[QUADICON]

LiveBrianD, on 01 March 2012 - 03:56 PM, said:

QUADICON, on 01 March 2012 - 07:06 AM, said:

jscott418, on 29 February 2012 - 05:19 PM, said:

I think it will be fine for Tablets and a dud for PC's. Notice how Microsoft in its presentations of Windows 8 focuses on tablets? This is done intentionally. The PC user will not find Windows 8 better then Windows 7 for day to day functions.

Metro is just a skin on a desktop PC. if the person doesn't liek the skin, they simply turn it off. For day to day stuff, it likely won't be that much different than Windows 7. But for those who want the new skin that can help do some thing quicker, it is an available option.

Except that there ISN'T a way to turn it off. I looked around and found nothing. (unless I use the registry)

The way I think it could be is this - The preview may not allow it, because that si the whole point of the preview. They wan everyone to use and try to get use to the new way of doing things. Likely in the final version you will be able to.

From the videos I saw, it just depends on what device you are using Windows 8 on. For example, on some tablets the Metro UI is going to likely be your only choice. It is no different from Android or iOS where you have a single UI for controlling what you wnat to do on the device. This will be especially true of tablets that are using ARM. For the x86 version of Windows 8 used on a laptop or desktop or certain ARM tablets, you will be able to switch between the Windows UI and the Metro UI.

So if you don't like Metro, however you can move it out your way to get to the UI you prefer then do that. What I don't understand about peopel is this, if you don't care to use the Metro UI, why are you downloading it in the first place? If you prefer the old Windows UI, then just stick to Windows 7 or whatever other version you are using. The reason for Windows 8 is specific. The Metro UI is part of the what you need to use unless you need to use ither apps.

I personally like the Metro UI on a smaller screen. On a larger screen with all those stupid color will take some getting use too. But the UI is for touch and using a mouse with it, I certainly don't like. But it does work and until I get a touch display or a tablet running the new Windows, I will not use it for now. I suggest other should do the same.

[brunnegd]

GetReal, on 01 March 2012 - 04:18 PM, said:

Hello QUADICON, still up to your old tricks - misunderstanding what people mean (deliberately?) to start a fuss.
I am not against MEANINGFUL change (and no I don't use any apple products), what upsets me is that so many changes made within Windows are simply cosmetic - just for the sake of having something different (and MS charging customers for this facad) while disregarding the lost time and productivity involved.

So, all you microsoft apologists take note of how silly your posts are!

The Win8 GUI is eye candy for the masses.

[QUADICON]

brunnegd, on 02 March 2012 - 06:35 AM, said:

The Win8 GUI reminds me of the simplistic "Bob" introduced by MS in the mid-90s. The objective was a GUI so easy a 4 year old could use it. I was a complete flop, even had associations with the evil spirit Bob from Twin Peaks. CNET named Bob the worst product invention of the 90s. Will the Win8 GUI suffer the same fate?

Did you know Microsoft Bob was made by Bill Gates future wife?
It actually was a good idea that was poorly executed. Microsoft has had lots of good ideas, just poorly executed. WebTv was a good idea that was hampered by poor internet technology and the UI simply didn't work well for many. Thus both of those failed.

I don't think Windows 8 is going to be a flop. In my opinion, it just doesn't work for a desktop PC. To me its just a new grid of larger icons where some are designed to give you info without actually opening the application associated with it.

It's not really impressive, but what I am impressed with is how it works. For social based apps it is a good idea to see updates without launching the full app unless you want too. For a tablet this is perfect. For a phone it is also perfect. Especially for the uncontrolled who use their devices while driving. But for a full on lpatop or desktop, the move is very bold.

I think the idea is good, but the execution of it may not be. I think what Microosft should have done was add the Metro UI capability to Windows 7 for all of us to play with and see if we would want that in our next Windows for the desktop.

For the Enterprise, they likely won't even use the Metro UI and I am sure it can be disable completely either with the registry or group policies. However, if the UI is customizable, then I think some businesses could make pretty good use of what it offers.

I think if everyone would consider what people NOW mostly use a computer for; email, social networking and games, then the UI is perfect for them. For those still heavily into using Photoshop or Office or any other application that is outside the UI, then the UI is of no real benefit unless you aren't working.

[PursuitLi]

I am a long user of Windows tablet, since the age of Fujitsu Stylistic. However, Windows 8 really disappoints me.

I use a EP121 to test all these:

Obviously, Windows 8 targets at Tablet devices. What makes Windows tablet capture my eyeball was simply the irreplaceable hardware compatibly. Say, a Windows tablet can connect to network printers, flawlessly. The device can read external harddisks, flashdrives, network drives etc. Windows Metro brings NO improvement to this area.

Windows Metro was born with a PDF reader that supports pinch to zoom, multitouch and smooth panning. It looks fine on tablet also.......if you do not print it or copy it to other storage device. It WAS exactly the point for which a Windows tablet outshines, but now it becomes a crap. I have to switch back to desktop mode for all such tasks, and, install a 3rd party PDF reader for simply printing a file. Ridiculous.

