Ranking of the 4 Modern Windows OSs


Recommended Posts

How would you rank the 4 Windows OSs which are XP, 8 , 7 and Vista from 1 (best) to 4 (worst)? Explain why you ranked them like this. Mine is below.

1. Windows XP- Just works, and works flawlessly.

2. Windows 7- Fast like XP and works well.

3. Windows Vista- Works well now, but resource intensive

4. Windows 8 - Total disaster of a UI but fast.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1144330-ranking-of-the-4-modern-windows-oss/
Share on other sites

XP - Just because how long it was out for before Vista and how many are still using it.

7 - Vast improvement over Vista. Smooth and never had an issue.

Vista - Never had a problem. Main issue as driver support, at first, and hardware requirements.

Have not made up my mind about 8 yet. Still messing with it and want to see what the consumer release of Blue is like. But most likely will fall either before or after Vista.

Another one of these threads? :) I'll play:

1. Windows 7 - Stable, fast, just works

2. Windows XP - Fairly stable, fairly fast but (for the most part) out of date. Hard to argue against an OS that has been going strong for 11 years

3. Windows Vista - Really no experience except I have XBMC running on it in the bedroom. Haven't had any issues w/ it though.

*4. Windows 8 doesn't even belong in this spot. I would almost rather place Windows 3.1 here instead. :)

  • Like 3

1- 7. The Most satisfactory OS I've ever had, took little to no time to get used to, does everything I need it to.

2- XP. My old number one, only problem I had with it was............... the odd bsod now and again

3- 8. I tried it twice, then figured It's not for me

4- Vista. Had it for an hour before I smashed up my pc from frustration (windows is searching for 'whatever'.exe WHEN IT'S CLEARLY INSTALLED WHERE VISTA PUT IT)

(wow, ironically I rated 8 higher than vista..........)

Meh...others took the bait, think I'll just sit back and watch.....

xblF4.gif

1) 7 - Best Windows I've ever used.

2) XP - Great OS, but took 2 service packs to get it really good.

3) Vista - Once you did a clean install with good drivers almost as good as XP.

4) 8 - Hate metro/modern and the ugly ass default theme woth no customazation.

Why does eveyone think 8 is so fast? Win 7 runs just as fast and boots just as fast, if 8 actually shut down it would boots just like 7.

  • Like 2

Why not.

7 - My personal favorite of any desktop OS from any developer. Fast, flexible, super stable.

8 - A few tweaks will put it over the top, a few annoyances keep it from being there, and I don't mean the usual "baww Metro" complaints, easily worked around.

Vista - Eventually got to a decent place. Too late though, still fairly heavy compared to the others.

XP - It was good back in 2001. (Welllllll after the service packs.. kinda sucked at first, stuck with 2KPro till then) Now, not so much. Too little support, too limited in functionality, too unstable, too old. Definitely not "modern."

Windows XP : An OS that brought NT to the masses. Sure it's old but it still works just fine.

Windows 7 : An OS which brought some much need polish to Vista.

Windows Vista : Without this there would be no 7

Windows 8 (Does this really have to be on the list?) : Meh

  • Like 1

1. Windows 8 - lots of improvements over 7 (multi-monitor, cleaner desktop UI, all around faster)

2. Windows 7 - good, but not quite as 8

3. Windows Vista - slow, ugly, but usable

4. Windows XP - completely unusable (no Aero snap, graphical glitches, no hit start and type to search, control panel isn't as good, also kinda ugly...could go on and on)

  • Like 5

1st - 7

2nd - Vista

3rd - 8 (maybe after Blue, it'd be bumped up to 2nd)

4th - XP (too old for 2013)

In my opinion.

-Windows 7. Fast, reliable. The last "real" Windows

-Windows XP. Old but still reliable and usable. Classic Windows version. First "NT" Windows version for home users

-Windows Vista. Not the most light and fast Windows version, but Vista brought some majors upgrades and evolutions to the table. If you like Windows 7, you must respect Windows Vista.

-Windows 8. The "Desktop" is excellent! As reliable as Windows 7, but faster. Windows 8 could have been the best Windows in history, but the decided to shove this horrible Start Screen down out throat. It kills the experience

Ironically I'm using Windows 8 on both my desktop and my MacBook. The only reason I decided to keep it? Start8

If no Start Menu replacement existed, I would simply be using Windows 7.

