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Other => General Topics => Topic started by: !Donovan on April 22, 2013, 10:30:53 PM
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I have invested a good amount of money into a new 15.6'' laptop that has some of the best specs out there for a relatively low price. It has everything that I would want from a computer. With the jump from 1gb ram to 16gb ram and a quad-core processor, I'd assume that the speed would be drastically improved and there wouldn't be random lag spikes.
With that being said, I want to ensure that 16gb will be more than enough for the various programs that I will be running in the background. I'm not a fan of 1gb ram, with it lagging while nothing is running, so I would like to know how fast other computers are before I buy the new one. After all, the purpose of me buying this laptop is to free myself from the "laggy experience", no?
How much ram does your computer have, what do you use it for, and how fast is it?
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Unless you are going to be gaming or doing video editing or other memory intensive applications then most people will get by without issue on 8GB RAM. Obviously your OS is also a determining factor as you know it has to be 64bit to utilise more than 4gb and what it is a minimum requirement for that as that would reduce the available RAM for other tasks.
Though if the deal is good (difference between 8 & 16 isn't great) on 16GB of RAM why not. Most laptops have only two RAM slots if you went with 8GB then to get more you would probably end up replacing the old RAM, not a great economic deal.
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Specs in my signature.
Wish mine was an I7 and wouldn't mind if it had 8 gig.
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I have already decided on 16gb over 8gb. I will be running multiple VMs so the extra ram is needed.
As for this computer, it runs on Vista (32bit). The new one ships with Windows 8 (64bit) and is a gaming laptop that was recommended to me by a friend of mine that owns one.
I am wondering how different users with different amounts of memory fare with their computers so I can get an understanding of how many things one can run without lag.
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On my system, when I'm stressing it, I usually have Chrome open with 5 or 6 tabs,
Have just completed and edited a video with Screencast-O-Matic am in the process of
uploading it to YouTube or Google Drive (Screencast) is still open and doing the upload) and am busy back on the forum while waiting for the upload to finish.
At that point, the extra ram and the faster OS would be nice even if what I currently have is a lot faster than the old clunker.
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Video manipulation usually takes more ram than most programs, so I can see how it'd stress the computer.
Chrome is actually faster than Firefox on this computer and does not lag as frequent as Firefox (which always lags, no matter how many tabs I have). I can run about 20 tabs without lag on Chrome, but that's because I don't usually multi-task. If I don't look at a tab for a few minutes, then go back to that tab, there is about 8-20 seconds (Just tested with the average being 2-12 seconds. It's usually longer while multi-tasking) before the tab resumes its previous state. Is that normal?
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Well apparently Windows 7 uses less resources than Windows Vista. I tested 720p on a family member's netbook (win7 32bit 1gb ram) and it runs just fine with very few frameskips after the video was cached.
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If you had tried Windows 8, you would have seen that it's even faster and less ram hungry. :)
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If you had tried Windows 8, you would have seen that it's even faster and less ram hungry. :)
I'd assume so. I have tried the 4gb and 6gb versions of Windows 8 at the stores, however I've yet to see the Windows 7 experience.
I merely tested 720p on her laptop. I have no experience with the workings of Windows 7 whatsoever.
How would you rate the differences in speed between Windows 7 and Windows 8?
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I have a computer at the senior center that had XP with i gig of Ram.
It ran like a dog with arthritis. Once I switched it over to Windows 8.
the arthritis was gone. :)
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Would the same apply when switching from XP to Windows 7?
As I personally do not like many aspects of Windows 8, would it be worth keeping it as the computer's primary OS instead of downgrading?
Also: Upgrading the family computer isn't much of an option. The hardware itself was "Designed for Windows XP".
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Would the same apply when switching from XP to Windows 7?
As I personally do not like many aspects of Windows 8, would it be worth keeping it as the computer's primary OS instead of downgrading?
Also: Upgrading the family computer isn't much of an option. The hardware itself was "Designed for Windows XP".