Well, let's talk about file management. I can't imagine a Windows without decent file management.... You may want to talk about Libraries instead of convention file paths. Fine.. But Metro brings no file browsers. Again, for copying a text C:\1.txt to your flashdrive, again, you have to switch back to desktop, find the "Windows Explorer", click "Computer" and "C:" and finally "1.txt". Alright, I have enough of it. But what amaze you more is ---- you cannot select the file....... (Why don't you have CLICKBOXES????? I know it can be set in Tools->file options.. but what's the point of disabling it at default??)

For those experiencing W8 Consumer Preview on Laptops, you may wonder it would be a better experience on Tablets. However, certainly, NOPE.

Hope that the above words can get into Microsoft, or else Windows tablet will simply shrink and abandon the throne of OS to Apple or whatever.

[LiveBrianD]

QUADICON, on 02 March 2012 - 07:43 AM, said:

The way I think it could be is this - The preview may not allow it, because that si the whole point of the preview. They wan everyone to use and try to get use to the new way of doing things. Likely in the final version you will be able to.

From the videos I saw, it just depends on what device you are using Windows 8 on. For example, on some tablets the Metro UI is going to likely be your only choice. It is no different from Android or iOS where you have a single UI for controlling what you wnat to do on the device. This will be especially true of tablets that are using ARM. For the x86 version of Windows 8 used on a laptop or desktop or certain ARM tablets, you will be able to switch between the Windows UI and the Metro UI.

So if you don't like Metro, however you can move it out your way to get to the UI you prefer then do that. What I don't understand about peopel is this, if you don't care to use the Metro UI, why are you downloading it in the first place? If you prefer the old Windows UI, then just stick to Windows 7 or whatever other version you are using. The reason for Windows 8 is specific. The Metro UI is part of the what you need to use unless you need to use ither apps.

I personally like the Metro UI on a smaller screen. On a larger screen with all those stupid color will take some getting use too. But the UI is for touch and using a mouse with it, I certainly don't like. But it does work and until I get a touch display or a tablet running the new Windows, I will not use it for now. I suggest other should do the same.

Yeah, I also think they'll likely allow you to disable metro. (otherwise, that won't be accepted by businesses AT ALL) I'll admit, on a tablet Windows 8 absolutely kicks the ass off Android and iOS. As it is, they seem to be forgetting that for regular desktops and laptops it sucks. If I could have the Windows 8 boot times, task manager, and maybe explorer, as well as the login screen of Windows 7 (rather than the fixed color ugly one of Windows 8, as well as stupid pull-up login screen) WITHOUT metro or the annoying things that take up the right third of the screen like the network icon in the taskbar, I'd be happy. I also feel that aero is a bit ugly - what's with the boxy look? Windows 7 is better there, though that's not too big of a deal. The basic theme is just plain UGLY though in win8, much better in w7. Granted, I might not be willing to pay to upgrade just for that from Windows 7, but I'd be fine with it. Metro is the only dealbreaker (and unfortunately a MAJOR one).

I downloaded Win8 just to try it, out of curiosity.

[amcgall]

I agree with most of the others here; as a desktop OS Windows 8 sucks. Too much of our our life is dumbed down for us. It's far better for Tablets and smart phones. I can't wait to hear the howls from IT departments if MS tries to implement this on their server OS upgrades.

[wmwrichter]

...looks like it was designed by "Clippy" for "Bob"... (remember them?)


......oooooohhhhhh..... and it has "charms" too !!!!!

....not a nickle, Micro$haft.....

[jrodriguezxp]

May be good for tablets, but not for desktops nor laptops (except touch-screen versions). It is too square with all those charms in the middle. I prefer the simplicity and the sweet transparent colors of Windows 7.

[SCOOPNJ78]

You can not find your programs, or anything else in Windows 8. if you want to uninstall it, YOU CAN NOT. This should have been stated in the article. Again all the PC mags go gaga about Windows, for some reason they seem to worship the company. Remember the hype about Vist? It turned out to be the worst OS, even worse than Me.

[SCOOPNJ78]

Forgot to add, DO NOT EVEN THINK OF CREATING A RESTORE POINT, IT WIPES IT OUT ON INSTALLATION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SCOOPNJ78]

Does anyone know how to shut this damn computer off under Windows 8???? (besides hard shutdown)
btw it is slow as hell too !!!

[waldojim]

SCOOPNJ78, on 05 March 2012 - 12:03 PM, said:

You can not find your programs, or anything else in Windows 8. if you want to uninstall it, YOU CAN NOT. This should have been stated in the article. Again all the PC mags go gaga about Windows, for some reason they seem to worship the company. Remember the hype about Vist? It turned out to be the worst OS, even worse than Me.

The programs can be found if you take a minute to understand how the machine works. They also can be uninstalled. Again, take time to understand the os.

