[usconservative]

From a "system speed" and efficient use of resources (CPU, Memory) perspective, Windows 8's performance blows Windows 7 away. I've done those benchmarks side by side on the same hardware. Windows 8 wins in every performance benchmark.

From an "ease of use" and "eye candy" perspective, Windows 7 wins hands-down.

I use Windows 8 (With Classic Shell installed to disable the Charms menu and put a Windows 7 Start menu back) because I like Window's 8's speed and efficiency.

I still prefer the Windows 7 UI though.

My wish: Put the Windows 7 UI back (including Aeroglass) on top of Windows 8, while keeping the speed and efficiency of the Windows 8 kernel.

That would be a killer OS IMO.

[oh8eleven]

My wish: Put the Windows 7 UI back (including Aeroglass) on top of Windows 8
LOL ... you're just a customer - WTH would MS listen to you?

[rarestia]

Your common sense approach to Microsoft products is not welcome on FR, FRiend. We are an MS-hating bunch here.

/sarc

Silliness aside, you are spot on with your assessment of Win8, but I disagree that Win7 was the “prettier” OS. I think Win8 wins across many measures for aesthetics.

Win7 had the “bubble” feel to it. Win8 has gone back to the “2D” look and feel where flat and edgy wins. Full disclosure, I work in Win8.1 and Server 2012 R2 all day, every day, so I may be biased but I’m also experienced.

[adorno]

The Windows 7 desktop still exists in Windows 8. I hardly ever see the Windows 8 start screen, and my Windows 8 machines boot directly into a Windows7-like desktop mode.

So, you’re argument is specious at best.

[-YYZ-]

I’ve said all along that Windows 8 Metro UI might be a good thing on tablets, convertibles, and touch screen laptops for casual users. For desktop users the Metro UI brought absolutely nothing desirable to the table, and in fact was a step backwards. I’m still completely dumbfounded as to what possessed them to put the Win8 UI in Windows Server 2012.