Things I have read say don't do the 8.1 win thing. They say you can't delete it. You have to patch it, or repair or some sort.
Windows 8 steep learning curve
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My brother in CA, the rebuilder of Dell laptops, told me today to go to classicshell.net . He has 2 computers running Win 8, both with a shell/skin from this website. I told him about the new desktop, & he *Strongly* recommended that I get the shell before doing anything else. It's free, he's been using it happily for some time now, & he makes his living working with computers.
Just a thought.
My brother in CA, the rebuilder of Dell laptops, told me today to go to classicshell.net . He has 2 computers running Win 8, both with a shell/skin from this website. I told him about the new desktop, & he *Strongly* recommended that I get the shell before doing anything else. It's free, he's been using it happily for some time now, & he makes his living working with computers.
Just a thought.
There is free and for pay software like Start8 and classic shell that can make Windows 8 more useable. And there is information at the Windows Supersite how to make Windows 8.1 more like a traditional desktop. But personally I feel I will skip Windows 8 if I can. Microsoft occasionally comes out with dud operating systems. It is sort of enjoyable watching Windows 8 twist slowly, slowly in the wind.
Microsoft simply can't stop supporting the millions of people using Windows 7. If they do they are insane. It should be possible to use Windows 7 for several years. Now when Windows 9 comes along and if it also appears to be a dud it might be time for people to start considering switching to Apple or even Linux. I could unhook my Windows and Apple computers from the internet and keep using the software on them for several years. And maybe use a Linux computer for the internet and email, etc. After all, I can't give up bobistheoilguy.com.
Microsoft simply can't stop supporting the millions of people using Windows 7. If they do they are insane. It should be possible to use Windows 7 for several years. Now when Windows 9 comes along and if it also appears to be a dud it might be time for people to start considering switching to Apple or even Linux. I could unhook my Windows and Apple computers from the internet and keep using the software on them for several years. And maybe use a Linux computer for the internet and email, etc. After all, I can't give up bobistheoilguy.com.
This thread is making me depressed. There's just too much gloom and doom in the world.
I didn't find Win 8 to have a steep learning curve at all. In fact it didn't take very long to catch on, I just didn't like the program. To me its like Vista, a generation of Windows that can easily be skipped and you won't be missing anything. JMO after trying it.
I had windows 8 trial version installed as dual boot for almost 90 days and used it pretty much exclusively. I found it pretty good overall, but I could not put up with the Metro UI and had to install Pokki start button (just another free option to classic shell and other such programs).
It performed very well in that period of time with no freezing or unexpected shut downs.
All in all I found it not as bad as internet makes it out to be. Would I pay for it to upgrade my machine? No, because there were certain things that MS should fix, but I would not mind it if I was buying a brand new computer.
It performed very well in that period of time with no freezing or unexpected shut downs.
All in all I found it not as bad as internet makes it out to be. Would I pay for it to upgrade my machine? No, because there were certain things that MS should fix, but I would not mind it if I was buying a brand new computer.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I didn't find Win 8 to have a steep learning curve at all. In fact it didn't take very long to catch on, I just didn't like the program. To me its like Vista, a generation of Windows that can easily be skipped and you won't be missing anything. JMO after trying it.
Maybe Windows versions are like Star Trek movies.
I didn't find Win 8 to have a steep learning curve at all. In fact it didn't take very long to catch on, I just didn't like the program. To me its like Vista, a generation of Windows that can easily be skipped and you won't be missing anything. JMO after trying it.
Maybe Windows versions are like Star Trek movies.
Everybody seems to be saying basically the same things about Windows 8. It is really not a bad operating system-better in some ways than Windows 7. It has somewhat better security, native USB 3 support, can be installed faster, has good backup, starts up quickly, etc.
The really bad thing is the silly UI. The way it is set up it is like somebody at Microsoft who apparently has a distorted image of the world figures everybody very soon is going to a touch screen tablet computer. Even if every single ordinary person does that (not likely) businesses will typically still want a desktop UI. Somebody who has too much power and apparently not enough common sense at Microsoft needs to get a clue. No matter what happens in the future, and even if tablet computers do become the number one computer in the world, there will be desktop computers far into the future. The sad thing is that Microsoft really could have leaped ahead of Apple with Windows 8 if they had just made it possible for Windows 8 to be set up for whatever device it was going to be on-cellphone, tablet computer, laptop computer or desktop. Go to Infoworld and look up 'Windows Red.'