Not in my opinion. Sorry
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My Win7 64 bit machine is used for 3D gaming and does just fine with 6GB of DDR3 1333 dual channel RAM. 512mb of that is dedicated to the graphics. I also have set the page file to a fixed 512mb and have had no problems. The XP and Vista machines both have 2GB and run well that way, especially the XP one which only has DDR memory. The Vista one has faster DDR2 RAM.
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Would the same apply when switching from XP to Windows 7?
As I personally do not like many aspects of Windows 8, would it be worth keeping it as the computer's primary OS instead of downgrading?
Also: Upgrading the family computer isn't much of an option. The hardware itself was "Designed for Windows XP".
There could be driver problems between XP hardware and Win8. Especially for laptops which many times have manufacturer specific drivers for some of their features. I ran the upgrade advisor on my Win 7 laptop and even it showed problems in going to 8. I wasn't going to do it anyway but that just shows how driver problems can come up. I believe in using the OS the computer was designed for.
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Amazing that with all the systems I've converted to Windows 8, I never ran into a problem
except my Dell Vostro Mini and even that one was eventually converted once I was able to change the
"unchangeable" Screen size:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93544.msg840792#msg840792 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93544.msg840792#msg840792)
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Specs in signature, got an extra spare set of 8gb for a total of 16Gb, still undecided about wether or not to throw it in my system, or wait until the warranty is up.
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Would the same apply when switching from XP to Windows 7?
As I personally do not like many aspects of Windows 8, would it be worth keeping it as the computer's primary OS instead of downgrading?
Also: Upgrading the family computer isn't much of an option. The hardware itself was "Designed for Windows XP".
Donovan, I'm a fan of Win7, but the jump from Winxp to 7 without atleast 1.5 - 2.5Gb of ram would cause quite a lot of idle lag, my girlfriend has a laptop with 1gig running 32bit Win7 and that seems to lag during general use, freezing, etc, my gaming desktop, i.e this one, the max I've been able to get out of my ram was 6Gb during a bad Gmod server which added 40 Processes, (Due to a plugin, going off topic), but you get the picture.
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Amazing that with all the systems I've converted to Windows 8, I never ran into a problem
except my Dell Vostro Mini and even that one was eventually converted once I was able to change the
"unchangeable" Screen size:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93544.msg840792#msg840792 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93544.msg840792#msg840792)
The drivers I'm talking about are the ones for special keybord functions like volume control, shortcuts to browsers, or other programs, brightness, etc. Many laptops have these features and the manufacturers don't always provide drivers for Windows versions other than the one the machine was built for and came with. Yes, you can use the machine without those features but why should you have to?
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My Win7 64 bit machine is used for 3D gaming and does just fine with 6GB of DDR3 1333 dual channel RAM. 512mb of that is dedicated to the graphics. I also have set the page file to a fixed 512mb and have had no problems. The XP and Vista machines both have 2GB and run well that way, especially the XP one which only has DDR memory. The Vista one has faster DDR2 RAM.
That's amazing! It's nice to know someone that has experience with 3D gaming.
Do you think that the XP computer is faster than the Vista computer?
Donovan, I'm a fan of Win7, but the jump from Winxp to 7 without atleast 1.5 - 2.5Gb of ram would cause quite a lot of idle lag, my girlfriend has a laptop with 1gig running 32bit Win7 and that seems to lag during general use, freezing, etc, my gaming desktop, i.e this one, the max I've been able to get out of my ram was 6Gb during a bad Gmod server which added 40 Processes, (Due to a plugin, going off topic), but you get the picture.
I don't use XP. I was just using that as an example.
The leveno laptop that I will be getting has 16gb ram and comes with Windows 8. I am assuming that any computer can run decently with 4gb and more advanced multitasking can be done with 8gb ram.
I am still unsure rather I want to keep Windows 8 or downgrade to Windows 7, however.
