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Windows 8.1
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Nick



Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford
PostPosted: Tue May 06, 14 4:07 pm    Post subject: Windows 8.1 Reply with quote
    

Son has a self build PC and wants Windows 8.1 on it.

Is this suitable?

Click.

I've asked Dabs, the seller, but they say they 'haven't had training, so I must ask the manufacturer.' Asshats.

My question is, it doesn't appear to be an upgrade, or limited to Dell PCs, or anything?

He currently has a copy of Windows 7, which limps along, but gives messages about not being strictly legit, due to me having to use a student licence from a dead PC etc etc. Let's not go into that.

If it's not suitable, why not, and what version do I buy, please?

I am aware that Linux is the best thing in the world, and I should use that, but, really, it's not, and I won't.

RichardW



Joined: 24 Aug 2006
Posts: 8443
Location: Llyn Peninsular North Wales
PostPosted: Tue May 06, 14 7:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

1, Is the PC he built 64bit?

2, That is OEM software. They are not supposed to sell it without you also buying PC hardware at the same time.

Apart from that it looks ok.

This one gives you more details on the OEM versions.

There are 32bit ones on eBay. also spotted some that look to be the same as your linked one but from other suppliers for less money.

Or even Win 8 with free upgrades to 8.1 for about £50

Nick



Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford
PostPosted: Tue May 06, 14 7:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

It's 64 bit, yes.

I think the usual way to get round the Oem bit is that they throw in a free, old motherboard if you ask for it. It's from dabs.com and picked up at Argos, so my assumption is it's kosher.

Thanks.

Shane



Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 3467
Location: Doha. Is hot.
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 3:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I wasn't aware that there were people out there that actually wanted Windows 8. I thought it was just something that was inflicted on you nowadays when buying a new PC (which is why I'm only buying Macs until they replace it with something usable).

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 7:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

This might help you understand OEM windows if you don't already: https://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/351598/how-to-buy-windows-7-for-50-less-the-truth-about-oem-versions

Basically, it appears you get no help and you can only use it on the one PC and not move it to another if your PC fails.

I don't know anything about 8.1 but if Windows 7 is slow will 8.1 help?

Nick



Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 7:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Sorry, not sure why I wrote limps along. It runs fine. But it does keep popping up suggesting it's not genuine.

The article is clear, thanks.

Nick



Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 7:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Shane wrote:
I wasn't aware that there were people out there that actually wanted Windows 8. I thought it was just something that was inflicted on you nowadays when buying a new PC (which is why I'm only buying Macs until they replace it with something usable).


Windows 8, no, but 8.1, in desktop mode seems much, much better. We shall see.

It's his gaming machine, built with his own money, to his own spec. And therefore his own problem.

Shane



Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 3467
Location: Doha. Is hot.
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 8:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

His problem until something goes wrong, of course..."Dad!"

Hopefully you'll be able to do complicated stuff like open the control panel in 8.1. I've given up trying to master the thing you have to do to the right of the desktop that occasionally makes four symbols pop up, one of which (if you can catch it before it disappears) brings up a screen that lets you search for stuff that used to be readily available on the control panel.

The maid gets very little help with her Windows 8-inflicted netbook, as there's only a few minutes I can spend on it before I want to destroy everything in her room.

Nick



Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 8:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Aye, I think 8.1 is the version that allows it to look like windows when it was usable.

vegplot



Joined: 19 Apr 2007
Posts: 21301
Location: Bethesda, Gwynedd
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 9:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

It says Full Version so I guess that's what it means and not an upgrade. A guess is what it is though.

I've just installed Windows 8.1 Pro on Dell desktop (5 years old?) after SSD died. It's much better that I expected, quite usable and has some really nice features.

vegplot



Joined: 19 Apr 2007
Posts: 21301
Location: Bethesda, Gwynedd
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 9:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Shane wrote:

Hopefully you'll be able to do complicated stuff like open the control panel in 8.1.


Just start typing "Control Panel" when on the touch desktop..

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0M0zPgJ3HSfrydBvq11e7ib7DaWZphwE

Shane wrote:

I've given up trying to master the thing you have to do to the right of the desktop that occasionally makes four symbols pop up, one of which (if you can catch it before it disappears) brings up a screen that lets you search for stuff that used to be readily available on the control panel.


That's not one of it's best features.

alison
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 12918
Location: North Devon
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 12:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I guess it is for the xbox generation.

My youngest loves it.

I am with Shane. My next computer will be a mac air.

vegplot



Joined: 19 Apr 2007
Posts: 21301
Location: Bethesda, Gwynedd
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 14 1:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

alison wrote:
I guess it is for the xbox generation.

My youngest loves it.

I am with Shane. My next computer will be a mac air.


Put Windows on it either dual boot or Parallels (better). It's the best thing I did with my Macbook Air. I use Windows far more than OSX but it will give you the best of both worlds and you can switch between the two in less than a second.

Expensive though.

oldish chris



Joined: 14 Jun 2006
Posts: 4148
Location: Comfortably Wet Southport
PostPosted: Thu May 08, 14 6:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

well Nick, I think that the link in Treacodactyl's post gives all the information necessary. The next question is about the computer. Is it's manufacture a one-off event, or will it go on for years like Trigger's broom? I wouldn't be surprised if, over time, bits get added or replaced. In which case, he needs the full price version.

To help him with his decision making, can I suggest an analogy of Windows versus Linux debate. A petrol-head spends hours explaining how a BMW is superior to a Kia in every possible way, and anyhow, he wouldn't be seen dead in a Kia. This is followed up by the question "Where can I get a brand-new Beemer for £7K?"

He wants Windows 8.1, £90 it seems.

Nick



Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford
PostPosted: Thu May 08, 14 7:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I think your first and third paragraphs are right. He may tweak the pc, but by the time the motherboard wants changing, there'll be a new version of Windows, and the difference in price between the OEM and full version means the new version would represent better value.

The car stuff is a bit odd.

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