javasirc

Yes you can dual boot W8 and W7. I am right now, although i havnt logged into W7 in a few days. I think it is worth the change, not only because of the Metro UI, but because W8 is simply faster in loading and processing time.

Do you mind if i ask which program the mini Metro UI is on the screen shots? And where can i download it please? I did a google search for Onomino and Rain Meter but couldnt find anything related to Metro UI.

Mehta23

Onmino is what I used...

It's just the faster boot times and performance that interests me...
Are the same programs compatible in win 8? Gaming?
How would I go about dual booting win 8?

Last edited by Mehta23; November 1st, 2012 at 05:49 PM.

Atma

I finally found the solution for getting the iso without paying again. When you get the email receipt with the product key, there is a small line of print that says, "If you need to download Windows, write down your new product key and enter it here." That link will download Windows8-setup.exe. Open it and that will start the download process of getting a bootable ISO. You will need to enter the product key from your email so have it handy.

If anyone else wants to do a clean install and didn't get the ISO, here are more instructions.

Last edited by Atma; November 1st, 2012 at 06:37 PM.

javasirc

I havnt tried any games on Windows 8 yet. I havnt been gaming lately. But judging by Youtube reviews of games on W8, they run faster on W8 than W7. Im not sure about compatability, but you may need to install .NET, DirectX, Java, Flash, or any other library thats required. I think .NET and DirectX are preinstalled, i cant remember.

If your actually upgrading/buying your W7 and not installing the Consumer Preview, just follow the Upgrade Assistant on Microsoft's website. Its very easy. When you choose how to install choose option 2, (i forget the exact options but there are 3):

Option 1 is to replace W7 with W8. You dont want this option to dual boot.
Option 2 is to install ISO to DVD, which also installs to USB if you choose. You do not need a separate ISO-USB tool like you would for the Consumer Preview, Upgrade Assistant handles everything for you. This is the option you want.
Option 3 is "Do Nothing" i believe. The W8 files are saved locally, so you can install at a later time.

You will need a partition ready to install W8. W7 has a partition tool built in, or you can use a third party tool, such as Partition Magic. When your ready to install, reboot your system, and enter the boot menu with the Function keys. Im not sure what key it is for your computer. Here you will choose to boot from your USB device. Installing W8 is a breeze.

Mehta23

So after I get / make the iso... What do I do? Make a partition and then go into the bios to install it?

Is there much difference between the consumer preview and the full one?

Last edited by Mehta23; November 1st, 2012 at 07:06 PM.

javasirc

Yes you will need to make another partition, your choice of size. I suggest at least 40GB. You can always increase later. Restart PC and use whatever Function key takes you to the bios, and choose USB for your bootable device (it will probably be listed as "San Disk" or something similar). Windows 8 installer should start unpacking, then install itself.

Im not sure what differences there are between Consumer Preview and Windows 8 itself. CP is more of a beta/trial deal. I think its also a bit unpolished/buggy. For $40 (or $15 if you meet the terms) i would just upgrade to Windows 8 since Windows 8 will likely be the future.

Xyro

I haven't had any trouble with games so far. Everything I've tried has run fine.

I can't say I've noticed any effects on in-game performance though, but then I haven't really gone looking for that.

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javasirc

I recently found out that Xtrap, the anti-hack program that is used by some online games, currently is not supported in Windows 8. Some users say they have no problems with it. I cant play Crossfire on Windows 8 until Xtrap is fixed =(

Speed Daemon

Considering that you can get Microsoft Security Essentials for free to use on Windows XP and up anyway, I'd say "convenient" but not "great".

(bolded for those who might not know)

TheKalle

I hate it!

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Mehta23

I think I'm gonna try a free version , unless the difference is so bad , that I might not get the same experience as a full version might .

Does this seem like an ok method?

How To Download and Install Windows 8 - YouTube

Last edited by Xyro; November 2nd, 2012 at 12:05 PM. Reason: Piracy

donec

I tried the preview and I think MS has done a big favor for Linux. A lot of people have said they don't want to go through the learning curve needed to learn Linux and so many Linux distributions have tried to get closer to the Windows experience to the degree that Linux is now less of a learning curve for Windows users than switching to Win8. The easiest I have found and the one I use is Linux Mint 13 KDE.

Xyro

Yes, that's what I tried. That is the final version of windows 8, so you won't me missing out on anything, but it will auto expire in 90 days.

Rolo42

If that were the case, I wouldn't have said what I did. G'head, click on the start orb.

But you already had all of that and thus proves my point: many get Windows 8 and then contort it into Windows Frankenseven.

I may have a need for one in the future--an Android tablet won't cut it for Windows development--and in this instance (tablet/touch-screen), Win8 is a good thing.

Yeah now that's scary. It's also why I don't buy e-books.


I already use an Xbox controller on Win7.

