Do I really NEED Windows 7?

[Evil_T0NY {CLR}]

Now that I'm not gaming as much as I used to....I'm still on XP SP 3 Prof.

and quite frankly, I "feel" as If I really don't need to upgrade....mostly due to budgetary / financial reasons.....so how many of you here are still on XP?

[Duke{CLR}]

I left my sons PC on Vista and I feel no need to upgrade that one and I have an old laptop that I don't plan on upgrading form XP so I would say use XP until you DO need it, if you have to ask then you probably don't need it.

[Qicmee]

I'm on XP SP3. My next PC will have whatever is popular at that time.

Like Duke said, don't upgrade your OS unless necessary (or unless you're bored and looking for new challenges).

[Trooper110]

Depends what you're looking for. Do you NEED to upgrade? No, unless you have hardware, etc. that isn't supported on XP for some reason.

Windows 7 does do better in benchmarks for gaming, network, applications, CPU usage, basically everything, than Windows XP or Windows Vista do, and I much prefer the interface and all changes made, but you never really NEED it.

If it's in your budget and you want it, I'd say go for it. It's better, prettier, and plays with all the new technology, but if you don't need that, stay with XP.

[Pumpkin_Jack]

the brand new games are about 50-50 on wrather or not they'll exept xp i know starcraft 2 doesnt but i think mafia 2 does. i think you have another 6months before its neccesary

[Qicmee]

I read "StarCraft II" and got worried about my XP PC. Apparently there's no problem.

Blizzard Support
The system requirements for the StarCraft II are as follows: PC Requirements

PC Minimum System Requirements*:
Windows? XP/Windows Vista?/Windows? 7 (Updated with the latest Service Packs) with DirectX? 9.0c

PC Recommended Specifications:
Windows Vista?/Windows? 7

In general, Microsoft is the only company that likes to restrict their newest games to the newest version of Windows. One more reason to cherish Microsoft's marketing group.

[Caddys83]

Im a PC and Windows 7 was my idea



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnXVPwLLXHM

[GeneralSnake]

Depends what you're looking for. Do you NEED to upgrade? No, unless you have hardware, etc. that isn't supported on XP for some reason.

Windows 7 does do better in benchmarks for gaming, network, applications, CPU usage, basically everything, than Windows XP or Windows Vista do, and I much prefer the interface and all changes made, but you never really NEED it.

If it's in your budget and you want it, I'd say go for it. It's better, prettier, and plays with all the new technology, but if you don't need that, stay with XP.

Do you know how it does that Trooper? I have heard this, and people swear to it, even a very close friend. He said it just seemed to be using all the parts more effectively or something.

I very much enjoy it, the layout and whatnot. The frequent popups dont bother me, and they can be fixed. Things run much more smoothly, you can get between different browser windows and programs much faster, and have many more things open(folders, programs, images, etc) at the same time without all the clutter at the bottom of your screen. I think Vista did this, I never had vista, went from XP to 7.

Oh yes, you will have some backwards compatibility issues, older games n such, but it can usually be overcome with some diggin, often times the solution is here on Cain's Lair.

[Trooper110]

General, honestly, I have no idea specifically. I'm not a software engineer. I can tell you that Windows 7 was rebuilt mostly from ground up with some Vista parts integrated and used. Since they rebuild everything they could optimize and change things...learn from past mistakes. Core Windows components were upgraded, and what I understand MS also did a lot better with provided business partners with data on integrating their products with Windows 7.

[{CLR} Cobalt]

Umm. if XP isnt starting to bother you at being slow are crashing once in a while then stay put. If you want something fresh that works like its supposed to then Win7 will be a refreshing change.

I didnt think I would like it because I'm one of the one's that used to skip one OS and go the the next one because of no support for the one I had. That plus I was always pissed at Bill Gates and his minions for not producing something that would work. But they got this one working pretty good first time around. It's basically all the things in Vista fixed. But if you make the choice to switch you'll be glad you did.

[BLAZE86]

Been using XP for nearly 8 years now I think..

I can't remember how many systems I've reformatted.. XP is such a stable platform to begin with.. just don't bloat it up with a bunch of junk.. For example I've always used ZoneAlarm 8.0 and Avast! 4.8.. And haven't had any issues with viruses or male ware, it does help to to know where to surf though and not.. Firefox+mcafee siteadvisor, and no script help alot too. Haven't had any decrease in gaming experience either running these protection services at the same time either..

[Dead...Again]

XP is such a stable platform to begin with..

It is now, but it took a long time to achieve that stability. When it first came out, people complained about it as much as they did Vista. Win7 has been pretty much stable from the get-go, and it is about as fast as XP if not faster. I have been impressed.

[BLAZE86]

Yea true.. sp1 and sp2 were kind flaky... but it's nearly immortal now as to how simpler it is then windows 7.. I'm using a vista transformation UI for now..

When I get around to making a new build I'll prolly go with Win7.