ocnbrze

Hey guys,
so just curious as to what everyone thinks about the new windows 8 os being released at the end of october. i was just reading up on it and it looks interesting. its gonna have tiles that are similar to windows 7 phones but it will be for the pc.

anybody try the release preview yet? any thoughts on it?

Windows 8 Release Preview

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lunatic59

I think I'm going to hate it at first. It's going to force me to change a lot of the processes I have streamlined for my daily activities. Simple file copies, document creation, spreadsheets, etc. will require thinking differently. This is a bigger interface jump from 7 than XP to Vista was and look how horribly that turned out. Metro on the desktop just doesn't make sense to me.

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ocnbrze

yeah i know. it is such a drastic change to windows that it is such a gamble for microsoft. i just bought a laptop and they are doing an upgrade to windows 8 pro for $14.99. gonna give it a go when it is released. i also have the release preview as well downloaded to my pc, but i have yet to install it.

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NightAngel79

I have a Dual-boot set up with the CP version. Have to agree with Luna on this. While interesting it will cause you to have to re-think a ton of stuff you do that used to be easy/come naturally

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ocnbrze

so the question then is it practical? i mean once you get used to doing things, does it get easier? or is windows 8 more of a pain to use?

i understand that any thing new will take some getting used to, so yes the easy things maybe difficult at first.

argedion

here are some other links that talk about the winblows system that will be 8

Windows 8 Extremely Frustrating

Windows 8?

Anyone running Windows 8?

I'm not a windows fan and don't use it anymore. I'm waiting for Fedora 18 now

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kevincott

One of the great things about Microsoft is the common interface among their products (and many 3rd party).

I have somewhat tested the Win8 Beta, it will take a while but I will get used to the new look. Can't say I will be 'chomping at the bit' though, Win7 is still pretty beast.

NightAngel79

I'll say this, you won't see any businesses making the switch. I can almost guarantee it (and for all I know that was expected/planned for)

You will get used to it, AND if you use any other Microsoft products you will probably see many rewards to it.

I personally love my Win 7. I'll keep one machine running 8 but chances are I won't use it hardly ever (unless maybe if I score one of those surface tablets)

Crashdamage

Like all versions of Windows, Win8 sucks. Metro is horrible on a phone and worse on a PC. The best version of Windows ever is still Win2000 Pro and it was poor. M$ lost their way after that in a cesspool of bloat.

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Last edited by Crashdamage; October 7th, 2012 at 10:30 AM.

Prinny

I've tried it. Here's the thing: Take away the Metro UI, and it's nothing special...

Honestly, with the metro UI, it's kind of boring on a PC that's not a touch screen. If I had a slate or surface top PC, awesome.

So more or less, it's like a phone in a way. You can use a different launcher. Metro or default.

Other than that...nothing special at all.

Bob Maxey

Make sure you either get the install CDs for the installed OS (I assume Win 7) or use whatever utility is installed to make a set of disks. Assuming your laptop will arrive with Windows 7.

If you do not like Windows 8, you need those desks to revert to the original version.

pbf98

I kinda like the look of Metro, but not sold on the functionality yet.. It will take some getting use to for sure, but I plan on using my windows 7, I see no need for 8 when it comes out.

Digital Controller

I did install the preview onto my computer and personally i really don't like it. I am assuming some updates will have to come but things i really don't like are having 2 desktops. The pic attached gives you an idea of what you log onto, the fish in the bottom left is also a clickable link to your second desktop

If you can understand what i am trying to explain basically you boot into windows and the screen you are on basically looks like an enlarged windows phone screen, with the buttons for apps, web browser, etc....no task bar.

When you hit the left side of the screen it brings up a start button to switch screens and you can go to a desktop view that looks similar to what you launch into with windows 7. The only thing i enjoyed was the recent items bar where you could go back to see what you recently clicked on, when hitting the left of the screen.

I thought the first windows needed some work, as when you added things in like a custom browser (Firefox) and wanted it to be there instead of windows explorer, it didn't bring in the icon correctly and looked ugly compared to the rest of the boxes there.

I really hated how when you log off, and attempt to log on you are given a lock screen, in which you need to swipe your mouse upward to "unlock" your computer to be able to log in, which to me is entirely useless...


Lastly, they are making the price of W8 so low because they expect to make a killing off the app store, and might i add, now paying yearly for Office 2012??? What's up with that?

And i will say stay with 7 unless you really feel like dealing with 8, I think i might wait for some qwerks to come out and then switch, but honestly i just find 8 a hassle to use and overall headache

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Last edited by Digital Controller; October 8th, 2012 at 01:22 PM.