At the Windows Supersite it is explained how to set up Windows 8.1 so that a person can use the desktop better. Otherwise, there is various software that can be used.
If Windows 8.1 is set up so that it is better suited for a desktop computer I really have no problem with it. But there are other potential issues such as if Microsoft tries to lock customers in to the Windows Store, etc. Apple already kind of does that but I think Apple is better in its execution of the Apple App Store.
There are things to be concerned about in the future that go way beyond Windows 8 (8.1). Microsoft could go to some goofy subscription service where you basically rent Microsoft software such as Office 365. Right now they have said they are not going to do that. But Adobe has already done that with the Creative Cloud software.
Subscription services may be better for security but they also lock out independent developers, unless those developers sell their software through the Apple App Store or the Windows Store. And I don't know if security really is improved that much because according to what I have heard the Adobe Creative Cloud has already been cracked and pirate copies are apparently available.
The really bad thing is the silly UI. The way it is set up it is like somebody at Microsoft who apparently has a distorted image of the world figures everybody very soon is going to a touch screen tablet computer. Even if every single ordinary person does that (not likely) businesses will typically still want a desktop UI. Somebody who has too much power and apparently not enough common sense at Microsoft needs to get a clue. No matter what happens in the future, and even if tablet computers do become the number one computer in the world, there will be desktop computers far into the future. The sad thing is that Microsoft really could have leaped ahead of Apple with Windows 8 if they had just made it possible for Windows 8 to be set up for whatever device it was going to be on-cellphone, tablet computer, laptop computer or desktop. Go to Infoworld and look up 'Windows Red.'
At the Windows Supersite it is explained how to set up Windows 8.1 so that a person can use the desktop better. Otherwise, there is various software that can be used.
If Windows 8.1 is set up so that it is better suited for a desktop computer I really have no problem with it. But there are other potential issues such as if Microsoft tries to lock customers in to the Windows Store, etc. Apple already kind of does that but I think Apple is better in its execution of the Apple App Store.
There are things to be concerned about in the future that go way beyond Windows 8 (8.1). Microsoft could go to some goofy subscription service where you basically rent Microsoft software such as Office 365. Right now they have said they are not going to do that. But Adobe has already done that with the Creative Cloud software.
Subscription services may be better for security but they also lock out independent developers, unless those developers sell their software through the Apple App Store or the Windows Store. And I don't know if security really is improved that much because according to what I have heard the Adobe Creative Cloud has already been cracked and pirate copies are apparently available.
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Originally Posted By: Mystic
Everybody seems to be saying basically the same things about Windows 8. It is really not a bad operating system-better in some ways than Windows 7. It has somewhat better security, native USB 3 support, can be installed faster, has good backup, starts up quickly, etc.
The really bad thing is the silly UI.
+1
It's quick and works well, but the interface is terrible. It was designed for tablets, so using it on a standard laptop sucks.
I was able to disable most of the stupid swipe commands. I was accidentally triggering the swipe commands like 40 times a day when using the track pad. You can't easily disable all of them, but you can disable most of them.
Everybody seems to be saying basically the same things about Windows 8. It is really not a bad operating system-better in some ways than Windows 7. It has somewhat better security, native USB 3 support, can be installed faster, has good backup, starts up quickly, etc.
The really bad thing is the silly UI.
+1
It's quick and works well, but the interface is terrible. It was designed for tablets, so using it on a standard laptop sucks.
I was able to disable most of the stupid swipe commands. I was accidentally triggering the swipe commands like 40 times a day when using the track pad. You can't easily disable all of them, but you can disable most of them.
I don't know if this will help you or not stephen9666 but at the Windows Supersite website there is an article about how to make Windows 8.1 more like the Windows 7 desktop. It was written a few days back so you will have to look for it.
