As support for Windows XP comes to an end - we take a look at which OS is the best to replace it.
Windows XP is coming to the end of its life on 8 April 2014. Consumers and business using the operating system have a choice to soldier on with the legacy OS and risk a security breach or switch to a supported version.
The upgrade candidates are Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. But what is the difference between Microsoft's operating systems? Which is better? IT Pro breaks down the key features to help you decide (fast forward to our verdict). Or if you've had enough of Windows like our Technical Editor, you could switch to Apple's OS X Mavericks.
1 - Boot time
Windows 8 machines boot up in 10 - 15 seconds, some even faster depending on the SSD. Gone are the days when you have go and make a cup of tea while your system wakes up.
How has this been achieved? Microsoft engineers combined the hibernation and shutdown modes into one. Windows 8.1 uses a hybrid boot mode to start up in seconds. It hibernates the kernel instead of shutting it down completely and uses all cores to startup as fast as possible.
Winner - Windows 8 - The quicker the machine starts, the more time you can spend being productive. Over the multiple year lifespan of a machine this can add up to hours.
2 - Enterprise features
Windows 8.1 offers more enterprise features than 7. The Enterprise edition of 8.1 has a feature called Windows To Go, allowing users to boot a personalised version of Windows from a USB on any other Windows 7/8 machine.
IT admins can run Windows virtually without any third-party software. Add in the optional Hyper-V support for your copy of 8.1 and you can connect to a server.
Windows 8.1 includes better support for mobile device management, tap-to-print support via NFC, as well as enhanced biometrics, malware resistance and encryption.
However, IT departments across the world have given Windows 8.1 the cold shoulder in favour of its older brother. HP told IT Pro that Windows 7 is the most popular enterprise choice for companies upgrading from XP.
“[Businesses] are ignoring Windows 8,” said HP project manager Jeff Wood.
Enterprises want stability, Windows 7 has the advantage of time, familiarity, extensive testing, and total peripheral compatibility.
Upgrading from Windows 8 to 8.1 hasn't been a plain sailing either with users complaining that the update broke simple things like the ability to print.
Winner - Draw - Although Windows 8 has more enterprise features as default, Windows 7 is tried and tested. Forthcoming Service Packs are unlikely to give IT admins as many headaches as Windows 8.x updates.
3 - Performance
Microsoft revamped the engine under the hood of Windows 8. The result is a faster system which consumes fewer resources than Windows 7, making it a good choice for low-end PCs.
The new OS redesign uses simple colors and fewer visual effects, drawing fewer resources than Windows 7’s Aero Glass effect.
Windows 8.1 performs better than 7 in everyday use and benchmarks. Extensive testing has revealed improvements in tests like PCMark Vantage and Sunspider but the differences are minimal.
Winner - Windows 8 - It’s faster and less resource intensive.
4 - Interface
Microsoft saved its most radical changes for the front-facing user interface. Windows 8 is a redesign and feels like two operating systems meshed together.
Turn on the computer and you’re greeted by the new Start screen, a page of apps and live tiles. The Metro interface puts everything into a Metro app, even the old desktop mode. Apps like IE 11 are great for touch screen web browsing - but not much else.
Even the old desktop looks different. Windows 8.1 has a start button, but it just takes you back to the between screens.
The revised interface has been polarising. There are a lot of users who dislike Metro, saying an interface designed for touch shouldn’t be used on a desktop computer.
However, spend a little time setting up 8.1 and you can get a comparable, if not better experience. 8.1 lets you boot to desktop and avoid Metro.
There are real UI improvements in 8.1. You can add Start bars to dual monitors and keep a separate wallpaper on each. There’s also fast universal search on the Start screen. Just hit the Windows key and start typing to search local files, OneDrive files, apps, settings, and the internet. You can even browse OneDrive files through File Explorer (a.k.a. Windows Explorer).
Winner - Windows 7 - The familiar desktop wins the day. Windows 8 try to do took much. The 8.1 update allows users to boot straight to the desktop, but Metro still has a habit of popping up and isn't useful in a business environment.
5 - Security
Keeping a PC secure is vital for individuals and businesses. As the most popular desktop operating system, Windows is the primary target for malware and viruses.
Windows 7 and 8.1 share security features. Both use BitLocker Drive encryption, but 8.1 enables it automatically. You can download Microsoft Security Essentials free for Windows 7, but its younger brother has it built into the system.
8.1 also includes support for secure booting on UEFI systems, making it harder for rogue malware to infect the bootloader. PCs running 8.1 can also automatically connect to VPNs.
Winner - Windows 8 - It’s got more security features set as default.