Here are the specs:
Processor: 3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3630QM Processor (2.40GHz 1600MHz 6MB)
Operating system: Windows 8 64
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT750M GDDR5 2GB
Memory: 16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
Display: 15.6" FHD LED Glare Wedge 1920x1080
Hard Drive: 1TB 5400 RPM+16GB SSD
Battery: 6 Cell Lithium-Ion
Network Card: Intel Centrino Wireless N-2230
Bluetooth: Bluetooth Version 4.0
Warranty: One year
Form Factor: Notebook
Camera: Integrated HD Camera
HDMI: HDMI (Out)
Like I said, I will be using this laptop for heavy multitasking work, VMs, gaming, etc, and I want it to last for the next few years. I plan on getting a 128GB SSD for the new laptop and putting the OS on it for faster boot times, etc..
It's 300$ off this week. That's a really, really good deal and it features everything that I'd want from a new computer.
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Desktop, Win7X64 with 16GB of RAM, I use it for Watching and editing videos and the web.
Laptop, Win7X64 with 8GB of RAM because that's all it would hold. ;D
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Stick with the win8 Donovan, it's a faster os and once you put on a start menu replacement ( Start8, Classic Shell ) 99% of the problems are solved and it's just like win7 in functionality if you never go to the menu screen like myself :)
I've got 16 Gb here and it's more than enough with several tabs open video editing going on in the background plus my flight simulator running, I've never seen my memory exceed 25% so I don't need the 32GB upgrade I can have.
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That's amazing! It's nice to know someone that has experience with 3D gaming.
Do you think that the XP computer is faster than the Vista computer?
Yes the XP computer which is an HP laptop is faster than the Vista desktop listed in my signature but it also has a better and faster CPU. It has an AMD Turion ML-34 running at 1.8ghz.The Vista machine is very slow and takes 3 minutes to boot into a useable state. Mostly because it takes that long to establish an internet connection. I can't find the cause of that but I have read that it may have something to do with the Acer recovery system that came pre-installed on it. If it was mine, I would wipe it clean and install Win7 but it's owner wants to keep it the way it came.
That Lenovo you want looks like an awesome laptop. It should be able to handle anything you throw at it.
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Stick with the win8 Donovan, it's a faster os and once you put on a start menu replacement ( Start8, Classic Shell ) 99% of the problems are solved and it's just like win7 in functionality if you never go to the menu screen like myself :)
I've got 16 Gb here and it's more than enough with several tabs open video editing going on in the background plus my flight simulator running, I've never seen my memory exceed 25% so I don't need the 32GB upgrade I can have.
I have to agree with Craig, Win8 is a lightening fast OS and boots up in just seconds! My HP with 8GB of Ram is plenty and seldom hits 30% used. I just use Classic Start Menu to bypass Win8 Metro crap.
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Stick with the win8 Donovan, it's a faster os and once you put on a start menu replacement ( Start8, Classic Shell ) 99% of the problems are solved and it's just like win7 in functionality if you never go to the menu screen like myself :)
I've got 16 Gb here and it's more than enough with several tabs open video editing going on in the background plus my flight simulator running, I've never seen my memory exceed 25% so I don't need the 32GB upgrade I can have.
I have to agree with Craig, Win8 is a lightening fast OS and boots up in just seconds! My HP with 8GB of Ram is plenty and seldom hits 30% used. I just use Classic Start Menu to bypass Win8 Metro crap.
I think I've now preached that for over 1 year.... :) (Oh almost forgot, Evangelists are supposed to preach.)
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Windows 8 is more of a touch-screen interface but I'm not interested in touch-screen laptops. Why? Simply because the vast amount of fingerprints on the screen would defeat the whole purpose of this laptop.
Judging from others, Windows 7 is very customizable. And the simplistic Windows 8? I'd assume not.
(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/196/3/f/Win7_July_2010_dirty_by_SkyDX.jpg) (http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/196/3/f/Win7_July_2010_dirty_by_SkyDX.jpg)
This Windows 7 screenshot was taken in 2010. Imagine the possibilities for customization now that we're in 2013.
With that being said, I would personally choose appearance over performance. With the OS on the SSD, Windows 7 should load in about 3-4 seconds on average. I am guessing that I wouldn't notice much of a difference in performance between Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Window 8 is geared towards more simplistic users. I would like to have full advantage of the OS. I will be happier that way.
