windows 8

[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

 

[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.

 

[ocnbrze]

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.

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.

Windows Upgrade Offer - Landing Page

 

[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

 

[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

http://androidforums.com/computers/596021-windows-8-extremely-frustrating.html

http://androidforums.com/computers/594224-windows-8-a.html

http://androidforums.com/computers/570373-anyone-running-windows-8-a.html

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

 

[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]

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.

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.

 

[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]

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.

Windows Upgrade Offer - Landing Page

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

 

[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.

 

[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!

 

[Bob Maxey]

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.

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]

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.

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).

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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. :dontknow:

 

[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.