It's funny that Win8 is usually compared to what it can do that Win7 already does--not what Win8 does that Win7 doesn't.

I have WinXP Tablet Edition on my tc1100 and it's touch (stylus) isn't any less friendly than Metro, especially since it's the same UI we've been using for 17 years.

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javasirc

Ive used an Xbox controller before, but for most games it didnt work properly, as far as beening optimized for the specific game, at least when i used it. Im hoping Metro games will be designed to directly support the Xbox controller, touch, and mouse+keyboard. Having an option of what i use for input would be great, as i can choose my input device(s) for my current situation, such as laying in bed (touch), playing on the desk (mouse+keyboard), or kicked back in the chair (controller, or touch).

Many compare W8 to W7 in terms of downgrading, or change. People dont like change, so switching from using the classic desktop to something else (especially with the same name) is concerning, and most dont do any research on the product. They just go by hear-say, both in real life and on the web. People decide that a product is lousy when theyve never tried it. I bet 4/5 people that hate Windows 8 has either never tried it, or installed it, saw there was no start menu, and never returned. And i admit, thats exactly what i did when i tried Consumer Preview a few months ago. Once i found out i could install a start menu, i returned to W8, configured my Desktop to be like my W7 desktop, and now i boot to W8 when i log onto my PC. Everything i could do on W7 i am doing on W8, except for playing Crossfire, which uses Xtrap.

The number one complaint i hear about W8 is the lack of start menu, but in reality, you can choose from a number of start menus.

Another complaint is that W8 is optimized for touch, not mouse+keyboard. Well in Metro of course its designed for touch, but mouse + keyboard work, and fairly well for that matter, once you get used to it. Ive even been using my laptop's touchpad, which works very well in Metro. In Desktop mode, mouse+keyboard work as its always worked, and i can switch to Metro if i choose with a hotkey or using the top-left corner of the screen.

SamuraiBigEd

OK, I took the plunge and so far I have to say I don't see why so many are griping. All you have to do is download Start8 to add the start button back in and it automatically defaults to desktop mode if you want the Win 7 desktop. I'm still undecided, it will take some playing around so for now I have Start8 installed. Having used a tablet for some time I find it familiar enough to not be aggravating and is actually set up logically if you stop and think about what you are doing.

I'm still playing with it, but so far I am liking it. The new photo app is cool and I for one like the addition of the ribbon toolbar across the board. There is a lot of catch-up that the software companies are going to have to do however. One example, Roboform is useless when running in app mode but I am sure they will come up with a new version soon.

One puzzling item, I have a UEFI equipped board but I do not get this blistering fast boot they talk about, it takes about the same amount of time as 7 did.

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mikedt

Did you install Win 8 on top of Win 7 or was it a fresh install? Also are you running it on an SSD or a HDD?

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Davdi

I've got a Win 8 Pro upgrade to Vista onan old celeron E3300 pc with 4Gb CCD2 800. As many others have said, startup & shutdown are very much quicker. WIndows inbuilt security still not the best. The firewall in particular, why not include the Win server firewall with advanced security - a proper bi-directional firewall,not that hard to set up really secure rules for. I use Comodo A/V Firewall and Dragon (Chrome based) browser.
I've used Win8 Developer and Consumer previerws, and the final product is slicket than either.. Actually, the new Metro/Modern start screen is pretty handy 1-click access to desktop apps, what's not to like. I *almost* prefer Win 8 to Linux XFCE or E17 desktops for useability.

SamuraiBigEd

I broke my hard rule and upgraded, only because my grand kids have gotten into my software and my CS5 Master Collection is nowhere to be found!

I am running an OCZ Vertex 3 and I went in and made the UEFI first on boot priority but it still isn't working.

Not really an issue, 20-30 seconds to boot is not going to kill me.

Last edited by SamuraiBigEd; November 4th, 2012 at 09:31 AM.

Caloy

Just installed W8 on my laptop yesterday. After a whole day of head-aches like my fn key functionality doesn't function (okay that sounds redundant), my keyboard back light wasn't working. And it took a fair amount of time to find a working driver and get full functionality on my keybaord. A bit of a learning curve on how to use W8, but for the most part I already got it figured out. I just hope there would be more apps in the store. :/

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Xyro

They are trickling in, and it's noticeably better than the selection was at launch. But, yeah, currently it's still very thin on the ground.

Rolo42

To clairfy: I have a Logitech F710 that has an Xbox mode and a DirectX mode and its fully programmable to do about anything.

Not when the chances of an unfavourable change far exceed the chances of a favourable one. Basically, what is the upside and is it worth the hassle?
Upside: Metro tile games or whatever (I imagine the games I have on my phone)
Downside: Some existing real games are incompatible with W8

I'm not going to assume that or speak for "most". Personally, though, I have tried W8 and, for the desktop, I think it sucks. For a tablet, I think it has potential but it is ugly. For a regular laptop/notebook...not sure there's any upside.

