Windows 7 and 10 performance comparison. Best version of Windows

First Windows version was released back in 1985, at that time it was not even an independent operating system, but was a kind of add-on for DOS. It is worth noting that she was not particularly popular and remained almost unnoticed. Did not save the situation and released a few years later, Windows 2.0. But, as you know, this did not stop the stubborn geniuses from Microsoft and today the Windows operating systems are the most popular in the world. There are practically no alternatives to them: MAC OS is not sold separately from Apple desktops and laptops, the price of which is far from affordable for everyone, and LINUX, although free, is, unfortunately, not compatible with most programs and applications released. For fans of games, LINUX will turn out to be completely useless, because almost all developers bypass this platform, giving preference to target audience proven products from Microsoft.

On this moment on most personal computers in the world there are various variations operating system Windows 7, however, not so long ago, the tenth version of Windows was released, which, in the humble opinion of developers, is the best of all available today. Let's check if this is really the case and what is better than Windows 7 or Windows 10? And is it worth switching from the proven Seven to Windows 10?

Windows 10 first look

Windows 10 is an operating system that came out immediately after the eighth, mysteriously "jumping" the ninth version. Developers from Microsoft kindly provided an opportunity for all owners of licensed "Sevens" and "Eights" to upgrade the OS to the latest version for free. Let's see how Windows 10 differs from its predecessors and whether it is really as good as the authors themselves are trying to assure us.

1. Support for mobile devices. Windows 10 can be installed not only on desktop PCs, but also on laptops, phones and tablets, where the OS automatically switches to a touch interface.
   
2. Improved performance. The system as a whole works faster and copes well with the load. For gamers, of particular interest are the capabilities of DirectX 12, which significantly improves computer performance even in games with disgusting optimization. Working with multiple applications in parallel has also become much better thanks to virtual desktops. On one table, you can, for example, edit video in Sony Vegas, and on the other, use Excel spreadsheets or create a presentation in Power Point. You can switch between tables through the manager of running applications.
3. Safety. The developers of Windows 10 did a good job by reworking the previous algorithms of the built-in protection against viruses and malicious applications, and now the computer is protected using the so-called cloud protection, which constantly sends information about potential threats and dangerous files to Microsoft servers.
4. New built-in browser. Internet Explorer has been accompanying all Microsoft operating systems for a long time, however, it must be admitted that its popularity has been rapidly declining in recent years and it has become increasingly difficult for it to “keep afloat” in the fight against competitors such as Mozilla, Google Chrome and Opera. In Windows 10, developers have finally decided to abandon the usual solution, providing the OS with a truly revolutionary Edge browser. It is equipped with the ability to voice search (unfortunately, Russian language support has not yet been implemented properly), notes can be left directly on the pages and immediately share your thoughts and comments with friends. The browser interface is made in a non-standard style of newspaper layout, and the built-in protection copes well with banners and intrusive advertising offers. In fact, there is no need to install additional AdWare applications and utilities. A team of leading Microsoft developers is constantly working on improving the browser, who promise to make it even better in the near future and in general many surprises for their users.
   
5. Economy mode for portable devices. If you are installing the latest version of the OS on a tablet or other mobile device, then you should be aware that the Windows 10 settings allow you to activate the Battery Saver function, which is manually enabled in the system settings or automatically starts when the charge level drops to a critical level. This mode allows you to increase the battery life, and a special menu shows which of the currently running programs "eats" the largest number food resources. In this case, it is better to turn it off.
6. Changed algorithm for working with RAM. In previous versions of Windows, when RAM was full, then irrelevant processes were redirected to HDD computer. In Windows 10, the algorithm has been changed and significantly redesigned, now the load on RAM is reduced by compressing data without any "redirection".
7. Start menu. Most of the G8 users were disappointed by the Microsoft experiment, which removed the familiar Start menu in this version. The developers took into account all the dissatisfaction and wishes and returned the coveted button to the lower left corner to the delight of all users, though slightly changing the interface. What's more, the Start menu is now customizable.
   
8. Driver installation automation and OneDrive feature. After updating or windows installation 10 "from scratch" all the necessary drivers are downloaded from the manufacturers' official websites in automatic mode, which is very convenient, especially for novice users. OneDrive provides the ability to store files not on your computer's hard drive, but in the cloud, and your other devices will also have access to them.

What to choose Windows 7 or Windows 10?

"Seven", as mentioned above, is currently one of the most popular operating systems in the world. In Windows 7, the developers fixed the problems and shortcomings of XP, besides, it is very convenient to use, and the work itself has become much better, safer and more stable. Windows 7 has a huge list of all kinds of settings and goes well with the vast majority of currently released software and games. The technical support of the "Seven" is carried out at the proper level, and today this OS is a full-fledged product without any special bugs. All weaknesses were taken into account and improved properly.

