Is W8.1 that much more secure than W7?

[nelsonm]

Hi all,

I need to upgrade several of my business clients from XP due to the Microsoft ending support for the old OS. Most of my clients prefer to upgrade to W7 because W8.1's UI is a problem for them.

I've been doing some research on the net and from what i understand is that W8 is several times more secure than W7. It would appear that Microsoft not patching W7 to be as secure as W8.1? I'm guessing it's because they want to push everyone to W8.1?

If W8.1 is significantly more secure, then I'll convince my clients to upgrade to it now that booting and staying on the desktop is easier. Also, it appears that the W8.1 OEM installer discs are cheaper than W7 OEM installer discs.

Opinions are welcome.

Thanks,

 

[cypress]

Honestly I have not heard that at all. Personally I would upgrade your business clients to Windows 7 Professional and support will be until 2020

 

[ohio_grad_06]

Haven't really heard that, and Microsoft probably wouldn't do that. Many are upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7, so it could be that Windows 7 is their saving grace right now. No sense in killing Windows 7 if it's keeping you afloat.

 

[altrenda]

It depends on how you define "more secure".
There are features in 8 and 8.1 that make it safer, but I'm not sure how worthwhile they are or if they are worth the extra confusion 8 and 8.1 causes.

here's an article that explains it a little.

http://www.infoworld.com/d/microsoft-windows/windows-81-the-key-security-improvements-229263

 

[TechPJC]

In my case, Windows 8.1 have been more Stable than Windows 7.
No BSOD; no Crashes; no problems with Microsoft Updates.

When it comes to the Windows 8 Security, things become complicated ...

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

The thing with business clients, you want to stay with operating systems that their line of biz apps support. Most of them don't want to support their software on Win8. Not to mention peripherals they've invested tons of money in like large MFPs.

 

[frederick]

I've seen no real difference in security. Both get viruses, both can be hacked, both can be compromised, etc. We've been doing more Windows 7 Pro than Windows 8.1 Pro, but this is because of familiarity and compatibility for the client.

 

[TechPJC]

The thing with business clients,
you want to stay with operating systems that their line of biz apps support.
Most of them don't want to support their software on Win8.
Not to mention peripherals they've invested tons of money in like large MFPs.

Sometimes, OS upgrade looks almost impossible...
Many Small/Medium business decided to stay with XP...

 

[gunslinger]

I've seen nothing I like about Win 8.1 I don't think its any more secure than 7 unless you buy into the whole security by obscurity garbage. I think both 7 and 8 are as secure as Windows can be. Its hard to infect either unless you try.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

Windows 8 is more secure than windows 7. As far as I know the differences in security between 8 and 8.1 are minor.

I use https://store.stardock.com/product/ESD-SDS-W1225 on my windows 8 because I prefer it but thats only really needed if you use metro apps. If you don't use any metro apps then classic shell application is free and will work just fine.

 

[NYJimbo]

We rarely get Win 8.x machines in with real viruses.

That's all I am going to say in this thread.

 

[compcareguy]

More secure? Are there less that know all of the holes yet? I would say the answer is yes there are less folks out there that have yet exploited all the holes. Is it still possible to get viruses, malware, and adware in Win 8/8.1 yes and as the OS ages the exploits will be discovered more just as they were with all other previous version of Windows...

Windows 8/8.1 still requires antivirus/antimalware protection just like any other, it is still susceptible to many of the same viruses and malware as previous versions. Are there old exploit holes that have been fixed? Yes, but beware there are new ones yet discovered so it is "6 one way half a dozen the other way" type situation. So the decision of whether you put Win 8.1 or Win 7 pro is a personal one in my opinion.

Personally I have had a lot of conflict issues with business printers and other devices. Enough that has caused me to attempt not to use Win 8/8.1 in a big business environment.

 

[TechPJC]

Windows 8.1: The Anti Malware Operating System (by The WindowsClub)

 

[gunslinger]

Windows 8.1: The Anti Malware Operating System (by The WindowsClub)

OMG! Really? lol

To call any version of Windows the "anti-malware operating system" is a joke in itself. Linux, yes. OSX, yes. But Windows? Bwhahah! Also after the first line in that article I couldn't read anymore.

We all use one or more antivirus software, Internet Security Suite or a Firewall software on our Windows computer.

If you do, you have no business calling yourself a "tech". Period.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Windows 8 does add new features that bring a level of security to the OS.

Secure boot prevent the boot loader from being compromised and trusted boot checks key files against stored hash numbers to see if they have been altered.

All that is an improvement over previous versions of windows. Problem is that most Malware does neither of that. They simply add new files to windows and have windows load them on bootup in the same manor that many legitimate programs do.

 

[kpk1]

From personal experience, it's been hard enough getting larger clients to move away from XP to 7, let alone to 8 or 8.1.
They do like using old hat dinosaur software, it's like trying to push back the tide sometimes.....

 

[goldmercury]

If you want to keep your business clients install Windows 7. That is all.

 

[gunslinger]

I could not agree more with the two posts above.

 

[TechLady]

I second that. Furthermore, the forced encryption of drives in win8 concerns me, as I can forsee that being a real fun issue with data recovery. I don't see a lot of talk about this and it surprises me.

See here: http://www.howtogeek.com/173592/win...rives-by-default-everything-you-need-to-know/

 

[TechPJC]

To call any version of Windows the "anti-malware operating system" is a joke in itself.

Not any; just Windows 8 compared with the previous versions of Windows.
The article focused on the Windows 8/8.1 Boot-time Anti-Malware protection
(e.g. Secure Boot, Trusted Boot, Early Launch, and Measured Boot)
as well as on improvements related to the Windows Firewall and RAM Compartmentalization.

If you do, you have no business calling yourself a "tech". Period.

The article was written by a Windows expert (i.e. a Microsoft MVP alumni); not a Technician.