[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Ultimate Windows 8 starter guide: Must-know tips, apps and utilities here

[anonymuos]

Win8 Start Button is based on the open source Classic Shell so why not credit the original project!

[tozzer55]

Windows 8 - have it- for all the hoopla about it - don't see the big deal. I've used linux op systems that are more user friendly as a desk top-laptop , as for tablet use- android and macs are eons ahead. this is a botched attempt at catch-up hockey. I don't see the big deal about a start menu on the desktop settings . its a simple addition Microsoft! shows poor planning poor everything. Looking at this operating system - it stinks of Vista all over . Time will tell- it's a hard sell devise - sales are slow nobody's buying it!

[safasdfafsf]

Windows 8 apps are getting better every day.

[jbarr]

After using Windows 8 for about a month, I find I do miss the Start Button occasionally, but most of the Start Button items are still available by moving the mouse to the lower left and then right-clicking the start screen icon. Yes, start button replacements can be handy, but as one who works in IT who will eventually have to support Windows 8, it's important to understand native Windows 8 functionality. By all means use whatever makes using your device easier, but it can't hurt to learn the native basics.

[preilly2]

If I ever own a Windows 8 device I'll definitely use a Start Button replacement that lets me boot directly into the desktop. I can't understand why any enterprise would use Windows 8 'as is'. It adds extra steps that reduce productivity, The Modern interface also smacks users in the face with tiles that are basically constant inducements to waste time or attempts to get the user to spend money. A bad deal for both home and business users in my opinion.

[Director4u2c]

Since I installed windows 8 on my laptop, I love it. Since I purchased my surface, love it even more. The iPad has been reduced to what it always has been, a very expensive alarm clock. Now issues people complain about, tend to be Microsoft bashers anyway. So I never pay them any attention. The tiles are awesome, the NYTimes app is amazing, the NBC news app is simply brilliant, SkyDrive is the best cloud environment hands down, it puts icloud and drive to shame. And seriously when are you people going to realize Linux is not going anywhere. Let it go....lol

[CarlForster]

WIN8 sorry Microsoft you just lost 115 uesrs.

We have gone to the bright side Linux Zorin 6 Ultimate to be exact.

Moved our users (115) to a flavour of Linux "Zorin 6" which has a UI that looks and works like WIN7.
We purchased Zorin 6 Ultimate with DVD media for NZ$30.00 and it has applications also When we can move to Linux flavor Zorin 6 Ultimate, "http://zorin-os.com/premium.html" for NZ$30.00 with DVD and Support per seat.
This includes Libra Office and a full range of Applications Business, Multimedia, Gaming, you don't need to purchase anything else.
And we will also be purchasing Ubuntu Server Advanced loaded or Zental Server "https://store.zentyal.com/" with all options.
The cost saving per user is around NZ$800.00 per user, and the server well we were very surprised, and our accountant loved the savings to the balance sheet.

[paleolith]

In my opinion, Microsoft is a monopoly and Windows 8 was designed to produce revenue and improve earnings. Windows 7 is fine and renders Windows 8 superfluous.

I was happy to hear that an organization adopted Zorin Linux. I have used the free version of Zorin and I think it is a superb software package.

The only reason I use Windows at home is to keep abreast of it so I can use it at work. I still am perplexed: why do organizations pay for an unstable and virus vulnerable operating system when Linux is there for the taking?

[stevesharkman]

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WIN8 sorry Microsoft you just lost 115 uesrs. We have gone to the bright side Linux Zorin 6 Ultimate to be exact. Moved our users (115) to a flavour of Linux "Zorin 6" which has a UI that looks and works like WIN7. We purchased Zorin 6 Ultimate with DVD media for NZ$30.00 and it has applications also When we can move to Linux flavor Zorin 6 Ultimate, "http://zorin-os.com/premium.html" for NZ$30.00 with DVD and Support per seat. This includes Libra Office and a full range of Applications Business, Multimedia, Gaming, you don't need to purchase anything else. And we will also be purchasing Ubuntu Server Advanced loaded or Zental Server "https://store.zentyal.com/" with all options. The cost saving per user is around NZ$800.00 per user, and the server well we were very surprised, and our accountant loved the savings to the balance sheet.

wow...you're cheap...

