Holy Cow - Windows 8. OMG

[Mem]

Its fine that its not perfect, nobody expects it to be. Whats not fine is as soon as anybody criticises it or expresses a preference to the old start menu their opinions a written off as unimportant.

If they kept the old Start menu then there would be no change or progress so to speak,it was long overdue for a change IMHO almost 20 years so how long you want to keep it, 100 years?

I think the changes are welcome and something they can build on,I prefered DOS in the old days but had to except Windows way of doing things so can see it from both sides.


As to criticising well Win8 has had more then its fair share of that from both sides,having said that Microsoft won't be going back to the old ways from what I have read so makes it rather a moot point, obviously you can stick with a third party start menu and not move to the Win8 way of doing things.

 

[Mem]

Nm dp.

 

[WelshBloke]

I will dig up the paperwork as it is a registry hack to change the metro.

Registry hacks to make it workable are OK but reinstalling the old start menu isnt?

As for the multiple monitors, are you sure it is set up correctly? My set up at work has 4 screens, and works without issue.

On mine Metro starts up on the main monitor the other monitor remains on the desktop. If I click on the desktop I return to the desktop on both monitors.

And I do mean proper windowed apps, not that aero snap crap!

The only windowing I'm seeing in metro is apps snapping to the left or right of my main monitor. I'm not seeing any proper windowed apps. How would that work on metro anyway?

 

[WelshBloke]

If they kept the old Start menu then there would be no change or progress so to speak,it was long overdue for a change in IMHO almost 20 years so how long you want to keep it, 100 years?

Are you saying that the only way to advance computing is to dick around with the UI? That if they kept the old start menu they wouldnt be able to think of anyway to improve windows?

I think the changes are welcome and something they can build on,I prefered DOS in the old days but had to except Windows way of doing things so can see it from both sides.

I presume that you are speaking personally when you say the changes are welcome? You cant see that there might be a problem with the changes when any thread on Windows8 usually revolves around how to get it to work like windows7? Surely that must give you a hint that there is a problem?

As to criticising well Win8 has had more then its fair share of that from both sides,having said that Microsoft won't be going back to the old ways from what I have read so makes it rather a moot point, obviously you can stick with a third party start menu and not move to the Win8 way of doing things.

Its not just me thats sticking with the old start menu, its a vast majority of Windows users. Microsoft are going to have to face the fact that the way they have of doing things is not the way most of their customers want to do things.

 

[Mem]

Are you saying that the only way to advance computing is to dick around with the UI? That if they kept the old start menu they wouldnt be able to think of anyway to improve windows?



I presume that you are speaking personally when you say the changes are welcome? You cant see that there might be a problem with the changes when any thread on Windows8 usually revolves around how to get it to work like windows7? Surely that must give you a hint that there is a problem?




Its not just me thats sticking with the old start menu, its a vast majority of Windows users. Microsoft are going to have to face the fact that the way they have of doing things is not the way most of their customers want to do things.

My point was from Win95 to Win7 there was not a major change UI wise so was long overdue and you can't expect things to stay the same forever.

Second and last point,I don't use a third party mod and I know quite a few that don't as well,no right or wrong in that either way,but if Microsoft want to change it thats fine by me,I'm old school seen so many changes(Linux Distro's, pre windows etc..) that nothing phases me so to speak.


Microsoft may change their mind but I doubt it from what I have read ,sure you can bitch and moan(nothing wrong with that btw) and stay on the old way of doing things,but end of the day changes always come as you know with regards to operating systems.

The real question is what will you guys do if Microsoft stay on Metro and refuse to add the old style start menu even on Win9,10,11 etc stay on Win7?.

, its a vast majority of Windows users

Hard to say unless you do a world wide survey,AT forums count for less then 0.000000001 % of the world.

 

[bshole]

My point was from Win95 to Win7 there was not a major change UI wise so was long overdue and you can't expect things to stay the same forever.

Changes to the UI should INCREASE the productivity of the user. Past changes have done that. Is a user at least as productive on Windows 8 as they are on Windows 7? That is the metric that MATTERS for business.

Change for the sake of change may be good for MicroSoft but how is it good for the customer?

 

[Ketchup]

Changes to the UI should INCREASE the productivity of the user. Past changes have done that. Is a user at least as productive on Windows 8 as they are on Windows 7? That is the metric that MATTERS for business.

Change for the sake of change may be good for MicroSoft but how is it good for the customer?

For all we know, 8 could just be a test OS. Businesses are pretty happy with 7 (even XP for that matter) so by the time they look at upgrading, a future OS will be out anyway.

 

[Mem]

Changes to the UI should INCREASE the productivity of the user. Past changes have done that. Is a user at least as productive on Windows 8 as they are on Windows 7? That is the metric that MATTERS for business.

Change for the sake of change may be good for MicroSoft but how is it good for the customer?

