Windows 8.1

Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption

Nick	Windows 8.1 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	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	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	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	This might help you understand OEM windows if you don't already: http://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	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	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. Smile

Shane

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

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

vegplot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. nats

Is he a student? If so look in to academic licensing. Can save you a packet oldish chris

) What I was trying to say was if you want the right operating system (I'm not sure about the differences between "ordinary" and Professional) you have to pay the going amount. It might look like a lot of dosh ('cos it is IMHO), but longer term it'll be worth it, if only from the enjoyment point of view. Linux scores big time when any old OS would do. However, if your requirements suggest 8.1 and you haven't got £90 - big problem.

Because I suffer from terminal curiosity, has you son worked out the financial benefit of a DIY approach to building a PC? Nick

Son is 15. Finances revolve around birthday money, and having not much else to spend it on. He saved, knew what he wanted, and got it. It might not be the best deal, in some senses, but it taught him stuff, and he's otherwise very low maintenance, so I'm cool with it. Buying the same system, ready built, would have been more expensive. The only difference between the Oem and retail version that matters is it's single pc use, and not easily, honestly, transferable, and around half the price. It means he can rebuy the updated version when he changes his pc in a couple of years, and there's no extra cost.

I'm pretty sure student versions were discontinued. I had one a couple of years ago, which is why the current installed OS doesn't believe it's real.

Windows has to be there, really, because school based software, and purchased stuff needs it. I'm sure there are Linux emulators for windows software, but that would involve me looking into them, and it doesn't interest me.

In your analogy terms, he has a BMW only toolkit, trailer, stereo, and his mechanic is a BMW only specialist. oldish chris

Thank-you for the reply. Very interesting.
I'm sure there are Linux emulators for windows software, but that would involve me looking into them, and it doesn't interest me. I rather suspect you'd loose the last of your sanity Wink

When I first started sourcing PCs, initially for the family, then each of my sons, I used a small manufacturer based in Liverpool, (a cellar in a big old house in Bootle). The boys were able to assemble their own systems. I was advised that one should go to the big manufacturers for a top-of-the-range system - they get their hands on the latest stuff first, and for a bottom-of-the-range system - they can bulk buy the end of a production line. Everything else, build your own - seems this is still true. (***Downsizers - Money Saving Tip***)

I also think that you did exactly the right thing in encouraging self build. In my case, having seen my lads put together their systems, when the last of them left for Uni, I was able to put together a system from the left-over bits. (***Downsizers - Money Saving Tip***)

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