Windows 7 is finally upon us, leaping off retail shelves in little blue- and green- and black-lined plastic containers in a matter of hours. With the critical plaudits, expect enthusiastic midnight sales, curious micro-throngs of buyers, and swollen message boards deluged by 'impressions' confessionals from first-timers who somehow missed the endless betas and previews and release candidates foisted on us like fistfuls of Halloween candy. No Rolling Stones or Jerry Seinfeld this time, true, but that's all part of Windows 7's unassuming shtick--less whiz, more bang.
Mini pc fanless industrial office personal small desktop computer with aluminum case, amd a61450 quad core, hdmi and vga ports wifi 1000mbps lan, extended ram & ssd, support linux windows 7.
But what about gaming?
You've heard how Windows 7 is what Windows Vista should have been--sleeker, nimbler, and less in your way. I've been using the public preview of Windows 7 since last spring, and speaking as a guy who's cheated on Vista with an old copy of XP Home, I won't be retreating into the arms of that antediluvian paramour anytime soon.
As for gaming, however, Windows 7's release feels almost funereal. Read the reviews and you'll learn all about the streamlined taskbar, the smarter security system that leaves you alone, the slick new touch-based input features, and the friendlier approach to media-hub device management.
What about gaming? Notwithstanding the handful of enthusiast sites no one in the mainstream follows trotting out reams of technical benchmarks spread across dozens of pages, the critics either aren't talking, or aren't bothering.
Neither, it seems, is Microsoft.
The company launched its Games for Windows certification and branding initiative in late 2006. The push was Microsoft's 'contract with gamers,' designed to validate PC gaming--with its broader international install base than all of console gaming combined--as the definitive platform for the medium. What it meant then--as now--was that GFW-branded games would 'undergo extensive testing' to stamp out bugs, would be compatible with 32- and 64-bit versions of XP and Vista (and now, Windows 7), would support family-friendly parental controls, and finally--the most vague 'guarantee'--the games would be 'easy to play,' meaning they'd show up in Vista and Windows 7's one-stop 'Games Explorer.' The initiative culminated in just seven games by the end of 2006, though it included majors like Company of Heroes and Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Embryonic, in other words, but promising.
In 2007, the initiative gained momentum, culminating in a record 38 GFW-branded titles, 7 of which incorporated the new 'LIVE' feature set. LIVE support--where Games for Window's rubber meets the road--meant a game could access Microsoft's Xbox-like online gaming service, share things like Gamertags and achievements and friend lists, access voice chat, download game demos, trailers, or add-ons through a 'Marketplace,' even engage in cross-platform play. 7 games didn't add up to much--delayed versions of Halo 2 and Gears of War headlined a list of clunkers like Juiced 2, Kane & Lynch, Shadowrun, and Universe at War--but the hypotheticals were tantalizing.
In 2008, however, the number of GFW-branded titles dropped to 34, and the number of 'LIVE' tagged games inched up a notch from 7 to 8--a veritable vote of 'no confidence' in light of the prior year's totals. Worse, a full 19 of those 34 had full Xbox LIVE support in their Xbox 360 manifestations, making the inexplicable absence of Games for Windows LIVE support in the Windows versions vexing. Longstanding MMOs like World of Warcraft and franchise regulars like The Sims aside, the number of distinctive Windows conceived and oriented games plummeted. Of the 20 most acclaimed mainstream Windows games released in 2008, half were multiplatform, and of those, majors like Mass Effect, Grand Theft Auto IV, and Dead Space arrived in console form first.
Where things stand in 2009: 34 GFW-branded titles have been released to date, only 10 of those with LIVE support. 15 of those 34 have full Xbox LIVE support but lack corresponding Games for Windows LIVE functionality. Major PC releases like Borderlands, Dragon Age: Origins, Left 4 Dead 2, and Modern Warfare 2--the holiday headliners--are shipping without GFW branding entirely. It's hard to say who's more to blame--Microsoft, or an obstinately independent development community--but the sense one has is of an international accord devoid of signees.
What to do about it? I'm not privy to the certification hoops developers have to hop through to get Microsoft's seal of approval. I don't know why one multiplatform game gets Games for Windows LIVE support while another dozen don't. I can only guess--just like you--that the dearth of original, mainstream PC games has to do with broader sales and better economic scaling in other (read: console, handheld, mobile) markets.
