Source: http://searchenterprisedesktop.techtarget.com/feature/A-first-glimpse-at-Windows-8?asrc=EM_NLT_13876763&track=NL-1108&ad=832100
QuoteWindows 8 has been the topic of speculation for many months now, but as was the case with Windows 7, Microsoft is pretty tight-lipped about what's to come in the next version of its flagship operating system. However, early information has emerged over the past few weeks. Here's a rundown of exactly what we know at this point about Windows 8.
Cross-platform operating system
Microsoft designed Windows NT to run on both x86 systems and Alpha machines -- and later on Itanium. According to industry buzz, this multiplatform trend hasn't diminished. In fact, Windows 8 will run not only on Intel chips, but also on ARM processors, which are popular in tablet devices, smaller netbooks and other portable devices.
New (or improved) user interface
Windows 7 was widely heralded as a better way to use a computer, much like the positive attention that Mac OS X has received over the past few years. Since then, Microsoft has gone on to develop other interesting user interfaces (UIs) such as Kinect and the Windows Phone 7 operating system's Metro UI, which has also drawn positive reviews. Expect to see enhancements and flashes of those two UIs, along with iterative improvements that will be native to the final builds of Windows 8 as they become more mature.
Internet Explorer 10
Although Internet Explorer 9 was just released a couple of months ago, the IE team is hard at work on the next version of Microsoft's browser, one of the cornerstones of Windows 8. IE10 is expected to have increased support for the HTML 5 standard and enhanced compatibility for key Cascading Style Sheets and properties, such as gradients and a flexible box layout. A touch interface will also be included, since most features in Windows 8 will have multi-touch capability.
Enhanced security
Each version of the Windows operating system has included improved protection from both local and remote attacks, and it looks like Windows 8 will be no exception. SmartScreen -- the intelligent file filter in Internet Explorer 8 and 9 -- makes it directly to the Windows file system, protecting users from launching potentially dangerous files.
History Vault
Similar to Apple's Time Machine feature is Microsoft's History Vault. Apple introduced Time Machine in 2007 to enable its OS to automatically make copies of important data files at regular intervals and make them available for easy restoration. History Vault in Windows 8 lets users back up to external drives or to inexpensive, home-oriented network-attached storage (NAS) drives.
Operating system application store
Microsoft is following the example of the newer Mac App Store and the somewhat older iOS App Store from Apple by making software purchases and downloads possible from directly within the Windows user interface.
A grab bag of additional features
In addition to the major Windows 8's highlights so far, the following minor features might grab end-user attention:
- Quicker installation
- Built-in PDF reader
- Ability to mount ISO files directory to the file system
- "Restore factory settings" function to revert to a clean slate
- Integrating Microsoft Kinect directly with Windows (and not just Xbox)
- Integration with Windows Live ID service
For now, Microsoft is still in the development stage with Windows 8, but the expected release date is rumored to be sometime next year.
Hmm, Microsoft seems to be decreasing the time-to-market cycle. Or maybe it's just me.
Anyway, if we were to follow historical trends, then Windows 8 would be the version to skip (Win98, skip WinMe, WinXP, skip Vista, Win7, skip Win8?)
Quote from: Thorin on May 17, 2011, 10:37:23 PM
Hmm, Microsoft seems to be decreasing the time-to-market cycle. Or maybe it's just me.
Anyway, if we were to follow historical trends, then Windows 8 would be the version to skip (Win98, skip WinMe, WinXP, skip Vista, Win7, skip Win8?)
I have heard this comment a few times, however WE are just getting old, the release cycle also has not been consistent. Also XP and Vista where far apart for desktop releases.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows#Timeline_of_releases
It's hard to forget that within the span of 6 years we went from Win95/98/NT/2000/XP then there was a gap (unless you were using server stuff) then Vista/7 and now 8...
I think Microsoft was criticized at the time for releasing so many different OSs in such a short time (large organizations were having trouble keeping up) so they went the other route and now XP has become entrenched in both infrastructure and (in some cases) the minds of users.
There needs to be a better balance I think.
Quote from: Thorin on May 17, 2011, 10:37:23 PM
Hmm, Microsoft seems to be decreasing the time-to-market cycle. Or maybe it's just me.
