thebigeast44
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Reged: 04/26/08
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Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
#5489690 - 10/26/12 04:29 AM
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I'm considering upgrading my laptop from Windows 7 to Windows 8. If folks could post their experiences as they move to Windows 8 particularly concerning popular astronomy apps, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance for any and all replies as others consider this transition as well over the next several months!
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rmollise
Postmaster
   
Reged: 07/06/07
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: thebigeast44]
#5489808 - 10/26/12 08:06 AM
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Don't ask me. I have a policy: Don't upgrade to a new O/S until you have to...IOW a new computer comes with one or old software will no longer run. Frankly, I don't see much advantage to using Win 8 for astronomy. Not _unless_ you are using a touch screen computer or handheld. I would CERTAINLY at least wait for "Windows 8 Service Pack 1."
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okieav8r
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/01/09
Loc: Oklahoma!
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: rmollise]
#5489863 - 10/26/12 09:03 AM
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Quote:
Don't ask me. I have a policy: Don't upgrade to a new O/S until you have to...IOW a new computer comes with one or old software will no longer run. Frankly, I don't see much advantage to using Win 8 for astronomy. Not _unless_ you are using a touch screen computer or handheld. I would CERTAINLY at least wait for "Windows 8 Service Pack 1."
The early adopter gets the bugs.
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rboe
   
Reged: 03/16/02
Loc: Phx, AZ
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: okieav8r]
#5490001 - 10/26/12 10:54 AM
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Go for it! We need ground breakers like yourself.
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thebigeast44
member
Reged: 04/26/08
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: rboe]
#5490104 - 10/26/12 12:02 PM
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You were talking to Rod right rboe 
I'd like to take advantage of the $39 upgrade deal MS has going until 01/31/13 - so I have some time.
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daev
Technically Enlightened
   
Reged: 03/10/04
Loc: On the edge of the desert
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: okieav8r]
#5490159 - 10/26/12 12:41 PM
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The early adopter gets the bugs.
This is my new favorite phrase of the day.
dave
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pjglad
super member
Reged: 01/29/11
Loc: Sparks, NV
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: daev]
#5490170 - 10/26/12 12:47 PM
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The only enticement that could motivate me to migrate to Windows 8 is if Southern Stars ported SkySafari to Windows.
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btschumy
Vendor - Southern Stars
   
Reged: 04/13/04
Loc: Longmont, CO, USA
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: pjglad]
#5490176 - 10/26/12 12:51 PM
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The only enticement that could motivate me to migrate to Windows 8 is if Southern Stars ported SkySafari to Windows.
Not likely.
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okieav8r
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/01/09
Loc: Oklahoma!
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: btschumy]
#5490267 - 10/26/12 01:43 PM
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Quote:
Quote:
The only enticement that could motivate me to migrate to Windows 8 is if Southern Stars ported SkySafari to Windows.
Not likely.
Aw, c'mon!
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Markovich
professor emeritus
   
Reged: 05/22/07
Loc: Central Ohio
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: daev]
#5490463 - 10/26/12 03:49 PM
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Quote:
Quote:
The early adopter gets the bugs.
This is my new favorite phrase of the day.
dave
They're not bugs, they're "undocumented features"
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helpwanted
Post Laureate
   
Reged: 07/04/07
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: Markovich]
#5490860 - 10/26/12 08:51 PM
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Can you run Windows 8 in Parallels?
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FrankenCub
member
Reged: 08/26/11
Loc: Whitney Point, NY
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: btschumy]
#5490954 - 10/26/12 10:14 PM
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Quote:
Quote:
The only enticement that could motivate me to migrate to Windows 8 is if Southern Stars ported SkySafari to Windows.
Not likely.
How about Linux ? 
I won't use Windoz with my wife's fingers, can't stand it.
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simpleisbetter
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 04/18/11
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: FrankenCub]
#5491840 - 10/27/12 03:30 PM
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I upgraded yesterday and TBH it works pretty well. Still undecided about MS new built-in backup tool; I run on a laptop so the backup drive isn't connected and the new tool seems to not allow manual backups.
Specifically regarding Astro software, there is one program I might have occasion to run that's not compatible. That is the Celestron NexRemote software, and also the Hand Control and Motor Control Update Utilities for my CG-5. None of the three will even install under Windows 8, despite trying to run as admin or in Compatability Mode. And even if they're preinstalled under Win 7, they still won't run in Win 8. Fortunately, my firmware is up-to-date, and I don't use NexRemote anyway. SkyTools seems to work just fine but havent' hooked the scope up yet to test ASCOM.
I did have an issue at first with Virtual Moon Atlas running REALLY slow and jerky until Windows Update gave me a new video driver for my IntelGMA card. This was all due to VMA being written to use OpenGL; and just guessing but Stellarium will have the same issue, along with Starry Night. Maybe just me but I still don't know why Astro software is being written for OpenGL.
Overall though, not bad for a brand new release.
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simpleisbetter
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 04/18/11
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: pjglad]
#5491844 - 10/27/12 03:35 PM
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The only enticement that could motivate me to migrate to Windows 8 is if Southern Stars ported SkySafari to Windows.
Wouldn't that technically be CarinaSoft Voyager? The two are very very similar, and IIRC that's where SkySafari originated from, or spun off from though they're no longer associated in anyway.
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Sorny
super member
Reged: 03/15/12
Loc: Southern MN
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: simpleisbetter]
#5492072 - 10/27/12 06:44 PM
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OpenGL is a better choice for astro software since it allows the software to be more easily ported to run on other operating systems.
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simpleisbetter
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 04/18/11
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: Sorny]
#5492194 - 10/27/12 08:12 PM
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Perhaps that is an advantage, I don't have any experience in software design. But my user and Admin experience has been that it's much more contrary when it comes to video cards and drivers, and often seems to be somewhat of a resource hog.
Edited by simpleisbetter (10/27/12 09:14 PM)
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obrazell
super member
Reged: 04/03/05
Loc: United Kingdom
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: simpleisbetter]
#5492667 - 10/28/12 06:11 AM
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I upgraded my laptop and I have found no issues with any of the astro software I run and it was a very old laptop. So this is Guide , SkyTools, megastar (4&5) Astroplanner etc.
This is with the 32 bit version.
owen
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Darren Bly
sage
   
Reged: 07/24/06
Loc: Bakersfield, Ca
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: obrazell]
#5492873 - 10/28/12 10:23 AM
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I'm worked in IT for over 30 years and one of my rules is "Upgrade to every other Windows OS". This is the one to skip.
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helpwanted
Post Laureate
   
Reged: 07/04/07
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: Darren Bly]
#5492913 - 10/28/12 10:47 AM
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A agree with Darren, skip it!
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NeilMac
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/25/10
Loc: MedHat, AB, Canada
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Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?
[Re: helpwanted]
#5493020 - 10/28/12 11:58 AM
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LOL, wait till its been out for a while to see how many people complain. if what u have works for you then why change it
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