1st Experience with Windows 8

[cmaMath13]

I have been on this forum for many years, but normally don't post much. I wanted to share my opinion about my experience with Windows 8. I have not seen many positive post about the new OS.

Let me preface this post with the fact that I installed it on one of my secondary computers. Below are system specs to give you some idea of what kind of computer I was using.
http://sdrv.ms/TbZxES

http://sdrv.ms/V0PyCE

The system has WinXP was was running fine. I wondered if the OS was holding it back at all. Plus, I have been interested in what Windows 8 was like. I figured $40 to update it and play with new OS was worth it.

I have been using it for about 24 hours and I really like the OS! It certainly is different and is forcing me to relearn some things, but it's learning curve is that bad. I really like the customization you can make within the system. Overall, the computer feels like a NEW computer. It boots fast and shuts now fast. Added printer with no trouble. Connecting to anything online is cake.

Obviously, there is still a lot I need to figure out with this OS. If things continue to work as easily as the have so far, then I am considering upgrading my main system to Windows 8. It seems to me that this OS is an evolutionary step that needed to take place.

I am not trying to be a Microsoft fanboy, but I really don't want to see Microsoft fail. I have been using their OS'es most of my adult life. I love my PC and microsoft has been a big reason for it.

If you are thinking about trying out Windows 8, then I encourage you to do so. I don't think you will reget it. Just make sure you do your research before making the jump. You can't even buy a new game for $40.

 

[colonelciller]

You can't even buy a new game for $40.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2219651

 

[cmaMath13]

Ah! Note the key word "NEW"...

 

[colonelciller]

 

[Pr0d1gy]

I agree. It took me a couple of days to really get it down but I am loving Windows 8.

 

[cmaMath13]

I agree. It took me a couple of days to really get it down but I am loving Windows 8.

Cool! I'm glad you like it! Have you ran into any issues? For example, a program or piece of hardware that doesn't work.

 

[sportage]

Really nice on a touch screen. I need never touch the mouse or keyboard anymore.
Only by force of habit once in a while, them I slap my wrist.
I'm amazed how speedy one can become with a powerful and responsive touchscreen, and a finger.
Like conducting an orchestra of sorts.

Ps. The popup keyboard beats any physical board hands down.

 

[cmaMath13]

Really nice on a touch screen. I need never touch the mouse or keyboard anymore.
Only by force of habit once in a while, them I slap my wrist.
I'm amazed how speedy one can become with a powerful and responsive touchscreen, and a finger.
Like conducting an orchestra of sorts.

Ps. The popup keyboard beats any physical board hands down.

Nice! Thanks for your input. I assume you are using it on a tablet device?

 

[Jman13]

I really like it too, and I thought I was going to hate it. I even like the Metro stuff. It's fast, sleek and works well.

 

[Chiropteran]

I'm glad you like it so far, but why 32 bit? You should install the 64bit version of Windows 8 so you can use your full 4GB of RAM.

 

[cmaMath13]

I'm glad you like it so far, but why 32 bit? You should install the 64bit version of Windows 8 so you can use your full 4GB of RAM.

I guess I didn't realize it was the 32-Bit version. I don't remember seeing that as an option. I certainly didn't make the choice of 32-bit intentionally.

Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[cmaMath13]

I just installed windows 8 Pro on my main systems. SUPER EASY! Kept all my setting and software. Wow!

 

[cmaMath13]

So far, so good. Really enjoy customizations of Windows 8. Systems has been stable. Only have had 2 issues:
1) Games have worked fine, but I did have to Re-install L4D2. Now it's working fine.
2) ITunes notified that an updated version existed. Half way through the download/install I got error message saying hard drive had no space left. Rebooted and tried again. Same result. ITunes works fine, but I can update for some reason. BTW, there is plenty of space on both C and D drive.

 

[cmaMath13]

Ok. Figured it out! I found a posting on a forum for similar issue. I just plugged a flash card from my camera to occupy the "E: drive". Then it updated fine.

Seems like more of my fault or Itunes, then Windows 8.

 

[charlywiggin]

idk..co-worker said to steer away and buy copy of windows7 as they will become limited...

 

[Mem]

idk..co-worker said to steer away and buy copy of windows7 as they will become limited...

Unfortunately you always get FUD floating around,all I can say is try it yourself and use it for more then 5 mins.

 

[cmaMath13]

I am 100% happy with my $40 purchase. Very nice OS. Takes multi-tasking to the next level.

 

[fire400]

lots of bugs and limitations compared to the perceived hype.

the new start menu is ugly, sloppy and limited to traditional and new players.

 

[cmaMath13]

I have been running window 8 on my main home computer for just over a week now. I haven't experienced any major issues thus far.
*Working with the start up screen take a little adjusting, but has some nice features.
*It's nice to be able to quickly access some of my favorite app.
*I am surprised how even my old software that I have been running since WinXP still functions correctly in Window 8. For example, I still run an older version of Geometer's Sketchpad. Probably about 10 years old. No issues.
*Once your in the desktop, it feels very much like Windows 7. I haven't missed the start button.

 

[Mem]

I have been running window 8 on my main home computer for just over a week now. I haven't experienced any major issues thus far.
*Working with the start up screen take a little adjusting, but has some nice features.
*It's nice to be able to quickly access some of my favorite app.
*I am surprised how even my old software that I have been running since WinXP still functions correctly in Window 8. For example, I still run an older version of Geometer's Sketchpad. Probably about 10 years old. No issues.
*Once your in the desktop, it feels very much like Windows 7. I haven't missed the start button.

I don't miss the start button at all now,got the desktop customized perfectly,I also had a beta invite yesterday for Firefall so been beta testing that with Win8,been solid so far,not had any issues,very polished new OS by Microsoft.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

Cool! I'm glad you like it! Have you ran into any issues? For example, a program or piece of hardware that doesn't work.

Just flash doesn't seem to work on some websites even if it is updated. This is only with the Metro built in Bing fronted IE browser it loads by default. Firefox works just fine if it is a big problem for you.

 

[cmaMath13]

I don't miss the start button at all now,got the desktop customized perfectly,I also had a beta invite yesterday for Firefall so been beta testing that with Win8,been solid so far,not had any issues,very polished new OS by Microsoft.

That's awesome! Glad you like it!

 

[kami333]

Another recent switcher here, went from XP to Win8 last week. I used the updater from XP 32bit and had a hard time upgrading to 64bit. The only way I could figure out how to do it was to buy the upgrade, then make a temp install of 64bit from a disk, then redownload the customized ISO.

Any good resources to make the switch easier? I'm getting better but finding settings and navigating around seems to be taking longer than it should be.

 

[jhansman]

I had to laugh the other day. I installed Win8, and before I installed one of the utils that bypasses the stock Metro screen (or, whatever it's called), I asked my wife to come in and see what she thought. She took one look, paused, and said "Cool. I can figure that out." This from the most non-tech person I know. I actually expected her to holler "What the hell? What is that?" I seems she already knew. Still trying to figure out what to make of that.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

Still trying to figure out what to make of that.

Maybe she isn't stuck in the 90's?