1. Appearance and interface. Windows 10 is definitely more modern in design, with vibrant, rich colors, and the ability to use multiple virtual desktops makes it much easier to work.
2. Work on the Internet. Based on the results of various tests, the tenth version has no tangible advantages in web surfing capabilities; in fact, you can install any browser you like on both systems. The only "highlight" that distinguishes Windows 10 from Windows 7 is the built-in EDGE browser, which offers a number of revolutionary solutions, such as notes on pages and voice search. Again, to date, EDGE has no support for the Russian language, and therefore the advantage of Tens in this matter is still very doubtful.
3. Games. An innovation that will interest gamers is the ability to work with DirectX 12, which increases computer performance and improves optimization. One more hallmark has become a feature of Xbox Live, which allows you to play in multiplayer mode in games from both PC and Xbox, respectively.
4. autonomy and mobility. This is where Windows 10 confidently bypasses the Seven, since the tenth version is designed to work with many touch devices. Using Windows 10 from a tablet is much more convenient, without the need for styluses and other items, the navigation itself is implemented at the highest level.

Bottom line: Windows 10 is a really very interesting OS with minimal hardware requirements that incorporates all the best from the seventh and eighth versions. The security of Windows 10 is also an order of magnitude higher than on the Seven, and the optimization of work with background applications can significantly reduce the load random access memory. So in general, the latest version of the operating system can definitely be considered a promising product, but it also has its drawbacks. They are connected for the most part with some “dampness” of Windows 10, which is explained by the haste of developers in preparing the OS. If you have purchased a fancy tablet or computer with the most modern powerful hardware, then it would be best to install the tenth version on it. In the event that the components of your PC do not have outstanding characteristics, and there is no need to support the touch interface, it is better to wait for the release of a more stable Windows 10, remaining on the proven Seven.

In this article you will not find a bunch of graphs and comparison tables. There are plenty of such comprehensive reviews on the Internet. Today we want to very briefly and in simple words to answer a frequently asked question today:

Which is better: Windows 7 or Windows 8.1?

To avoid unnecessary tinsel, we will not mention Windows 8. We will only compare Windows 8.1 Update 1 and Windows 7 SP1. Also, let's make a reservation right away - the owners of only those configurations that officially support both of these operating systems have the opportunity to choose between Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.

If there are no drivers for a specific operating system on the official website of your hardware manufacturer, then there is practically no point in installing it on a computer. Such a system will bring more problems than convenience.

As a rule, it is somewhat easier to find official drivers for desktop computers than for mobile platforms. With laptops and netbooks, the situation is often complicated - when the manufacturer's official website contains drivers either only for Windows 7 or only for Windows 8/8.1.

Disadvantages of Windows 8.1

1. Sharpening for touch screens and mobile devices.

In Windows 8, developers are chasing two birds with one stone. They tried to release a universal operating system that would be suitable for both computers and tablets. We believe that this approach is wrong. Judge for yourself: well, why does a user of a stationary PC need some kind of tiled applications? Why does he need a Charms panel? And is it convenient for him to call it by moving the cursor to the corner of the screen? And the Start menu that opens in full screen will not appeal to every user of a stationary PC.

Therefore, in this case, versatility is more of a minus than a plus. And all these throwing from side to side with the Start menu: sometimes they decide to remove it, then gradually return it. Experiments, we understand. But again, there is a desire to create a universal OS for all devices: mobile and stationary, touch and gadgets with classic input methods.

2. Using the "Computer Settings" interface along with the old Control Panel.

It is clear that the developers have taken a course to gradually replace the Control Panel and replace it with a new settings interface. For example, when editing account rights from the control panel, at some point you need to launch a new settings interface.

However, for the user, this state of affairs looks unsystematic and incomprehensible: when some actions can be performed in the familiar Control Panel snap-in, and to correct others, you need to launch a different interface.

In the picture below, you can see the new "PC Settings" settings interface. At the bottom, a link to the classic Control Panel flaunts lonely:

3. Removal of some highly requested settings from the GUI.

A striking example is the Wireless Network Management section that is missing in Windows 8. As a result, you can now manually delete the wireless network profile.

Perhaps, for an advanced computer scientist, this way of managing networks will be another reason to show off erudition in front of friends, however, for an inexperienced user, a problem is created out of the blue.

Although, most likely, the disappeared element of network settings can also be attributed to a “smooth” transition from the Control Panel to the new settings interface.

Benefits of Windows 8.1

Among Windows benefits 8.1 is worth mentioning:

1. A fairly convenient ribbon interface for all windows, familiar to us from Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010:

2. Ability to pause in copy and move modes in the built-in explorer, plus display the speed of the operation:

Equipped with a classic WD 7200 RDP spindle hard drive, our HP G62 laptop boots Windows 7 x64 in 46 seconds and Windows 8.1 x64 Update 1 in 40 seconds. Measurements were taken from pressing the Power button from the off state to.