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Window 8 is geared towards more simplistic users. I would like to have full advantage of the OS. I will be happier that way.
You obviously have a lot to learn about Windows 8.
As someone who has used Windows since Windows 3, Windows 8 is the easiest most powerful and securest OS Microsoft has released to date.
You do need to use it in order to realize that fact. I don't own a touch screen so that part of your description doesn't apply to me.
I hardly ever touch the "Modern" desktop and my system boots directly to the normal, (old) desktop and I also have the start menu which allows
me to access both my programs and the apps on the "Modern" desktop.
Eventually, Microsoft will realize that what they have created is worth making accessible to those of us that don't own a Windows Phone.
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Donovan there isn't anything you can do on win7 that you cant perform on win8 and like Bob I also don't have touch screen and I boot straight to desktop totally ignoring the metro screen altogether.
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Are you saying that I can have transparency in Windows 8?
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Are you saying that I can have transparency in Windows 8?
Start8 and Classic Start will give you the option of whether you want transparency in the taskbar but no full transparency in win8, I don't miss transparency at all really and it's only just another resource leech.
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...What is full transparency?
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...What is full transparency?
No transparency to the explorer windows taskbar or the browser taskbar.
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...What is full transparency?
No transparency to the explorer windows taskbar or the browser taskbar.
I've never seen that before.. What about regular transparency? How does transparency look on Windows 8..
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Do the pic's help ???
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idk about Windows 8...
(http://cdn.overclock.net/9/9d/9dae0099_newstartscreen.png) (http://cdn.overclock.net/9/9d/9dae0099_newstartscreen.png)
Personally, I like the transparency featured in Windows 7. This is an old screenshot from my friend's computer.
(http://blog.donovanglover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/coolness.png) (http://blog.donovanglover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/coolness.png)
He has 16gb ram btw.
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Transparency alone would not be a factor in my decision as to whether I bought win7 or win8 as you have to take the other system optimised benefits into consideration that win8 has over win7.
They are both still good OS's so the choice is yours in the end :)
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I guess you're right.
What are the benefits of Windows 8 that are not featured in Windows 7?
Remember: I am coming from the Vista perspective.
(http://blog.donovanglover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/vistapers.png) (http://blog.donovanglover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/vistapers.png)
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<snip>
What are the benefits of Windows 8 that are not featured in Windows 7?
<snip>
<snip image>
That is a question that I have been trying to get an answer to for some time, I have yet to find a killer function/feature that is in win 8 that isn't in an earlier version and I need/require.
As they say 80% percent of users only use 20% of functions/features in most applications and that I would say includes OSes. Looking at win8 and all of the default cr4p on the home screen it seems they concentrate a lot on social networking, which I have no need/interest/requirement for.
For me I still believe this has more to do with flogging windows phones by trying have a common interface for everything.
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16GB ram..... you have almost more ram then i have HD ;D
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Better memory usage for starters, quicker boot times, taskmanager is much more usable and better detailed, more user friendly tools and features in the explorer toolbars.
As David mentioned there is no killer function that makes win8 so much better than win7 but there are small pieces like mentioned above, I wouldn't spend the money to upgrade win7 to 8 but if purchasing a new system I would go for the win8.
The apps you can have installed are an extra feature if you use them and pretty much replace the need for the sidebar in vista and win7.
Personally I only have one app installed in the metro screen and that is weather, other than that I don't use the metro screen at all and never even see it as my start menu replacement boots me straight to the desktop.
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Putting an OS such as Windows 7 on the SSD will drastically improve the overall speed and boot times. Even if I did use Windows 8, the change from 2-4 seconds to maybe 1-3 seconds isn't something that would make me want to switch.
In all honesty, I find Windows 8 somewhat complicated, despite having a simple interface. It's like one of those GUIs that try to hide all the common tasks that the user would want to use behind huge buttons.
I believe that I would be more productive with Windows 7 as my primary OS. The transition from Vista to 7 would be easy and Windows 7 looks prettier IMO.
