Windows 8 Dev Preview

[Aikouka]

I think it's fine for a tablet, but do not force me to use that on a desktop. I think Anand mentioned one of the worst aspects on the desktop, and that's how little the mouse is designed to work with the Metro UI. Not being able to click and drag to scroll around is the most awkward.

I actually don't really mind the whole suspend aspect of applications. It's awkward, but it doesn't seem to cause any problems. I don't know how necessary it is for SSD users though... applications load ridiculously fast with them anyway.

The new task manager looks awesome though

Heh, I think that's my favorite part of Windows 8 as well. It might make it more cluttered, but I do wish that it would also include category totals. So where it had the system programs/services, it would have a total for what they are using, and what the user applications are using. There's already an entire row for the category.

Also, you should be able to cork/uncork (I believe that's the proper term for the +/-) a category.

 

[Spicedaddy]

Works in VMware Workstation, I had to get version 8.

Windows 8 is looking good, but this preview is meant to show the Metro UI. Anybody know how you exit out of apps with a kb/mouse?

 

[yinan]

I couldnt get it to load on ESXi. It would get to the "Windows Developer Preview" then reboot. Not a good sign.

 

[JackMDS]

Works in VMware Workstation, I had to get version 8.

Windows 8 is looking good, but this preview is meant to show the Metro UI. Anybody know how you exit out of apps with a kb/mouse?

Point the mouse to beyond the down left side of the screen the Start pop up click on it and it will take back to the Metro start.

Some application have additional option that come up by right clicking on their full screen.

 

[CSMR]

They will need to get metro apps working in a normal desktop.
If not then we have metro apps for metro desktop and separate normal apps for normal desktop. Almost as bad as dual-booting two OSes.

The division in programming between metro and the normal desktop is looking worrying. (See the chart for example http://www.readwriteweb.com/hack/2011/09/build-2011-what-is-winrt-and-i.php .) WinRT is the GUI framework for metro that can be accessed from many languages (including .NET languages, C++ and javascript). Great, but why isn't this the case for the desktop? On the desktop you can use many languages, but with different presentation frameworks. WPF/silverlight for managed - windows forms for everything, but we don't want to be there!

 

[blurredvision]

I was finally able to get the preview installed, had to go with the 32-bit and install on a separate partition. Posting from inside now. This is....interesting. I'm figuring out some bits and pieces here and there, but I'm not really feeling the transition between metro and classic desktop quite yet.

From what I've seen thus far, though, it feels like an awesome tablet interface.

 

[JackMDS]

In general, guys do not be too egocentric.

Millions of people bought PCs during the last 10 years and ended up only using them for Web surfing, email, and such basic activities.

They never buy any additional piece of software, they just use the few apps that came with the computers. Word Pad is their complicated word processor (as oppose to the uncomplicated Text Pad).

I have many friends that know that their computer runs Windows. However, when I ask them which version are they using? They do not know what I am talking about.

In most cases (when I look into it) they have an inexpensive Dell/HP from years ago running Win XP Home.

This huge group of people was never catered to by the computer industry. At best they were confused by an Industry that caters to business and enthusiasts.

The Touch/Tile interface with the simple self installed Apps that can get into the computer via the online apps store (after checked by the store that the App is working and secured) will finally embrace these groups of millions into the 21st century.

 

[T101]

I have been trying WIndows 8 out in VirtualBox today, and I can not believe it. As a mouse and keyboard user I feel so nerfed it just cant be true. And no easy access to switch between windows, because now every application is a fullscreen application. I feel as if I am back to the clumsiness of MS-Dos where I cant easily switch between several windows open on one screen to access information from them all....

 

[MBrown]

In general guys, do not be too egocentric.

Millions of people bought PCs during the last 10 years and ended up only using them for Web surfing, email, and such basic activities.

They never buy any additional piece of software, they just use the few apps that came with the computers. Word Pad is their complicated word processor (as oppose to the uncomplicated Text Pad).

I have many friends that know that their computer runs Windows. However, when I ask them which version are they using? They do not know what I am talking about.

In most cases (when I look into it) they have an inexpensive Dell/HP from years ago running Win XP Home.

This huge group of people was never catered to by the computer industry. At best they were confused by an Industry that caters to business and enthusiasts.

The Touch/Tile interface with the simple self installed Apps that can get into the computer via the online apps store (after checked that they are working and secured) will finally embrace these group of millions into the 21st century.

This.

 

[asuka10456]

Installing on my laptop at the moment, anything I should know or any tips? What cool features should I be looking forward too ?

 

[warrax10]

This article http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/ne...-a-tablet-operating-system-for-the-pc-age.ars seems to indicate that the desktop is not too radically different then win7.

Installing on my laptop at the moment, anything I should know or any tips? What cool features should I be looking forward too ?

If its not too much trouble could you report back on your feelings about the power consumption of the OS? Nothing too technical just, it feels about the same or better or worst is fine. I'm really curious to see if the power management has been improved.

Thnaks,

 

[kingbee1333]

After trying the developer preview for an hour or so I have some doubts, I keep telling myself its jsut a prebeta and not feature complete. I don't mind changes like the ribbon interface, the metro ui looks good for tablets. I would like a classic option that restores an actual start menu for the desktop, it seems pretty handicapped having to go to metro ui to launch a program.

My biggest concern is the fact the login is a windows live id, maybe this is just for the preview? I dont want my user credentials stored in the cloud.

Having said that, I'm probably overreacting, microsoft certianly isnt adverse to releasing multiple SKUs perhaps this preview is just the most tablet centric version.

 

[Binky]

Could somebody post complete details on a VMware installation, preferably one of the free versions like VMplayer or VMserver? I wouldn't mind playing with this but there's no chance I'll install it on a real drive.