I don't want to get into like or dislike or productivity thing(personally I find it just as fast productivity wise),however I do feel Win8 is a start of a new change from the old way and would not be surprised if it changes again down the road or improved etc...
I do think Microsoft won't go back to the old UI.

Change for the sake of change may be good for MicroSoft but how is it good for the customer?

Customer has some options they can either stay on an old OS or except the new changes (regardless of if its good or bad) or go with Linux etc.... and finally they can decide to play the waiting game and see what the future brings which goes back to first option I stated.

Good or bad is not always clear cut,companies will do what they think is in their best interest.

 

[nehalem256]

My point was from Win95 to Win7 there was not a major change UI wise so was long overdue and you can't expect things to stay the same forever.

Cars have been using steering wheels for 100+ years. Do you also think it is time to throw them out and replace it with something new?

The UI stayed the same, with minor changes, because it was a highly effective UI.

 

[Mem]

Cars have been using steering wheels for 100+ years. Do you also think it is time to throw them out and replace it with something new?

The UI stayed the same, with minor changes, because it was a highly effective UI.

So we should all go back the early Ford cars and not change anything,don't be silly ,

Main reason I can see for the change is to accomodate all modern hardware including tablets/phones etc..only Microsoft know what direction they want to go in,future is always uncertain.
Some things I agree with and some things I don't ,so that has always been the case with what I think of Microsoft so don't shoot the messenger .

Steering wise Honda has that already,

or Mercedes

 

[Ketchup]

Cars have been using steering wheels for 100+ years. Do you also think it is time to throw them out and replace it with something new?

I always thought it would be nice to have a steering wheel like the one in the original Batman series, but you know, wish in one hand...

And if you really need to compare using Windows to driving a car, you need a Windows-free vacation.

 

[ControlD]

Cars have been using steering wheels for 100+ years. Do you also think it is time to throw them out and replace it with something new?

The UI stayed the same, with minor changes, because it was a highly effective UI.

It was a highly effective UI for a traditional PC where the user is interacting with the system via a keyboard and mouse. I think if you ask just about anyone that has used a "tablet PC" (a tablet style device running Windows XP for example) how the experience is they would almost all say it sucks. Those controls were built with a pointing device more precise than a fat finger in mind. I think the whole idea of the modern interface is to converge all types of products (phone, tablet, PC) into one usable product. If that is MS's goal then for sure it is time for something new.

Personally, I don't like it either so I use a start menu replacement. At the same time I can fully understand why the change is being made.

 

[Pray To Jesus]

I fail to see why windows 8 is exactly bad. It isn't like the desktop went away, start screen is but a corner mouse movement away like moving your mouse to the corner for the start button. It however does have a lag time for bringing up the multitask bar for Modern applications and the full charm bar.

Other than that, you aren't in the start screen for long, you can begin typing in the start screen without first hitting the text box for searching like searching in the start button, full set of applications are shown by a right click in the start screen, the task manager has improved as well as file transfer status screens, it is more efficient than 7 is.

I really don't see why other than the initial first impressions.

See video for in-depth explanation of Windows 8 design flaws.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTYet-qf1jo&feature=youtu.be

 

[Pray To Jesus]

It was a highly effective UI for a traditional PC where the user is interacting with the system via a keyboard and mouse. I think if you ask just about anyone that has used a "tablet PC" (a tablet style device running Windows XP for example) how the experience is they would almost all say it sucks. Those controls were built with a pointing device more precise than a fat finger in mind. I think the whole idea of the modern interface is to converge all types of products (phone, tablet, PC) into one usable product. If that is MS's goal then for sure it is time for something new.

Personally, I don't like it either so I use a start menu replacement. At the same time I can fully understand why the change is being made.

One size fit all UI design is a bad philosophy as shown by the failure of Windows 8.

 

[ControlD]

One size fit all UI design is a bad philosophy as shown by the failure of Windows 8.

I tend to agree in regards to the design issues, but I will withhold calling Windows 8 a failure this early in the game and see what the future holds.

 

[Number1]

PC sales have steepest decline on record: IDC

"Microsoft's new Windows 8 actually deterred potential PC buyers, IDC said, as users felt they could not afford touch-screen models required to make the most of Windows 8, even though the system runs equally well on standard PCs and laptops.

"People think they have to have touch, and they go look at the price points for these touch machines, and they are above where they want to be and they say, 'I guess I'll wait,'" said Bob O'Donnell, an analyst at IDC."

Smart phones, tablets and Windows 8 hasten the PC’s plunge

My personal experience with win8 = total disaster, I reverted to win7

As recently as 2 weeks ago I was reconsidering and thinking of reinstaling it on my laptop. Last week I had the chance to play with a win8 laptop.
NEVERMIND, I had forgotten how god awful this win8 garbage was.

 

[bshole]

Wow, this is massive news. How much of this UNPRECEDENTED implosion is due to Windows 8 and how much is due to tablets? Is Windows in jeopardy?

