Windows 8

[stargazerslivingroom]

Well my trusted laptop has decided to shuffle off its mortal coil ( RIP).

I have found a possible replacement but it's running the subject of this post. I am used to (and actually like!) Windows 7 Pro. I have asked the merchant if he can supply with this installed instead of the new 8 and await his reply. So in the meantime I am interested to find out if people are using Windows 8 and their experience.

I am particularly interested in how the following perform so would appreciate any input:

Backyard EOS.

Sharpcap

PHD

EQMOD

Astroart 5

PIPP

Registax (5 or 6)

Thanks

Steve

[Bubbles82]

Eqmod, phd ,Artemis capture , astro tortilla, cdc all run fine on my windows 8 machine biggest problem I had was qhy5 camera driver but there is an easy fix. I will warn you of one thing about downgrading windows 8 machines with chipset compatability and reliability I really wouldn't buy a nice new laptop and start messing with it just my opinion though

[Bubbles82]

Sorry forgot works fine with registax and sharp cap and every it of camera control software I've got too many to list :)

[JB80]

PIPP and both the Registax work fine for me, but then again I probably don't use every function they have available.

So does avistack and Deep Sky Stacker.

I'd still rather be using Win7 though.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I have Registax working, Sharpcap fails to work with my DMK21, I haven't tried the ASI yet, but the program from The Imaging Source works fine. Installing Classic Shell gives a very Windows 7 feel to Windows 8.

[JB80]

+1 for Classic Shell.

I was pointed that way from SGL and it works a treat, still 8 wants you to use all it's apps for opening things but that might be disabable?

I don't know but I'd love to be able to load my pics from the memory card without that silly photo album loading.

[stargazerslivingroom]

Thanks chaps....This is very encouraging and I do take on board not changing the OS. I have also heard good things about Classic Shell so maybe it's time to bite the bullet.

Thanks all for sharing your experience.

Steve

[Ant F]

if you want to get your start button back on windows 8 like windows 7 and xp has download a software called classic start menu. its great

[JG777]

You can make your own start button in seconds http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001374.htm

Also consider that Win 8 may be Win 8.1 that ships, tread carefully as 1 of my machines got flattened by a W8.1 upgrade due to video drivers getting knocked over and no replacement from AMD as yet!

W8.1 does not put a start bar in all it does is create a start menu for the things you see listed in windows key plus X

[thunderchild]

good evening all, may i ask is any of you using windows 8 with PI and if so have there been any issues.

[johnb]

Eqmod, phd ,Artemis capture , astro tortilla, cdc all run fine on my windows 8 machine biggest problem I had was qhy5 camera driver but there is an easy fix. I will warn you of one thing about downgrading windows 8 machines with chipset compatability and reliability I really wouldn't buy a nice new laptop and start messing with it just my opinion though

Hi what was the fix for the QHY5, I have windows 8.1 and just cant get my QHY 5 to work - sure its a driver based issue but I just don't know the answer ?

[gkec]

Hi what was the fix for the QHY5, I have windows 8.1 and just cant get my QHY 5 to work - sure its a driver based issue but I just don't know the answer ?

http://qhyccd.com/en/top/faq/qhy5-faq/

[johnb]

That fixed it, thanks

John B

[Earl]

good evening all, may i ask is any of you using windows 8 with PI and if so have there been any issues.

none that i have found.

[Gib007]

Just want to say, you can always buy a Windows 8 laptop and format it to install Windows 7 yourself. I always format whatever laptop I buy anyway. The manufacturer puts too much bloatware on it that slows everything down. 

[uhb1966]

Problem with many laptops are the drivers... if a laptop ships with OS x, you will not know whether there are working drivers for the laptop under OS x-1 or OS x+1. You should inform yourself about driver support before buying :-) Some hardware manufacturers take this more serious than otners... have made good experience with Asus, not so good with Sony.

[Gib007]

Windows 7 and 8 drivers work pretty well interchangeably. Mind you, you can always seek the individual component drivers yourself through each component manufacturer.

Having said this, yesterday I bought an Acer E5-571 laptop for £400 and it came with Windows 8.1. I quickly formatted it and installed Windows 7 on it. All drivers were available directly from Acer's website and all versions were very up-to-date (from this month!).