Windows 7 or Windows 8 - which is better for gamers?

Microsoft has turned up the performance screw in some areas of Windows 8 and added a few functions that consume more performance in other places.

In principle, however, it is not to be expected that the performance of games will be negatively affected when switching from Windows 7 to Windows 8.

Graphics card manufacturers such as Nvidia and AMD have been offering optimized drivers for a long time and ensure at least the same level of performance. Every gaming PC with Windows 8 therefore runs with the usual performance.

Any software (and pretty much any hardware) that runs on Windows 7 will also run flawlessly on Windows 8. Microsoft took this into account right from the start when developing its new OS. So there's no need to worry when it comes to compatibility.

When playing older titles, you can fall back on the compatibility mode, as usual with Windows 7. This ensures that games from the last decade can also be run.

However, caution is advised with the slimmed-down Windows RT edition: If you own a tablet with this edition, you can only install apps for the new start interface and no desktop applications. Conventional games can therefore not be installed. Instead, you can only use the apps from the Windows Store.

While the new user interface is debatable, Windows 8 does offer some improvements for gamers. For example, you can now purchase not only apps but also games directly via a unified store.

There are also many free, entertaining games. Paid games can also be tried out without obligation.

Owners of an Xbox 360 can also benefit from the extensive interaction between PC and console. With the Xbox SmartGlass app, the Xbox can be controlled from the PC. And with the direct integration of Xbox Live via the "Games" tile, you can also access the online network including statuses, friends and avatar from your PC.

In the future, if Microsoft's vision is to be followed, games will be started on the PC and then continued on the Xbox in the evening and on the smartphone on the way to work the next day.

However, there are not yet many games that support all three platforms - Xbox, Windows PC and Windows Phone.

(Photos: Screenshots from windows-tweaks.info)