What I can speak to are the naked actualities. Take NPD's September PC gaming top 20 sellers: 6 MMOs, 3 Sims-franchise games, a handful of casual arcade-style games, and titles like Spore, Civilization IV, and Grand Theft Auto IV, all of which came out last year (or in Civilization IV's case, back in 2005). Lovely if you're into MMOs and casual blip-ware and golden-oldies, but the kiss of 'Hey, that XboxPlayStationWii game sounds cool!' if you're not.
Then you have Games for Windows itself, a program whose static growth and mercurial LIVE support speaks volumes, though you wouldn't know it, listening to Microsoft in recent interviews. The company's response to questions about Windows 7's role in gaming? 'Windows 7 is going to be the dominant PC gaming platform.' Because OS X and Linux are such serious contenders for the title.
What we need at this point isn't the same tossed off rhetoric laced with signifiers that win points in a game of you-know-what-bingo, but honest consumer leveling. Tell us what the issues are and why. How do you go about solving a problem? By admitting you have one, first.
I use Windows for one thing: Gaming. When I'm not gaming, my bleeding-tech-laden desktop rests quietly beneath a wooden table, powered off as opposed to hibernating or sleeping. Without Windows games, no reason for me to use Windows at all.
The tragedy? I actually like the Games for Windows interface. I like that it's linked to what I'm up to on my Xbox 360, and vice versa. It makes finding and following friends who use both platforms effortless. It mitigates the spontaneous unpleasantness of fussy do-it-yourself Windows gaming without domineering the experience the way services like Steam tend to.
So here we are, witness to the inaugural moments of the version of Windows Microsoft meant to ship in 2006. The simultaneous Games for Windows 7 marketing push? Vendors leaping to showcase their GFW-branding? Parades of LIVE-enabled titles? Partnering with the strangely subdued PC Gaming Alliance to shout from the rooftops with the same promotional enthusiasm that greets the arrival of a new console like Microsoft's Xbox 360 or Sony's PlayStation 3?
Still missing in action, after all these years.
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One of the greatest benefits of running a Windows PC instead of Linux or Mac is the wide range of video games you get to play. On computers, Windows is the undisputed king of gaming. But should you be running Windows 7 or the brand new Windows 10?
A recent survey by Steam found that Windows 7 and Windows 10 are the most popular operating systems (OS) for gamers. Put aside gaming and there are some compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows 1010 Compelling Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 1010 Compelling Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 10Windows 10 is coming on July 29. Is it worth upgrading for free? If you are looking forward to Cortana, state of the art gaming, or better support for hybrid devices - yes, definitely! And...Read More if you haven’t already, but like with any new OS, there are still some bugs and kinks that need to be worked out.
So if you’re on Windows 7, should you upgrade now? Let’s weigh the pros and cons…
Windows 10’s Gaming Features
Microsoft hasn’t forgotten about its loyal base of gamers while making what it calls the “final operating system.The Latest Windows 10 Version Won't Be the Last OneThe Latest Windows 10 Version Won't Be the Last OneWhat is the latest Windows 10 version? How long is it supported? And why did Microsoft switch to a service model? Answers within!Read More” It has baked in six gaming features in Windows 10Windows 10 Is for Gamers: 6 Features You Will LoveWindows 10 Is for Gamers: 6 Features You Will LoveYou will want to use Windows 10 for gaming! Whether it's streaming your Xbox One games to your PC, using the Xbox app, or enjoying high performance gaming with DirectX 12, Windows 10 enhances your...Read More that every #PCMasterRace follower will love. From native support for the Xbox One controller to built-in screen recording and screenshots, these are some impressive additions.