There's that standard I mentioned.

If Microsoft wanted to design a platform for both, desktops and portables, then they should have made it work just as effectively with touch and mouse/trackball/touchpad+keyboard (those things we've been using since the '80's) but it doesn't. That's like removing the steering wheel from the automobile and giving the option of handlebars (because bikes use them) or one of these:

brads27

http://www.aheil.de/2012/10/28/because-youve-been-so-impatient-with-the-upgrade-as

this should help

Atma

Thanks.

I already did this below and have it installed. I like it. Its faster than Win 7 and with Classic Shell I don't even see the metro start.

Demache

Windows 8 from what I found, boots incredibly fast if you have an SSD. Using the semi-shutdown function, your computer goes through POST, and then you wait about 5 seconds (the boot animation barely appears), and your at the login screen. Even on a conventional hard drive, its maybe 30-40 seconds to the login screen on a slow laptop drive.

Seriously, that's a great feature. And I agree that coming out of sleep/hibernate is much more responsive too.

Last edited by Demache; November 9th, 2012 at 11:55 AM.

Rolo42

Windows95 would be fast on an SSD.

SamuraiBigEd

It does, you go to desktop and it works just like you're used to. And if you load Start8 or Classic Shell it defaults to desktop.

mikedt

I've just been trying Win 8 on a spare laptop, see what it's like. But I seem to have hit a problem with the activation.

Sorry, but you can't activate this copy of Windows online. To activate, go to a store that sells Windows and buy a Windows Get Genuine kit

So apparently Win 8 can't be activated online, even though I've previously activated Windows 7 and Vista online. Where exactly am I supposed to find a store that sells a "Windows Get Genuine" kit? Microsoft fail.

Xyro

That's odd. Think it's a regional issue maybe?

Is there any way to call them and get it validated that way?

mikedt

It's definately a regional or country issue, because the original activation message, said that Windows 8 couldn't be activated online in this country. And it didn't give a phone number either. Just this stuff about buying it in a store. Can you even buy Windows 8 or a product-key/license in a box? I thought MS delivered all their software online these days.

I downloaded the Windows 8 ISO from Microsoft a few months ago, but just got around to trying it out.

Previously I've activated Windows in the UK, and there it did give a phone number in case it wasn't online. I've also activated Windows 7 last year in Hong Kong SAR(which is not Mainland China), when I bought a new laptop there.

jefboyardee

From what I’ve read, I’m not compelled to jump into Win8. I may do Win7, if I can find a cheap install. Or I may just stick with XP until ReactOS makes the grade, if and when.

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lunatic59

Mike, I wouldn't be surprised Windows 8 couldn't communicate with MS activation servers from China. Either China is blocking them or they are refusing connections from China because of rampant piracy. Even if you did get a legit boxed copy of Windows 8, it still may not activate properly. That the message didn't give you a phone number to call only reinforces my suspicions that it's being blocked.

I don't know if it will help, but the U.S. toll free activation number is in this post ... Activate Windows 8 Enterprise over the phone (The option to choose what country you are calling from is greyed out).

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Caloy

I regretted upgrading. For one thing I didn't really gain any advantage, and two, I'm missing some device drivers one some of my laptop specific functions. Thank God found the drivers for Mmy keyboard back lights.

Sent using the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2

ocnbrze

yeah i think that windows 8 is better on new computers rather doing an upgrade on an existing computer. my keyboard has been acting wonky ever since i upgraded

luckily my drive is partitioned........gonna try and install ubuntu later today.

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Sak01

Had it for a month now and I still like it. Can't think of one thing that I dislike.

An update from Samsung fixed the non-functioning fn keys on my laptop. The only niggles are that Caps Lock used to flash an on/off message on screen which isn't working for some reason and also Firefox seems to have become less stable. Not sure if it's to do with Win8 but it was working fine before.

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javasirc

I've been using Windows 8 for a few weeks or month now. Files (such as video or PDF) opened in metro, full screen, and boy was that annoying. Lucky I figured out how to set default program to opened it with. I'm having no real issues.

My biggest pain so far is printing. "Right click, Send To" doesn't have my printer listed like windows 7 did. I've been having to open each file I needed to print, then use the program's print button. When in metro app, I have to go to Charms, Device, HP Printer, print. Printing had become a hassle in W8, unless I'm missing something...

mikedt

It seems to be that you can activate Windows 8 in China provided you have an existing Windows 8 product-key/license. But apparently you can't buy a new Win 8 license here, only way to get new Win 8 is to buy it with a new PC.

So I bought a Win 8 product-key online from Microsoft UK, with a UK bank card, it was only 25 pounds GBP.

alostpacket

I'm kinda frightened by Win 8 heh.