Atma

I tried it several months ago when I posted this thread. I wasn't blown away but I didn't hate it. I loved the boot up time which is much faster than Win 7 64 bit.

I'll probably buy it if there aren't any show stopper bugs that show up after release. I'm considering a 15" Win 8 slate too.

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nigsy

I have run the developer release, the customer preview and now through my Technet Licences I have the RTM version up and running - to be fair to MS those of you who tried the demo versions and not seen the final RTM will notice the difference - the metro interface is smooth, not buggy, there is more software now that will integrate into the new UI, plus they have done some 'under the hood' tweaks.

Saying that, it's not for desktop PC's - I think we all know that - it's designed for phones and tablets and for internet enabled smart TV's. Seeing as though most businesses still hang onto XP they are not going to make the jump to W8 - from what I see a lot of businesses are looking at alternatives such as Linux.

NOt sure what the support cycle for W7 looks like, but the home market probably won't see a massive shift to W8, but it will be a gradual market gain as people by a new PC/laptop that has W8 preinstalled.

Not enough to get me off my Suse 12.2 install i'm afraid!

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Bob Maxey

Then why not simply avoid the upgrade and stick with what you know?

I wonder why people whine (not you) about the next version of Windows and how much it will suck rather than stay with what they know and use and need and like and tolerate?

Like complaining about a smart phone you will never purchase. Why worry iffin you ain't a gonna to go there?

I'll avoid the upgrade unless the final release is workable. For me. So far, Microsoft has a way to go.

lunatic59

For several reasons, Bob. One, because the Microsoft juggernaut continues in retail and Windows 8 will be the only option for new PC's at point of sale. Two because, being in IT, I am eventually going to have to support the machines that run it, or use applications that require it. And, finally, I give most new OS's and updates a run, just to see what I am likely to be up against.

For the record I never liked the ribbon bar introduced in Office 2007, because I was so used to 2003's menus, but once I embraced it by necessity, I did find that I tend to prefer it now. Maybe Metro will work the same way. I can't say. I do know that I have still yet to warm up to Unity in Ubuntu.

Mayhem

I pulled Pro down off of MSDN and installed it on my desktop at home. My chief complaint is the lack of a Start button (easily fixed with a 3rd party app.).

Other than that it's nothing special (to me at least).

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NGD1

Ive been a tester since the first Developer release.
i love and hate features, but ive been that way since i can remember with windows anyway, i didn't like the lack of the Start menu but that was fixed with (like said above) a 3rd party application that works great.
the side menu's annoyed me at first but i got used to them and i really do love the resource's it uses.
i also love the prices they are talking about the $14-$40 something.

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pbf98

Windows 8 is actually available already, and no not just the consumer preview. I went to a school that had a program for its computer students that gave you access to a fairly decent amount of Microsoft products, for Free!.. I can still login to access all my previous downloads, and I can see all the products available to "eligible" members. Windows 8 Professional was added at the beginning of the month. My eligablity was up 5 months ago sadly haha they let you access it two years from when you graduate.

And I have a cousin that is a developer at Microsoft, he decided to update all PCs in his house with windows 8.. his wife is not to happy I guess.

But I still got plenty of software that came in handy and I can use it all for personal use.

But the official release to the public is supposed to be Oct 26th I believe

nancy30

i have heard that there will be a greater learning curve in using windows 8 than windows 7, I think they are doing too much experimentation besides windows 8 is going to be touch sensitive

SamuraiBigEd

It is my understanding that like previous versions you can select how you want to set it up, with a more conventional desktop or the Metro. It has been a while since I looked into it so it may have changed. If the OS is going to be that touch centric MS would be idiots to not put provisions for a traditional mouse/keyboard PC.

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Last edited by SamuraiBigEd; October 10th, 2012 at 05:06 PM.

iowabowtech

After checking it out briefly I was left with the impression that I either need to buy a touch monitor or strip away those features and end up with a barely glorified Windows 7.

imnotmikal

Working for a PC company, I have access to the "retail" version of 8 (closer to retail than the current Consumer Preview) and I have to say I'm impressed IF you have a touch enabled computer.

Without touch, 8 is mostly a massive graphic overhaul of 7, with a few performance tweaks throw in.

Bob Maxey

When I access "live.com" I Outlook pops up so I can check my mail. Those silly color tiles across the top of the page. One of the reason I dislike Windows 8 is because of those gawd horrid tiles. What is with Microsoft and tiles, anyway?

