Resolved Changing to a new computer information.

I am going to replace my current computer for a newer model (not yet decided on make). I notice all new models advertised have installed Windows 8, my question is? can I use Windows 7 64bit without uninstalling Windows 8? Monitor kept for use is not a touch screen model. Advice will be most appreciated.

 

Many thanks for your replies. Is Start 8 included with Windows 8? or is it a separate download? if this be the case, where can it be downloaded from? Thank you, Bob.

 

I think there is some confusion here.

Touch screen support is NOTHING but a tiny, almost insignificant (for most users, anyway) added and optional feature in Windows 8. Most users don't use touch screen support. So don't get hung up on that - in fact, totally forget about touch screen if you have no desire to use it. It is disabled by default, unless a touchscreen monitor is detected when the system boots. Should you change your mind later and buy a new touch screen monitor, you'll be set. Until then, fuhgeddaboudit!

Think of touch screen as just another HID - human interface device - which is exactly what it is, just like your keyboard and mouse. That's all.

Yes, but it is a pain - especially on new, factory made computers that use modern motherboards with UEFI BIOS. This is because by license agreement, the UEFI "Secure Boot" feature is enabled by default with all factory installed Windows 8 computers. This is an incredible security feature that effectively prevents badguys from connecting a bootable device (such as an external hard drive or USB thumb drive) to your computer and commandeering it, stealing your identity and bank accounts, and using your machine for other nefarious deeds like distributing spam or malware, or to participate in DDoS attacks (from your ISP assigned IP address).

Unfortunately, Secure Boot also prevents installing another OS on the system as a very strong and effective security measure too - though it is not hard to disable through an authorized admin account, if the need arises. But unless you really need both W7 and W8 on your system I recommend leaving Secure Boot enable and get a warm fuzzy that your system is much more secure.

I DO NOT recommend getting Windows 7! Why? Because W7 is already 5-years old! W8 is more secure and faster right out of the box. Why put a less secure, slower and superseded operating system on modern hardware designed to take advantage of the latest Windows operating system; W8???

I too add my endorsement for Start8, if you just don't like the new Windows 8 "Start Page" with tiles when first boot. But frankly, I have found that most users who kept an open mind and actually gave W8's new UI a chance, rather quickly became familiar and used to it to the point it became very intuitive for them. Of course, that is the same with most people for just about any new thing.

So, since W8 is more secure, faster, and can be made to look and feel like W7 with a small, unobtrusive utility like Start 8, I see no reason to step back in time to use a superseded, less secure OS.

 

Unless you're in a big hurry, you might consider waiting for Windows 9. From what I've heard there should be an announcement by Microsoft on the 30th of this month and then be released sometime in the spring.

 

Thank you all for most interesting information and I have certainly taken a mental note for future reference. Bobby.

 

You're welcome.

Please mark your thread as 'Resolved'.

 

Before deciding on procuring a new computer, I would appreciate help on one aspect. HP ENVY 700-311na Desktop PC specifications are very good, but one overview given is Expansion card slots are not available. Does this mean no additional boards can be fitted to the motherboard as extras? I have at present a USB board fitted, giving me four USB 3 outlets, will with this computer HP ENVY not able me to use this board. Thank you.

 

HP.com > HP ENVY 700-311na Desktop PC Product Specifications

 

Hi BobbyScot, The specs show 4 USB 2.0 and 4 USB 3.0 Ports on the comp and expansion slots:
1 PCI Express x16 (Gen3.0)
3 PCI Express x1 (Gen2.0)
1 half-length mini card
I don't think your USB 2.0 card can be installed. You can always use a USB hub with it's own power if you need more than the 8 slots the comp already has.
USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0 as you probably know. Neil.

 

Hi retiredlearner, I bought the 4xUSB3 board that slots into the PCI of the current in use mother board. This board works satisfactory but again the MB is only for USB 2. and not as the new MB supports USB 3.
Thank you for showing the specification for the HP ENVY700-230 an, as the copy that I read was given by PCWorld and omitted information that I required.

 

Good to hear you've found your answer. Please mark your thread as resolved.