~!Donovan
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In all honesty, I find Windows 8 somewhat complicated, despite having a simple interface. It's like one of those GUIs that try to hide all the common tasks that the user would want to use behind huge buttons.
If you don't use the metro/modern screen as I don't then the functionality is the same as win7 imo.
Go with whatever you feel comfortable with Donovan, if your used to vista then win7 will seem more familiar to you for sure and it's still a great OS.
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(http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1367092646724-6080.png)
8 Start Menu Replacements (http://www.crn.com/slide-shows/applications-os/240152470/8-start-menu-replacements-for-windows-8.htm?pgno=1)
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10 things to try when applications won't work with Windows 8 (http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/10-things-to-try-when-applications-wont-work-with-windows-8/3540)
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Have you used this one before? http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php
I still have strong thoughts towards Windows 7. Windows 8.1 is planned (http://blog.donovanglover.com/2013/03/microsoft-leaks-windows-blue/) to have a start menu, so I might wait for that.
Edit: Some resources say that its just the button and not the menu. Let's hope that the menu is implemented.
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Have you used this one before? http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php
I still have strong thoughts towards Windows 7. Windows 8.1 is planned (http://blog.donovanglover.com/2013/03/microsoft-leaks-windows-blue/) to have a start menu, so I might wait for that.
Well, if Win 8.1 does come out with a start menu, then you would not need to put something like iobit on. imo, iobit is software I'd stay away from, has had corporate integrity issues in the past, not to mention some of their software is just plain junk.
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Would the same apply when switching from XP to Windows 7?
As I personally do not like many aspects of Windows 8, would it be worth keeping it as the computer's primary OS instead of downgrading?
Also: Upgrading the family computer isn't much of an option. The hardware itself was "Designed for Windows XP".
There could be driver problems between XP hardware and Win8. Especially for laptops which many times have manufacturer specific drivers for some of their features. I ran the upgrade advisor on my Win 7 laptop and even it showed problems in going to 8. I wasn't going to do it anyway but that just shows how driver problems can come up. I believe in using the OS the computer was designed for.
I agree with Dch48. My laptop isn't made even for W7! And big problems are waiting, if you have old parts connected. You won't even get drivers for your hardware, still running fine under XP.
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Have you used this one before? http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php
I still have strong thoughts towards Windows 7. Windows 8.1 is planned (http://blog.donovanglover.com/2013/03/microsoft-leaks-windows-blue/) to have a start menu, so I might wait for that.
I wouldn't be using any application form iobit.
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I know that iobit is looked down upon; however, their software was the closest match to Windows 7 that I saw.
Unless there is a better alternative, I might as well use this iobit software.
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Windows 8.1 (Blue) is going to bring back Boot to desktop and the Start Button NOT the Start Menu. Clicking the Start Button will take you back to the "Metro" screen.
http://windowsitpro.com/windows-8/microsoft-fixing-windows-8
This makes no sense to me, Who wants a Start Button, But no Start Menu? All the more reason to stay with Windows 7.
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Windows 8.1 (Blue) is going to bring back Boot to desktop and the Start Button NOT the Start Menu. Clicking the Start Button will take you back to the "Metro" screen.
Welp, I'm done. No need for Windows 8 now. Good game Microsoft.
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Windows 8.1 (Blue) is going to bring back Boot to desktop and the Start Button NOT the Start Menu. Clicking the Start Button will take you back to the "Metro" screen.
Welp, I'm done. No need for Windows 8 now. Good game Microsoft.
If you're going to use a third party application to get the start button back, then my suggestion
still is :
ClassicShell (http://www.classicshell.net/) it has always worked well and has always been free without any added bull.
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Thank you. I looked through the screenshots and it looks like you can create custom themes for it.
Although I do not like the idea of using 3rd parties for the OS in the first place, it's worth a try before I decide on which OS to use.
Bob, would you please post a screenshot of how your taskbar looks? I would like to see a real-life example.
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Thank you. I looked through the screenshots and it looks like you can create custom themes for it.
