The differences between Windows 7 and

Windows 8.1

By: Sadania Miller

Topics Overview

Security Added features Boot options Performance VPN Connectivity Hardware requirements Spot Verifier and File History Storage Space Support

Security

Windows 8.1 comes with Windows Defender

Windows 7 has Microsoft Security Essential

Added/Modified Features Windows 8.1 has a bigger, bolder and simpler user interface Start button Lock/touch screen and resizing Task Manager Sky Drive vs. One Drive Sync MS/Hotmail Metro apps Media Center Windows XP mode BitLocker Drive Enterprise features

Backup and Restore Imaging Renamed

Windows 7 named backup and restore “Backup and Restore”, which can be found in Control Panel

Windows 8.1 renamed backup and restore “System Image Backup” inside File History in Control Panel

Performance

Start-up time Shut-down time Runs faster Graphics Print drivers Reduced collision on duplicate files

VPN Connectivity

8.1• Applies to Server 2012 R2 • Set up VPN with Charms under Control Panel or Win + C• Auto-connect to VPN

7• Applies to Server 2008 R2• Set-up VPN via Control Panel

Hardware Requirements

Windows 7• Processor with at least 1GB of RAM• Requires Pentium 4 or higher processor

Windows 8.1• Processor with PAE, NX, SSE2 and if you have a 64-bit

processor CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF• Does not run on any Pentium 4 computers

Spot Verifier and File History

Windows 7 has no spot verifier service and no file history

Windows 8.1 has a spot verifier service and a file history in Control Panel

Storage Space

Windows 7- "storage spaces" not available

Windows 8.1- "storage spaces" available in Control Panel

Support

Speed on transfers per file Touch Screen option Mobile device support Hyper-V IT Administrative privileges 3D Printing 3rd Party Programs

Conclusion

Added/Modified features Performance Security Popularity for business usage Stability Support offered by Microsoft

References:• Nazarro, K., Preece, C. and Sheppard, A. (2006, March 26). Windows

8.1 vs. Windows 7: Which is best for you. IT Pro: IT Analysis and Business Insight. Retrieved from http://www.itpro.co.uk/desktop- software/21919/windows-81-vs-windows-7-which-is-best-for-you

• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/system-requirements• http://

www.microsoft.com/uk/publicsector/newsletter/updates/msit-win7.aspx

• https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj613767.aspx

• (incomplete)