Windows 8 review

[Cujet]

I recently installed Windows 8 (and a new solid state drive) on my older gaming computer.

As many of you know, Windows 8 is downright weird. The Metro page is annoying, difficult to configure, strange to navigate, and overall this version of Windows seems to be junk.

But, I installed a small, free program called "Start Menu 8", which brings back the classic start menu. There are other programs that do this too, some are free, some are not. Some might be better.

Anyway, This one change has turned Windows 8 into a winner. It's a powerful, capable operating system, with many features that are necessary for smooth operation in today's complex software environment. My computer is now easily configurable.

Don't consider Windows 8 to be a modern version of Windows ME or Vista. It's not. It's actually quite good.

 

[simple_gifts]

Corporations will insist on a boot up into a recognizable desktop at some point.

 

[94astro]

Windows8 is an excellent operating system. Once you understand the changes and are used to navigating around, it is far beyond anything ever offered. I started using 8 when it was just a review OS so by the time the final release was offered it was simple to use. Startup and shut down times are very fast as well as other improvements. Just my opinion.

 

[pbm]

I have heard nothing but negative on Windows 8.
It's generally from people like myself who are not very computer savvy and were comfortable with Windows 7 (and XP).

I'm sure computer geeks will love this new system but most of us don't want to invest the time to learn a new and different system....

 

[rfeir]

I am an experienced PC guy who loves to upgrade. I switched from 7 to eight early on. I tried and I tried but I did not like the experience. Yes, the Start Menu add on helped a lot. But I still did not like the experience on my super fast PC with a SSD main drive and 8 gigs of RAM and an Intel quad processor.

Little things, like the traditional games are gone. Both 7 and 8 are good operating systems, but I finally switched back to 7 and I once again have a smile on my face. I don't think I am alone.

 

[Azeem]

I love my windows 8 and its Ubuntu-esque layout,however, it's unstable with my audio driver every now and then.

 

[MrRPM]

I got a new laptop for Christmas with windows 8 and its now few 23. almost 2 months using it everyday and I still HATE it! I understand how it works now and havent even needed to change any settings but really I feel its horrible with no advantages over older versions. why fix something that aint broke with a completely different and confusing layout.

using the finger pad (laptop style) leaves me accidentally changing from page to page as i swipe side to side to move my mouse. frustrating

 

[itguy08]

I gave up on Windows back in 2002 and have not looked back. If you don't like Windows 8, pay the extra $$ and go Mac. Yes, it is a little more than a realy cheap Windows box, but you will get more life out of it (my main computer is a 2008 Mac), will have less issues, and and retraining will be minimal.

You could try Linux on your old PC too, but even as a Linux Admin by day, I still think desktop Linux is not ready for the average user.

I've played wi Win 8 and it really is horrible. People should return these systems and send a clear message to Microsoft that it is not anything that they want.

 

[Hermann]

Love and Hate relationship here. Hard to access your photo library and music. Love the fast screen changes and websites load super fast. Mine is running on a AMD A4 processor, 4GB RAM, and 500GB Hard drive . Hate the 3 hour virus scans. Love the rotating desktop backgrounds once your get it set up. Love the auto spell check feature when typing posts on forums. Love the way it handles the HD 17" widescreen when playing video. Lots of Love/Hate

 

[Bill in Utah]

I just got a new laptop and HATE Windows 8. Selling my 11.6 notebook and thinking of taking Win 7 off it, placing that one my new 13.3 inch and putting its win 8 on the for sale one.

I'll have to look at that shell in your first post.

Bill

 

[Dakota1820]

I also hated it. It was awkward and down right annoying.

 

[Bryankkkk]

I first tried it when it was early beta, just to try it. As soon as it hit rtm i installed it again on my laptop and havent looked back since. It boots up in seconds(Samsung 830 128 GB SSD)

Once you get used to the new interface it is so much quicker than the start button and win 7. I have had no hiccups, I tried the Start8 but uninstalled due to me wanting to give win 8 a chance. This is the first OS I ever bought, I pirate everything. I got Windows 8 Professional for 14.95 and Office 2013 Professional for 9.95. Cant beat it imo for less than 25 bucks.

 

[Cujet]

Originally Posted By: pbm
I have heard nothing but negative on Windows 8.


I'm sure computer geeks will love this new system but most of us don't want to invest the time to learn a new and different system....


That's my point. It is EXACTLY like 7, once you add "start menu 8" or other similar program. There is nothing new to learn.

 

[oilboy123]

Interesting about start menue 8. I will keep that in mind seeing as I'll be getting a Win 8 system soon.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I will confirm what others have said. After you disable the Windows 8 "metro" interface with something like Classic Shell, the OS is very nice. It's odd to have to install an app to disable some of the OS, but once you do, it runs great.

I H8 W8 stock, but love W8 with Classic Shell.

 

[mechtech2]

An ex Microshaft employee said every other operating system is a stop gap bleeding pile - sorry, the link is tough to find..
More money coming in, and buys time to gear up for the next good system, are reasons.

W8 is a stop gap from the excellent W7.

 

[Hermann]

Put Start Menu 8 on mine the other day. Now it does not take 5 minutes to find my pics, reboot, or hibernate among other functions. And the good part is it retains the quickness that I am fond of.

 

[xBa380]

I tend to skip every other OS... Had xp and had no interest in vista... got windows 7 now and really enjoy it, but no motivation at all to go to 8.

Windows 7 is plenty fast for me. Running on a quad core overclocked to 4.5Ghz, 16GB DDR3 ram, gtx 570 graphics card and 128gb SSD drive that the OS is installed on. Not including the 5TB in mechanical HD's installed for all my photos and backups.

 

[Brandon Gatz]

Using Windows 8 on a non-tablet device is like buying a prostitute and only getting a hug.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: xBa380
I tend to skip every other OS... Had xp and had no interest in vista... got windows 7 now and really enjoy it, but no motivation at all to go to 8.

Windows 7 is plenty fast for me.


My feelings exactly.