I cannot understand why Microsoft seems to be unwilling to admit they made a mistake with Windows 8 and try to correct the mistake. Maybe Windows 8.1 is supposed to be that correction but it still needs work. Under the goofy UI is actually not a bad operating system at all. I even like the new appearance myself-Windows 7 seems a little gaudy to me. I should say the appearance of the desktop.
While Microsoft waits PC sales are down and Microsoft is probably losing billions of dollars. Too much power and arrogance and not enough common sense in my opinion.
I cannot understand why Microsoft seems to be unwilling to admit they made a mistake with Windows 8 and try to correct the mistake. Maybe Windows 8.1 is supposed to be that correction but it still needs work. Under the goofy UI is actually not a bad operating system at all. I even like the new appearance myself-Windows 7 seems a little gaudy to me. I should say the appearance of the desktop.
While Microsoft waits PC sales are down and Microsoft is probably losing billions of dollars. Too much power and arrogance and not enough common sense in my opinion.
Windows 8 learning curve isn't that big. It took me no time, maybe 15min total to figure out how to do everything I wanted on it. At that point, I realized this is the dumbest, worst organized OS I have ever seen for a desktop or laptop. It didn't take me long at all to realize it was terrible.
And the not closing programs is just pathetic on so many levels.
And the not closing programs is just pathetic on so many levels.
Originally Posted By: dparm
Originally Posted By: JGmazda
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I'm still using Window XP. I tried my wife laptop with Window 7 and don't like it.
Good for you! Same here! I have no reason to upgrade. Who needs a more complicated OS? They could have "enhanced" the user experience, not complicate it.
XP is EOL. Even for business customers the extended support is over next April. They're not patching security holes anymore, and XP is not going to take full advantage of newer hardware.
I'd suggest going to Windows 7 very soon.
I will look into Window's 7. Thanks!
Originally Posted By: JGmazda
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I'm still using Window XP. I tried my wife laptop with Window 7 and don't like it.
Good for you! Same here! I have no reason to upgrade. Who needs a more complicated OS? They could have "enhanced" the user experience, not complicate it.
XP is EOL. Even for business customers the extended support is over next April. They're not patching security holes anymore, and XP is not going to take full advantage of newer hardware.
I'd suggest going to Windows 7 very soon.
I will look into Window's 7. Thanks!
I just got a lenovo desktop for less than the price of its parts, because it came with Win 8. (This reminds me of "The Simpsons" where Chief Wiggum uses Hootie & the Blowfish cassettes because they were cheaper than blank tape.) I put classicshell on it and now believe I'm killing programs when I close them.
At work I have a program that's basically a file sorting/ watch folder/ transfer thing which I need closed when I'm working or it steals my work and sends it away.
Clearly my workflow idea is something the geniuses at MS hadn't thought through.
At work I have a program that's basically a file sorting/ watch folder/ transfer thing which I need closed when I'm working or it steals my work and sends it away.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
I just got a lenovo desktop for less than the price of its parts, because it came with Win 8. (This reminds me of "The Simpsons" where Chief Wiggum uses Hootie & the Blowfish cassettes because they were cheaper than blank tape.) I put classicshell on it and now believe I'm killing programs when I close them.
At work I have a program that's basically a file sorting/ watch folder/ transfer thing which I need closed when I'm working or it steals my work and sends it away.
Clearly my workflow idea is something the geniuses at MS hadn't thought through.
Wow that's enough reason for me to be very happy with my Win 7 machine purchase. Seems like Win 8 is the new Vista.
I just got a lenovo desktop for less than the price of its parts, because it came with Win 8. (This reminds me of "The Simpsons" where Chief Wiggum uses Hootie & the Blowfish cassettes because they were cheaper than blank tape.) I put classicshell on it and now believe I'm killing programs when I close them.
At work I have a program that's basically a file sorting/ watch folder/ transfer thing which I need closed when I'm working or it steals my work and sends it away.
Wow that's enough reason for me to be very happy with my Win 7 machine purchase. Seems like Win 8 is the new Vista.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Wow that's enough reason for me to be very happy with my Win 7 machine purchase. Seems like Win 8 is the new Vista.
