russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

As in every industry, everyone has to start somewhere. If that computer tech couldn't get into the advanced levels of Windows 8, I'm thinking s/he's not a very good computer tech. Maybe it was his first day on the job!

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Just bought a new laptop for my lady, and requested Win7 over Win8. However, my laptop has Win8, and it works fine. They are moving the operating systems to "touch" navigation, hence Win8. But, I'm partial to Win7.

A bigger consideration, in my opinion, is the graphics capabilities you get. In your quest to purchase, be sure to tell somebody what you intend to do with the machine. It makes a big difference. You should look for one with improved graphics from a company such as Nvidia.

Texas_Greek Loc: Austin, TX

Mac entry price may be higher, but the machine will last a longer time Abe the learning curve is ok.

346pak Loc: Texas

I agree. Always fought the Mac until my wife got one. She finally allowed me to experiment and put Lightroom and PS12 on it. I have not turned my PC on since.

Giugly01 Loc: Woodstock, NY

:thumbup:

avman Loc: Normal IL

I don't understand?????? Why buy a new computer, when all one has to do is install win7 or win 8.1 on the current computer?????????

Giugly01 Loc: Woodstock, NY

:thumbup:

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

Windows 8. Some people say they don't like it but it is the most stable platform Microsoft has put out. Yes it is different than previous versions but just take the time to learn it and you will be happy.

RON 11 Loc: Pittsburgh

I have an IMac and would not use anything else. I will put their monitor display up against anyone's. Colors are true and the display always matches what my printer produces.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

How will you ever make up your mind with so many different views of what computer you should buy. Just go to the store and let your imagination go. You'll get the computer you are looking for.

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

I use Windows 7 and I have no problems with Lightroom 5.3 or many other post processing software.

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

Y'know, this is just another variation in the endless Nikon vs. Canon, Chevy vs. Ford argument. Go to a computer shop or two, try some machines and figure out which one suits your personal needs and go with it.

Me, I'm a Mac Driver. It suits my purposes. I will say that in 25 years of using Mac's, I've had to take my computer to the shop exactly once, and that was to replace a failing hard drive. I've never had to hire a computer tech to come and untangle any of my Mac's. Whatever problems I've encountered, I've been able to fix myself, save for that bad hard drive. Worked for a company some years back and had to use a Windows box on the job. We had a local techie on stand-by and had to have him work on the machine minimum of once a month, at a rate of $50 per hour, one hour minimum. We spent enough on the techie in a year's time to have bought a Mac. But the boss refused, said Windows was the only way he'd go.

That's because Windows worked well enough for him.

I know someone who's on their third HP laptop in less than two years. My iMac's been running strong since 2010, with the failing hard drive being the only service it has needed.

You pays your money and you takes your chances. Go and try the computer and see what works for you.

Fjlor

Yes, I see but obviously, your husband is intuitive, can figure stuff out for himself, loves to explore, which is not the average computer user out there. Win 8 came along for the tablet demand. Problem was in order to use the platform correctly, one needed a touch screen. I remember many of my friends upgrading on a Win 7 machine to Win 8 and then getting totally frustrated. So what did Microsoft do? They released the update that turns 8 back into 7. The whole nature of the OS Platform is powerful but very user friendly.....hey, even my stubborn Brother moved from Windows to the OS. Mac OS, for us everyday users, is so much more intuitive, which is not to say that guys like your hubby can't figure out Win 8.

Fjlor

RIGHT ON

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

No, my husband is not intuitive at all when it comes to computers. He absolutely despises the things, and we've been together/domestic partnered/married for 21 years. I used to dislike being in the same room with him if there was a computer nearby. It was like computers put out an aura that sent him into the Netherlands. Then Windows 8 came along, and he loved it. I've gotten more accomplished with him using Windows 8 then in the previous 19 years combined.

No, you don't need a touch screen to "use the platform correctly." Microsoft's problem with Windows 8 is that they didn't make the interface backward compatible, so those people who dislike change and/or like to complain, well, they came out of the woodwork. As any company should do if it wants to make money, they listened to the chronic complainers and gave them a backward-looking interface.

I listened to people complain as they were using their smartphones. I told them that Windows 8 was just like their smartphone. Once they realized that, they were fine.

Yep, the people who bitched and complained the most about Windows 8 were the ones who had smart phones. Just think of Windows 8 as a giant smart phone and you'll be okay because the layout and everything is virtually identical except that Windows 8 has so much more because it's running on a much bigger computer than a smart phone.