Windows 7 or chance Windows 8.1?

[John Wright]

I bought a Dell laptop a few weeks ago. I ensured it had Windows 7 so that I could network wirelessly with my 2-year old Win7 PC. Network for sharing/backup of files is good, though the 'Homegroup' system for easier (password-free) networking has never worked.

Just a note to say that the 'Homegroup' network facility for Windows 7 has now been explained to me properly (or I've now understood it properly) and it works a treat.

With my PC and Laptop I can now share files (copy, update etc) very easily without the need for passwords or memory sticks. The Homegroup facility allows you to create a 'Libraries' folder, a kind of virtual folder, in each computer which links you to the chosen share-able folders.

[MrGongGong]

Just a note to say that the 'Homegroup' network facility for Windows 7 has now been explained to me properly (or I've now understood it properly) and it works a treat.

With my PC and Laptop I can now share files (copy, update etc) very easily without the need for passwords or memory sticks. The Homegroup facility allows you to create a 'Libraries' folder, a kind of virtual folder, in each computer which links you to the chosen share-able folders.

So like an OSX shared folder then ?

[Pianorak]

Haven't read the whole thread, sorry. Recently bought a new non-touchscreen laptop with Windows 8 which will serve as a desktop replacement (Windows XP). Made a complete mess of setting it up and then paid £80 to a professional to do it; best investment ever. Didn't like the Tiles and he installed Classic Shell (or summat like that) which looks almost like XP. Was advised against upgrading to 8.1 as it is a MASSIVE download and apparently offers very few benefits if any. Happy bunny.

[Dave2002]

Sadly Draco is right

What's sad about that?

[MrGongGong]

What's sad about that?

Contrary to what some people might imagine (and we have 3 mac computers, 2 iphones and an ipad) Apple are not the retail branch of Amnesty international.

[John Wright]

So like an OSX shared folder then ?

Eh? Some non-techies use this thread too, you know :)

[MrGongGong]

Eh? Some non-techies use this thread too, you know :)

So on OSX you right click on a folder, select INFO and click SHARED
then any computer on the same network can access it, tis very simple indeed

[John Wright]

So on OSX you right click on a folder, select INFO and click SHARED
then any computer on the same network can access it, tis very simple indeed

Similar, you right-click on a folder, select 'Share with' and the menu includes Homegroup (Read) and Homegroup (Read/Write). I always choose Read/Write so that I can drag files from the folder to copy to the laptop or vice versa. If I had more than two computers in the network there is a Specific share choice too.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I've just bought a laptop with Windows 8.1. It may be very good, my initial impression is that it assumes it knows what I want, but clearly it doesn't.
Also I've installed Microsoft Office, but I can't open it.