I think I am gonna "give it the Vista"

I keep trying to keep an open mind about it but there isnt anything that is selling me on it yet. And the start screen looks terribad.

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Bob Maxey

What happens if you do not like it? I e-hear the BIOS issues and that bloody "Windows Certification" applied to new machines might mean you cannot install another OS or even downgrade to a previous version of Windows.

Just asking.

I think this is whole UEFI/BIOS/Certification issue is a big mess and it (apparently) will mean the new PC you purchase will leave you with no options as far as an OS is concerned. It will always run Windows because it can't run anything else.

This is not strictly a Windows 8 issue (or is it?). I think Microsoft thinks if we cant beat Apple, lets see if we can force our loyal customers to stick with us forever.

Time to find my soldering iron and look for motherboards and such.

lunatic59

I'm sure the DOJ is drooling at the possibilities.

mikedt

Now I've been using Win 8 for a few days, there is one thing that was really doing my head-in, the new tiled full-screen start menu. So I've installed Classic Shell and now I've got my Start button back. Main problem was with the Win 8 start screen is that it made a really long-winded way of shutting down the PC, as well as rather a clunky way of launching applications. I don't have a touch screen, and just using it with a mouse.

The new search in Win 8 is not good either. You got the search box, then you have to choose from Apps, Settings or Files. Classic Shell puts the unified search back that Win 7 had.

I can confirm that Win 8 starts and shuts down significantly quicker than 7. This was a clean install, and the laptop it's running on has a UEFI BIOS.

Last edited by mikedt; December 5th, 2012 at 01:07 AM.

Demache

I don't think it will be a problem. The Linux community is usually pretty good at finding workarounds.

alostpacket

LAUNCHY!

I can't live without it heh

Launchy: The Open Source Keystroke Launcher

(IIRC you need to tweak it a bit to launch x64 programs -- (have it index /Program Files/ and look for the EXE directly)

SamuraiBigEd

I have Classic Shell at home and Start8 at work, I like Start8 much better so far. Classic Shell has to go to the Metro start screen then desktop, Start8 go straight in to the desktop.

Xyro

In classic shell, right click on the start icon and hit settings. Then find the 'Windows 8' tab and enable the option to 'Skip metro screen'.

DraastiK

I'll be 100% honest and say I absolutely hate this OS.

I work at Best Buy/Geek Squad. I constantly get clients that want to return the computer because they just CAN'T figure it out. I can't fathom why Microsoft decided to design the OS this way. It's MUCH more difficult for someone who doesn't know a lot about computers.

Thankfully, I tell my clients about Start8, which makes things so much easier for them. They don't mind paying for the app, as long as it's more user-friendly for them.

I received a free copy of Windows 8 through an accommodation. I REFUSE to install it.

SamuraiBigEd

Already done, it stops briefly at the Metro start screen before going to desktop. Nothing major, just a petty annoyance.

pbf98

I am really thinking about installing it now. I just got an MSDN subscription and I have 21 keys for various versions of windows 8...
I have passed the computers set up in stores and seen the UI, and I like the look of it. I have stopped to try and figure it out in 5 minutes but get lost. But I think once I figure it out it will be a nice thing.

The thing Microsoft is doing, is trying to bridge the gap between phone/ tablet/ and pc.. in a few years from now our phones will be our computers, and we will connect it to a "dummy terminal" that will allow keyboards, mice, a bigger screen, and possibly expanded memory though with the advent of cloud computing probably not.
I saw someone say "If apple would have come up with this UI first it would be the biggest hit..." and I really think that is a true statement.. Most of us on here would agree that the iPhone 5 is somewhat of a joke, but apple is still able to tell its users that its the best smart phone there is.

But I do believe I will try this out on a virtual pc before committing to it to my desktop.

mikedt

There's a real improvement that Win 8 has over other versions of Win. Is when you plug a USB thumb-drive in, there's no more of that waiting for a minute while it searches for drivers stuff. I've never understood why Win has always done that, it shouldn't need to hunt for drivers, it's a USB drive, they should just work and mount instantly, like they do on Linux and OS X. It seems MS finally fixed it with Win 8

Speed Daemon

I don't believe that's what's happening with prior versions of Windows. I have a Windows 7 computer with a USB drive connected 100% of the time, so the drivers are already loaded, and it still takes a while before the pop-up window appears. Some of the latency is clearly due to the antivirus program doing its thing. (I can see it hog the CPU in Process Explorer.) Sloppy coding over the years is no doubt to blame for some of the sloth. And it takes time for the WIMP versions of Windows to scan the thumb drive to find what kind of files are on it before it puts up the pop-up with recommendations about what app(s) it suggests to be used to read the drive. That's what Microsoft gets for trying to be "more Mac-like" instead of giving the user some credit for having a clue.