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Care to share postive experiences ?

Discussion in 'Legacy Windows' started by tigerbright, 2012/10/31.

  1. 2012/10/31
    tigerbright

    tigerbright Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hi , I installed 64bit Windows 8 pro upgrade and prefer it over any other version.
    I found significantly better graphics quality , quicker booting , better resistance to malware, and the astonishing low price.

    Upgrading online and over the top of Windows 7 was without critical issues.
    For my computer I just had to reinstall the modem and adjust video settings as default gamma made everyone look like they had heat stroke

    I found that navigating between desktop and start menus is made easy by
    clicking the kb "Windows" key

    Just wondering about other user experiences
     
  2. 2012/10/31
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    The better Resistance to Malware may not last long. Win 8 is new and the weirdos haven't had much time to do their thing. I have been thinking about changing my XP on my other HD to Win 8 in the near future.
     

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  4. 2012/10/31
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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  5. 2012/10/31
    tigerbright

    tigerbright Inactive Thread Starter

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    to broni - your linked comments is similar to my sentiments when using the customer review , then I returned to XP and Windows 7 ,
    However further investigation revealed that the "tablet" interface is highly customizable and so when I installed the retail version recently , I realized could become in effect the "start menu" , listing program launch shortcuts only - with the second accessories "tablet screen" listing the little used program optional functions
    Also the keyboard "windows" key launches the "tablet start menu" from the desktop and also closes it if required
    This for me is faster than the traditional default start menu (ie mouse click: start > mouse click :all programs > mouse click: programX all function shortcuts > mouse click: programX etc)
    Also or me is much more clearer , as I can group the icons according to my sense of order for quick search
    For common short duration of use programs , like snip and calculator, I just pin the shortcut to the taskbar
    Is my experience , which is still a learning curb
     
  6. 2012/11/01
    Paul

    Paul Inactive

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    I'm also running the 64bit version on an HP dc7800 desktop. Dual core 2.83 with 4GB RAM.
    The system is more responsive than 7 64Bit. Surprisingly I am already (after only few hours using 8) liking it better than 7. I didn't think that would be an easy thing to do.
    I'm finding the trick is to learn the keyboard shortcuts like the windows key (which is the most important).
    I've also gone into IE settings/Options/Programs and disabled the awful metro version of IE 10, so now I can simply click the IE tile on the metro desktop and get straight into the familiar version of IE. Before I did this customise I had to switch to desktop view to launch the classic version of IE.

    I also like the email (mail) tile. I can easily setup Hotmail and Gmail accounts with no configuration (other than usernames etc) necessary. NICE.

    Lot's more to learn and tweak, but I'm liking it a lot!

    The price reduction is also welcome. That should help reduce piracy of Windows 8 in a big way.
     
    Last edited: 2012/11/01
    Paul,
    #5
  7. 2012/11/01
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    My main concern with Windows 8 is the fact that the new Windows 8 UI (Metro) gets in the way of the classic desktop GUI. I like all the under the hood improvements of Windows 8 such as the new copy dialogues in Windows Explorer, the added security measures such as integrated AntiMalware protection in the form of an updated Windows Defender, and the improved shut down and startup times. The new Task Manager is also very nice but I use Process Explorer on my Windows 7 system anyway so I can't comment about that.

    I just can't believe Microsoft would intentionally remove the Start Menu from Windows 8 and replace it with the Windows 8 Modern UI. Dealing with two UI's that both have different options will confuse users and hurt productivity. Why is shutting down your Windows 8 machine more of a convoluted process now? What is the point of having Metro versions of applications that provide very limited functionality compared to their deskop counterparts? How come you are forced to see the Start Screen on every bootup with no option to skip it and open the desktop automatically? Why are there two Control Panels? Why should you be forced to use the Metro UI on a desktop machine when you don't even use any touch features? What a mess and a usability nightmare. Talk about confusing the user. It is no wonder business users will most likely skip Windows 8 and deploy Windows 7 machines instead. The jump from Windows XP to Windows 7 is way more seamless than going from Windows 7 to Windows 8 from a usability point of view.

    Microsoft had a registry key that you could edit in the Developer Preview to bring back the Start Menu and disable the Modern UI. What pi$$e$ me off is the fact that they purposefully removed that feature. What stopped them from keeping that option in the final product? That decision by Microsoft just baffles me. Now we have to rely on 3rd party programs like Classic Shell and Start8 just to get some good basic functionality back into the OS.

    The issue that is causing friction between people who oppose or who are favorable to Windows 8 is not the new UI design. Its the lack of choice users have that is causing the issue of users deciding whether to adopt Windows 8 or not. If Microsoft would have given us a simple choice of either using the Windows 8 UI or the classic desktop UI with a Start Menu, most of the negative reviews about Windows 8 would be gone.

    Oh and don't say that I am an ignorant user who doesn't accept change. I am all for change as long as it improves on the OS design/UI and makes it better. I've used every version of Windows since Windows 95 and with every new version of Windows that has been released there have been some good changes that Microsoft has added. The Windows 8 (Metro) UI works great on tablet computers and it fits perfectly in that environment but I just don't think it works on desktop computers. In my opinion the Windows 8 modern UI when used in a desktop environment does not improve on the UI design from Windows 7. It makes it worse. Clearly, Microsoft did not design Windows 8 to be used by businesses and instead marketed this OS to be used by consumers. I would certainly upgrade to Windows 8 if I could completely disable the Windows 8 Modern UI and restore the functionality that I have with Windows 7. I like the improvements that Microsoft made with the desktop side of Windows 8 as well as all the performance/security tweaks that were implemented but all of the features that are in the modern UI (Metro) side, I do not care for and will not use.

    Once again, Microsoft is changing parts of Windows that do not need to be changed. These changes are making me scratch my head and asking What were they thinking?