Come on Microsoft, you won my vote when you dropped Clippy, so lets get rid of those inane times. While you are at it, hire a color stylist and change the tile colors on Win 8.

imnotmikal

You can change the tile colors, or disable them completely. >.>

Bob Maxey

I sorta figured that was the case. Still, I do not like the look.

Paulanater

I've used all the betas from the first offered to internal Microsoft developers, to the external developer edition (first public version) through the current RTM version releasing soon. In my opinion, there's a huge learning curve but once you get over it, it becomes a very nice new interface. It took me about 4 days of forcing myself to use the new Metro theme before I got it and now I almost prefer it over Aero. When the app store gets a bit more populated, and with the amount of sales Microsoft has it's almost guaranteed to happen, there is really nothing that I would want in Aero. Once all the applications migrate to the new theme there's really no point in Aero and I wouldn't mind it being dropped in Windows 9.

Rolo42

Welcome to AF, Paulanater.

I played with Win8 on a test PC. I can see its usefulness on a tablet and maybe an entertainment center PC. I do think it is uuuuugly.

For a desktop, it makes no sense and just encumbers.

Intel has tick-tock. Microsoft has tick-flop.

Win95 - great
Win97 - flopped (not even released)
Win98 - nice
WinME - flopped
Win2000 - nice (I'd argue this doesn't count since it was a rushed version of XP to get the "2000" moniker)
WinXP - great
Vista - flopped
7 - great
8 - I expect it to flop in desktop markets and not do so hot in mobile markets, maybe "ok" maybe flop
9 - Like 7 is to Vista, 9 should undo the mistakes made with 8.

I'm thinking 7 will stick around for many years like XP did.

Bob Maxey

I think it is a bit to early to predict what Win 9 will look like. My guess is Windows 8 will not be a big hit. In the tech game, making any kind of prediction is difficult.

Millions of people will buy it because they are hell bent on upgrading or they will not have any choice when they purchase a new PC.

Does anybody know what besides the gawd awful GUI was changed and how it different from 7? I hope MS is giving us features, features and more features not just a goofy GUI.

350X

...

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Last edited by 350X; October 12th, 2012 at 04:44 PM.

350X

If i wanted an android like OS on a PC with millions of apps to download, Id put Android on my PC.

windows 8 is dumb as a desktop OS, leave it on mobile.

Big business has made it know they will not upgrade to win 8, was all over CNBC how one at a time they all said were stickign with 7. Though server side, they might upgrade.

javasirc

If i get Windows 8, i will get a Pro/X86 tablet to replace my laptop. Probably the Surface.

I often find myself using a note pad + pen, and often looking at just the monitor. Since i use a laptop, the keyboard is always in the way, and i cant move it. If i use a tablet, i can use a full sized keyboard and slide it out of the way when needed, and let the tablet sit on a stand. Plus the real keyboard is much more convenient and efficient to use than this laptop keyboard.

I usually have multiple windows open at once. Switching through windows on desktop mode, minimizing windows, resizing, etc by touching with my finger will be a hassle. Since i wont have a keyboard hooked up while im in bed, on the couch, or any other non-table place, i will not be able to use hotkeys to control the UI. I see myself struggling with the tablet in desktop mode.

These W8 tablets supposedly have slow processors compared to laptops on the market, and compared to the one i use now. That means it will be slower, and i probably wont be able to play the games i play now. Even if it does run the game, playing a X86 game on a tablet will be impossible without a mouse and keyboard.

I like the thought of using a tablet for everything i want to do, but it seems like the jack-of-all-trades. W8 tablet "can" run games, use X86 programs, etc. But it will not be efficient. And the W8 tablet specs will never even compete with a laptop/desktop specs.

So i can play games and work on desktop mode while its on the table with a mouse and keyboard. And i can use the "Metro UI" while im in bed or on the toilet. Im better off keeping my Windows 7 laptop the way it is, as a "productive" device, and use an Android or iPad for my mobile media consumption.

I honestly cant see Windows 8 succeeding when a Desktop or Laptop with Windows 7 + an Android/iPad can handle productivity + media flawlessly.

I used to view Microsoft as a huge skyscraper with a lot of lights on at night, with a big grass yard around the building, controlling the whole world with their software. My view changed to "Some bald guy that is trying too hard to impress consumers with something he thinks we want, in some shack on the outskirt of town." I like(d) Microsoft. I really hope they create a world-changing device/OS.

Last edited by javasirc; October 13th, 2012 at 05:47 PM.

Matty18

Having access to MSDN, I've had access to the full RTM version for about a month now, and I'd used the previews before that. And I've got to say, like many people, I've got mixed opinions.