But that said, you can still get these on Windows 7 computers. You can connect an Xbox 360 controller to your PCEverything You Need to Know About Buying a Controller for PC GamingEverything You Need to Know About Buying a Controller for PC GamingA decade ago the controller was a definitive line separating PC gamers from their console brethren. PC gamers used keyboards, console gamers used controllers, and there was very little overlap between the two. Times have...Read More or even a PlayStation 4 controllerHow to Use the PS4 Controller on your Mac or PCHow to Use the PS4 Controller on your Mac or PCWant to use your versatile PS4 controller with your Mac or PC? It's easier than you think! Here's how to do it.Read More. Software like FRAPS makes it easy to capture videos of your gaming conquestsHow to Take Videos & Screenshots of Games in WindowsHow to Take Videos & Screenshots of Games in WindowsYou want to document your game progress, but when you hit PrtSc on your keyboard, all you get is a snapshot of your desktop? Here's how to take video game screenshots.Read More.
Bottom line: It’s nice that these features come built into Windows 10, but you aren’t completely losing out if you’re running Windows 7. Some of the best Windows toolsThe Best PC Software for Your Windows ComputerThe Best PC Software for Your Windows ComputerWant the best PC software for your Windows computer? Our massive list collects the best and safest programs for all needs.Read More will ensure you don’t get left behind.
Xbox One and Windows 10, Sitting In a Tree…
The only Windows 10 feature that can’t be easily replicated in Windows 7 is its deep connection with the Xbox One console. Microsoft has worked hard to ensure that the Xbox One and Windows 10 work well with each other, and seem like one continuous system.
Xbox One users can enjoy two major benefits of upgrading to Windows 10. The first is Cross-Platform PlayHere's How Gaming Will Work With Windows 10Here's How Gaming Will Work With Windows 10With Windows 10, Microsoft is bringing PC gaming and the Xbox One together in a big way. Find out what to expect once Windows 10 arrives.Read More, which lets Xbox One users and Windows 10 users get into multiplayer matches together. Microsoft has basically made the architecture of Windows 10 so similar to Xbox One that developers can build games for both platforms at the same time. It’ll still be the developer’s choice whether they want to let PC and console players compete with one another, but it’s great that some games will definitely offer it, like Minecraft Windows 10 Edition and Fable Legends.
The second benefit is something called Game Streaming. With this, if someone else is watching TV and you want to get your game on, then your Xbox One can wirelessly stream your game on your Windows 10 PC or tablet. You’ll need the Xbox One controller to play, but as long as you have both console and PC set up on the same 5GHz Wi-Fi network, you can start playing your game. And don’t worry about your PC’s graphics card, the Xbox One is doing all the work, your PC is only acting as a streaming device, almost like a Chromecast.
Bottom Line: Game streaming and cross-platform play, apart from other features like built-in controller support, make Windows 10 a better OS for anyone with an Xbox One. But if you have another console like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox 360, you won’t notice any difference.
DirectX 12 vs. DirectX 11
Windows 10 is the only operating system to support DirectX 12, the latest iteration of its API that lets developers access a PC’s hardware more easily. And tests have shown that DirectX 12 is far superior to DirectX 11, which is what you’ll get on Windows 7.
In the long term, it’s a no-brainer. You absolutely should go for Windows 10 to get DirectX 12’s goodness. But right now, things aren’t so simple as there are a few caveats.
Game developers haven’t yet started taking advantage of DirectX 12. It’ll take some time and all future games will soon use DirectX 12, but at the moment, you can get by on an older system with DirectX 11.
Also, you need certain hardware to support DirectX 12. If you have an Nvidia graphics card, you need a GTX 400 or newer card—basically, anything with Fermi architecture. If you have an AMD graphics card, you need an HD 7000 or newer card—anything based on GCN architecture. If your Intel PC has onboard graphics, then you need Intel Haswell or better CPUsSo What's the Difference Between Intel's Haswell and Ivy Bridge CPUs?So What's the Difference Between Intel's Haswell and Ivy Bridge CPUs?Looking for a new computer? Those shopping for a new Intel-powered laptop or desktop need to know the differences between the last and the latest generation of Intel processors.Read More.
Bottom Line: DirectX 12 will make Windows 10 worth it eventually, but perhaps not right now. More importantly, check if you have a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 before upgrading for that reason alone.
Stability and Support: 7 Now, 10 Later
Every new version of Windows changes some core aspects of the operating system. At times, this means trouble in running software—especially games—that were made for older versions. You can run old games with Compatibility ModeHow to Run Old Games & Software in Windows 8How to Run Old Games & Software in Windows 8One of Microsoft's big strengths -- and weaknesses -- is their focus on backwards compatibility. Most Windows applications will work just fine on Windows 8. This is especially true if they worked on Windows 7,...Read More, but it won’t always work properly.