Although I do not like the idea of using 3rd parties for the OS in the first place, it's worth a try before I decide on which OS to use.
Bob, would you please post a screenshot of how your taskbar looks? I would like to see a real-life example.
(http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1367110611208-45509.png)
(http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1367110487420-60175.png)
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It looks reasonable. What happened to the desktop shortcut featured in Windows 7 on the taskbar? The one that's usually in the right corner?
I still like rounded corners compared to flat design though. Didn't they remove shadows in Windows 8..
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It looks reasonable. What happened to the desktop shortcut featured in Windows 7 on the taskbar? The one that's usually in the right corner?
I still like rounded corners compared to flat design though. Didn't they remove shadows in Windows 8..
You might not be able to see it but the desktop View shortcut is still there.
Rounded corners for the start panel is an option you can turn on and off via the Classic Shell ( best free ) or Start8 ( Best paid ) settings.
Shadows can still be used via the windows settings -see pic.
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It looks reasonable. What happened to the desktop shortcut featured in Windows 7 on the taskbar? The one that's usually in the right corner?
I still like rounded corners compared to flat design though. Didn't they remove shadows in Windows 8..
A very simple answer in 30 seconds or less.... :)
http://youtu.be/CzTvNvQeZ34 (http://youtu.be/CzTvNvQeZ34)
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Thanks again!
@craigb
I am unfamiliar with the many features of Windows manipulation. I haven't used programs or settings like these in years.
@bob3160
Is there anything else that I should be aware of if I decide to use Windows 8?
~!Donovan
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Thanks again!
@craigb
I am unfamiliar with the many features of Windows manipulation. I haven't used programs or settings like these in years.
@bob3160
Is there anything else that I should be aware of if I decide to use Windows 8?
~!Donovan
The following will get you up to speed : :)
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=85094.msg690352#msg690352 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=85094.msg690352#msg690352)
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Hi Bob,
Do you recommend anything that allows you to take full advantage of the Metro Screen? Also: Can one have animated pictures on the Metro Screen?
~!Donovan
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Hi Bob,
Do you recommend anything that allows you to take full advantage of the Metro Screen? Also: Can one have animated pictures on the Metro Screen?
~!Donovan
I'm the wrong person to ask about the "Modern" desktop since I boot directly into the old desktop. I very seldom go to the Modern desktop.
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I think it would be somewhat cool to have a metro screen. The only reason why I am considering the downgrade to Windows 7 is because of its minimalistic desktop interface.
The Metro Screen seems like a nice feature that allows one to quickly choose between a list of applications in which they commonly use, hence why I'm interested in it.
Although I will be using the desktop interface more than the metro interface, I would still like to modify this screen to the best of my abilities so that it's actually worth having.
~!Donovan
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http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-tip-customize-start-screen-144230 (http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-tip-customize-start-screen-144230)
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The more I think about it, the more I realize that I very rarely use the Start menu in Win7 and actually avoid it as much as possible. All of my most used programs (about 30 of them) have icons on the desktop and I have always liked that better. Maybe the "Metro" interface wouldn't be that bad at all if it can be easily used with a mouse. I also only have one thing, IE, pinned to the task bar because I don't like having things permanently there. I like the desktop icon way so maybe the tiles in Win8 would be good.
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I'm the wrong person to ask about the "Modern" desktop since I boot directly into the old desktop. I very seldom go to the Modern desktop.
+1 I'm the same as Bob the builder old fashion style desktop user instead of "Metro" bullsh#t screen ;)
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Can you use custom pictures instead of their pre-defined colors, etc.?
~!Donovan
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Can you use custom pictures instead of their pre-defined colors, etc.?
~!Donovan
Not for the win8 start menu you cant, there maybe some third party applications that give you that option though " not sure ".
This program allows customisation of the Win8 start menu http://www.stardock.com/products/decor8/features.asp only thing is that it's $5
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$5 is definately worth it for a customized metro screen. If I heard correctly, you can also have a set interval in which the background pictures rotate.
~!Donovan