They are the same OS in many ways. I came from Vista and didn't have any problems adapting to Windows 8. I did get a Kindle book "Windows 8 Inside out" that explained most of the things I wanted know. For the Windows user it should feel familiar. It is not radically different. The Start Screen may work for you or not but it is a nice way to access programs. I bypass it with an add on free start menu called Classic Start Menu that lets you work the way we did with previous versions. But don't think that the Start Screen is something to be avoided. Its not. I just prefer working this way. 


With Windows 8 you also get the ability to run "metro" apps. 

What Windows 8 offers the DAW user is a more efficient OS with better audio handling and improvements in nearly every area. 

Its just a better OS.

   
 

John


They are the same OS in many ways. I came from Vista and didn't have any problems adapting to Windows 8. I did get a Kindle book "Windows 8 Inside out" that explained most of the things I wanted know. For the Windows user it should feel familiar. It is not radically different. The Start Screen may work for you or not but it is a nice way to access programs. I bypass it with an add on free start menu called Classic Start Menu that lets you work the way we did with previous versions. But don't think that the Start Screen is something to be avoided. Its not. I just prefer working this way. 


With Windows 8 you also get the ability to run "metro" apps. 

What Windows 8 offers the DAW user is a more efficient OS with better audio handling and improvements in nearly every area. 

Its just a better OS.

 

I agree with John and he is correct!
There are no drawbacks about Windows 8 x64 only benefit when it comes to performance and security reasons.
I'm personal still on Windows 7 x64bit Ultimate and it works perfect with SONAR X2. If I build a new computer today I would Install Windows 8 x64.
It seem that any "program" that work in Windows 7 will automatically work in Windows 8. Even XP program works. 
 
 
It seem that even Windows 7 drivers work but that can be tricky though.
There are possibility that Soundcard drivers and other hardware doesn't work in Windows 8 still if it run and work perfect in Windows 7. So you need to check your hardware and drivers are supported and work in Windows 8 too. 9 of 10 it will!
 
Programs like SONAR X2, Cubase 7, Spectrasonics, Native Instruments, Nomad Factory, Waves, iZotope, EastWest, Vienna and many other have Windows 8 work and are support already.
 
 
Best Regards
Freddie 

Freddie H :

"There are no drawbacks about Windows 8 x64 only benefit when it comes to performance and security reasons. "

I call win8 being ugly a drawback. It looks like some sort of toy in a daycare center. Main reason I didn't go with it on my new system.

Paul P


Freddie H :

"There are no drawbacks about Windows 8 x64 only benefit when it comes to performance and security reasons. "

I call win8 being ugly a drawback. It looks like some sort of toy in a daycare center. Main reason I didn't go with it on my new system.

ok.. I like the "up to date" look.
Perhaps you are confused about "METRO" look? There are normal desktop view too like Windows 7.
Here is tutorial with a young man about Windows 8 BETA.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJxImQXRhps

If your computer is not custom built and came with a OME Windows version, check with your computer vendors web site. For my ASUS netbook they offer an upgrade to W-8 basic version for only $30. It also has a utility you download and runs a compatibility check. It only rejected Wave Lab 5 and Office 2003. I was suprised that I could jump from XP to W8 that easily.  They don't even offer W7 anymore.  

Yeah, I think a lot of people get confused about Windows 8 from watching all of the TV commercials that highlight the Start Screen/Metro. MS probably thought they'd pick up more new users by marketing Win8 that way, but they're also most likely losing a lot of upgraders because people don't realize the Start Screen is just a replacement for the Start Menu that lets you run lightweight Apps there too if you want. But you can pretty much avoid ever using the Start Screen. I really only use it for search (which is really quick). I have some tiles set up for my desktop applications, but I rarely use them because I have everything pinned to the desktop taskbar just like I always have.

For those who don't use Win8's new Metro UI - do you all have a third party add-on, providing the traditional start button and desktop by default as John does?  Or do you boot into the Metro UI, then click on desktop to get there? 

While stability has been with Win8 on my regular / non-DAW PC, I never use the Metro UI .  I could see how it would be attractive for touch screen capable PCs, but for me, it's a complete, ugly, waste - as I don't use any Metro apps and don't have a touch screen. 
Sounds like I should look into the third party addons to restore the regular desktop and start button by default.

You'll still be stuck with the ugly windows :-)

John,

1) Not all companies have updated their drivers/programs for WIN8. 

2) I ALWAYS wait until the first Service Pack with Microsoft. Just like the smarter folks wait until the first patch from the bakers 


3) Win7 Pro is just rock solid, which links back to points 1 & 2.


4) The Pro version is the best version to get because it gives you all the access you want and need without the fluff from Ultimate.

"You'll still be stuck with the ugly windows :-)"

One of the confused people. ;-)