I think it will work great on tablets. The tiles and new "metro" (even if it's not called that any more) interface is suited to touch a lot more than a mouse. Having used it on a conventional PC however, I've got to say it's pretty rubbish. It's really hard to move along the metro interface with a mouse, and with now way of disabling it (Microsoft secretly removed the ability to do that) I hate it. Let's just say I'll be using a LOT more keyboard short cuts now.

However, if you took away the metro interface, I like it. It is slightly faster than Windows 7 when I tested it, and some of the new features are good to.

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350X

only hope would be if there were suddenly 19+ in touch screen tablet and PC monitors for the same price as reg, can't cost $500 more then normal, reguardless of the touch function.

Sak01

Upgraded yesterday on my laptop and I like it. It's quicker, looks nice and feels modern.

The problems I've encountered so far are some of my fn keys on the keyboard are not working, touchpad scrolling within apps and the Start screen doesn't always work and my wifi connection has dropped a few times although that could be coincidental. Hopefully updates will fix those.

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Atma

The pre-release version ran very well on my laptop. I downloaded the Win 8 Pro update from Microsoft on Friday. The fan on my laptop kept running about 80 or 90%. About what it does on a 3D game. I finally went back to Win 7.

Maybe its because I didn't format and do a clean install. I made the mistake of not downloading the iso. I found the files that were downloaded and burned them to a dvd but apparently I need to make the dvd bootable. The Win 8 files included boot files and autostart, how do I make the dvd a bootable dvd?

Rolo42

There are utilities to make an ISO bootable but I'd recommend downloading the proper ISO from Microsoft (surely that has to be an option).

Atma

There was an option to download the ISO when I first upgraded, which I didn't do, but I can't find a way to do it now without paying again. The upgrade assistant thing didn't have the option for formatting first.

Mehta23

What are the advantages of W8 over 7? If there's a lot I might consider dual booting both until I see which I prefer.

javasirc

Windows 8 = Windows 7, and then some, without Aero. Let me explain.

You can download a Start Button (there are multiple available). The one i use replicates the Windows 7 start button. This start button has a menu, accessible by right clicking it, which allows you to make a few adjustments, including disabling the Charm and Multitask menus when you move your mouse to a corner.

There is a third party program that applies Transparency to the Taskbar. This allows your Taskbar to look similar to Window 7's. Although i havnt found a transparency solution for actual windows yet.

You can enable Quick Launch icons to the Taskbar by adding a Toolbar, and selecting the Quick Launch folder.

You can make Windows 8 launch to Desktop by placing the "Show Desktop" icon into the Startup folder, which is here:
C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Replacing <user name> with your user name, of course. There is one downfall with W8, and thats the password screen. I dont know how to bypass it. You will have to enter your password prior to entering Metro UI or Desktop.

Just about all Windows 7 programs work on Windows 8.

You still get to use Metro UI if you choose to. And you also get to use the Windows Store, allowing you to download Apps you probably dont already have on your Windows 7 system. You can also open a metro app side-by-side with the desktop.

My Windows 8 desktop looks almost the same as my Windows 7 does.

My Windows 7 desktop:


And my Windows 8 desktop:


Note that some desktop icons and quick launch icons are missing from my Windows 8 desktop. I have not yet installed them. Im sure they work fine.

In my opinion, anyone who is saying Windows 8 sucks hasnt tried it, hasnt put any effort into making it work for them, heard bad things through hear-say, or simply hates Microsoft.

Last edited by javasirc; October 31st, 2012 at 07:20 PM.

Rolo42

What I'm hearing is that everything you are used to doing gets more cumbersome and difficult, if doable at all.

We already have linux for that.

javasirc

Cumbersome and difficult? Its the same as Windows 7 with the added "Metro UI". I upgraded to Windows 8 a couple days ago. I got it set up to nearly match my Windows 7 desktop. Everything i did on Windows 7, im now doing on Windows 8. I even checked out the Metro UI and Windows Store, and downloaded a couple metro apps.

Making W8 desktop function the same as W7 may be considered difficult to some, since you have to download and install a few programs from the internet. Im 90% set on buying a Windows 8 tablet, and leaving my laptop to collect dust (as long as Microsoft doesnt disable me from booting to Desktop or disable me from using a third-party start menu. And if the Bluestacks gets the Android apps functioning properly, using Bluestacks on Windows 8 tablet should be a blast. From what i understand, i should be able to use an Xbox controller to play W8 metro games. That will be a blast.

