I am not suggesting anyone dump Windows 7 on their current computers. I still have it on several systems here. It is an excellent OS.
But what I am saying is, if you are upgrading an old computer with a new motherboard, or buying or building a new computer with today's hardware, then put today's OS on it. Not something that is already pushing 5 years old, does not support the latest "
industry standard" hardware security features, or performance features.
This is totally different than refusing to upgrade (like me) from XP to Vista. Windows 8 is not today's Vista. Just as W7 is not XP.
I am sorry, Noel, but your suggestion that Windows 8's touch screen support carries that much weight is just not the way it is, at least not with "PCs". Notebooks and handhelds are for another topic. If that is your main objection, then note touch screen support is just another HID - human interface device among many - to include the traditional keyboard and mouse support that the vast majority of "PC" users prefer with W8. Entering text in a Word doc or forum reply is still much easier with a keyboard and mouse, and likely will be until computers can read our minds. In fact, most apps used by PC users just aren't that touch screen friendly. Windows 8 is, but we typically spend our time in applications.
If the complaint with Windows 8/8.1 is primarily the Windows 8 "metro" style Start Page and user interface (UI), then check out
Start8. Start8 brings back the familiar W7 Start Orb and Start Menu and lets you boot directly to the Windows Desktop instead of the Windows 8 "Start Screen" that so many people dislike. Then W8 works and looks and feels almost exactly like the familiar W7. It cost $5 (after a 30-day trial period), but it is well worth it IMO. And, even at just $5, it has the "polished feel" I expect from a paid product that may not be seen in some free alternatives.
Yes, MS screwed up by jamming the new UI down our throats and a lot of backtracking has already happened to appease desktop users, with more to come. That said, I do know many Windows 8 users who, unlike me, pushed through the learning curve, and sooner than they expected, actually got used to using the new UI - just as we all have done many times in the past, not just for Windows, but our favorite browsers, email programs, word processors, or even forum software. And now they actually like it.
Since I use Start8 and have W8 look and feel like W7, I cannot deny the Luddite in me. I do like the status quo. So again, I am not suggesting anyone go out and upgrade their old computers to W8. But if you are going to buy new, buy new.
An interesting TechRepublic article just came out today:
When will the Windows Start Menu return?