They block the possibility to use a Start Menu replacement software in Windows Blue? I'm back on Windows 7, as simple as that

1. Windows 8 - lots of improvements over 7 (multi-monitor, cleaner desktop UI, all around faster)

2. Windows 7 - good, but not quite as 8

3. Windows Vista - slow, ugly, but usable

4. Windows XP - completely unusable (no Aero snap, graphical glitches, no hit start and type to search, control panel isn't as good, also kinda ugly...could go on and on)

Interesting list, I'm glad you like 8, but could you spare a moment, to explain the multi monitor part of your post? I'm running 7 with 3 screens I had no trouble or problems with it

(basically I guess my question would be, what has 8 got in that area that 7 doesn't?)

Interesting list, I'm glad you like 8, but could you spare a moment, to explain the multi monitor part of your post? I'm running 7 with 3 screens I had no trouble or problems with it

(basically I guess my question would be, what has 8 got in that area that 7 doesn't?)

With 8 your taskbar extends to all monitors and apps only appear in the taskbar of the monitor they are currently running in.

  • Like 1

Taskbar on each monitor. Same thing ultramon gives Windows 7 users.

With 8 your taskbar extends to all monitors and apps only appear in the taskbar of the monitor they are currently running in.

Ah, ok, thank you both :) (Y)

(I use DesktopFusion for that, I didn't realise 8 did that as standard)

1. Windows 7 - Definitely the best PC OS out there.

2. Windows Vista - Older but still very functional.

3. Windows XP - Ancient pile of junk

4. Windows 8 - Nonsensical touchscreen garbage OS

Meh...others took the bait, think I'll just sit back and watch.....

It wasn't the bait that brought me here, it was that buttery popcorn of yours!

Windows 7 - Progressed not having to hunt/peck through the Start menu

Windows 8 - Hope you learned how to make use of search from Vista and 7

Windows Vista - started the trend of not having to hunt/peck through the Start menu

Windows XP - about to become a massive liability, too expensive to cling to the past