Sak01

I think it depends on what you use your computer for and how you're used to doing it. And of course, how one handles change.

For me it's a refreshing change and pretty easy to get to grips with. I actually found the old Start button tedious and cumbersome so maybe I'm in the minority that are glad to see it go.

Last edited by Sak01; October 31st, 2012 at 08:06 PM.

Speed Daemon

New releases of Windows and other Microsoft products are a lot like rearranging the furniture in a blind person's home with the message that "it's just gotta be done". Things are shuffled around to unfamiliar places, many things that used to be 3rd party accessories get copied and made mandatory, a few new toys are added. But the basic functionality is still pretty much the same. And for that privilege you get to fork over a few hundred bucks.

I can't make a business case for the endless "upgrades" and the managerial dogma that drives them. In my own business, I just don't do things like that. I'm in business to make money, not to be an obedient consumer or to be entertained. It's that simple.

Things like living in houses, sleeping in beds and using heat to prepare food is the norm for the vast majority of humans. The rebels and dedicated followers of fashion are very small exceptions, and even they tend to come back to the norm sooner than later.

WIMP works, plain and simple. It doesn't need to be fixed, and attempts at making radical changes have worked about as well as sleeping in trees instead of beds. If something comes along that really and truly revolutionizes computing user interfaces, and really and truly sticks for a very long time, I'll be interested. But until then I have better things to do than being an obedient consumer.

Those who have the free time that they're fine with spending on entertainment, and the wealth to support that kind of lifestyle are welcome to do as they please. And I don't begrudge their choices. It's just not for me after spending a career of keeping up with the latest and allegedly greatest.

Mehta23

I use win 7 + rain meter + onomino anyway. Shouldn't be too far a change.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/ck5r3xaxkgqod2o/Untitled.png
https://www.dropbox.com/s/g8iuek7rg3zcj3i/Untitled1.png

Is it worth making the change to Win 8 ?

Could I dual boot Win 8 and Win 7 ? And then make a move permanently?

Last edited by Mehta23; November 1st, 2012 at 10:38 AM.

Xyro

At this moment in time, windows 8 almost feels like you're dual booting two different operating systems at once.

When you click through to the desktop, it's everything you're used to from windows 7. There are some tweaks, such as the removal of aero glass, the new office-like ribbon menus in windows explorer, and the way you access the power options by mousing over to the top right of the screen, but nothing that will really phase you. The only difference is that the start menu is gone, to be replaced by:

Metro UI. This covers all the same functionality your start menu used to; you can pin shortcuts, or start typing to search for files, settings and programs. However, the big difference are the 'apps', for which microsoft have launched their own walled garden app store. When you launch an app, it fills the entire screen - your taskbar isn't visible. Metro apps are clearly designed for tablets and phones, with touchscreen control in mind. You can only switch between apps using an awkward mouse gesture at the top left corner of the screen (something that is actually really tough when using dual monitors). At the moment, they are all very basic in terms of functionality and customisation. I'm interested to see what they make, but currently, they are useless for users on a PC.

So, because I have yet to find any use for Metro or the Metro Apps, windows 8 is really just windows 7 with a fancy, full screen start menu.

EDIT: I just realised that Alt + Tabbing shows a combined list of metro apps and windows, so that's easier than messing around with that gesture based system of switching.

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Last edited by Xyro; November 1st, 2012 at 12:49 PM.

SamuraiBigEd

And a few improvements.

I like the ability to snap three different programs, one as a sidebar and two splitting the remainder of the screen, for this reason alone I may give it a shot.

saptech

How does W8 handle dual booting with other OSes, such as Linux? Are is it going to be an issue with new computer and the new BIOS or whatever the controversy is about?

Just a thought!

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Xyro

Yeah, the boot up speeds are a lot better, especially. They have made it so that 'shut down' is really a semi-hibernation mode, so booting back up is really quick. (Although this means that only a deliberate restart will let you install windows updates). I also found that, with the actual hibernation mode, my PC is responsive almost instantly, whereas it would be really sluggish for several minutes after coming out of hibernation on windows 7.

It also has all of the features of Microsoft Security Essentials built into the OS, which is great.

That ability to snap different programs is one potential way I can see metro apps being useful - once some more interesting apps are released. Essentially, you can devote 1/4 of your screen as a sidebar to a metro app, and most of them support a narrow version of the UI for this. In the remaining space, you can either load another full scale metro app, or the desktop. The desktop can then be split 50/50 between two windows, as per normal in windows 7.

Last edited by Xyro; November 1st, 2012 at 01:33 PM.