Anyway, if we were to follow historical trends, then Windows 8 would be the version to skip (Win98, skip WinMe, WinXP, skip Vista, Win7, skip Win8?)
Although at the time of the post above I was expecting to agree with you (and the majority of techies also agreeing), but now I gotta admit more and more articles are saying complimentary things about Windows 8, even -- surprisingly -- feature-wise.
e.g.
The 10 Best Features in Windows 8 http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/10/the-10-best-features-in-windows-8/?pid=3892&viewall=true
...then again, not everyone at Wired is sold on its alleged awesomeness. http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/10/why-windows-just-cant-win
HAVE I FALLEN INTO AN ALTERNATE DIMENSION
!!!
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 26, 2012, 01:17:52 AM
HAVE I FALLEN INTO AN ALTERNATE DIMENSION
!!!
lol -- I said I gotta admit I've been SEEING more positive comments and reviews than I ever expected.
Didn't say that *I* am sold on it ;)
Quote from: Darren Dirt on October 26, 2012, 07:18:08 AMDidn't say that *I* am sold on it ;)
Yeah but this kinda makes it sound like you do
QuoteAlthough at the time of the post above I was expecting to agree with you (and the majority of techies also agreeing), but now I gotta admit more and more articles are saying complimentary things about Windows 8
Given Thorin's post was about skipping it, I confuse.
----
Anyway, I have played with it a bit now and I think it's great for tablet devices, inspired even, but it will be a long time before it replaces Win7.
I re-read a couple of times, and on the one hand it does seem to imply that Darren no longer think Win8 should be skipped, but on the other hand (and more strongly) it implies that Darren's opinions will be swayed by tech articles that he reads rather than hands-on experience.
Darren, you should find a way to try Windows 8 for a bit and then tell us what you thought of it.
All I know is you can still use a Win7 style desktop if you want :)
Quote from: Thorin on October 26, 2012, 09:58:59 AM
I re-read a couple of times, and on the one hand it does seem to imply that Darren no longer think Win8 should be skipped, but on the other hand (and more strongly) it implies that Darren's opinions will be swayed by tech articles that he reads rather than hands-on experience.
Darren, you should find a way to try Windows 8 for a bit and then tell us what you thought of it.
^ If I don't have the time (or interest in investing the time) to actually TRY the damn thing, of course I'm gonna let my opinion be tossed around by various waves of commentary and review. A part of me wants M$ to fail, a part of me wants a whole new way of thinking about OS/UI to go forward and ...
change things[/JokerVoice].
I am just sick of having to have a new OS forced on me the next time I buy a laptop ... unless it's relatively configurable (after I give it some time to decide if I prefer the New Way Of Doing Things better than the old, imo-uber-efficient way).
/ChangeHatingCurmudgeon
I know how you feel, I'm the same way with Photoshop, for every whizbang feature they add they take away something I use.
I've been on CS3 for years, I've beta tested the last two releases and I still don't want to upgrade.
Not like I'm the Photoshop master or anything but if it ain't broke don't fix it!!
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 26, 2012, 09:58:28 AM
All I know is you can still use a Win7 style desktop if you want :)
Sorta kinda. It's not the same desktop. No start button. The log off/reboot stuff is hidden in some obscure location on the Start Screen's side bar... Oh and you can't make it start in desktop mode by default. Every time someone found a way, MS locked it out.
Change is good. But change for change's sake isn't necessarily good. Especially if they completely break people's work flow and muscle memory. I'm sure it makes an excellent mobile OS, but for a desktop? the touch interface is actively harmful imo.
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 10:46:58 AM
Change is good. But change for change's sake isn't necessarily good. Especially if they completely break people's work flow and muscle memory. I'm sure it makes an excellent mobile OS, but for a desktop? the touch interface is actively harmful imo.
Perfectly worded, sir! The reference to work
flow and "muscle memory" is exactly what irks me -- when corporations decide to toss all that aside, even though it's actually a kind of INVESTMENT that their customers had made, entrusted to the software design team... changing it "for the sake of change" = disrespecting the customers, by turning upside down the customer's experience.