4. Built-in Windows Defender

Defender (aka Defender) is an analogue of Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus, which successfully provides basic protection.

5. Built-in SkyDrive (OneDrive) and sync

The cloud service allows you to store 7 GB of user data for free. If you use multiple devices, you don't need to transfer anything to a "flash drive" - ​​your work files are always at hand.

The User Settings Sync feature works with a Microsoft account and lets you sync some user settings: Start layout, theme, language settings, browser settings. You can enter your LiveID details on a new Windows 8.1 device and in a few minutes you will see your familiar desktop. Also, it is great to speed up the setup after reinstalling the system.

conclusions

Windows 8.1 certainly has a number of improvements, but it is unlikely to significantly outperform its predecessor Windows 7 in terms of performance. Yes, loading in Windows 8 is faster, but usually the user is much more important than performance in production mode. Boot, shutdown, hibernation, and wakeup times are all important, but these metrics are rarely the deciding factor when choosing a working OS.

In most cases, it makes no sense to replace the beloved “seven” with the “eight”. This will not give any tangible increase in performance, and the joy of improvements will be "compensated" by the aforementioned inconveniences.

For desktop and laptop users, we recommend installing Windows 7 SP1 x64 Professional or higher. Well, we offer owners of gadgets with touch screens to choose between Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. For, until you try out the new OS yourself, no review will help you decide.

P.S. the article reflects the subjective opinion of the author and is not the ultimate truth.

Windows 8, like one of its predecessors, makes it easier for Windows 7 users to switch to Windows 10. She, like Vista, is one of the most unsuccessful projects from Microsoft. Despite this, users who were lucky enough to work in the "eight" quickly adapt to the new "ten" tiled interface. It was thanks to the unsuccessful Windows 8 that developers were able to smoothly transfer the user audience from the classic desktop interface for two decades, where the mouse and keyboard are used as input and control devices, to its mobile version - the tiled one, where the computer is controlled via a touch panel or display.

Today we will consider how the G8 is inferior to Windows 10, and we will study the main differences between operating systems so that every beginner can choose the optimal OS for himself.

Negative user reviews

According to this indicator, the G8 is inferior, except for Vista:

• lack of a start menu;
• a qualitatively new interface concept, extremely inconvenient for desktop devices;
• lack of drivers for many devices compatible with Windows 8;
• the inability to disable Metro or change it to Aero;
• incompatibility with a huge number of programs, especially outdated ones, the development and support of which has been discontinued;
• there is no possibility to fine tuning interface;
• on older devices with a weak graphic system, if it works, it is very bad;
• a completely different interface concept, because of which users had to spend a lot of time relearning and changing habits.

The list of flaws in Windows 8 is far from complete, and it is not worth continuing: users rated the new interface negatively (especially due to the lack of Start), which, to a large extent, also applies to Windows 10.

New browser

Unlike all other operating systems from Microsoft, Windows 10 is distinguished by the presence of an integrated Edge browser, which replaced the slow IE. Edge is a new word in surfing on the global network. It combines a minimalistic interface with the functionality needed to quickly open pages and support a huge range of Internet technologies (Flash, JavaScript). G8, on the other hand, is equipped with another version of the impractical Internet Explorer, which is used only by the lazy one.

Notification Center

The Action Center in Windows 10 has made its way to computers, and here it performs almost all the same functions as on mobile devices. Thanks to new feature users have access to a list of so-called "hot actions" (activating and disabling WiFi / Bluetooth), switching the interface to tablet mode, and quickly creating notes in OneNote. It also pops up alerts about important events (incoming mail, updates, virus detection, device connection) and displays shortcut keys for connecting to new devices.

In the settings, you can specify which applications are allowed to display pop-up information windows, and which ones are prohibited. It also sets the types of system alerts that Windows 10 is allowed to display.

Phone Manager

With a new tool that finally arrived in Windows 10, users are now able to connect their mobile devices to a computer, share data between devices, and sync them. In addition to being sharpened to work with devices on Windows Phone, the utility supports many third-party portable devices. Even a smartphone running Android and iOS can be configured in a few clicks. Before synchronization, you can select the types of data to exclude from the process.

tablet mode

The developers of Windows 10 have added to the new OS the ability to adapt interface elements to the size and type of display used. Thus, additional options for touch control of the device are included on the tablet, and in most applications sharpened for a tiled interface, the font size and width of the ribbon panel with tools are increased.

It is enabled in the system settings and contains several additional options.

Window

Working with a considerable number of applications, especially on large displays, the user is faced with the issue of convenient placement of several windows on one screen. Unlike Windows 7, where only two windows can be placed side by side, Windows 10 supports expanding any application to ½ or ¼ of the display size.

In Windows 8, using the Modern UI mode was quite difficult due to problems with closing such windows that opened in full screen mode.

Moreover, the interface elements are placed in one of the corners, without overlapping other maximized windows. Using the combination of the "Win" key and the cursor block of the keyboard, windows can be minimized, maximized and moved.

Virtual tables

Microsoft has finally intercepted the experience of the creators of MacOS and Linux and introduced support for multiple virtual desktops only in Windows 10. To the question: “why was this not in Windows 8?” There is no answer.

The Task View button located on the taskbar will display an interface where you can manage virtual tables: change, delete them, or add them. When one of the tables is closed, all its active applications are moved to the neighboring one.

Alas, the function of dragging desktops to change their order is not provided. But to switch between them, to create and close tables, there are hotkey combinations.

Now you can create your own interfaces for work, games, entertainment and navigation on the Internet.

The most joyful event for Windows users with the release of "tens" was the return of the full-fledged "Start" menu, which was removed from Windows 8. But now the new menu will combine classic shortcuts, both in the "seven", and some elements new Windows 8 interface.

"Start" is divided into two functional areas, where on the left there are links to pinned or frequently used applications, settings and buttons for shutting down the computer, and on the right - tiles of active programs and shortcuts for calling programs integrated into the top ten.

Built-in menu search works on local computer and on the Internet.

Powerful command line

Unlike Windows 8, the computer OS has added functionality, which cannot but please system administrators and experienced users.

Improvement of the selection function is one of the important changes in the command line. Now you can select its contents in fragments (as in a regular notepad), and not copy all the contents or boring lines one by one.

The text in the window wraps when resizing, which was not the case in Windows 8. The need to use scrolling to view content command line disappeared.

Additionally, it is worth noting the presence of new key combinations for working with CMD and the appearance of a function for adjusting its transparency in the range from 30 to 100%.

Other features

Subtle, but still differences in operating systems that should be taken into account if you want to switch to Windows 8 or to the top ten:

• the presence of a disk analyzer and support for Xbox One in Windows 10;
• Windows Hello in the "top ten" provides the ability to protect your device using biosensors (for example, a fingerprint scanner);
• Recycle Bin is now displayed in Start without cluttering up desktop space;
• Windows 8, unlike its brother, did not collect almost all possible information about the user (passwords from sites and WiFi, chat history in instant messengers, email messages) to send it to Microsoft servers;
• Windows 10 practically does not give the user the opportunity to refuse updates or select updates to install, installing all available updates.

In conclusion, we can say that Windows 8 was only an intermediate link between the classics in the face of the “seven” and the innovation in the world of window OS users, therefore, if you are not afraid of forced and unknown updates that cover it, feel free to choose the “ten”.

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The first version of the Windows system was born back in 1985. At that time, it was not a full-fledged OS, but was a kind of add-on for DOS, it did not gain much popularity and remained almost unnoticed. A few years later, Windows 2.0 came out and suffered the same fate. However, this did not stop the stubborn Microsoft, and in the end they still achieved the fact that Windows has become the most popular system in the world.

At the present time, most computers run various variations of Windows 7, but not so long ago, the tenth version of the system was released - according to the developers, the best of the existing ones. But is it really so?

Windows 10 vs Windows 7

To this day, the theme of the benefits of the latter windows version in front of the legendary "seven" causes fierce disputes among users. Of course, the choice of system is a personal matter for everyone., and it is influenced by many factors, starting with an elementary habit and ending with programs that are supported in operating systems.

People's favorite Windows 7

Although since the release of the seven more than seven years have passed, it still remains the most popular system in the world. Most computers run under Windows 7 - both its licensed versions and various amateur builds.

Windows 10 is a worthy sequel

Windows 10 is an operating system that came out immediately after the eight, in a strange way bypassing the ninth version. Microsoft Corporation courtesy provided owners of licensed sevens and eights with the opportunity to upgrade systems to ten for free. But is the new operating system really as good as the developers assure us, and what distinguishes this system from others?

Which is better - windows 7 or 10?

The question of which of these systems is better remains open to this day. Seven is stable, convenient and safe, its technical support is carried out at a high level, all the shortcomings of XP and Vista have been taken into account and eliminated. When comparing the seventh and tenth versions systems can be understood that they are practically in no way inferior to each other:

It can be concluded that the top ten is a really promising and interesting OS with minimal hardware requirements. Of course, it also has its drawbacks, due to the haste of developers and some "dampness" of the system, but this is not critical. Therefore, the transition to Windows 10 is a matter of taste. But in fairness, it should be noted that most users are in no hurry to part with their favorite seven, waiting for the release of a more “polished” dozen update.