[jbarr]

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WIN8 sorry Microsoft you just lost 115 uesrs. We have gone to the bright side Linux Zorin 6 Ultimate to be exact. Moved our users (115) to a flavour of Linux "Zorin 6" which has a UI that looks and works like WIN7. We purchased Zorin 6 Ultimate with DVD media for NZ$30.00 and it has applications also When we can move to Linux flavor Zorin 6 Ultimate, "http://zorin-os.com/premium.html" for NZ$30.00 with DVD and Support per seat. This includes Libra Office and a full range of Applications Business, Multimedia, Gaming, you don't need to purchase anything else. And we will also be purchasing Ubuntu Server Advanced loaded or Zental Server "https://store.zentyal.com/" with all options. The cost saving per user is around NZ$800.00 per user, and the server well we were very surprised, and our accountant loved the savings to the balance sheet.

Linux certainly has its place, but I suspect that you are probably in a more unique environment than most. In our manufacturing environment, Microsoft operating systems are essential due to the ongoing investments in various server products that are key to our manufacturing processes. Changing over to Linux would require a shift in IT personnel, re-purchasing Linux-based or compatible ERP solutions, and other server-based tools, I certainly encourage everyone to look into Linux, but don't expect it to be a quick, cheap, silver bullet.

[nijaboy2]

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After using Windows 8 for about a month, I find I do miss the Start Button occasionally, but most of the Start Button items are still available by moving the mouse to the lower left and then right-clicking the start screen icon. Yes, start button replacements can be handy, but as one who works in IT who will eventually have to support Windows 8, it's important to understand native Windows 8 functionality. By all means use whatever makes using your device easier, but it can't hurt to learn the native basics.

Actually, you don't even have to use the mouse. A much simpler step is to click the Windows key on the keyboard, then start typing the letters of the program you want. After typing 2-3 letters, the program will be topmost and already highlighted. Just click the Enter (Return) key and the program will open.

[TheBigOldDog5ydw]

The best tip is to buy a system builder's copy of Windows 7 (or better yet, get a technet subscription,) and get a system builder's copy of Windows 7. Boot from the DVD and select Advanced and delete all the partitions. Create a new partition using the whole disk (now unallocated) and install Windows 7. Enjoy. Sure you spent another $99 but you saved yourself 10X that amount in pure aggravation.

Microsoft learned nothing from Vista (or ME for that matter). They are on the edge of oblivion. How a monopoly destroyed itself will be studied for decades.

[rremmele]

I just upgraded a dual core XP because I was always unhappy with speed. I didn't dare do it with my main system because of all the dire warnings.

So after the upgrade I had a live tile staring at me that said Desktop. I clicked and I was on the, "oh so hard to find", desktop.

I then went back and on the right side of my screen were apps. I dragged the ones I used most often to the main tile area and had small tiles of them. I clicked on one and it opened on the desktop. I then attached the icon to the lower bar on the desktop.

I then searched for a program called Netplwiz which allowed me to set the system up to skip the Microsoft Sign in screen.

I then moused over to the right corner in a general fashion and clicked on the Power Charm, then clicked on Shut Down. It was kinda like clicking on Start, Turn off computer and Turn Off, but one less step,

I then started the computer (much faster startup and much more responsive) and had the Metro or whatever they are calling it come up with the Desktop Tile and my Desktop applications in tiles.

I could then click on an application and it would open on the desktop or click on the Desktop Tile and go directly to the desktop where my application icons were on the bottom strip.

I could then click on them from there. It was pretty much the same as clicking on the icons on my XP. I don't know what all the fuss is about.

[rremmele]

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If I ever own a Windows 8 device I'll definitely use a Start Button replacement that lets me boot directly into the desktop. I can't understand why any enterprise would use Windows 8 'as is'. It adds extra steps that reduce productivity, The Modern interface also smacks users in the face with tiles that are basically constant inducements to waste time or attempts to get the user to spend money. A bad deal for both home and business users in my opinion.

You can remove and replace any tile you want. You can add smaller tiles for your desktop applications and you can add the application icon on the lower bar of the Desktop itself just like on any other Windows. You can mouse over to the right corner and click on Power and shut down to turn off. It is faster booting up and more responsive on my older system. I don't understand the problem

[mtcoder]

Only people that hate windows 8 are those that refuse to try and use it. OMG no start button, um yes it is mouse over bottom left, start button magically appears. But instead of a huge long list of programs and folders nesting programs etc, you get live tiles which are much easier and faster to use. Especially when you set them up. Meaning, for example I have all my daily programs clustered in one group, my often used in another, my rarely used in the last group.
Anytime I need to find an application, press windows key type start of application name hit enter, bam done. Need to find a file no problem, etc the search feature is amazingly good and fast.

