Do I go with Windows 7 or 8
 

I just got most of my parts for my PC build (but the stupid case comes tomorrow), and I am trying to decide what OS I should install. Windows 8.1 doesn't come until August, but from what I understand it will be released as an update to regular 8 users. And 7 is now the older OS but is obviously built around the idea of a regular PC, no touch stuff.

What should I go with? Am I safe with 7 in the future or should I go with 8 and hope 8.1 is something I can adjust to with a regular PC?

Windows 7. Hands down, IMO. 8 SUCKS!

Do you think I would have to worry about program compatibility in the future? I plan on using the PC for video/photo editing, illustrating and as a DAW.

I really don't get all the people that hate Windows 8. It's still the same. It still has all the functions of Windows 7, but just with a different start screen. Go with Windows 8 since that's what developers will focus more on anyway.

It's funny, all the people that hate on Windows 8 for being "too complicated" and praise Windows 7 for being "simple and perfect" are usually the same people who bash iPhones for being "too plain and simple" and praise Android for it's complexity.

People hear reviewers complaining about Windows 8 and they think those reviewers know everything and they must be right, so they jump on the bandwagon and start bad mouthing Windows 8, when at first the same people have been waiting for years for Microsoft to do something "new". Don't listen to the bandwagoners (if that's a word) that hate on Windows 8 just because of the new "touch elements" even though they're perfectly functional with a mouse and keyboard. I've been using a Mac for years but when my brother got Windows 8 on his PC, it took me less than half an hour to figure out where everything was even though it had been ages since I used a PC. Anyone can learn. People just hate change. And that's my rant for the day. Lol.

TLDR: Windows 8/8.1.

Windows 8 is usable on a desktop as long as you add a third party start menu... 8.1 is supposed to fix that though...

Only way I'd go 8 is if I had a touch screen. The little bit I have dealt with it or Server 2012 I'd rather hang myself than have to deal with those daily using only a mouse.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview

Try before you buy (the link above is for Windows 8.1 Preview). If you already have Windows 7, create a separate partition for each.

I tried Windows 8 Preview on an extra laptop, and I just couldn't stand some of the "features". Windows 7 works far better for me.

With 8.1, they are bringing back the Start Button, but that will just take you to the tile screen like the Windows key does now. If you prefer the Start Menu, you'll still need Start8 or something similar.

Good luck!

Go with 8 as I belive Direct X 11 is 8 only

just build a new box as i was all excited about haswell, ended up going with ivy bridge (3770k) after reading all the horrible reviews. anyways....

after a a big bite out of my wallet this box is running win7 and fedora 18. i contemplated giving 8 a shot but from my experience with it i wasn't too impressed. not going to bash it though as for some folks it is perfect, just not for me.

for your purposes though you may consider sticking with 7. what daws, design, and editing software are you planning on using?

windows 95 ftw.

(I have windows 8 on my new laptop, and it's a pain in the ass. I try to play games using the touch pad, and it brings me back to the main screen)

Win8 is also rumored to be bringing back that little start button.

I personally do NOT like win8 because of the new start screen. My OCD-ness gets crazy that I somehow can't find my "accessories" folder or things aren't in a "list" order. lol (I've come to realize that btw)

I find it suuupeerr annoying and REL if you think about it... there are games that still use Vista and in some rare cases XP as a compatible OS for games.

i'm with you, @Giccin. I found an addon that gave me my start button/menu back

Doubtful. I work for a software development company that creates software for the Entertainment, Life Science, and Engineering markets and we're not developing for Windows 8 until there is more acceptance in those Industries.

Nope, but DirectX 11 does require Windows 7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...res/directx-11

As my answer to the OP's question: Go with 7 for now. The drastic changes in 8 are geared more towards touch applications (which it's great for), but for your everyday big desktop PC, 7 is the way to go.

tried windows 8, cant stand it. Windows 7 is up to date enough for me.