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Do You Like the Windows 8 UI Design?

Discussion in 'Legacy Windows' started by Arie, 2013/01/25.

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Do You Like the Windows 8 UI Design?

Poll closed 2013/03/30.
  1. Yes

    12.8%
  2. It's OK

    21.3%
  3. No

    66.0%
  1. 2013/01/25
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff Thread Starter

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    So the Window 8 UI design (formerly known as Metro, now referred to as Modern UI or Windows 8 UI by Microsoft) is what we're talking about here.

    What's your opinion of Windows 8's new design?
     
    Arie,
    #1
  2. 2013/01/25
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    On a desktop computer I do not like the UI design at all. To me it just does not work on a desktop and it really hurts your productivity when trying to launch programs.

    Unlike the Start Menu which shows your programs in a hierarchy folder structure, the Windows 8 UI/Start Screen shows all of the program tiles at once with no way of hiding them. You can put them in groups which is similar to how the folders worked in the Start Menu but it just looks like a mess. If you have dozens of programs installed you would end up cluttering up the Start Screen because there is no option of being able to expand a group of programs that would belong in a folder like in the Start Menu. The fact that the Start Screen is also full screen and there is no option in Windows 8 to boot directly to the desktop makes me not want to use the Start Screen either.

    The program that I have found to make Windows 8 usable for me is Start Is Back. This program adds a fully functioning Windows 7 Start Menu back in Windows 8 and is cheaper than Start8 at only $3.00.

    So overall, I think the Start Screen works great on a tablet computer but on a desktop PC it comes up short and doesn't provide as much functionality as the old Start Menu in Windows 7. Luckily Start8 and Start Is Back fix the questionable UI decisions that were made by Microsoft which for some people would make Windows 8 a viable upgrade.
     
    Frank D likes this.

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  4. 2013/01/25
    Frank D

    Frank D Inactive

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    An abomination.
     
  5. 2013/01/25
    Nick Wright

    Nick Wright Inactive

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    Nope.Didn`t like it at first but then got to thinking - "How would I do it?" and its s-o-r-t of growing on me....I didn`t like the stock Blue scheme so mine is now lurid Red.
    I do think it could learn from android though - if its trying to be a tablet then where are the Launchers or skins, -icon packs? - screen transitions and programmable widgets?or their equivalents?
     
    Last edited: 2013/01/25
  6. 2013/01/26
    savagcl Lifetime Subscription

    savagcl Geek Member

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    Don't have it and not planning to buy it.

    fairly steep learning curve, like the old game of "Hide and Seek ", they hide it and you
    have to find it.

    Problems with backup and restore - image file would not work onto DVD's, neither would
    an external HD but finally got the Windows Backup to work onto the external HD. Repair
    (boot) CD finally completed on the 3rd try (not sure if it's reliable).

    Not crazy about metered apps either.

    I'll stick with Win7.
     
    Frank D likes this.
  7. 2013/01/26
    Nick Wright

    Nick Wright Inactive

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    Yes -I`ve had major problems trying to use the backup, - the only way I got it to run was by disabling shadow volume.
    And As for metered Apps.... -I will NEVER use a metered App , purely on principle, -its just too greedy - too easy to rack up large bills as with premium phone calls.

    Something else that's bugging me is the adverts everywhere - if I want to use the Xbox music App, I now have to sit through a ruddy Die Hard Trailer before I can listen to my OWN music!
     
    Last edited: 2013/01/26
  8. 2013/01/27
    AlexH

    AlexH Just an Old Timer getting help ...

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    Wow! It's not the UI that is a problem - with or without a touch screen - it's the OS! Since buying Win 8 Pro, I have spent more than a total of 2.5 days on the phone, with a Win 8 Tech Support person also connected to my PC via the LogMeIn Rescue feature.

    The problems are legion, and there simply is not enough space or time to review them all.

    Overall problem is that Win 8 is a new kind of resource hog. Every app I use will, at one time or another, have "(Not Responding)" appear on the title line at the top. At the time of this writing, I am still waiting for Word 2010 (WinWord.exe) to come up. It's been more than 15 minutes since I clicked on the icon.

    I will only bore you all with one more problem, which is insidious: it is nearly impossible to restart my PC, no matter which way I go about it. Microsoft, for some very strange reason, brought back the "feature" of requiring you to use a secret key combination, including holding down the "Shift" key, in order to get into a restart in Safe Mode. (Reminiscent of Windows 3.0 ...)

    It should be made clear that if your PC, or laptop, or whichever you are using, does not have at least a dual core processor and a minimum of 4 GB RAM, don't even think of going to Win 8. You simply cannot use the PC once you've upgraded to Win 8.

    Now, I must consider going back to the original OS on my PC - Vista! - and then reinstalling all my apps. Thankfully, multiple backups, and numerous Flash Drives, 2 of which are 32 GB capacity - will safeguard my DOCs and other personally created items, while I reinstall. I've even toyed with the idea of going back to XP Pro, since I really loved that OS; I can deal with Vista or 7 Home Premium, in lieu of reinstalling Win 8 Pro.

    There is one other option I have seen: Win 8 allows for refreshing the installation, without losing anything personal. Naturally I will back up everything I can, before trying that but the big question is whether staying with Windows 8 Pro is worth the hassle.

    Just one person's opinion. As a disclaimer, I had beta tested every version of Windows since 3.1, except this one. Windows 8 is almost worse than any beta in which I participated in the past.

    IMHO ...

    -a.
     
    Frank D likes this.
  9. 2013/01/27
    Nick Wright

    Nick Wright Inactive

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    @AlexH What are your system Specs? - You might find just adding some RAM might help your system and as a stopgap using a fast Flash Drive configured for readyboost may help too.
    Also be aware that doing a Refresh will remember your Metro Apps but will uninstall all your desktop Applications unless you save a custom refresh image made when your system is running O.K.
    see this post for instructions http://www.windowsbbs.com/windows-8/104492-start-up-tiles-3.html (in the comments later on in the thread).
     
    Last edited: 2013/01/27
    AlexH likes this.
  10. 2013/01/29
    kmstrube81

    kmstrube81 Inactive

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    I'd like to say some kind words about windows 8 metro. I actually kind of like it. Now I do have a touchscreen monitor and a regular lcd monitor in a dual monitor set-up so take that for what its worth but I wouldn't down grade to windows 7.

    I like the grouping and tiled interface of the start screen. I like being able to see whether I have mail or not before actually opening the tile. I actually like being able to group to metro apps on the same screen. Throwing excel on the desktop and say metro IE for data entry, for example. There is definitely room for improvement, the main ones being able to group start screen tiles into a folder to reduce start screen clutter, as well as being able to work on two metro apps or a metro app and the desktop on two different monitors as well. (why you can work on two apps on the same monitor but not one on each is beyond me)

    While Windows 8 should receive some well due criticism, it drives me nuts when someone who is non-IT minded says windows 8 ***** because they're regurgitating what their "computer" friend told them. For non-power, users I can't find one excuse for why someone would write off windows 8 other than its different. (which was the case for 9x, XP, Vista ect)

    Personally I would give Windows an 8.5 out of 10. Of course your mileage may vary depending on what you use your machine for. (I wouldn't run windows 8 on just some run-of-mill WS for example but love it on my home machine)

    Anyways I'm just rambling by now. Regards,
    kmstrube
     
    AlexH likes this.
  11. 2013/01/29
    AlexH

    AlexH Just an Old Timer getting help ...

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    Thanks to All!

    Thanks, Nick, PeteC, and kmstrube.

    I do understand and agree; over the years I have said basically the same things about and to people who trash a version of Windows. And during betas, I have pointed out that "this is, after all, a beta; you signed up knowing that things were not going to work right" ...

    The incredible amount of time working with the MS Techies on the phone and through Rescue, from LogMeIn, was mostly spent on merely installing Win 8 Pro. After the Upgrade Assistant blessed my PC and configuration, then sent me to pay for the download, it took an incredible amount of time and help, getting it actually to download, first, then to install.

    I actually do like the UI of Win 8 and think the OS would be excellent, but for one area: while PC architecture and resources have grown exponentially over the years, rather than taking advantage of what is now acceptable hardware, MS and others push the envelope.

    If by that they were pushing the features and abilities of their OS and apps, then bravo! But to create a condition by which everyone must upgrade their memory, CPU, or both and more, they are simply pushing the wrong end of things.

    Think about this: when Win 95 came out, having 2 GB RAM and a dual core 2 GHz processor to use with 95 would have been incredible. With Win 7 Home Premium, it was pretty good, all things considered.

    With Windows 8 Pro, 2GB RAM and a dual-core 2GHz Intel processor is simply not good enough.

    The amount of video RAM, CPU Power, and basic RAM most people have now would have been good enough to do NASA Simulations, not more than 7 years ago; today, not good enough.

    So forgive me, please, because I am not trashing the OS ... I am thinking that the publishers of Apps and of an OS should give more, using less. The level of resources we have now is tremendous, all things considered. To think that they actually are not enough horsepower for the newest of operating systems is a little bizarre.

    And that is what I am bringing to light. As a systems professional, I have to support this stuff and advise people on whether to upgrade or simply buy new equipment, with Win 8 pre-installed. And in today's economy, this is a difficult area to cover. So many corporations with which I deal, are just now upgrading to Windows 7; they won't even think of going to Win 8.

    Just one person's humble opinion ...

    Thank you all for your generosity in providing me with pointers on how to tweak my system, to make it work better. I certainly have a lot to consider.

    Cheers!
    -a.
     
    Last edited: 2013/01/29
  12. 2013/01/29
    AlexH

    AlexH Just an Old Timer getting help ...