Each user from time to time faces the question: is it worth changing the version of the operating system? Is his PC or gadget designed for windows update? The change in interactive interests also leads to the same thoughts: for example, the user becomes a gambler, and latest releases favorite games require you to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. In any case, before switching to new version The OS needs to be carefully studied in what way it is better than the old one, including for solving specific problems.

Comparison of Windows 7 with Windows 10

Different versions and builds of Windows: 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 10.1 have different hardware performance requirements. For example, if your processor in a PC or laptop is 15 years old, then it is unlikely that it will be able to work normally under Windows 10.

System requirements for Windows 7 and Windows 10

Versions 7 and 10 are taken as examples as the most successful and popular to date.

For clarity, some tests also include the "eight" - its more successful than the initial version 8.0, the continuation of 8.1, which did not become the "nine".

Table: Windows 7 minimum system requirements

In new laptops, netbooks and smartbooks, a budget 32 ​​GB SSD is already installed - most often, for lack of extra free space, only the C: system partition is placed on it.

Table: system requirements for different builds of Windows 7

Experts recommend: in reality minimum requirements must be exceeded at least twice, otherwise you will either have to "plow" the Windows 7 settings, removing all unnecessary graphics and processes, or return to Windows 2000/XP.

Table: Windows 10 system requirements

PC Key Features	Minimum Requirements		Recommended Requirements
Windows bit depth	x86	x64	x86	x64
CPU performance	From 1 GHz with PAE, NX, and SSE2 technologies (x86-64 processors work with CMPXCHG16B, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF technologies) or system-on-a-chip
RAM size	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB
video memory	Working with DirectX 9 and WDDM version 1.0 technologies		Working with DirectX 9 and WDDM technologies version 1.3 above
Free disk space on PC	16 GB	20 GB	16 GB	20 GB
Screen size	From 800*600
Input Devices	At least a keyboard and mouse		Touch screen with MultiTouch

If your mobile PC or tablet with Windows 10 is equipped with a touch screen, then it will work perfectly under Windows 10. However, those whose activities are related to programming, layout and work on texts cannot do without a full-fledged desktop keyboard, otherwise their work will be inefficient and tiresome.

Performance Windows 7 and Windows 10

Now that you have determined whether your PC meets the requirements of the "tens", pay attention to the performance tests of both versions of the OS.

As an example, consider a PC with the following characteristics:

• Intel Core i5-4670K processor (3.4 GHz - 3.8 GHz);
• RAM 8GB architecture DDR3-2400;
• video card Nvidia GeForce model GTX-980;
• HDD drive - Crucial MX-200 model in 1 TB;
• power supply - model SilverStone Essential Gold 750 W;
• version of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 Pro - 64-bit.

All charts are from the BootRacer app.

Starting and Minimizing Windows

Differences in startup and shutdown times for different versions of Windows - as little as 2 seconds

Here Windows 10 was slower by a second.

Appearance and design of versions 7 and 10

For clarity, examples of the design of Windows 7 and Windows 10 are given separately.

General differences between tiled menus and lists of "sevens" and "tens"

Windows 7 has a conventional menu and window bar interface with no noticeable quirks, while Windows 10 has a tiled interface.

Smoothness, dynamic highlights and translucency - features of window decoration in Windows 7

In particular, the Start menu of Windows 7 and 10 differs: in the “seven” it is a modest and neat modular design, and in the “ten” it is a tiled mosaic up to the screen borders.

The main menu in Windows 10 has changed somewhat compared to Windows 8, but also contains a set of "tiles"

In Windows 7, despite the new structure of the Start menu compared to Windows XP, there is still a classic (in the style of Windows 98) design of windows, menus and program panels of the OS.

This is a traditional Windows 9x/NT menu with only minor changes.

Windows 7 and 10 startup and logout screens

Startup, shutdown, reboot, sleep or hibernation screens are not much different: in Windows 7, this is an elegant splash screen with a corresponding inscription.

Preparing Windows 7 to safely shutdown the PC

In amateur assemblies of Windows 7, the background image may differ from that used in licensed assemblies.

In versions 8 and 10, this is a regular colored background with the same inscription and animation in the form of "rosaries".

regular completion Windows work 10

Start menu in Windows 7 and 10

The Start menu in Windows 10 displays large program icons (the size of the display of previous generations of push-button smartphones), and not small icons, as it was in Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/7. However, the Windows 10 main menu can be customized to be similar to the Windows 7 menu.

Search bar in the start menu

The search bar in the main menu has been known since the days of Windows Vista. This is an alternative to the Find tool in Windows 9x/Me and the Search submenu in Windows 2000/XP.

Enter the name and / or file extension you are interested in and click the start search button

There were no significant changes in the search bar with the advent of Windows 10.

Customize the Start Menu Tiled Style

By going into the Windows 10 Start menu settings, you can immediately disable the tiled menu, replacing it with the classic one from Windows 7. This is not the case in Windows 7 - the settings are simplified and limited to the classic Start option.

