Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows 10 Pro - what do I need?
Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows 10 Pro - what do I need?
A lot has happened in the past few years since Microsoft revolutionised the computer market in 1985 with the Windows 1.0 operating system. Numerous versions followed, some of which were very successful, while others were rather displeasing to users. After Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows XP and Windows 8.1, the Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro operating system is now the measure of all things . However, it is available in different versions. We explain here which one you really need.
Should you upgrade to Windows 10 Pro now?
If not now, when? could be the counter question. For really old Windows operating systems, there have been no new programmes for what feels like an eternity, and certainly no support or updates. For Windows 7 (since 2009), which is still installed on around 23% of all computers, support will end in January 2020 Support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 (since 2012/2013) is also coming to an end. Here, even the already extended support will expire in January 2023 A Windows 8 Update can make sense, however, if the operating system has sufficient capacity (64 bit, at least 4 gigabytes of RAM). The same applies to a Windows 7 update. Even if there was a recent – unannounced – update, it makes sense to switch to one new Windows 7 Update the switch to one of the current operating systems such as Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro makes sense in any case. And do it now!
Which operating system is installed on the PC?
To find out which version of the Windows operating system is currently installed on your computer, 3 simple steps are allyou need:
- After clicking on the Windows symbol (Start), enter „Control Panel“ and press Enter
- Navigate to „System„, here you will find out the speed of the operating system (32 or 64 bit)
- Under „Windows Edition“ you will find the exact version of the installed Windows operating system.
Who needs Windows 10 Pro and for whom is Home sufficient?
Not every PC user needs to install the nearly 230 euro Windows 10 Pro or the other versions of this operating system on his computer. It depends on how the computer is used. Windows 10 Home is best suited for purely private applications.With the new voice assistant Cortana, Windows Hello for logging in via camera and an individual adaptation of the start menu to one’s own needs, it contains all the essential functions. If you also install the free Classic Shell tool, you can even optically return to the Windows 7 user interface. Windows Defender protects against hacker attacks and malware. Windows 10 Pro uses all the functions of Windows 10 Home. On the other hand, features are built in that also satisfy small businesses and advanced users. With Remote Desktop, for example, it is possible to access one’s own computer from another PC The BitLocker programmeencrypts the contents of the hard disk and thus protects it from unauthorised access. The group policy editor is interesting for several users. It enables settings that precisely adapt Windows 10 Pro to personal needs. Windows 10 Education is a special solution for pupils, students and teachers. Only this user group and non-profit associations are to be entitled to purchase it Cortana is not installed in this version, but Windows to go is, for example, with which the operating system and personal data can be started on another computer via a USB stick. The security of the system is increased with the AppLocker function, which also allows individual applications to be blocked Windows 10 Enterprise was developed especially for companies with several employees. In addition to the usual functions plus Windows to go and AppLocker, it can be used to manage multiple computers and new updates can be checked before installation. The operating system is sold with multiple licences directly to companies.
Header image: © dennizn, stock.adobe.com
Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows 10 Pro - what do I need?
Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows 10 Pro - what do I need?
A lot has happened in the past few years since Microsoft revolutionised the computer market in 1985 with the Windows 1.0 operating system. Numerous versions followed, some of which were very successful, while others were rather displeasing to users. After Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows XP and Windows 8.1, the Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro operating system is now the measure of all things . However, it is available in different versions. We explain here which one you really need.
Should you upgrade to Windows 10 Pro now?
If not now, when? could be the counter question. For really old Windows operating systems, there have been no new programmes for what feels like an eternity, and certainly no support or updates. For Windows 7 (since 2009), which is still installed on around 23% of all computers, support will end in January 2020 Support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 (since 2012/2013) is also coming to an end. Here, even the already extended support will expire in January 2023 A Windows 8 Update can make sense, however, if the operating system has sufficient capacity (64 bit, at least 4 gigabytes of RAM). The same applies to a Windows 7 update. Even if there was a recent – unannounced – update, it makes sense to switch to one new Windows 7 Update the switch to one of the current operating systems such as Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro makes sense in any case. And do it now!
Which operating system is installed on the PC?
To find out which version of the Windows operating system is currently installed on your computer, 3 simple steps are allyou need:
- After clicking on the Windows symbol (Start), enter „Control Panel“ and press Enter
- Navigate to „System„, here you will find out the speed of the operating system (32 or 64 bit)
- Under „Windows Edition“ you will find the exact version of the installed Windows operating system.
Who needs Windows 10 Pro and for whom is Home sufficient?
