No intention of going for Windows 8 yet, I expect at a later date I may have it but only if I were to get a new PC with it installed!

WhiteTruckMan

Well the obvious answer is continued support with updates and security fixes, something that will not continue for long with XP.

Many software companies have, or will soon, discontinue support for XP within their software.

Windows 7 boots faster than XP, and Windows 8 will be even faster.

There are many other improvements, such as additional security features to make life more difficult for viruses and other malicious software. The built in malware defender is less intrusive, the User Account Control is also less intrusive in Windows 7 than Vista.

I suppose the most important thing to consider is that Windows 7 is built from the ground up as a leaner piece of software, and Windows 8 is supposed to be even leaner, whereas a 10 year old XP Pro installation is a bodged together series of patches and updates that will be forever on the verge of imploding.

I'm going to seriously consider Windows 8, especially with the good value upgrades that have been reported, but if the reviews aren't good I'll stick with Windows 7

Within the actual desktop environment (i.e. not Metro), I think the changes made are actually very good; nothing groundbreaking - just a lot of polishing up. I also love the new start up procedure - so much faster and beautiful than any previous version of Windows. It's just a shame that they've enforced Metro upon us and removed the Start menu. If the option of having a completely Metro-free environment was offered then I think Windows 8 would be a big hit.

I sort of understand why they are enforcing it upon us though - Microsoft needs to make an impact in the tablet and phone market for the well being of its future, and if everyone does come around to liking Metro (and hence cause a boom in compatible apps) then it would certainly help it penetrate these markets.

I am using W7 on the laptop, but since I do not use it that much now having recently bought an iMAC there will be little chance I would update the laptop.

Sapins, you must be an awful lot luckier than I have been with the iMAC. It was updated to the 10.7.4 which was rubbish as far as Wi-Fi connections was concerned, and Mountain Lion has been a lot worse. I think it was a Friday afternoon machine, and have been in constant contact with Apple to get the thing sorted. At the moment it seems to be operating OK, but I haven't said that just in case!!

TonyV

Bing.alau

Go for the mac, I am into my 6th week with an iMac and it really is the best, I just wish I bought it long ago.

Is it dew to be non event from past xperience

Win 95 > good

98 > not so good xxx

98se > very good

me > not so good xxx

xp> very good

vista> not so good xxx

win7 good

win8???

I am very happy with XP and 7. will not move unless I have to.

I've been using the preview version on a touch screen laptop for a month or so.

As I've said elsewhere, I find myself having to reboot to Win 7 (which works just as well with a touch screen if you set it up right) after about 30 minutes of use.

I won't be upgrading.

I an happy with W7 and will only consider a change if my desktop needs replacing in a couple of years or more. My laptop will stay on W7. If W8 works on an iPad I might buy one.

I plan to buy a W8 Tablet almost as soon as it is launched.

I shall just wait for long enough for any major glitches to be identified and solutions to be activated.

My XP & Win 7 machines ain't broke yet.

I'm still using XP but thinking of lashing out on an iMac soon. Why do they keep changing the system? Is the previous one broken? Or is it a money thing?