I hate Windows 8... absolutely hate it.

[Robshe]

Windows 8 is the most horrible part of the pack of software ever written. It is entirely dishonorable. In addition to the deceitful add-pushing propose, it is exactly unsafe and full of virus.

 

[Ichinisan]

Windows 8 is the most horrible part of the pack of software ever written. It is entirely dishonorable. In addition to the deceitful add-pushing propose, it is exactly unsafe and full of virus.

Hyperbole.

"Full of virus"

No. Not really.

 

[ArisVer]

I have only been using windows 8.1 for a few weeks with my notebook. I don't know the differences between 8 and 8.1.
My first thought was to install classic shell but I wanted to look at the Windows 8/Metro as it is. It is usable with a mouse (I don't have a touch screen) and for any applications that are not pinned on the taskbar or have a shortcut on the desktop, I have to go to the start screen and down to the applications which is not much trouble. And there are newer and better features than 7. I don't like the new full screen applications (metro applications?) as I cannot resize their windows but everything else seems alright.
The only time I looked for something that I had to type was the "Startup Folder".
I think Windows 8 came too early. If Windows 10 was released before Windows 8, and after people got used to it Windows 8 got released, there wouldn't be too many screaming like the OP.

 

[ControlD]

I don't think thats accurate. A well designed OS dosent have to be learnt. Its one of the reasons apple has been so successful, people don't have to learn how to use their products, its pretty obvious how to use their products just by looking at the UI because in general they are very well designed.

Nothing about windows 8 or 8.1 was obvious or well designed.

I don't find OS X any more intuitive to use than Windows 8 personally, and we run both in my house. Every operating system is going to have some things to be learned. The idea that everything is simply so intuitive that it requires no learning time is just silly.

 

[Ichinisan]

Nope. Irfanview say can set up file extensions for all pictures, MPC-HC same for video files. Get your programs, associate away. Done. What meddling? Its part of setup. Same as you'd do with tired old 7.

Irfanview is great for converting formats, resizing, cropping, rotating, etc. However, it's a terrible preview / viewer application (or, at least the default settings are terrible for that purpose).

 

[ControlD]

Irfanview is great for converting formats, resizing, cropping, rotating, etc. However, it's a terrible preview / viewer application (or, at least the default settings are terrible for that purpose).

I have yet to find a better viewer than Faststone. It's a shame they don't have a Mac version really, and I never found anything remotely as good on OSX.

 

[balloonshark]

I have yet to find a better viewer than Faststone. It's a shame they don't have a Mac version really, and I never found anything remotely as good on OSX.

I agree. I like the fact I can right-click on a pic and everything I need is in that menu.