[waldojim]

SCOOPNJ78, on 05 March 2012 - 12:19 PM, said:

Does anyone know how to shut this damn computer off under Windows 8???? (besides hard shutdown)
btw it is slow as hell too !!!

Yep, use settings, shutdow. Use the right bar in metro. Then learn to use the machine. You have many posts already indicating that you are more interested in whining than learning. You need a different approach when dealing with a beta version of any os.

[Kidkett]

I tried to install Photo software, Nikon's View NX2 and Capture NX2 and had a very hard time to get them to install, but I did make it finally. But I tried to install OnOne software and even had a harder time with it and in the end after installing it, it will not run. I can get around Windows 8 Ok and it runs faster and even has a better look to it, but if it won't run the software I need I won't be buying it. When I installed the first Windows 8 last year I got everything to run on it, and don't know what has changed or why. I just know when the Beta for Windows 7 came out everything ran fine. I need to install Photoshop CS5 and see if it runs!

[BarryMcKinlay]

Boot speed is INSANELY fast. 8-10 sec from cold start. Working on the desktop, it feels mostly like W7 in function. Having used it, I can say there are a few potentially FATAL flaws. Without a hierarchical start button, your APPS and applications are spread buckshot style across the MetroUI. This makes for a VERY messy and disorganized experience. Shutdown/restart etc. is clumsy. You have to open the CHARMS from the right side to get THE OPTION (POWER) then select it what you want. TOO slow/too many clicks. Maybe ok for a tablet with touch ability, but painfully slow with a mouse. (Unless we all learn the numerous keyboard shortcuts, desktop SHOULD NOT be second. Target the OS for the device!

From what I have seen and played with, I was SO tempted to leave it on my desktop (will stay on my laptop for now) but the accessing the POWER user and NOT so power user functions was too clumsy. Don't shorten my boot time to near zero (in Windows respect) and but add lots of wasted time to the desktop functionality. The current CP version is all about touch and tablet interface. Desktop use is also an oops addon. Clearly one OS optimized for mobile devices with deep ties to a desktop optimized version is the best approach. As a desktop user, I feel like a second class user when it comes to accessing the multitude of features and power tools included in all desktops. Plus, it is dumb to add every executable to the metroUI when applications are installed. If MetroUI is the elegant evolution, adding all the miniscule droppings of every install creates quiet a mess.

Basically...great steps so far. BUT...return the hierarchical structure of the start button to the actual desktop. MetroUI is pretty on NON-TOUCH devices but largely only eye candy without usefulness. On touch devices, sure the power and presence of the desktop is a bonus, but devices and their OS must be targeted correctly to be successful. The current muddying of "desktop" is sad and forced a return to W7. But I am still interested.

[stevem26]

I think Windows 8 is awesome. But it will always take a bit of time to get used to such radical changes. I well remember when we went from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and all the complaints about the new Start menu (I mean, Program Manager was soooo great???). The old start menu really isn’t as useful as it was when we only had a handful of programs on our computers. These days we spend more time consuming information than ever before. The start screen gives us a place to efficiently consume information as well as finding the programs and information that we are looking for in an efficient and effective manner. Give it a chance – it will grow on you!

[robods]

I actually like the interface. Once I got familiar with the concept, it really made Personal Computing exciting again. IE is super fast, programs load faster as well. My only concern is security. If Windows 8 can maintain the speed in its OS and my data secure, I dare say that this the best Windows yet.

[robods]

SCOOPNJ78, on 05 March 2012 - 12:19 PM, said:

Does anyone know how to shut this damn computer off under Windows 8???? (besides hard shutdown)
btw it is slow as hell too !!!

Just move your mouse to the right of the screen, click settings, then power. Easy as pie.

[LiveBrianD]

SCOOPNJ78, on 05 March 2012 - 12:03 PM, said:

You can not find your programs, or anything else in Windows 8. if you want to uninstall it, YOU CAN NOT. This should have been stated in the article. Again all the PC mags go gaga about Windows, for some reason they seem to worship the company. Remember the hype about Vist? It turned out to be the worst OS, even worse than Me.

In my opinion ME was worse. Vista was a bit bloated, but not that bad. ME was based on the crappy 9x kernel rather than the rock solid NT kernel that Windows 2000 was built on (that kernel is still used to this day, so that tells you something). You can uninstall stuff - go to the desktop, hover over the right-side of the screen, open control panel, remove programs. (Much more complicated than it was in Windows 7.)

[LiveBrianD]

robods, on 12 March 2012 - 04:54 PM, said:

SCOOPNJ78, on 05 March 2012 - 12:19 PM, said:

Does anyone know how to shut this damn computer off under Windows 8???? (besides hard shutdown)
btw it is slow as hell too !!!

Just move your mouse to the right of the screen, click settings, then power. Easy as pie.

It was definitely easier in Windows 7 though, I have to say.