrade. I understand that tablets are the future, but for the love god that does not mean that you need to make the desktop OS a version of the tablet OS. I think most gamers are considered windows power users add in the functionality you need to program and Windows 8 is a non starter.

No start button, really? Am I supposed to cram all of the apps I need onto the desktop. No, wait I am supposed to use the metro interface which would be nice if I used a touch screen, but I have an android tablet which is still more functional that this horseshit. Honestly I tried to like it but it seems Microsoft is making the same mistake as the GNOME project, our way or the high way, and our way is to make the interface so dumb it gets in your way when you try to do anything on the desktop.

Yes Apple has been wildly successful in making devices for users who do not particularly care how things work, as long as they work. Innovation is not copying something that has been successful it is improving it and Windows 8 is not an improvement on iOS or Android, its just a shambles following in the footsteps of the Zune.

-H

**Alundil** · 08-23-12, 01:24 PM

sadly - I think you're correct hannibal. I'll be sticking with Win7 x64 (probably for as long as we all stuck with XP x84) for the foreseeable future on all desktop/laptops in the home.

**Gumby** · 08-23-12, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by Bunni

People use windows as a server platform?!?!?!

(Sorry, you set yourself up for that)

My shop runs hundreds of Windows servers and hundreds of various 'nix servers. The choice of OS is based solely on what software or service is being hosted. If it runs best on a particular flavor of Linux or Unix, that's what we deploy. If it requires Windows, that's what we deploy. If there was a requirement for something that would be best on OSX Server, you can bet your ass that is what we would use. (still waiting on that day) 90% of our 60,000 or so users even have Linux at the desktop. So don't write me off as a "windows guy" ;-) Any good IT guy knows that you use the right tool for the job. OS prejudice is a rookie mistake.
But to be honest, all that is somewhat off topic. Seeing as there is little performance difference and the UI is not for me. Win7 will do nicely at home and on the Windows boxes at work. Might be fun on some work tablets or phones though...

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