I know NOBODY at work work wants Office365. The idea of MS changing the interface every 3 months on a whim scares the crap out of us. Why would MS think that any office professionals would want that? Surely their market research must have shown them the exact opposite.

 

[Gunbuster]

"People think they have to have touch, and they go look at the price points for these touch machines, and they are above where they want to be and they say, 'I guess I'll wait,'" said Bob O'Donnell, an analyst at IDC."

I find this hard to believe. So you're telling me that before windows 8 people who walked into the store with the intent to buy the cheapest laptop available didn't pay attention to ANY of the features on more expensive models. Now that Windows 8 arrives they refuse to buy the cheapest laptop they can, walk out of the store and tell IDC they had a sad feels?

This is simple to understand. We are post capacitor plague and hardware is refusing to die. Couple that with post XP systems being far more resistant to malware and viruses and you have a traditional PC living much longer.

 

[FeuerFrei]

I'm not ready for an OS upgrade but I went out and bought a copy of Windows 7, just so I can avoid Windows 8 for the foreseeable future. Hope I'm good for another 7 years. At that time maybe Microsoft will have changed course. Otherwise I have no idea what to do - Mac is never an option.

I did touch Windows 8 on a store display once. I couldn't even do something simple like browse pics, it just wanted to put a check mark next to them, not open them. Finally I got it to respond but it just froze up and I had no idea how to cancel out. I sat there and Alt+F4'd a bit then just walked off.

 

[ControlD]

I find this hard to believe. So you're telling me that before windows 8 people who walked into the store with the intent to buy the cheapest laptop available didn't pay attention to ANY of the features on more expensive models. Now that Windows 8 arrives they refuse to buy the cheapest laptop they can, walk out of the store and tell IDC they had a sad feels?

I agree. If there are people looking longingly at touch screen laptops it is because they are used to the touch interfaces that their phones and tablets already have. All of the sudden that laptop with the old fashioned keyboard and trackpad doesn't seem so exciting anymore.

 

[arsta]

First brief history.

I've been using windows/dos since the very first versions. Vax/VMS on the job before that. I ran OS2 Warp for a time. And of course MacOS, Linux and Solaris. I'm a solaris/storage guy during the day. So I've been around a few operating systems going back 20+ years.

I just bought my mom a new laptop and it came with Windows 8.

After 2 weeks of running the gambit I'm just floored at how awful Windows 8 is. Man. Give me Windows ME or Vista over this rubbish. Holy cow. I finally ripped it off and put on a hacked copy of Windows 7 after Dell refused to swap my restore CD with a Windows 7 one. (Even offered to pay for it)

Just baffled at what Microsoft was thinking. You would think they learned their lesson with Vista.

Anyone else just shocked at this version?

Pirating because the manufacturer doesn't provide you with something that is not included in the product description? Ok.

Windows Me/Vista - great comparison, you seem to have a problem dealing with new things. No offense.

 

[pmv]

Pirating because the manufacturer doesn't provide you with something that is not included in the product description? Ok.

Windows Me/Vista - great comparison, you seem to have a problem dealing with new things. No offense.

No offense, but I wish the neophilia afflictees would drop the silly 'if you don't like it its because you don't like new things' line?

Sensible people don't lap up everything indiscriminately solely because its 'new' (or by Microsoft), they make a judgement about what's right for them on a case-by-case basis. And, shock-horror, different people might come to different conclusions.

 

[Ketchup]

Pirating because the manufacturer doesn't provide you with something that is not included in the product description? Ok.

Windows Me/Vista - great comparison, you seem to have a problem dealing with new things. No offense.

Another thread lists a way to get your windows 8 license to work for 7, can't find it ATM but I saw the post last week.

A lot of people hate(d) Vista and ME (vista was slow, ME constantly crashed) so that comment has less to do with people hating new things, more to do with bad OSs.

I didn't see anything in that post about hating XP and 7.

You remind me of a comedian who did a skit on "No offense." The premise was that he could say whatever rude thing came to his head, as long as he followed it with the words "No offense."

 

[sao123]

Windows 8 is a mobile OS... twas never meant o be a desktop OS.
Microsof tis simply trying to kill off the desktop.

IMO they would support 7 alongside of 8 for the duration.

 

[vbuggy]

^ I freakin' love it on the desktop. Multimonitor needs work in the arrangement and ergonomics (not great to be tapping away on both monitors and then constantly need to put hands all the way down onto keyboard just for the Win key), but using it on e.g. the Dell XPS One 27" Touch is a blast, especially with a completely current app setup (i.e. Office 2013).

Then view the video. It explains why the UI is complete crap without a touchscreen.
Right-click on an icon on top of the screen and you get a pop-up bar at the bottom? It's a context menu...seriously. So retarded. Yeah people with carpal tunnel gonna love that...and others will get it.

So get a touchscreen. If you don't want touch stick with 7. Jeez, how hard is it for even morons to figure out? None of my W8 systems are non-touch (to use a double negative).