Especially the tech-savvy ones -- who understand there may be a need to "dumb down" the UI for the Average Jo user, but would be ok with it if there was a non-hacky way of re-enabling at least SOME off the time-saving and intuitively-organized features/layout/etc that actually made those savvy folks CHOOSE your product over the competition in the first place!
Another thing, you know what they say about "jacks of all trades". As I said above, Im sure it makes a /wonderful/ tablet os. But attempting to be everything for everybody is asking for trouble. It's either going to do one job right and the rest wrong, or do none of its jobs well.
That's my feeling basically, I mean a doorknob is a great interface for a door but imagine trying to drive a car with a doorknob. Doesn't make sense.
Unless you are Salvador Dali, in which case the car is the interface for the doorknob.
(as an aside: in many ways I'm glad I don't have access to stronger medication)
I just wanna say the software is not forced on you. You could keep an old copy of Windows XP that you bought separately from the hardware hanging around, and whenever you bought a new piece of hardware you could install the old OS on it. Or you could go for Linux, where you can actually pick what pieces you want compiled into your OS - you'd be able to keep that the same forever!
Now, if you want to complain about pre-installed software on a new piece of hardware that you bought, that's a different story. I hate all the extra stuff that gets installed to "improve the experience". Of course, as a tech-savvy user I tend to just format the drive and then install the software I want (including OS) when I get new hardware. You could do the same, no?
As for not wanting to invest time in trying out new tech (hard or soft), it kinda comes with the field you're in. IT and software development are rapidly evolving fields, and those of us in these fields need to keep up with the changes. That's just the nature of this beast. As opposed to garbage truck drivers, whose jobs have stayed pretty much the same for over 40 years (pick up the bin, empty it, put it back down).
All that said, yeah, the change in how users interact with the OS does cause some short- and medium-term pain and that sucks. Of course, when we force people to switch from paper-based systems that they know to computerized systems that they don't know there's just as much or more pain, yet when is the last time any of us has argued against computerizing a task and leaving it paper-based? Hell, most of our work is computerizing previously-paper-based tasks!
note: as I was typing this two new replies came in, and I do agree that making the tablet OS be the desktop and laptop OS doesn't make any sense until all desktops and laptops have multi-touch screens attached to them. Even then, there are currently still significant differences in the tasks people do on desktops versus tablets, and a physical keyboard still outweighs a virtual keyboard in every category except portability.
Quote from: Thorin on October 26, 2012, 02:25:26 PM
I just wanna say the software is not forced on you. You could keep an old copy of Windows XP that you bought separately from the hardware hanging around, and whenever you bought a new piece of hardware you could install the old OS on it. Or you could go for Linux, where you can actually pick what pieces you want compiled into your OS - you'd be able to keep that the same forever!
Now, if you want to complain about pre-installed software on a new piece of hardware that you bought, that's a different story. I hate all the extra stuff that gets installed to "improve the experience". Of course, as a tech-savvy user I tend to just format the drive and then install the software I want (including OS) when I get new hardware. You could do the same, no?
As for not wanting to invest time in trying out new tech (hard or soft), it kinda comes with the field you're in. IT and software development are rapidly evolving fields, and those of us in these fields need to keep up with the changes. That's just the nature of this beast. As opposed to garbage truck drivers, whose jobs have stayed pretty much the same for over 40 years (pick up the bin, empty it, put it back down).
All that said, yeah, the change in how users interact with the OS does cause some short- and medium-term pain and that sucks. Of course, when we force people to switch from paper-based systems that they know to computerized systems that they don't know there's just as much or more pain, yet when is the last time any of us has argued against computerizing a task and leaving it paper-based? Hell, most of our work is computerizing previously-paper-based tasks!
note: as I was typing this two new replies came in, and I do agree that making the tablet OS be the desktop and laptop OS doesn't make any sense until all desktops and laptops have multi-touch screens attached to them. Even then, there are currently still significant differences in the tasks people do on desktops versus tablets, and a physical keyboard still outweighs a virtual keyboard in every category except portability.
I'm allowed to complain about whatever I want, when ever I want :P
As a public figure MS has to expect criticism. Now whether they accept it or take it into consideration (they certainly don't have to) is a different story.