The first option in the list allows you to remove the tile from the Windows main menu altogether.

If you removed the tile from the Start menu, then you can further customize the appearance of the main menu by analogy with previous versions of Windows. For example, the classic one-column version of commands that was used in Windows 9x, or the two-column version, as in Windows XP.

You can also select more modern design, as in Windows Vista/7 - the main menu with nested submenus and lists of items instead of dropping outward.

Several variations of the classic style of the Windows main menu are available for selection

In the design of the Start menu, Windows 10 combined everything that was in previous versions of Windows. The user can choose the option of the Start menu that he likes best. This is one of the main reasons why you should upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

Navigating files and folders in Windows 7 and 10

Unlike Windows 7, where all items are arranged compactly in the form of lists and rows of icons, windows in Windows 10 are more visual. Commands launched in Windows 7 from context menus in Windows 10 look like buttons with icons and labels. This allows you to use the right mouse button less often: context menus are used only when it is not possible to launch the desired action directly in the window

Starting with Windows 8, the contents of windows have become more visual.

For example, on the "View" tab in Windows 10, the icons in the workspace of the window can be displayed in the form of a "tile", list or table. In Windows 7, this can only be done with the command: right-click - "View" - "Table".

It is possible that soon the right mouse button in Windows will no longer be needed, or pressing it will become a rare occurrence. Since any action will be performed by pressing the left button on necessary commands in the window itself.

A stricter classic style, without unnecessary beauty and gloss that requires additional performance and speed of a PC or tablet, is also present in Windows 7. However, the simplified style of Windows 10 is not similar to the classics from Windows 98 that survived until Windows 7: window borders and buttons are here the Minimize, Expand/Restore, and Close headings are displayed slightly differently.

The Storage Spaces feature in Windows 10

The "Storage Spaces" feature is a useful addition to Windows 10's means of more reliable storage of information on a PC. It uses additional hard drives connected by users to the PC. With its help, based on the connected array of disks, files and folders, logical disks are mounted on them. If one of the physical disks is accidentally damaged, you will not lose access to data, since the same data is duplicated on another disk in the array.

Disk Control Center launched from the Windows Control Panel

The Windows 10 Disk Array is a software pool of hard drives organized to ensure that they work smoothly and coherently.

After connecting the drives and turning on the PC, you can start combining them

The Windows 10 disk pool structure displays uniform information and settings for the entire array, rather than for each disk individually.

Arraying drives makes it easier to manage them in Windows 10

The array of concatenated disks is displayed as a single mega disk. At any time, unused disks can be excluded from the array.

For example, 2 hard drives of 500 GB each and two of 320 each will give at least a C: drive of 1.49 TB (taking into account the fact that 1 GB is exactly 1.000.000.000, and not 1.073. manufacturers mean rounding volumes to the nearest gigabyte, regardless of the binary number system).

The resulting composite logical drive can be partitioned - just like a regular hard drive or any other media.

DirectX and gaming experience on Windows

Direct3D technology controls such a vital phenomenon as game textures. DirectX is a driver from Microsoft that is responsible for video, sound and music in games, without which a computer or tablet will turn into a purely office attribute.

The version of DirectX 12 is designed exclusively for Windows 10. Versions 10.x and 11.x remain for Windows 7.

Some well-known serial games such as GTA, Crysis, Call of Duty, World of Tanks/Warcraft, etc. have an improved version of the DirectX driver included on the DVD with the game itself.

For example, by installing and running under Windows 10 Crysis game 3 on the same computer that it was previously running under a different version of the OS, the player will surely find that Windows 10 is better for her.

Windows 10- best system for games based on DirectX

Default browser in Windows 7 and 10

Prior to Windows 10, serious organizations that banned all Avant, Chrome, Firefox and Opera used Internet Explorer, which is a long-liver - almost 20 years of use (it was already bundled with Windows 98). In Windows 10, along with Internet Explorer, its worthy replacement is used - Microsoft Edge.

You won't be able to install Edge on Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1 - at least it hasn't yet been optimized by enthusiastic craftsmen for versions of Windows other than 10/10.1, although it would be worth doing.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

The Internet Explorer browser, referred to in Runet as "Browser", continues to evolve. Windows 7 includes version 9, and Windows 10 comes with version 11.

IE settings are opened by the command "Tools - Internet Options"

Internet Explorer 9 has been seriously improved and optimized specifically for Windows 7. Its features compared to previous versions are as follows.

1. Top Sites: Windows 7 taskbar integration.
2. Download Manager: Allows you to pause and resume file downloads and report malicious file downloads.
3. Address bar with autocomplete function.
4. Extensions and other applications: tabs are displayed next to the address bar (it is possible to have a separate line, as in IE8). The function of closing inactive tabs has been implemented.
5. Performance Advisor plugin: Shows which add-ons can slow down the browser and allows you to disable or remove them.
6. Compact user interface.
7. Rounded window borders.