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    Arie, I'm curious. What's your take on Win 8 Metro or Modern UI?
     
  13. 2013/01/29
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff Thread Starter

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    HAHAHAH... 'Metro' S@CKS!

    It is made for 3 year old's with ADD!

    Oh, it'll work on a tablet, but I don't have $$$ to waste it on a toy.

    I hated Windows 8... until I installed the Start8 Start menu. I never have to look at that kiddie interface again & can get my work done BETTER than Windows 7.

    Love the Hyper Visor for VM's instead of the buggy Oracle VirtualBox.
     
    peter333, AlexH and Frank D like this.
  14. 2013/01/29
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff Thread Starter

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    I respectfully disagree. You have other (hardware) problems then low specs.

    I just shot a full screen video of my ancient (Jan 2007) laptop. I's specs?


    • Core 2 Duo T7200 CPU running @ 2.00GHz
    • 2GB DDR2 Memory
    • Integrated 64MB Intel 945 graphics
    • 75GB Seagate (7,200 RPM) hard drive

    The video looks a bit more "˜jarring’ than normal; this is because the screen capture software (Microsoft Expression Encoder 4 Screen Capture) is running in full screen mode.

    http://youtu.be/M5okV5ZjDhw
     
    AlexH likes this.
  15. 2013/01/29
    Nick Wright

    Nick Wright Inactive

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    What do you think of the new Internet Explorer? - I like the desktop version and I like the Immersive Look of the Metro version but the bookmark handling blows chunks in my opinion. and I keep forgetting to close Tabs because they are not always visible.
    I`ve also found some web site features don`t work in it either - with firefox , waterfox or Opera, on Amazon I can Hover over "Your Account" and a menu opens but doesn`t in the either I.E. -Any ideas?
     
  16. 2013/01/29
    kmstrube81

    kmstrube81 Inactive

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    Nick, I'm using the Metro version of IE for website right now and I was able to go to Amazon.com, view my account, recent orders, and even start a support chat from the metro version. Not to be obvious or anything but have you tried clearing your cookies or cache?

    I like the whole immersive look as well, although I agree about the tabbed interface blowing chunks. I don't really use tabs in metro though. If I need that kind of functionality I go to the desktop version.

    I like the desktop version of IE10 as well although I don't really see much difference than IE9 other than some under the hood sort of things.
     
    rgaleh likes this.
  17. 2013/01/29
    Nick Wright

    Nick Wright Inactive

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    Yeah -just tried that and no joy, -its bound to be something simple in the preferences -just haven`t tracked it down yet.
    I can open my accounts and all that but just have to get there by actually clicking "my Account" whereas in the other browsers I Hover over it and a small drop-down menu opens before I click it. so I get the option of going straight to my orders rather than opening the sub-page then selecting my orders.
    Its not a major problem - it just stuck-out because it was different.
     
  18. 2013/01/30
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff Thread Starter

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    Me? As mentioned, I do not use any "Metro" apps.

    Sometimes I do when testing something on my laptop, but I don't like the IE app. Just give me the normal browser so I can see what I'm doing/where I am.

    I had been running the IE10 preview on Windows 7 before I moved to Windows 8, so I hardly remember any differences with IE9, if there are any...
     
  19. 2013/01/30
    AlexH

    AlexH Just an Old Timer getting help ...

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    Hey Arie!

    Wow! I just viewed your U-Tube demo and the only thing I can say is ... can I 'upgrade' from Win 8 Pro 32-bit, to 64-bit? I have the DVD and the Key, having bought a licensed version directly from Microsoft.

    So, from your video what I take away is, upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit can help my low-spec PC work faster.

    I knew 64-bit was faster, having put 64-bit 7 Home Premium on my wife's system, then watching while she ran circles around me with her PC. But my ignorance - and I know I have so much more to learn - made me believe that once I had this thing at 32-bits, it had to stay that way.

    So, can it be done, with the DVD? The package I got has one of each, 32- and 64-bit DVDs, for installation. I did mine by download, which is why I went 32-bit, since it was going to upgrade over a 32-bit Win 7 Home Premium.

    Thanks Arie, and all who may offer advice,

    Cheers!
    -a.
     
    Last edited: 2013/01/30
  20. 2013/01/30
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff Thread Starter

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    NO! 64-bit is SLOWER then 32-bit on low spec systems! 64-bit needs more 'room' in memory, leaving less for applications.

    And no, you cant 'upgrade' any 32 > 64 bit OS, you'll need a clean install.

    I used 64-bit because that's what I have + it is "worst case" :D
     
    AlexH likes this.
  21. 2013/01/30
    Nick Wright

    Nick Wright Inactive

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    @ Arie "Just give me the normal browser so I can see what I'm doing/where I am "


    And there , in a sentence is whats wrong with it, - its like driving a car with no dashboard.

    or to take the analogy further, -having the dashboard in the glove box.
     
    Last edited: 2013/01/30
    Frank D likes this.

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