Exactly Tom, exactly. The whole "no one is forcing you to use it" argument is an old one, of course they aren't forcing anyone to do anything but that's not the point, the point is the emperor has no clothes (at least by my point of view). Whether or not my opinion matters is a matter of your own opinion ;)
I think if we had touch screens on our desktops it would make a lot more sense, I feel like in a few years or so someone like Apple will have that kind of functionality and make it look cool, but for me? Keyboard shortcuts, a desktop I never look at ever and a Start Menu work just fine.
Multi-touch all-in-one machines are slowly seeping into the marketplace. My in-laws have a Windows-based HP - Win7, but HP added some whiz-banggery multi-touch overlay that you can start up. Otherwise the screen functions as single-touch with where you touch equal to a mouse-click. They've had it for over a year.
Quote from: Thorin on October 26, 2012, 02:41:10 PM
Multi-touch all-in-one machines are slowly seeping into the marketplace. My in-laws have a Windows-based HP - Win7, but HP added some whiz-banggery multi-touch overlay that you can start up. Otherwise the screen functions as single-touch with where you touch equal to a mouse-click. They've had it for over a year.
I'm just not sure how useful that would be for an actual desktop computer. That is, one you use to do actual work.
For a kitchen pc or something like that? A touchscreen would be great.
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 02:54:20 PM
Quote from: Thorin on October 26, 2012, 02:41:10 PM
Multi-touch all-in-one machines are slowly seeping into the marketplace. My in-laws have a Windows-based HP - Win7, but HP added some whiz-banggery multi-touch overlay that you can start up. Otherwise the screen functions as single-touch with where you touch equal to a mouse-click. They've had it for over a year.
I'm just not sure how useful that would be for an actual desktop computer. That is, one you use to do actual work.
For a kitchen pc or something like that? A touchscreen would be great.
I think it has potential, especially after having used a tablet for a year now. I mean I'd love to just tap the screen to pause a video or change the volume. Editing PowerShell scripts not so much...
I'll tell you one thing though, with touch-y screen technology advancing companies like Wacom better watch their asses.
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 26, 2012, 02:55:54 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 02:54:20 PM
Quote from: Thorin on October 26, 2012, 02:41:10 PM
Multi-touch all-in-one machines are slowly seeping into the marketplace. My in-laws have a Windows-based HP - Win7, but HP added some whiz-banggery multi-touch overlay that you can start up. Otherwise the screen functions as single-touch with where you touch equal to a mouse-click. They've had it for over a year.
I'm just not sure how useful that would be for an actual desktop computer. That is, one you use to do actual work.
For a kitchen pc or something like that? A touchscreen would be great.
I think it has potential, especially after having used a tablet for a year now. I mean I'd love to just tap the screen to pause a video or change the volume. Editing PowerShell scripts not so much...
I dunno. I really can't see me wanting to reach over and touch my screens to do things. I sit kinda far away from my dual 24" setup. I can't even reach them from where I'm sitting right now. Not without leaning forward quite a bit.
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 03:00:05 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 26, 2012, 02:55:54 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 02:54:20 PM
Quote from: Thorin on October 26, 2012, 02:41:10 PM
Multi-touch all-in-one machines are slowly seeping into the marketplace. My in-laws have a Windows-based HP - Win7, but HP added some whiz-banggery multi-touch overlay that you can start up. Otherwise the screen functions as single-touch with where you touch equal to a mouse-click. They've had it for over a year.
I'm just not sure how useful that would be for an actual desktop computer. That is, one you use to do actual work.
For a kitchen pc or something like that? A touchscreen would be great.
I think it has potential, especially after having used a tablet for a year now. I mean I'd love to just tap the screen to pause a video or change the volume. Editing PowerShell scripts not so much...
I dunno. I really can't see me wanting to reach over and touch my screens to do things. I sit kinda far away from my dual 24" setup. I can't even reach them from where I'm sitting right now. Not without leaning forward quite a bit.
That seems more a problem with the user and not the software ;)
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 26, 2012, 03:07:39 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 03:00:05 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 26, 2012, 02:55:54 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 02:54:20 PM
Quote from: Thorin on October 26, 2012, 02:41:10 PM
Multi-touch all-in-one machines are slowly seeping into the marketplace. My in-laws have a Windows-based HP - Win7, but HP added some whiz-banggery multi-touch overlay that you can start up. Otherwise the screen functions as single-touch with where you touch equal to a mouse-click. They've had it for over a year.