Internet Explorer 11 has adopted a lot from the 9th and 10th versions. His main feature that it is compatible with Windows 10.

By downloading the SP1 installation package from Microsoft Update, you can easily replace IE 9 with IE 11 in Windows 7. This is the least expensive way for those who do not want to update the entire OS in order to install a new version of the browser.

In Internet Explorer 11, compared to version 9, the Home, Favorites, and Settings buttons have become even more compact and clearer. And the hints in the address bar are even more detailed.

The look of the IE toolkit is as close as possible to competing browsers

Table: Latest Enhancements in IE 11

Before you ditch Internet Explorer 11 in favor of Microsoft Edge, think about its additional features that professionals often use. Among them, first of all, it is worth noting the following:

1. Viewing the list of running ActiveX modules, which gives an idea of ​​the security of visited pages and allows you to control the launch of active site elements.
2. Manage the Adobe Flash Player add-on that allows you to view and selectively block Flash animations on websites (in particular, banner ads).

Webmasters, when creating and promoting their sites, attach great importance to these abilities of IE 11.

Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge browser is based on the never-released version of Internet Explorer 12. But at the same time, it is also a somewhat simplified version of Internet Explorer that works faster and faster if the user's tasks are not very diverse. With the advent of Edge, further work on Internet Explorer has passed into the hands of third-party amateur developers.

Edge does not support active ActiveX controls. If you often visit sites that actively use ActiveX technology, but accidentally uninstalled Internet Explorer 11, you can reinstall the latter using the Microsoft Store service.

In reading mode, Edge looks neater than the bulky Internet Explorer: it does not contain unnecessary "borders" and indents. To switch to this mode, click on the "open book" icon next to the browser's address bar. This will cut off all unnecessary active content, including advertising. You can make notes in the text of the pages you view, which are saved in the user's Microsoft Edge folders on the C: drive. When you return to the same pages, they will be shown again.

In Microsoft Edge, unnecessary elements are hidden from the eyes of users

The Reading List tool lets you return to sites you've put off viewing so you can check them out later. The list management is called by the "Ctrl+G" command.

Microsoft Edge allows you to defer going to a list of specific sites until a later time MS Edge, unlike Internet Explorer, makes it easy to share links to sites
When you post a link you like on a social network, Edge asks for your authorization data

In Internet Explorer, many extensions like those found in Edge are missing - use similar tools directly on sites, for example, the "Share" button on social networks. And for readability, there is a full-screen mode that removes many browser buttons and the menu bar, except for the title of the browser window.

Most Edge settings are the same as Internet Explorer: the same private mode, text scaling, and a number of other features familiar to everyone. For example, creating a shortcut to a website on the Web is done by placing it in the Windows main menu using the "Pin this page to the start screen" option.

In fact, this is the familiar creation of a shortcut - links to sites

Comparison of Windows 7 and 10 Safe Modes

In Windows 7, safe mode is easy to start by pressing the F8 key before starting the OS itself. Some items are missing here, for example, disabling anti-virus protection (as in Windows 10).

Windows 7 Safe Boot Mode is offered by default

In Windows 10, it is far from always possible to have time to press F8 on the keyboard - this key can be disabled in Windows itself. There are other ways to enter Windows 10 Safe Mode.

The command "Start - Settings - Update and security - Recovery - Special boot options" will allow you to restart Windows 10 with the service menu.

Click the button to enter special Windows startup mode

The next time you start Windows 10, the boot options menu will appear - you use the F4 key to enter it, and not F8, as in Windows 7.

Following the instructions, select Windows Safe Startup Mode

Virtual Desktops in Windows 7 and 10

For Windows 7 there is third party applications, allowing you to organize the management of multiple desktops:

Given the successful experience of the Desktops application under Windows 7, Microsoft has included its functionality in the regular settings of Windows 10.

The Desktop key on the Windows 10 taskbar or the Win+Tab key combination on your keyboard opens the Windows Desktop Management tool.

Launch Windows 10 Desktop Manager and create multiple virtual desktops that you can switch between

The "Create Desktop" button makes the next Windows 10 desktop ready to go. You can also activate the new desktop by typing Ctrl+Win+D.

In this case, switching between desktops will work. To transfer open windows, icons and shortcuts, there is the following command: right-click on the title of an open window - “Move” - “To desktop 2”.

Right-click on the title bar of the window, and then select the desktop where you want to move it

Automatic driver installation in Windows 7 and 10

Automatic driver installation allows you to find the appropriate driver in the Microsoft database for any device that has stopped working correctly. To check whether device drivers are installed automatically or not, do the following.

If the Microsoft center did not give anything, other sites where these drivers are posted, or driver collection discs distributed unofficially, will help.