1. Windows 8 - Love Win8. Wished the entire OS was Metro.

2. Windows XP - Wasn't a bad OS.

3. Windows 7 - Looked good. But wasn't as good as XP.

4. Windows Vista - I hate placing this in this spot. Shouldn't be listed at all. Hated it with a passion.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Beats Studio Pro wireless over-ear ANC headphones drop to their lowest price yet by Fiza Ali Amazon is currently offering the Beats Studio Pro headphones at their all-time low price. The Studio Pro use 40mm active drivers which are designed to improve clarity and reduce distortion compared to previous models, with up to an 80% improvement over the Beats Studio3 Wireless. A built-in digital processor adjusts frequency response to keep the sound balanced rather than overly boosted in any one area. They also include Active Noise Cancelling that adapts to your surroundings to reduce background noise along with a Transparency mode that lets outside sound in when you need awareness of what’s going on around you. Furthermore, the headphones support personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking as well as Dolby Atmos playback on supported content. Moreover, built-in voice-targeting microphones improve call quality. You can also switch between three sound profiles including Beats Signature for balanced music playback, Entertainment for films and gaming, and Conversation for clearer voice in calls and podcasts. Physically, they are designed to be worn for long periods without feeling heavy or awkward. The ear cushions use UltraPlush engineered leather while metal sliders allow you to adjust the fit. On the connectivity side, the Studio Pro use Class 1 Bluetooth for a stable, long-range wireless connection. There is also a 3.5mm input if you want to plug in directly, including use with in-flight entertainment systems. Controls are located on the headphones and include a "b" button for music and call control, a volume rocker, and a multifunction button used for switching listening modes, EQ settings, power, and pairing. In addition, the headphones offer integration with both Apple and Android devices. On Apple devices, they support one-touch pairing with iCloud-linked devices, hands-free Siri access, Find My tracking based on last connected location, and automatic software updates. On Android devices, they support Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch between compatible devices, and Google Find My Device tracking, with additional features available through the Beats app. When it comes to the battery performance, it is rated at up to 40 hours of listening time with ANC turned off, and up to 24 hours with ANC or Transparency mode enabled. A 10-minute Fast Fuel charge should provide up to 4 hours of playback. Finally, the headphones use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charge via USB-C. Beats Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear ANC Headphones: $149.95 (Amazon US) Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • "lets you pause updates by choosing an end date, for up to 35 days" Wasn't it "indefinitely"?
    • Those extra reboots are related to the UEFI Secure Boot certificate update thing.
    • Hands on with the ProtoArc EM25: Affordable ergonomic mouse that focuses on the right things by Taras Buria ProtoArc is known for making all sorts of office products with a big focus on ergonomics and comfort. Its latest product, the EM25, promises a comfortable-to-use, affordable, and customizable mouse. We took one for a spin; here are our impressions. The ProtoArc EM25 is a $49.99 mouse, but right now, during Prime Day 2026, you can get it for just $37.99. Right off the bat, you can see that the EM25 is inspired by Logitech's MX Master lineup and the legendary MX Master 3/3S. Its shape and proportions are very similar, so for a person with large hands (right-handed person, mind you), the EM25 is very comfortable to use. The mouse fills the palm, and the thumb rests on a small extension, giving your wrist a small tilt to reduce strain. The mouse is made of black plastic without any coating, eliminating long-term wear concerns. However, I can see the main buttons and other areas you touch the most getting polished over time. Despite its size and bulk, the mouse is not too heavy. It weighs about 100 grams, which is significantly less than the MX Master 3S and its successor. It is no lightweight gaming mouse by any means, but it is not excessively heavy like the MX Master 4. The EM25 has a built-in storage for its USB dongle. It is a cleverly made magnetic flap that you open by simply pressing on it. Next to the flap, you will find the on/off switch, the 1,000 Hz sensor, and a DPI button (up to 8,000 DPI). I find the DPI button location a bit odd, and I would prefer it somewhere below the main scroll wheel. Still, given that I never change DPI on my mice, I will let it pass. What is more important is that, unlike MX Master 3/3S/4, the device switch button is located below the left-click button, which allows you to switch devices without lifting and flipping the mouse. For a multi-device setup, this is a perfect solution: the button does not require too much effort to use, it does not get in your way, but it is also easily reachable with your thumb. The main scroll wheel has two modes: ratcheted and free-flow. You can only change between them with a bright orange button (I like this little touch of color), which is sprung and requires some effort to press. The wheel is dead-silent in free-flow mode, but ratched is quite loud and stiff, perhaps even too much to my liking. I can hardly call it deal-breaking, but it will certainly take some time to get used to. The side scroll wheel, it is notched, silent, and pleasant to use. Next to it, you can find a piece of glossed plastic with connection indicators: Dongle, Bluetooth 1, Bluetooth 2, and the low battery indicator. By the way, the built-in battery is rechargeable via a USB Type-C cable, which is included. It is sleeved and has an orange velcro strap to keep it tidy. After using the EM25 for a few weeks, I can say that its main buttons are my absolute favorite. They have very pronounced clicks, which feel great with just the right amount of force required to register a press. I would say they feel like something in between regular mouse clicks and silent ones. You can hear and feel the springy switch, but it is not sharp or loud to the point of annoying you. As for back/forward and device switch buttons, they are very clicky and quite noisy. Unfortunately, there are no extra buttons that you can map to specific things like in the MX Master lineup. Besides great primary clicks, another thing I like about the EM25 is its 1,000 Hz sensor. In the world, where Logitech still uses 125 Hz sensors in $100+ mice, seeing a much faster sensor in a mouse that costs three times less is very refreshing. Also, all the settings and customization you make are stored on-device, and you do not need to install any software. Just open the web-based app and change all that you need. Speaking of customization, you can remap what buttons do, adjust the DPI, and the sensor speed. Sadly, gestures are not supported, but you can still map pretty much anything to each button, including shortcuts, media buttons, and more. I also recommend using software like XMouseControl, as it will let you remap the side scroll wheel. At the end of the day, the ProtoArc EM25 is a great mouse. Clearly inspired by the MX Master lineup, it takes the best of it and complements it with a much more wallet-friendly price tag, significantly better sensor, on-device memory, a built-in storage for the dongle, and more (it fixes everything that I complained about the MX Master 4 recently). And for only $37.99 during Prime Day, the EM25 is an easy recommendation. Buy ProtoArc EM25 mouse - $37.99 | 24% off with Prime As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Pretty nice tool, thanks
  • Recent Achievements

    • Rookie
      DaviKar went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Dedicated
      HidekoYamamoto94 earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • One Month Later
      timbobit earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      nates earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      460
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      161
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      110
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      81
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      69
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!