Add on flexibility to find things via apps as well, and it gets even stronger / better. For example I have the wiki app, I press windows key, type in what I want to look for, click on wiki app, poof windows searches wiki for what I typed. Same for all sorts of things, books etc. Don't even have to open the application, just window key type what I want, for example book title, click on kindle and the app launches with title in hand askig if I want to buy it. How much easier can life get.

Not to mention my 5 year old daughter uses windows 8, if she can figure it out then I am sure you grown ups can figure it out as well if you give it a try.

[BulldogXX]

Windows 8 is a waste of time. The only reason I have it is because my son got a computer with Win8 pre-installed, so now I have to learn how to use it.

Almost everything I used to do in Windows 7 is confusing, inconvenient or missing altogether in Windows 8. That's because Microsoft is trying to make us forget all the developments of previous years, like when Pamela Ewing woke up in season 8 of Dallas.

Even so, I would forgive Microsoft if it came out with a tablet OS that held a candle to iOS or Android. No such luck.

Thank goodness for Start8 (or your preferred Start menu replacement); at least it lets you expose the guts of Windows 8. But you're not out of the woods yet: Plenty of features - like Parental Control - are very weak. And have you tried to boot into Safe Mode, like I had to do to change the time zone, for heaven's sake, don't bother with F8. You either have to do it from within Windows - what good is that if you can't boot? - or restart with your install disc and click your way through half a dozen screens.

[EdR2]

I am an old fogey (67) and I like Windows 8.. so it has a little learning curve.. so what! It has some nice new features.. and it is super stable. I picked up a Windows 8 touch screen Sony T i7 and I like it so much I went out and bought the Dell XPS27 touch screen to replace my desktop.. and I love it. It isn't just the touch and functionality.. it is the forward thinking and the new features.

[jazzy007]

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Windows 8 is a waste of time. The only reason I have it is because my son got a computer with Win8 pre-installed, so now I have to learn how to use it. Almost everything I used to do in Windows 7 is confusing, inconvenient or missing altogether in Windows 8. That's because Microsoft is trying to make us forget all the developments of previous years, like when Pamela Ewing woke up in season 8 of Dallas. Even so, I would forgive Microsoft if it came out with a tablet OS that held a candle to iOS or Android. No such luck. Thank goodness for Start8 (or your preferred Start menu replacement); at least it lets you expose the guts of Windows 8. But you're not out of the woods yet: Plenty of features - like Parental Control - are very weak. And have you tried to boot into Safe Mode, like I had to do to change the time zone, for heaven's sake, don't bother with F8. You either have to do it from within Windows - what good is that if you can't boot? - or restart with your install disc and click your way through half a dozen screens.

Bulldog, put the Windows 8 machine on the desk and back away. It's obvious is too much for you. Let your son handle this from now on. Go to the garage, take your buggy whip and take your buggy around town for a while. You will feel better after this. BTW, check your calendar. It's 2012 not 1812.

[jazzy007]

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If I ever own a Windows 8 device I'll definitely use a Start Button replacement that lets me boot directly into the desktop. I can't understand why any enterprise would use Windows 8 'as is'. It adds extra steps that reduce productivity, The Modern interface also smacks users in the face with tiles that are basically constant inducements to waste time or attempts to get the user to spend money. A bad deal for both home and business users in my opinion.

Extra step, reduce productivity? You count the one click to go to desktop as reduce productivity, right? As oppose as having your work program a click away, like calendar, Outlook mail, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Stock Exchange, your XYC company software, etc. You don't have to go to the desktop. You just pin the program as tile. When you turn your Windows 8 (btw, it boot much faster than Windows 7) your program is there waiting for your comand. No, extra step, no lost productivity and faster than before. The only bad thing is that now, you do not have that extra time between booting your computer and going to get your coffee. You better get your coffee before booting your computer, because Windows 8 would not give you the extra time.

But, you might be right on wasting time. You can have your Facebook, tweeter, ebay and work programs open and change program fast enought before your boss comes and look over your shoulder. And he can tell if you are working or not because there is no task bar in Metro interface and in desktop it will not show your Metro programs running in the background.