With new games, this won’t be a concern at all. However, some older games do have trouble. Case in point, when I tried installing Star Wars: Republic Commando using compatibility mode, it just wouldn’t work.
Compatibility mode can also lead to a few bugs and crashes. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can be annoying.
Similarly, you can have some issues with driver and firmware updates with certain hardware. Windows Update can be a bit wonky in how it behaves—sometimes it’s too aggressive, sometimes it’s not. It’s best if you take control of driver updates in WindowsTake Back Control Over Driver Updates in Windows 10Take Back Control Over Driver Updates in Windows 10A bad Windows driver can ruin your day. In Windows 10, Windows Update automatically updates hardware drivers. If you suffer the consequences, let us show you how to roll back your driver and block future...Read More.
Bottom Line: At the moment, Windows 7 is a little more stable than Windows 10, especially for older games and legacy hardware. This is a short-term issue though, and Windows 10 should catch up to the same standards soon enough.
So Should You Upgrade or Wait?
To me, the answer is pretty clear. Windows 10 is definitely an upgrade every PC gamer should go in for, especially considering that it’s completely free. The only question is when you should upgrade.
If you’re happy with your Windows 7 system right now, then go ahead and stick with it. You aren’t really missing out on anything ground-breaking. But at some point while it’s free, take the plunge and get Windows 10.
Microsoft Gaming Laptop
Remember, Microsoft is offering free Windows 10 upgrades till July 29, 2016How to Upgrade to Windows 10 Now & Why You Should WaitHow to Upgrade to Windows 10 Now & Why You Should WaitHave you been waiting patiently since July 29 for your Windows 10 upgrade? You should probably wait until you receive an official notification, but if you are determined, you can force the Windows 10 upgrade.Read More, so you will have to make a decision before that.
Windows 7 Gaming Performance
Your Voice: 10 vs. 7
If you have upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10, we want to know what your experience has been. Have you noticed any major improvements or features that you think are worth the upgrade? Is it just like running Windows 7 and you don’t see what the big deal is? Share what you think in the comments below!
Explore more about: Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows Upgrade, Xbox One.
- So yesterday I brought some games from one of my friend and as I started to copy mafia 2 the windows(windows10 ) crashed so now I am installing windows 7 on my pc
- I upgraded to windows 10 pro... When I did, a glitch presented itself- a disturbing glitch in fact. Every time I disable the proxy server, it gets enabled after a few minutes... Its really irritating and I can't browse internet as long as the proxy server is on. I have to disable the proxy server every 2 minutes and is really bugging me... any suggestions on what I should do ?? I'm thinking about switching back to windows 7...
- I did the free upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 back in July or so. Once it finished my computer was missing a lot of important information that it said it would save. About half my files were gone. It had bugs and glitches and I hated it. I did the auto feature which lets you switch back to your old system for free. I lost about 1/3 more files by switching back to the old system. A few days later my computer completely crashed and I had to buy a whole new computer. It sucked from start to finish.
- The game crashes are becoming to much, looking to buy win7 since its the most stable. Hopefully soon theyll imrpove win10 and i will again upgrade for that sweet directx12
- lol.. running eq2 and win10 crashes every few minutes of playtime... sometimes it crashes a few seconds after logging onto computer, after coming back from a crash. sooooo buggy. : looking to buy win7 now, my patience is up.
- That was an awesome and best so far comparison for W7 v W10! Thank you so much. I guess because my system is dated, I will just stick with what works, and my W7 Pro 64 seems to run everything and game that I need without a hitch... but the FREE is nice and tempting, plus I can always reinstall W7... yup I will wait till the end before upgrading. yeah
- I always enjoyed Windows ME. I hope they bring that back.
- Windows 7 until they pry it from my corpse.
- 10 is a buggy mess
- Windoes 7 all the way to 2020
- i guess i'll stick with w7 until july 28th at 11:59 lol
- sit on 7 for a while longer, as 1o is still a bit too raw.