I'm just not sure how useful that would be for an actual desktop computer. That is, one you use to do actual work.
For a kitchen pc or something like that? A touchscreen would be great.
I think it has potential, especially after having used a tablet for a year now. I mean I'd love to just tap the screen to pause a video or change the volume. Editing PowerShell scripts not so much...
I dunno. I really can't see me wanting to reach over and touch my screens to do things. I sit kinda far away from my dual 24" setup. I can't even reach them from where I'm sitting right now. Not without leaning forward quite a bit.
That seems more a problem with the user and not the software ;)
I'd say it would be a problem with the user if I had to stick my face up to the screen to use it. Especially with dual 24" screens.
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 10:46:58 AM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 26, 2012, 09:58:28 AM
All I know is you can still use a Win7 style desktop if you want :)
Sorta kinda. It's not the same desktop. No start button. The log off/reboot stuff is hidden in some obscure location on the Start Screen's side bar... Oh and you can't make it start in desktop mode by default. Every time someone found a way, MS locked it out.
OK well here I can tell you only really had the experience of it on my laptop or haven't given it a chance. Start Button = Start Tab. Opens and closes with the Start Key on your keyboard no different than with Windows 7. Start Tab = As useful as Start Menu. You couldn't have your Start Menu open and interact with a program... it would just close. You couldn't interact with any other portion of your OS except the Start Menu if you wanted to keep the Start Menu up. The Start Tab is NO different.
The Log Off/Reboot is still a mouse to the side, 2 click thing, no different than Windows 7. Now there are keyboard shortcuts to shutdown/reboot which didn't exist before.
I'll give you the start in Desktop Mode thing. That is not possible... but the more I use the Windows 8 Apps on the Start Tab through the Windows 8 UI (formally named Metro) the more I like the Start Tab on boot up.
Try before you bitch... and buy :P
I think it is still available for trial download
Quote from: Melbosa on October 26, 2012, 03:34:42 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 10:46:58 AM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 26, 2012, 09:58:28 AM
All I know is you can still use a Win7 style desktop if you want :)
Sorta kinda. It's not the same desktop. No start button. The log off/reboot stuff is hidden in some obscure location on the Start Screen's side bar... Oh and you can't make it start in desktop mode by default. Every time someone found a way, MS locked it out.
OK well here I can tell you only really had the experience of it on my laptop or haven't given it a chance. Start Button = Start Tab. Opens and closes with the Start Key on your keyboard no different than with Windows 7. Start Tab = As useful as Start Menu. You couldn't have your Start Menu open and interact with a program... it would just close. You couldn't interact with any other portion of your OS except the Start Menu if you wanted to keep the Start Menu up. The Start Tab is NO different.
The Log Off/Reboot is still a mouse to the side, 2 click thing, no different than Windows 7. Now there are keyboard shortcuts to shutdown/reboot which didn't exist before.
I'll give you the start in Desktop Mode thing. That is not possible... but the more I use the Windows 8 Apps on the Start Tab through the Windows 8 UI (formally named Metro) the more I like the Start Tab on boot up.
Try before you bitch... and buy :P
Why should I give a Tablet OS a chance on a desktop :o it clearly wasn't designed for doing real work. Everything they put in your face is there to display Twitter, Facebook, a calendar and some other random widgets. The desktop interface they have even felt tacked on, as an after-thought (I'm pretty sure it was), which leads me to believe it isn't even intended as a desktop/get-work-done OS.
Because your job, as an IT consultant, might require you to work with it.
"Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster"
~Sun Tzu
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 26, 2012, 04:09:54 PM
Because your job, as an IT consultant, might require you to work with it.
"Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster"
~Sun Tzu
Hehe. Then I'll get used to it. I've already had to deal with OSX because I've been doing some iOS work. But as it is, I have absolutely no use for windows 8. And very little use for windows in general.
No worries Tom. If it isn't for you, you can always just ignore it. As said, not being forced on you, and you're a Linux guy so already you don't need Windows for your work. I work in the Windows World, with Linux thrown in. So I have to try before I bitch and buy on Windows 8. And the advancements for the desktop itself are nice. Yes some of the apps from the Microsoft Store are similar to Apples - used for social media and such. Some are also very helpful - like Teds and TomsHardware Apps.