Not every PC user needs to install the nearly 230 euro Windows 10 Pro or the other versions of this operating system on his computer. It depends on how the computer is used. Windows 10 Home is best suited for purely private applications.With the new voice assistant Cortana, Windows Hello for logging in via camera and an individual adaptation of the start menu to one’s own needs, it contains all the essential functions. If you also install the free Classic Shell tool, you can even optically return to the Windows 7 user interface. Windows Defender protects against hacker attacks and malware. Windows 10 Pro uses all the functions of Windows 10 Home. On the other hand, features are built in that also satisfy small businesses and advanced users. With Remote Desktop, for example, it is possible to access one’s own computer from another PC The BitLocker programmeencrypts the contents of the hard disk and thus protects it from unauthorised access. The group policy editor is interesting for several users. It enables settings that precisely adapt Windows 10 Pro to personal needs. Windows 10 Education is a special solution for pupils, students and teachers. Only this user group and non-profit associations are to be entitled to purchase it Cortana is not installed in this version, but Windows to go is, for example, with which the operating system and personal data can be started on another computer via a USB stick. The security of the system is increased with the AppLocker function, which also allows individual applications to be blocked Windows 10 Enterprise was developed especially for companies with several employees. In addition to the usual functions plus Windows to go and AppLocker, it can be used to manage multiple computers and new updates can be checked before installation. The operating system is sold with multiple licences directly to companies.
Header image: © dennizn, stock.adobe.com
Windows 7, 8 and 10 - What are the differences?
Windows 7, 8 and 10 - What are the differences?
Which version of Windows is right for me? You may have asked yourself this question before and even thought about switching to another higher version. What is there to consider? What are the differences? In this Windows 7, 8 and 10 comparison, we take a close look at all 3 operating systems and explain their features. After that, you should be sure which Windows is right for you. All 3 versions are actively developed by Windows and regularly provided with updates. This primarily ensures more security against attackers and other malicious programmes, but also stability. If you still have an older operating system such as Windows XP, we strongly recommend that you switch to 7, 8 or 10. All versions below this are no longer supported and are therefore no longer provided with security updates. If you compare Windows 7, 8 and 10, the first thing you notice is the graphical user interface, which has changed a lot. From Windows 8 onwards, Microsoft caused a lot of confusion with the tiles instead of the classic desktop and quickly took a different course. With updates and extensions, the classic desktop screen with Start menu was brought back, because that is what users are and were used to. In the background, some technical developments and changes have taken place, which we would like to discuss in more detail in the following sections.
Operation and start menu
Windows 7 has the classic Start menu, as users have always been used to. With version 8 came the big change with the tile interface, which caused a downright dislike among many users. As already mentioned, several updates were rolled out, with which Windows 8.1 got back its classic desktop overview with Start menu. Nevertheless, Microsoft has not abandoned its concept with the tiles, as can be seen very clearly in Windows 10. Still, the good old Start button at the bottom left is back and makes for a much friendlier experience.
Search under Windows
In Windows 7, the search field can still be found in the Start menu, where programmes and files of all kinds can be found. With Windows 8, all you have to do is open the tile interface, now you can simply enter a term without having to click on a search field. Search results from the Bing search engine are also displayed. In Windows 10, on the other hand, the search field can be found in the taskbar and can alternatively be displayed as a small icon. Microsoft has also released the search assistant Cortana with Windows 10, which responds directly to voice commands and answers them.
The functionality of Windows
Those who want to use multiple monitors do not have to do without this in all 3 versions. With Windows 10, even virtual desktops can be managed for the first time, which is not the case with 7 and 8. You want to access files from your laptop, tablet or smartphone at the same time and share them with others? Then OneDrive is the right thing to do! However, this handy tool is only available for Windows 8 and 10, not for 7. Windows 7 still works with Internet Explorer 8, while Windows 8 and 10 work with Internet Explorer 11 or 11 Edge.
Safety First! This is how safe the Windows versions are
While you have to install an extra virus scanner with Windows 7, 8 and 10 come with the in-house virus scanner Defender. This is a security software from Microsoft that scans your files for viruses, malware and spyware. With Windows 8 and 10, the new Secure Boot system was released, which provides more security when starting the computer. Windows 7 does not yet have this tool on board. To make a backup of the files, Windows 7 still has the classic backup. Windows 8 and 10 have a file version history, which automatically backs up data in the background.
Performance
While DirectX 11 is still installed on Windows 7, Windows 8 and 10 come with DirectX 11.2 and 12. There are also some differences in the supported USB versions. Windows 7 still works with 2.0, Windows 8 and 10 support USB 3.0 and 3.1. This allows higher data rates, so files are copied back and forth to your USB medium or device faster.
Comparison table
In the following we show you once again the most important facts and differences between Windows 7, 8 and 10 in a clear table.
Header image: © monticellllo, stock.adobe.com