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Pages: 1 | 2 | (show all) thebigeast44 member Reged: 04/26/08 Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs?       #5489690 - 10/26/12 04:29 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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! Post Extras:       rmollise Postmaster Reged: 07/06/07 Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: thebigeast44]       #5489808 - 10/26/12 08:06 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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." Post Extras:       okieav8r Carpal Tunnel Reged: 03/01/09 Loc: Oklahoma! Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: rmollise]       #5489863 - 10/26/12 09:03 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: okieav8r]       #5490001 - 10/26/12 10:54 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Go for it! We need ground breakers like yourself. Post Extras:       thebigeast44 member Reged: 04/26/08 Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: rboe]       #5490104 - 10/26/12 12:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       daev Technically Enlightened Reged: 03/10/04 Loc: On the edge of the desert Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: okieav8r]       #5490159 - 10/26/12 12:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: The early adopter gets the bugs. This is my new favorite phrase of the day. dave Post Extras:       pjglad super member Reged: 01/29/11 Loc: Sparks, NV Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: daev]       #5490170 - 10/26/12 12:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The only enticement that could motivate me to migrate to Windows 8 is if Southern Stars ported SkySafari to Windows. Post Extras:       btschumy Vendor - Southern Stars Reged: 04/13/04 Loc: Longmont, CO, USA Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: pjglad]       #5490176 - 10/26/12 12:51 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: The only enticement that could motivate me to migrate to Windows 8 is if Southern Stars ported SkySafari to Windows. Not likely. Post Extras:       okieav8r Carpal Tunnel Reged: 03/01/09 Loc: Oklahoma! Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: btschumy]       #5490267 - 10/26/12 01:43 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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! Post Extras:       Markovich professor emeritus Reged: 05/22/07 Loc: Central Ohio Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: daev]       #5490463 - 10/26/12 03:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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" Post Extras:       helpwanted Post Laureate Reged: 07/04/07 Loc: Phoenix, AZ Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: Markovich]       #5490860 - 10/26/12 08:51 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Can you run Windows 8 in Parallels? Post Extras:       FrankenCub member Reged: 08/26/11 Loc: Whitney Point, NY Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: btschumy]       #5490954 - 10/26/12 10:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       simpleisbetter Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/18/11 Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: FrankenCub]       #5491840 - 10/27/12 03:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       simpleisbetter Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/18/11 Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: pjglad]       #5491844 - 10/27/12 03:35 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: 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. Post Extras:       Sorny super member Reged: 03/15/12 Loc: Southern MN Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: simpleisbetter]       #5492072 - 10/27/12 06:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   OpenGL is a better choice for astro software since it allows the software to be more easily ported to run on other operating systems. Post Extras:       simpleisbetter Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/18/11 Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: Sorny]       #5492194 - 10/27/12 08:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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) Post Extras:       obrazell super member Reged: 04/03/05 Loc: United Kingdom Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: simpleisbetter]       #5492667 - 10/28/12 06:11 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Darren Bly sage Reged: 07/24/06 Loc: Bakersfield, Ca Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: obrazell]       #5492873 - 10/28/12 10:23 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       helpwanted Post Laureate Reged: 07/04/07 Loc: Phoenix, AZ Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: Darren Bly]       #5492913 - 10/28/12 10:47 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A agree with Darren, skip it! Post Extras:       NeilMac Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/25/10 Loc: MedHat, AB, Canada Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: helpwanted]       #5493020 - 10/28/12 11:58 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       simpleisbetter Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/18/11 Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: NeilMac]       #5493343 - 10/28/12 04:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I generally agree with you there Neil. The reason I upgraded was because I got in for the $14.99 upgrade deal and am not really out anything. So I can definitely recommend it for those who just bought new computers and qualify for the $14.99 upgrade. I also like Win 8's integration a lot more, especially wrt the capability to integrate my Live/Hotmail and my Google account within the apps. I'm curious to see what MS does on the phone and tablet platforms, and if their phone will equal my Galaxy Skyrocket; although it appears there's no movement in the SkySafari camp to port to WinRT. As a former network admin, I do tend to agree with the sentiment to skip every other version, but that's usually due to cost more than capability. Vista gets a bad rap and is actually a lot better an OS than most complain about. For me Win 7 basically fixed the few things wrong with Vista while building on its strengths. Nothing has equaled the mess or folly of ME, and I doubt Win 8 will. Post Extras:       okieav8r Carpal Tunnel Reged: 03/01/09 Loc: Oklahoma! Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: Darren Bly]       #5493405 - 10/28/12 05:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: 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. When my Dad bought a new laptop at Best Buy earlier this summer, it came with an upgrade to Windows 8 when it came out. It was either for a free upgrade, or it was ridiculously cheap, something like $15, I can't remember. He's trying to figure out whether he should get it or not. Post Extras:       zeldaboy101 Carpal Tunnel Reged: 03/13/04 Loc: Maryland Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: okieav8r]       #5496804 - 10/30/12 08:13 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm also considering upgrading my laptop, from vista to windows 8. That $15 deal doesn't have to be installed on the windows 7 computer, so I would use it on my older imaging laptop, IF it'll run ASCOM and PHD. Can anyone with Windows 8 try ASCOM and PHD? Vista slows the laptop down a lot, and it'd be great to get rid of it. Post Extras:       bassplayer142 professor emeritus Reged: 10/03/11 Loc: Michigan Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: zeldaboy101]       #5498430 - 10/31/12 08:42 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Vista to win 7. If you really want to try windows 8 you can dual boot it and revert back to your other os if you don't like it. Post Extras:       mark8888 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/24/10 Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: bassplayer142]       #5498922 - 11/01/12 05:17 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   For anyone interested, I enjoyed Pogue's review of Win 8: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/25/technology/personaltech... Post Extras:       Cliff Hipsher scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 12/31/08 Loc: North Chesterfield, VA Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: thebigeast44]       #5499305 - 11/01/12 12:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: 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! As a former Microsoftie who worked in Desktop Systems Product Support for DOS, Win3.x, Win9.x, NT, XP, Win2K, and Win2K Server, my advice is don't even bother. I beta tested Win8. The OS runs fine, but on a conventional (non-touch screen) system the GUI sucks. Bottom line is, if you want Win8, buy a tablet. Post Extras:       RandallK Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/10/06 Loc: Nanaimo, B. C. Canada Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: Cliff Hipsher]       #5500243 - 11/02/12 12:29 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Migrating to the next O/S in Windows based laptops is daring to say the least. It seems that most laptops are suited best for the O/S that came with them when initially purhcased. You're stretching your luck especially with drivers for all the hardware. Even now with the newer desktops, I see no reason to change O/S for the same reasons. Like others have said..."If you want Windows 8, by a tablet". Post Extras:       okieav8r Carpal Tunnel Reged: 03/01/09 Loc: Oklahoma! Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: RandallK]       #5500459 - 11/02/12 06:43 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Migrating to the next O/S in Windows based laptops is daring to say the least. It seems that most laptops are suited best for the O/S that came with them when initially purhcased. You're stretching your luck especially with drivers for all the hardware. Even now with the newer desktops, I see no reason to change O/S for the same reasons. Like others have said..."If you want Windows 8, by a tablet". I agree. Win 7 came with my laptop. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'll be skipping on this one--for now, anyway. Post Extras:       Darren Bly sage Reged: 07/24/06 Loc: Bakersfield, Ca Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: mark8888]       #5500597 - 11/02/12 09:27 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: For anyone interested, I enjoyed Pogue's review of Win 8: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/25/technology/personaltech... You're right VERY good review. Post Extras:       Hank w member Reged: 09/10/08 Loc: Loveland, Colorado Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: Darren Bly]       #5501512 - 11/02/12 08:16 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I always keep a few hard drives for back ups, Two with windows xp and three with windows 7. I took advantage of the $39.00 upgrade to windows pro 8. I only use one at a time in the same computer. The upgrade went smoothly. Nexremote works fine, mc update works, hcupdate does not work. The sky 6, ccdsoft and tpoint work fine. Meade ensivage 7.09 works with dsi and dsi 11. Deepsky stacker nebulosity and ph guiding work. Voyager will not allow me enter my key and simply disappears when I try to run. Stellarium works as does ascom or at least the few I tried. Windows 8 starts fast. I added an app that puts the start buttom back on the desktop which makes getting around easier. Hank Post Extras:       simpleisbetter Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/18/11 Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: Hank w]       #5501570 - 11/02/12 08:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hank, was Nexremote and Celestron Update software already installed prior to the upgrade? My problem is they won't install. And even the one instance I could get Nexremote to install using Compatibility Mode, it still won't run. I'm not surprised about Voyager, it ran fine for me on Vista and initially under Win7, until I updated to SP1, then it died. That's when I gave up and moved to SkyTools. Post Extras:       Hank w member Reged: 09/10/08 Loc: Loveland, Colorado Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: simpleisbetter]       #5502445 - 11/03/12 01:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Steve I reloaded most of my programs after I upgraded. I am running Nexremote in the xp sp3 compatibility mode. It is strange that celestron mc upgrade works fine, when I try to run HC upgrade I get an error message. Hank Post Extras:       Hank w member Reged: 09/10/08 Loc: Loveland, Colorado Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: Hank w]       #5502481 - 11/03/12 02:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I just deleted celestron hc upgrade with Revo uninstaller. I then re installed hc upgrade and now it works fine. I will try this voyager next. Hank Post Extras:       simpleisbetter Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/18/11 Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: Hank w]       #5505243 - 11/05/12 10:56 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well, I just re-downloaded and installed all the Nexstar software (emulating Win7 and using Administrator on the install) and it runs fine. Not sure why the change, if it was one of the updates, the choice I used for install, replacing Windows Defender (formerly Security Essentials) with Avast, or a combination of those. But everything works just fine and all runs faster now too. Post Extras:       Jeff Smith sage Reged: 04/06/10 Loc: Chicago Re: Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 - any probs? [Re: simpleisbetter]       #5518199 - 11/13/12 03:59 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Upgraded yesterday. It took half a day but everything is running fine. Post Extras:       Pages: 1 | 2 | (show all)

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