 

[Lazarus52980]

Does anyone know if it's possible to install this on a tablet? If I buy an Android tablet PC, could I wipe out the install and install windows 8 on top of it? Any idea how we could do that?

 

[Dominato3r]

What would be the best way to install this thing for a person that doesnt know shit and just wants to look around?

 

[Aikouka]

In general, guys do not be too egocentric.

One of the first things I considered when using the Metro UI is how well it would work for the computer illiterate, but I'm certainly not going to ignore my own wants and desires in an operating system. Although, it's probably safe to say that the point of this developer preview is more about showing off Metro than anything. I would assume that in a more polished product, part of the user setup process will involve choosing a basic (Metro) or advanced (classic) mode (similar to other applications).

Along those lines, I did find the use of Live ID interesting.

 

[JackMDS]

Does anyone know if it's possible to install this on a tablet? If I buy an Android tablet PC, could I wipe out the install and install windows 8 on top of it? Any idea how we could do that?

I do not think that any of the Android tablets can run Win 7 or 8.

I run Win 7 on this tablet, http://www.exopc.com/

I need it for work so I am not going to put Win8 preBeta on it.

When a stable Win8 beta comes out (probably in few months) I would try it on the EXOPC.

Right Now I am using Win 8 on a spare Athlon x2 4000.

BTW. Benchmarking from the Desktop with general synthetic Bench mark yield the same reading as Win 7 across all the measures.

Only the Video OGL readings are low as compare to Win 7 with nVidia recent drivers. I guess it is because Win 8 installs generic drivers. I did not have the chance to try nVidia Win 7 newer driver on it.

 

[blurredvision]

I think one of the downsides to releasing this developer preview to anybody with the means to download it is that it's definitely in a state that's mainly for tablets or touch interfaces. Some of you are talking about how it's a step backwards when you're mousing through an interface that's designed for touch.

In my hour or two of playing around with it, it very much feels like Windows 7 with a new touch UI built-in. Microsoft will have to be really careful to market this appropriately, otherwise people will continue to make comments like they already are in this thread.

On a side note, anybody else get a big grin on their face the first time they took a look at the "advanced" task manager?

 

[Spikesoldier]

I think one of the downsides to releasing this developer preview to anybody with the means to download it is that it's definitely in a state that's mainly for tablets or touch interfaces. Some of you are talking about how it's a step backwards when you're mousing through an interface that's designed for touch.

In my hour or two of playing around with it, it very much feels like Windows 7 with a new touch UI built-in. Microsoft will have to be really careful to market this appropriately, otherwise people will continue to make comments like they already are in this thread.

On a side note, anybody else get a big grin on their face the first time they took a look at the "advanced" task manager?

new task manager looks very nice. i like the revamp they did.

only app i have problems with is skype. it keeps crashing for me, but was working absolutely fine the first couple of hours after install, even with video chat.

going to load up and play a couple games tonight and see how that goes. the beta driver sees my crossfire setup fine, but catalysts wont install.

 

[bfdd]

Coworker, who is at BUILD, told me the tab is incredibly powerful, more so than what Windows 8 seems to require, but the software is kind of buggy and needs some polish.

 

[jsedlak]

I think one of the downsides to releasing this developer preview to anybody with the means to download it is that it's definitely in a state that's mainly for tablets or touch interfaces. Some of you are talking about how it's a step backwards when you're mousing through an interface that's designed for touch.

In my hour or two of playing around with it, it very much feels like Windows 7 with a new touch UI built-in. Microsoft will have to be really careful to market this appropriately, otherwise people will continue to make comments like they already are in this thread.

On a side note, anybody else get a big grin on their face the first time they took a look at the "advanced" task manager?

I think the biggest problem for me is that my reliance on the Windows key to get to the start menu is completely useless and provides my with a bone jarring experience in W8. If that's a good choice, I'll accept it, adapt and move on. As of right now though, it sticks out as something that rocks the boat. I recognize, as well, that the Windows key is probably the only key that it makes sense to attach the functionality to.

 

[Spikesoldier]

i miss the run command and how i could hit windows key and immediately type what app i wanted to run.

 

[Dahak]

I have used it a bit on and off all afternoon. The metro ui, its annoying as a desktop but will be sweet for a tablet or phone.

I just hope this build is just focused at table, but hopefully later ones will be what it actually will turn out as. ie metro can be turned off for desktop / laptop. If not this is going to hurt

i miss the run command and how i could hit windows key and immediately type what app i wanted to run.

yea I miss that already.

Could somebody post complete details on a VMware installation, preferably one of the free versions like VMplayer or VMserver? I wouldn't mind playing with this but there's no chance I'll install it on a real drive.

I just used virtualbox and it seems fine, I had tried vm workstation 7 but it kept crashing

Does anyone know if it's possible to install this on a tablet? If I buy an Android tablet PC, could I wipe out the install and install windows 8 on top of it? Any idea how we could do that?

Not with this build as its either x86 in 32 or 64 bit

What would be the best way to install this thing for a person that doesnt know shit and just wants to look around?

download virtualbox, free vm software and you can install in that

 

[CVSiN]

ok HTF is one supposed to CLOSE windows so they dont stay resident?
metro is worthless.

I do not EVER see companies using this in a corp environment..

we laoded it up here to test and noone can figure out how to do anything other than look at the damn social feeds etc by pushing the start button..

 

[vbuggy]

I've stuck it on a spare X201T on a spare SSD.

Actually running well, though the Metro interface is... well, superficial at best at the moment, and touch definitely needs work at this point in time. Still, an interesting preview.