Opinions of Windows 8

1. 60

   oldhorseposted 12 years ago

   I have now had a chance to use Windows 8.  It seems like it is still Windows underneath, but with some pointlessly annoying interface changes and a me-too tablet interface slapped on top.  There is still a desktop, but the start button has been removed, I guess to force us to use the new tablet landing page.  Dialogs often pop up hidden.  So, the application in question will refuse to do anything until you manage to navigate to the hidden dialog.  The open file dialog has been dumbed down in ways that make it a lot less efficient to find a file.  The control panel  has similarly been dumbed down.  It would be ok, if the now hidden features were really  things I didn't need, but they aren't obviated, they're just harder to find.
   
   The tablet interface looks like a bunch of hyperactive colored blocks.  I think it is mostly advertising online services, but there are some functional bits mixed in,like the desktop.  It seems like Android and iOS both have more efficient navigation.  Finally,  on a fifteen inch screen, why do I need a popup soft keyboard that takes up half the screen.
   
   This thing smells like something that was designed via internal company politics rather than by someone with UI design skills.  Does anyone have anything good to say about it?

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2. 71

   Shawn Scarboroughposted 12 years ago

   Microsoft should have developed a separate tablet operating system instead of creating Windows 8 to be used on tablets, laptops, and desktops.  I am currently using Windows 8 on my desktop and have gotten used to it.  I will install Windows 7 on my next desktop computer because I think it is more suited for that task than Windows 8.
   
   When I get a tablet, I am going to get an Android tablet.  I see Android becoming the standard operating system for tablets and phones in the next year or two as they replace desktop and laptop systems.

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3. 85

   WriteAngledposted 12 years ago

   I bought a new laptop recently. I had more or less decided to stay with Lenovo Thinkpad, but what clinched it was that I was able to opt for Windows 7 Professional as an alternative to the default Windows 8.
   
   I think Microsoft have forgotten that some people actually buy computers for work reasons, not to play music, watch videos, chat and look at photo collections!

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4. 69

   Michael Willisposted 12 years ago

   There is a way to get the W7 Desktop on W8. I downloaded this and now I get the use the 7 Desktop instead of the new W8 Iphone looking desktop.
   When I get home tomorrow I can add the link for the download. I am on my computer with W7 today or I could post the link today.

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5. 69

   healthyfitnessposted 12 years ago

   I had a chance to use it at a local Best Buy. In my opinion its a pretty cool operating system but only for the phone or tablet. I don't think it would be as good for a regular desktop or laptop.
   I liked the design and colors.

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   1. 69

      Michael Willisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If you want the classic windows 7 look in your Windows 8, here is the link for the download for the Classic Shell. After downloading this I see my start-up as I did for Windows 7. Easy to find my files, folder, programs the way I was use to. This link was given to me by The Geek Squad at BestBuy.
      http://sourceforge.net/projects/classic … source=dlp

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6. 67

   atechwizposted 12 years ago

   Personally I really like Windows 8.  I will admit that it is sometimes frustrating having to remember where things are in Windows 8 versus 7.  Everything is pretty much still there, just a different way to access it.  I personally feel that Microsoft is trying to apply their Windows Phone philosophy to computers as well.  Basically making the things that you use most frequently front and center.  Obviously most of us who have grown up using Windows are probably put off by this.  I can tell you though that my kids who have primarily used iPad and mobile technology take to Windows 8 better than 7.  Just my thoughts.

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7. 60

   bBereanposted 12 years ago

   I have windows 8 on my Surface Pro, and for that environment I absolutely love it.  I have loaded several old windows programs I use for research, as well as cad programs and am using Office 365.  There are many features I have not yet had time to explore, but so far it is great.  I could see where using a mouse with Win 8, might be a less pleasing experience.  Using touch or a stylus though, Windows 8 shines.

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