The Desktop and OS is still Windows 7 with key feature upgrades and additions. The Desktop mode is Windows 7 without the Start Menu and added features - like extended pin bar for multi-monitor support, individual wallpaper per monitor, split screen application modes (not tact-on to the border of the monitor like Windows 7, but real split screen - so even the app doesn't know your desktop is any larger). These are just some of the new features I like about Windows 8.
Last I heard, it isn't exactly the same os. W8 is supposedly based on the new MinWin kernel infrastructure, and the new interface is just that, new. even the start bar is entirely new (and imo, looks like crud, something out of the w95 days).
And in the Linux world there are just as many nerds complaining about the new "unity" desktop in Ubuntu.
Quote from: Lazybones on October 26, 2012, 06:09:06 PM
And in the Linux world there are just as many nerds complaining about the new "unity" desktop in Ubuntu.
In essence the same thing happened. The company decided what was best for everyone.
WOW, buuuuuuuusy day on the forum, boys!
Thorin: the old Darren would gladly reformat+ install +tweak.
But the current Darren = more like a garbage man than a l33t techie who keeps up with The Latest. My job actually doesn't require all that much awareness of new trends etc. I have a particular set of skills...
"Particular individual" ahhh I love that movie...
Anyway! I actually ran into a similar discussion with younger non-techie people (artists) and they (like I) find that as Microsoft (but software developers in general) try to "dumb down" the Windows interface they actually make it harder to learn especially for people who understand certain (nonsensical?) metaphors for doing things (pressing start to stop, etc).
Of course it's mostly self-inflicted as many of these people also acknowledged that they went out of their way to learn Apple OSX (etc) with the right motivation (cool phone dude).
So yeah, things change, how drastic and hostile that actually is is debatable.
Ah, you're like those old COBOL boys at WCB. The upside is you get intimately familiar with the tech you're working with and get to learn all its ins and outs. The downside is you're intimately familiar with that f'ing tech and never get to enjoy learning something new.
An' yeah, busy. There's even more posts if you follow the Minecraft sub-forum, since we're trying to decide on new mods when upgrading the server :)
Quote from: Melbosa on October 26, 2012, 03:34:42 PM
I'll give you the start in Desktop Mode thing. That is not possible... but the more I use the Windows 8 Apps on the Start Tab through the Windows 8 UI (formally named Metro) the more I like the Start Tab on boot up.
Should be "formerly named Metro" as in used to be called that, as opposed to "formally named Metro" as in its proper name is Metro; apparently the Metro name is out: http://www.pcworld.com/article/260367/windows_8_metro_is_dead_but_ui_still_needs_a_name.html. Too bad, because that was actually a good name for a layout concept.
Quote from: Thorin on October 26, 2012, 08:00:25 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on October 26, 2012, 03:34:42 PM
I'll give you the start in Desktop Mode thing. That is not possible... but the more I use the Windows 8 Apps on the Start Tab through the Windows 8 UI (formally named Metro) the more I like the Start Tab on boot up.
Should be "formerly named Metro" as in used to be called that, as opposed to "formally named Metro" as in its proper name is Metro; apparently the Metro name is out: http://www.pcworld.com/article/260367/windows_8_metro_is_dead_but_ui_still_needs_a_name.html. Too bad, because that was actually a good name for a layout concept.
"The User Interface formerly known as Metro" ? ;)
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 08:01:23 PM
"The User Interface formerly known as Metro" ? ;)
(http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/countygrind/Prince%20logo.png)
Quote from: Tom on October 26, 2012, 08:01:23 PM
Quote from: Thorin on October 26, 2012, 08:00:25 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on October 26, 2012, 03:34:42 PM
I'll give you the start in Desktop Mode thing. That is not possible... but the more I use the Windows 8 Apps on the Start Tab through the Windows 8 UI (formally named Metro) the more I like the Start Tab on boot up.
Should be "formerly named Metro" as in used to be called that, as opposed to "formally named Metro" as in its proper name is Metro; apparently the Metro name is out: http://www.pcworld.com/article/260367/windows_8_metro_is_dead_but_ui_still_needs_a_name.html. Too bad, because that was actually a good name for a layout concept.
