Returning from Windows 8

[radioshackmodel3]

I gave Windows 8 CR a thorough run and have decided to return to Windows 7. While many users find all kinds of things wrong with Windows 8 I find it pretty much the same as Windows 7 for my applications of website development, newsletter editing and various spreadsheet projects. True, there is a bit of a learning curve figuring out how to configure Windows 8 to effectively duplicate Windows 7 features but that was the fun part of experimenting with Windows 8. I have little (no?) interest in Metro Apps that use the full screen of one of my 24" monitors to run a program suited for a 7-inch screen. Hence, my conclusion is that there is no reason to upgrade to Windows 8. However, if I were to buy an new computer next year with Windows 8 installed it would be completely adequate and convenient for my computer related activities.

 

[windude99]

I gave Windows 8 CR a thorough run and have decided to return to Windows 7. While many users find all kinds of things wrong with Windows 8 I find it pretty much the same as Windows 7 for my applications of website development, newsletter editing and various spreadsheet projects. True, there is a bit of a learning curve figuring out how to configure Windows 8 to effectively duplicate Windows 7 features but that was the fun part of experimenting with Windows 8. I have little (no?) interest in Metro Apps that use the full screen of one of my 24" monitors to run a program suited for a 7-inch screen. Hence, my conclusion is that there is no reason to upgrade to Windows 8. However, if I were to buy an new computer next year with Windows 8 installed it would be completely adequate and convenient for my computer related activities.

Yea, I agree. Windows 8 Consumer Preview isn't that bad, but there are some improvements that need to be done with Metro. I noticed that if you plug a flash drive in, the little box that appears in the top right says tap instead of click. That's kind of annoying because I can't tap with a laptop or a desktop.

 

[radioshackmodel3]

It says Tap but click works well

 

[whs]

The majority of Win8 testers seem to take that position. If it comes with a new PC next year, Win8 is OK. But spending extra money for an upgrade license is not in the plans.

 

[windude99]

It says Tap but click works well

Yea Click works well.

 

[Ravi5kumar]

But still I don't like windows 8 because of its Metro UI and its touch optimization for touch screens. When I buy a touchscreen monitor then I will surely use Windows 8 otherwise I am OK with my Windows 7!

 

[kado897]

The majority of Win8 testers seem to take that position. If it comes with a new PC next year, Win8 is OK. But spending extra money for an upgrade license is not in the plans.

Absolutely.

 

[M1GU31]

I felt in a similar way but I prefer to stay away from win 8, anyways won't have win 8 since I build my computers and get to choose what goes in it. I prefer windows 7 then xp out of all the Microsoft os's. Win 8 is ok but i'll wait until Microsoft makes something I like. Overall win 8 does feel a lot like win 7 but with features taken away or changed that I liked in win 7. Thus this is why I will not be upgrading to win 8 and win 7 is getting support until 2020 anyways, heard vista is not getting dropped until 2015 so if your on vista you still have a while to go. The whole metro thing and start button taken away wasn't my thing so i'm happy with win 7.

 

[SIW2]

Good, because I just reinstalled Vista for a change.

108 updates plus a few optional - that is in addition to the install dvd already including SP2.

SP3 for Vista ? No idea if we will see that .

 

[radioshackmodel3]

I felt in a similar way but I prefer to stay away from win 8, anyways won't have win 8 since I build my computers and get to choose what goes in it. I prefer windows 7 then xp out of all the Microsoft os's. Win 8 is ok but i'll wait until Microsoft makes something I like. Overall win 8 does feel a lot like win 7 but with features taken away or changed that I liked in win 7. Thus this is why I will not be upgrading to win 8 and win 7 is getting support until 2020 anyways, heard vista is not getting dropped until 2015 so if your on vista you still have a while to go. The whole metro thing and start button taken away wasn't my thing so i'm happy with win 7.

I guess you could say the start button is there but just hidden. Mouse all the way down to the lower right corner and a link to the Start screen shows up. If properly configured the Start screen is simply the opening view of the start menu. Of course it does take up the whole screen

 

[gregrocker]

If you rightclick in the very bottom left corner of task bar where the Start screen thumbnail appears it gives you many needed Control Panel links, too.

I don't know why they won't allow a Start button to toggle that page but the Windows key suffices after you get in the habit.

 

[radioshackmodel3]

The new Windows 8 Task Manager is really great. I'm a bit obsessive about what is going on in my computer that I didn't start. I use Performance Monitor (free) to monitor disk, cpu and memory activity. And DU Meter ($) to monitor internet activity. It really bugs me when some program is using a bunch of disk, cpu or internet resources. With the Win 8 Task Manager you can find out exactly what program is using how much of what resource. That one great feature is probably not enough for me to upgrade but it sure is attractive!

 

[SIW2]

There are plenty of free apps. that will give you as much info as you want - much more than than the new Task menu.

Process explorer, Process Hacker for example.

If that is too much detail - then there are several other free ones that are a bit less daunting - can't recall their names atm

 

[radioshackmodel3]

I had tried Process Explorer but it doesn't appear to cover the internet I/O. However, Process Hacker does provide information similar to Win 8 Task Manager. Thanks for the tip!

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Two things I think will be a HUGE winner for W8 -- unlike most of the Doomsayers.

Windows to go and Hyper-V.

Yes I know that Metro needs a huge amount of work on it ("De-uglification of tiles, and easy for classical applications to display multiple windows side by side when using the Metro interface ) are just two for example -- but the Windows to Go with the HYPER-V option allows you to create a BOOTABLE Windows (note not an iINSTALL but a FULL BOOTABLE RUNNING WINDOWS SYSTEM) on an external USB HDD / SSD (or even a USB stick -- that has a few limitations however) where you can install applications jusy like Windows -- or even better create a W7 virtual machine under HYPER-V where you can create your own W7 system which will work anywhere.

I've booted up the Windows to go on at least 4 different machines - no problem and the W7 Virtual machine powers on correctly every time. It's got Office 2010 and Photoshop on it while the W8 machine has VLC, Nero and a host of other stuff. No more Bartpe type disks or fiddling around with the Windows PE environment.

Great portable and useful system.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[SIW2]

@ Jimbo,

The average consumer doesn't have the slightest idea what those are.

They don't want to find out, either.

Completely irrelevant for the consumer market.

 

[whs]

@ Jimbo,

The average consumer doesn't have the slightest idea what those are.

They don't want to find out, either.

Completely irrelevant for the consumer market.

The interesting thing I found out is that the 'average users' actually liked the new Start. I have tested that on a group of older users (all over 60) and after a short explanation they actually liked the new start in combination with All Apps and thought that this would be easier to use than what they have now.

I guess the secret is that you have to get them started somewhere with a minimum of guidance.

 

[SIW2]

Yes, Whs, I think I know why.

If they only do very simple things - they only need a few shortcuts in front of them that take them straight there. Just like a phone.

If that is all they do - they might as well just use their phones.

Also - you and your wife were there to explain it to them - makes a big difference.

Take a look at the video of Chris Pirillo's Dad again - and there are many more that have been posted up since then .

That is what will happen to millions of people - they hate it.

Unfortunately, they hate it for the wrong reasons.

 

[radioshackmodel3]

Every 10 years or so we get a new washing machine. Guess what, we have to read the instructions to figure out how to work the darn thing. A quick start list of 6 to 10 items for Win 8 and anyone who has used a computer will be good to go.

 

[gregrocker]

Si, what is the technical hurdle (if any) to having it install with the Metro GUI for phones or touch screen use, or else boot to the desktop with a Start button or Windows-key toggle to Start menu for desktop uses?

I also wonder if MS will hear these complaints since they've made it clear they only want telemetry and nothing else in the way of feedback. If they don't any longer have a way to change to the legacy Start screen or offer any choice along those lines, then how will they know how many prefer it that way - mass uninstalls of the Metro apps, maybe?

It seems they have an idea of what they want which is touchscreen-based all the way, and maybe don't want to hear any other ideas. The calls so far for MVP feedback are to blog about how much we like it. So far I'd like to encourage them to put the OS improvements (sans Metro) into SP2 for Win7 like they did in Vista SP2 with the Win7 improvements. Those improvements may have saved the company, so i hope they don't throw that all away on a Metro gambit.