Your opinion on Windows 8

Off topic, but can I suggest you stay out of stuff you have only a superficial understanding of - it kinda undermines your points on the OS side... Certain people that gamed the communist system (pretended to be die hard marxists right up until they boarded a plane on a one way ticket to the west) were able to flee some 'satellite' states in certain time periods more easily. Broadly (ie unless you were lottery- level lucky) you could only hope to flee if you lived a dangerous double life. You had to lie to the world about your devotion to communism (while secretly hoping for a free market), denounce friends, colleagues and neighbors for being religious (like you yourself were), for listening to western songs (that you yourself listened to), or cracking a joke about how bad the government was (that you privately thought was funny). To gain the trust of the KGB at a level that would get you a passport, plane ticket and hard currency you almost always had to sell your soul to the devil, and gaze into the proverbial abyss long enough for the abyss to stare back. The impact this double life had on your psyche was often lifelong.

My parents managed to escape Poland in the 1970s. Please don't suggest that those who stayed did so because they didn't try.

 

Going forward, let's try to keep discussion polite and on-topic. If this thread devolves [like nearly every other Windows 8 thread], it will be closed. Thanks everyone.

 

Actually my point must have come across perfectly. "The limited, periphery viewpoint doesn't necessarily reflect the whole picture." The "well I used Win8 for like 10 minutes back in the preview and I didn't like it had no Start menu so I'll rage about it for years to come" stuff is totally on key with this.

Again, my answer to the OP spoke as someone who uses Win8.1 on a daily basis, without Start menu things. Not someone who tried it and maybe sees someone else's install once in a while. I have Win8.1 on multiple computers, used for multiple purposes. My experience has been that my workflow has been smooth and I have no qualms about the usability. I even use ModernUI apps! For realz! Apparently some people think I must be lying or making it up or something.

 

I have dabbled with it in B&M's since and still have no like for Win 8.x but admittedly have not tried update 1. From what everyone has posted of the changes they are not enough to bring me over to liking the UI. You all also seem to think everyone is living in a bubble isolated from information regarding the various changes in the UI. Well anyone researching it from not liking the original RTM will be able to see the various changes over time and determine if it were enough for them to like the OS.

So the argument that "they only tried it for 10 minutes two years ago and haven't tried the new OS changes so how could they make a reasonable decision?" is really without much substantiation. Especially considering the amount of coverage given to the subject of the OS and its changes. So now that this notion is mute, next?

 

My two cents.

I only upgraded from 7 to 8 yesterday, had that for just as long as it took me to install all possible Windows updates and then download 8.1 from the Store. So, honestly can't say much about Windows 8.

But, Windows 8.1 I'm getting familiar with.

I had that first reaction of what-where-how?-help! and got frustrated for a moment there when I ran a video in modern VLC, and it always stayed fullscreen. Which, of course, means that for an experience like you're used to, use Desktop programs. These pretty much function as Win7. Modern apps are fullscreen.

The second I realised that, I fell in love. I use rss feeds as modern apps, games, or other things I want to have my full attention. Even with modern apps, I can actually split the screen, so I can chat on skype while editing some photos all in split fullscreen. I love that.

Having a non-touch ultrabook, I find the easiest for me is to either click the windows button on my keyboard and type the first letters of any program I want. Or if I don't want to close Desktop, I just click search and type.

I've put Desktop as first tile on the Start screen, so whereever I am clickind windows and enter takes me to the traditional desktop.

Clicking Windows+x at the same time opens up a really nice traditional administrative menu whereever you are (traditional desktop or start tiles).

I find that already in the second day, my user experience is faster than it was working on Win7. I love the super fast way I can utilize my keyboard for anything. And I'm totally certain that I haven't fingured out nearly all of the tricks yet.

To sum up. For me at least, everything goes faster and smoother than when I had to click on the start menu and scroll down to find the program. Came into Windows 8 with an open mind, decided to see it as something completely different than what I was used to, learned to use it on its own merits and fell in love.

 

Just a heads up, in windows 7 if you click the start button, or use the windows key, then start typing you get the same program find capability. This even searches your document files as well.

 

+1

The search function has been there for some time (it was available in Vista). But most people never noticed it because the good old menu was there. The UI change forced those to try out search, and then you hear a lot of outrage plus a few pleasant stories.

The same thing happened on Gnome 3 when the traditional menu became a plugin.


It's like MS and Gnome decided they have to scream at their users: SEARCH! YOU NEED TO SEARCH!!

 

As a matter of fact, not only has this functionality existed for a long time, it also has been severely crippled in Windows 8.x. While previous Windows versions had the so-called Federated Search, which would allow you to search pretty much everything and anything on your computer in a structured way (via Search Connectors), including, mind you, the content of specialized stores such as your email, this is not possible anymore in Windows 8.x. Of course, in exchange for loosing those crucial capabilities, Windows 8.x will now show you cute kittens on Bing, so your mileage may vary...

 

Just get windows 7 man, why bother with all this windows 8 rubbish and tinkering when windows 7 is fine. and clean.

you don't wanna have to 'get used to it' or 'do something to make it more usable', you want it to just be fine out the box. windows 7.

 

I've been using Windows 8/8.1 for a while now and I don't mind it. It just doesn't know what type of OS it wants to be. Is it touch? Is it mobile friendly? Is it a desktop OS? Is it app based? It's like a hybrid OS and once you realize that you'll understand it more. I thought the Metro UI was pretty cool at first but now I really don't even use it at all. I'm all desktop all the time. Can't remember the last time I opened the Windows Store. It's funny too, when I updated to Windows 8.1 update 1 they automatically put the Windows Store icon on my task bar.

I applaud Microsoft for taking a huge risk with Windows 8, but they need to listen and learn from their users. I think they'll get it right with Windows 9.

 

I'm one of the few people that enjoys windows 8 out of the box I guess.

I was opposed like many of you at first. Under the surface they did some nice innovation and what made the interface much better for me was learning the windows key shortcuts.

Yes, it took some tinkering to get used to it, and it's going to take much more... but I see it as a learning experience, especially while being an IT professional. The more I know new OS's that are coming pre-installed, the better I can help customers.

tl;dr - Learn the windows key functions for a much better experience

 

Somewhat agree, since I am not using it I do not get to help others with it. This I do not consider my fault as an IT, as I fully disclaim this to all that ask and advise the UI is just not usable for me. A shame too as a lot of IT people are in this boat and therefore can not help their friends etc.. This causes a huge undocumented problem with market penetration for the OS as a lot of IT/ tech people have friends that advise them they are on their own once they have the new OS.

 

I've been using 8.1.1 or whatever MS is calling it now. I've been away from W8 for sometime and i'm actually enjoying it now for some reason. Maybe it's because i'm using it in consumption mode but It feels a little more polished than in the past.

Does anyone know if programs which could not install due to desktop incompatibility has been solved for the most part? :hi2: