6. Task Manager
The Task Manager for Windows 8 displays more information in a visual form, with coloured charts for heat, CPU, memory, disk, Ethernet and wireless consumption. There's even a breakdown of how each program effects boot time.
Winner: Windows 8 Who doesn't want more informative graphs and charts?
7. USB 3.0 support
Windows 8.1 sports OS-level support for USB 3 devices. Instead of relying on manufacturers or updates to add support for devices, any Windows 8-enabled device can now enjoy faster speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s.
Winner: Windows 8 Getting faster transfer speeds is always a positive thing.
8. Data transfers done right
Copying and moving data on Windows 7 was handled in the wrong way. When encountering a name collision between two files, for example, the transfer was interrupted with a prompt asking how to proceed, stacking individual windows for each transfer.
This has thankfully been cleaned up with Windows 8, putting all transfers into one window and pushing name collision dialogues to the end of the process. Windows even tried to make the time estimations on transfer more accurate.
Winner: Windows 8 Not only does it transfer data faster, but Windows 8 ensures less interruptions and more accurate time estimations.
9. Daemon Tools is obsolete
Windows 8 finally added support for native mounting of ISO, IMG and VHD disk images. We can now access the content of virtual disk files and write them to physical CDs without any third-party programs like the now-obsolete Daemon Tools.
Winner: Windows 8 - Finally helps to put the nail in the coffin ofphysical media.
10. 3D printing support
Microsoft added native support for 3D printing in Windows 8.1, allowing you send files to a MakerBot Printer straight from the Charms bar.
Winner: Windows 8 - It's not a necessity yet but, in the future, the ability to print 3D prototypes could be invaluable to businesses.
-
Bigger salaries, more burnout: Is the CISO role in crisis?In-depth CISOs are more stressed than ever before – but why is this and what can be done?
-
Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
-
Microsoft angers admins as April Patch Tuesday delivers password feature without migration guidanceNews Security fixes include a zero day exploited by a ransomware group and seven critical flaws
-
Managing a late migrationOpinion When it comes to moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10, it's better late than never
-
How to set up a Windows 7 emulator for Windows 10Tutorials A complete guide for setting up a Windows 7 emulator for Windows 10 so you don’t lose access to your apps
-
The autopsy of Windows 7
In-depth Report of a postmortem examination
-
The IT Pro Podcast: Farewell Windows 7IT Pro Podcast We reflect on the legacy of one of Microsoft's most enduringly popular operating systems
-
Windows 7 ends: what do you do next?
In-depth From SMBs to big business and individuals, after 10 years it's time to move on from Windows 7
-
Windows 7 end of life: What to do if you haven't upgraded yetIn-depth Microsoft has now officially moved Windows 7 to end of life, meaning it's no longer a viable business platform
-
Windows 10 vs Windows 8.1: Which was the best operating system?Vs We rate Windows 10 vs Windows 8.1 in a number of key categories for professional use