Not really. Vista was a solid OS. The difference between it and Win7 is not much at all.
Wow that's enough reason for me to be very happy with my Win 7 machine purchase. Seems like Win 8 is the new Vista.
Not really. Vista was a solid OS. The difference between it and Win7 is not much at all.
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Originally Posted By: badtlc
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Wow that's enough reason for me to be very happy with my Win 7 machine purchase. Seems like Win 8 is the new Vista.
Not really. Vista was a solid OS. The difference between it and Win7 is not much at all.
In my circle of friends and business associates Vista sucked. XP and Win 7 were the real winners. I currently own three computers and run XP, Vista, and Win 7. Win 7 is the clear winner with XP taking second place. Vista and Win 8 will probably go down in history as two dogs from MSFT. Opinions differ.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Wow that's enough reason for me to be very happy with my Win 7 machine purchase. Seems like Win 8 is the new Vista.
Not really. Vista was a solid OS. The difference between it and Win7 is not much at all.
In my circle of friends and business associates Vista sucked. XP and Win 7 were the real winners. I currently own three computers and run XP, Vista, and Win 7. Win 7 is the clear winner with XP taking second place. Vista and Win 8 will probably go down in history as two dogs from MSFT. Opinions differ.
Nobody can argue that Windows XP and Windows 7 were the most successful in the marketplace. Personally I think Windows 8 is not bad 'under the hood' but they have good mechanicals covered by a really trashy body. They need to lose the trashy body and put a decent body on those mechanicals. If anybody decides to use Windows 8 I recommend Start8. For $5.00 it can fix some problems with Windows UI. When they come out with Windows 8.1 there are some things that can be done to improve it.
Originally Posted By: Mystic
When they come out with Windows 8.1 there are some things that can be done to improve it.
As I stated above, W8.1 is not much different. Still no traditional Start Menu unless you go third-party. The only significant change, IMO, was the ability to boot straight to the Windows desktop (which the third-party tools had added anyways).
When they come out with Windows 8.1 there are some things that can be done to improve it.
As I stated above, W8.1 is not much different. Still no traditional Start Menu unless you go third-party. The only significant change, IMO, was the ability to boot straight to the Windows desktop (which the third-party tools had added anyways).
Install the Classic Start menu from www.ninite.com. Free. Good. Puts the start button AND the start menu back. Just like it's supposed to be.
And it's free. Wildly popular!
There, now you have the desktop experience back, like it should have been since Win8 was released.
Done.
And it's free. Wildly popular!
There, now you have the desktop experience back, like it should have been since Win8 was released.
Done.
It is a solid OS with a lousy UI. It feels like a port of a tablet OS. The market is in transition and I understand touch interfaces are gaining in popularity but they are by no means ubiquitous on PCs yet. It seems inconceivable that MS would fail to build windows 8 with the option to configure it for touch or more traditional input methods.
I have used start8 and it surely helps. I also installed 8.1 and I will admit the options to make it more keyboard and mouse friendly do help a lot. However, they still are not providing what a huge majority of their customer base is screaming for. It is a shame that we have to turn to third-party apps. or a rushed service pack to deliver what they already had in the previous versions.
I am very tempted to purchase Windows 7 and install it on my new laptop just as I had to do for my wife's laptop when we bought it last Christmas. The tick-tock in desirability of Windows iterations almost makes me think they release a lemon every other version so they can sell more software. You get the OEMs buying the new version and the public and enterprise consumers purchasing the previous version to load onto their new computers to render them usable again.
I have used start8 and it surely helps. I also installed 8.1 and I will admit the options to make it more keyboard and mouse friendly do help a lot. However, they still are not providing what a huge majority of their customer base is screaming for. It is a shame that we have to turn to third-party apps. or a rushed service pack to deliver what they already had in the previous versions.
I am very tempted to purchase Windows 7 and install it on my new laptop just as I had to do for my wife's laptop when we bought it last Christmas. The tick-tock in desirability of Windows iterations almost makes me think they release a lemon every other version so they can sell more software. You get the OEMs buying the new version and the public and enterprise consumers purchasing the previous version to load onto their new computers to render them usable again.
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