    Overall, if I had to give Windows 8 a rating out of 10 I would give it a 7/10.

    From a performance and stability point of view I think Microsoft did a great job with Windows 8. Windows Vista had issues in the performance and stability areas whereas Windows 8 is much better in that respect. Likewise Windows Vista improved on the UI from Windows XP but Windows 8 made the UI a pain and more confusing on desktop systems. From a usability point of view Windows 8 falls flat and doesn't introduce any major incentive that makes me want to upgrade to Windows 8 from Windows 7. I don't feel like I would be more productive with Windows 8 if I were to upgrade to it on my desktop machine.

    By the way, if you haven't read Arie's articles on Windows 8 check them out:

     
    Last edited: 2012/11/02
  8. 2012/11/02
    tigerbright

    tigerbright Inactive Thread Starter

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    to evan - not wanting to seem like an apologist for MS but the start menu (in function) is called up and closed by merely clicking the keyboard "Windows" key
    You can pin what ever shortcuts from accessories menu to suit your convenience
    Scrolling across can be controlled by the mouse wheel
    For me the traditional desktop is working space - where currently used private files (or shortcuts) are stored in plain view ready for use

    Workspace - desktop - (private project files)
    Taskbar (pinned common applications + shortcuts to file explore, control panel etc)
    start menu ( Application launch shortcuts)
    Accessories menu (Application additional components + rarely used applications launch)

    I am glad the tile icons are (from my memory) much smaller than on the customer preview - which reminded me of socket 7 era display resolution
     
  9. 2012/11/02
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    Which means that every time I want to run another program I have to switch to that blimming "start screen ", click the shortcut I want and be switched back to my desktop where my app/program will run. That doesn't make sense to me.
     
    Arie,
    #8
  10. 2012/11/02
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    IMNSHO it is their way of getting app developers "on board ", because now they are not writing apps for only a few running Microsoft tablet, but for all those millions that will (eventually) be running Windows 8 for the simple fact it'll come pre-instaled on new PC's.
     
    Arie,
    #9
  11. 2012/11/02
    tigerbright

    tigerbright Inactive Thread Starter

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    to Arie , you can pin shortcuts of often used apps and specific folders to the taskbar - room for 19 apps on my taskbar , which makes for quick launching during complex tasks
     
  12. 2012/11/02
    Admin.

    Admin. Administrator Administrator Staff

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    I know ;)
     
  13. 2012/11/02
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    It definitely looks that way. Especially since Microsoft wants to get a share of the tablet market. The problem I find is that they will alienate some of its loyal Windows users by not having flexibility and just wanting more money especially with the Windows Store.

    People do not like to be forced to adapt to a completely new interface that comes out of nowhere. I think the decision to unify the tablet interface with the desktop UI looks good on paper since its a common theme across different platforms but it doesn't make the desktop UI any better and has been considered an annoyance by many users.

    Yeah that is nice but it does clutter up your taskbar and it makes organizing your shotcuts a bit harder. I would rather have all the system shortcuts like Control Panel, My Computer, My Documents, etc. on my desktop so I avoid using the Metro UI as much as possible.
     
  14. 2012/11/02
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Evan you hit the nail on the head. It is all about getting users to the Windows Store. I am seriously considering upgrading one of my laptops to Win 8 Pro. I'm not much of the upgrade type. I'm more of the zero out the drive and full install type. I'm a bit put off by the Windows Store. Am I going to be limited to what third party applications I can install or am I going to be stuck with what is offered at the Windows Store. Does that mean no more Windows Media Player or Microsoft games like Solitaire. Or are we going to have to pay for them.
     
  15. 2012/11/02
    Paul

    Paul Inactive

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    The more I use Windows 8 the more I don't understand the negative opinions from experienced users. Many far more experienced than I.
    When I boot up 8, I view the metro desktop as a version od the "old" start menu. Once I hit the Windows key I have exactly the same desktop I've always had. Complete with desktop/taskbar shortcuts including My Computer and User's Files. Were talking one key stroke to get to the familiar desktop!
    As mentioned, I've configured IE so I never have to see that fugly Metro version of IE.
    Get used to it. It's not like you've suddenly been forced to use Mac OS or Linux.
    ;-
     
    Last edited: 2012/11/02
  16. 2012/11/02
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    It's not only about one extra key to be pressed.
    Most features from old "Start" button I missing from new "Start" phantom square or whatever you want to call it.

    MS did it again and again in the past. They "fix" things which are not broken or remove features which are widely used by everyone.

    They still can't really fix things which need fixing like columns width in Windows Explorer.
    The issue has been there since I ever remember and no fix in sight.
     
  17. 2012/11/02
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    I am also worried about my iTunes. I have alot of music and pictures in there. I have everything backed up to an external hard drive. Will itunes even work with Win 8 Pro. I hope I am not being negative. Just asking a few questions before doing something stupid. According my brother you need a brain to be stupid I'm just dumb. Aren't brothers fun.
     
  18. 2012/11/02
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    You shouldn't worry about iTunes.
    Windows 8 are based on a very same kernel as Vista and 7.
    Vista-6.0
    Seven-6.1
    Eight-6.2
    so most applications should work an any of those systems.
     
  19. 2012/11/02
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Thanks Broni. I don't have a touch screen and if the kernal is based Vista and 7. I wonder if it is worth giving up Win 7 Ult. I really should think about taking a Typing 101 course. I have to proof read everything I type and WOW I make alot of mistakes.
     
    Last edited: 2012/11/02
  20. 2012/11/02
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    My personal opinion is very short.
    New computer, yes with Windows 8 since it's the newest version.
    Existing computer. no. I don't see any SERIOUS reason to upgrade.
     
  21. 2012/11/02
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Thanks again Broni.
     

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