In Windows 10, checking for this feature is exactly the same, but the enable/disable check for driver updates window looks simpler. Go through all the steps from the previous instructions and select a positive answer (if not selected).

Confirm the answer to the question and click the save button

Working with OneDrive on Windows

OneDrive is an additional 5 GB of storage available online. Here you can upload and then update the most valuable documents.

OneDrive is especially appreciated by journalists, reporters, bloggers, copywriters, programmers who are constantly at work from any gadget or PC, anywhere and all day. A sudden breakdown or loss of the device will not affect them at all - the results of their activities will remain safe and sound.

The easiest way to connect to OneDrive is through a network location in Windows using the WebDAV protocol. To do this, you must already have a registration on the "cloud" onedrive.live.com. The serial number of your OneDrive online storage is used to set up your Windows network location.

You'll need this ID to set up access to OneDrive from your PC

Enter the command "Computer" (for Windows 10 - "This PC") - "Map network drive". WebDAV storage address: https://d.docs.live.net/ .

Enter your username and password to sign in to OneDrive

You will have a 5 GB OneDrive network drive. To disable it, use the "Disable network drive" command.

This service is single and universal for all modern versions and builds of Windows. Separate apps for OneDrive may never be needed.

Video: Set up OneDrive in Windows 10

Support for Windows mobile devices

Together with Windows 7 for PCs and laptops, Microsoft introduced a new version of the Windows operating system for gadgets - Windows Phone 7. Updates 7.5 and 7.8 are an improved build of Windows Phone 7. The screen resolution of smartphones with Windows Phone 7.x is at least 800 * 480.

Table: Windows 10 Mobile minimum requirements for gadgets

Windows 10 Mobile is more demanding on smartphones and tablets. Support for 64-bit ARM processors has not yet been announced.

Other innovations in Windows 10

The following can be noted as fundamental innovations that appeared with the advent of the "tens".

1. Voice assistant Cortana - like Siri in the iPhone, will help you get any information on the Web not by a request typed from the keyboard, but by a request voiced. It doesn't matter what you ask - about the evening screenings of Moscow cinemas or about the departure of the nearest train Baku - Rostov-on-Don. Cortana will download and read the requested information to you.
   Cortana offers options before you get started
2. A unified Windows Component Control Center - Action Center - reports various actions and events in Windows 10. Be it an email received through mail client Office Outlook 2013, Skype update notification or new Windows fixes and additions - Action Center will report everything that goes through it. The list of notifications is opened by pressing the button in the form of a leaf next to the Windows clock
3. Auto-switch to touch input mode when the keyboard and mouse are turned off, and vice versa. This feature is useful on tablets supplemented with an external keyboard. This mode is controlled by the command "Start - Settings - System - Tablet Mode" by turning on / off the corresponding switch.
   Tablet mode feature: application windows and Windows menus stretch to full screen
4. The Windows Store app store (Microsoft Store) is a service that allows you to download free (or buy paid) programs that work in the new Windows Metro interface that complements the classic Windows shell. Not all programs from there work with Windows 7.
   Select the Windows 10 app you want to try or purchase
5. An alternative to the categories of Windows 7 components from the Control Panel is the PC Settings software snap-in, which is launched in Windows 10 by the Start - Settings command. Categories Windows settings 10 has been redesigned in a modern way, thanks to which you can get to any option that adjusts the OS to the needs and preferences of the user.
   Settings in Windows 10 are now even clearer and more accessible
6. A number of other minor innovations. For example, when transferring/copying Windows files 10 now displays not only the remaining file recording time, but also expands the process on the data exchange rate graph. Thanks to this graph, you can roughly estimate the wear and tear of a flash drive, CD or HDD / SSD drive, if suddenly familiar files and folders begin to “slow down” when transferred to or from a medium.
   Windows system 10 gives a comprehensive overview of the process of writing files to discs

Video: differences between Windows 10 and 7 and 8

Which is better: Windows 7 or Windows 10

Windows 10 is The best decision for those who love everything new, do not want to lag behind the times, master new features and pump their “skill” as a professional gamer. Constant updates are also suitable for those who are engaged in video shooting, photo and video processing, as well as (web) design. A vivid example of this is reporters: today the quality of shooting on smartphones and tablets has grown to semi-professional compared to a full-fledged video camera.

Also, very young Windows users, having started working on their first computer or tablet in their life, immediately join the functionality of Windows 10, without wasting time learning how to work in previous versions of Windows, in which their older brothers and sisters and even parents once worked. .

If you don't chase novelty, but prefer monotonous office or remote work, Windows 7 will keep you from spending on a new PC, laptop or tablet. A vivid example of this is copywriters and programmers. In this rhythm, you can work without problems for 15 years - until your device wears out and becomes so obsolete that it will not be restored to you in any service center.