"The User Interface formerly known as Metro" ? ;)
That is what I meant to say... sorry damn engrish languuuuauagegadgeadde!
After learning how cheap it would be to upgrade and that a nearly feature complete version of Hyper-V is included I grabbed it and have updated my home system.
So far I can find no way to be efficient with the new start menu/screen thing... Looks like it would be great on a tablet but even just using it as a search box I have to click into the "Settings" section to get it to search the control panel...
Going in all the way on my home system will at least force me to learn it.
Quote from: Lazybones on October 28, 2012, 02:16:09 AM
So far I can find no way to be efficient with the new start menu/screen thing... Looks like it would be great on a tablet but even just using it as a search box I have to click into the "Settings" section to get it to search the control panel...
Your thinking too much like an IT person. Think like a MAC/PC Home user. How often do you search for things in the Control Panel? More likely you are searching for your favorite photo album, music, or game.
Now think like support working with these home users. If you ask them to search their start tab for Power and got both Control Panel and Other things would be harder than if you could say click on the Settings and only get the Power settings for the computer. This is why I "think" this is why they did that.
Can you tell I've had to fix Windows 8 for some people yet?
Now wait till you want to do a fresh install and want to enter a product key after install completed. There isn't a link/shortcut/search that will get you the GUI for changing the product key... only a command line will bring it up. That's frustrating IMO.
I wonder why they couldn't fix the location of the power settings. Why do they need to be searched for? Why aren't they in an obvious and easy to find location? They had this massive chance to fix a lot of things, and so far what they've done is put a tablet ui on a desktop. I'm sure some of the changes are good for the average person, but it could have been even better. If you're going to change things so drastically, you might as well go about and make sure as many things as possible are easier to use and better. I think maybe what I don't like is that it feels half done, or maybe not even that much.
They are trying to position the new ui as /the thing/, and so long as it works, that's fine, but it seems like they got part way through and said "screw it, lets ship it as is". Maybe they realized that their window of opportunity for Windows 8 on mobile devices was quite slim, and assumed they had to roll out the desktop version at the same time. IMO that was probably a mistake. Given that the two platforms are so incredibly different, and that the PC platform provides a much more complex environment, its going to need more time.
OOh and did you hear? No more service packs for Windows 7. (unless they waffled on that decision already)
Easy buddy... Power settings are in their same place as it always is in the Control Panel... its not hidden. I was just giving a hypothetical example. In fact everything that is in Windows 7 Control Panel is in Windows 8's for the most part.
Quote from: Melbosa on October 28, 2012, 05:40:20 AM
Easy buddy... Power settings are in their same place as it always is in the Control Panel... its not hidden. I was just giving a hypothetical example. In fact everything that is in Windows 7 Control Panel is in Windows 8's for the most part.
I was just talking about the power off/reboot/log-off functions. They had a chance to make it make more sense. Instead they kept it buried like it was in earlier versions.
Its not. Its the same mouse clicks and same mouse movement, just to the right instead of the left.
Quote from: Melbosa on October 28, 2012, 05:45:52 AM
Its not. Its the same mouse clicks and same mouse movement, just to the right instead of the left.
Sorry I should clarify... it is the same mouse clicks and movement as Windows 7, just only on the right side of the screen not the left.
Here are two things I absolutely hate about Windows 8:
- The New Messenger
- The New Mail Client (not Outlook 2013 - but the replacement for Windows Essentials Mail Client)
They are almost unusable and very un-intuitive if you have been using the previous Microsoft products they replace. I actually miss my old MSN Messenger from Windows 7....
And here is a feature I just found. Windows 8 has an ISO Mounting tool built right in.... FINALLY!!!! Took @%&#ing long enough M$!
OOoooo another new feature I found today that I like... having the ability to roll back drivers to any edition installed on the system - without having to keep the original installation location around! SWEET - saved my bacon with a Mouse Driver issue today.
Quote from: Melbosa on October 28, 2012, 05:52:44 AM
Quote from: Melbosa on October 28, 2012, 05:45:52 AM
Its not. Its the same mouse clicks and same mouse movement, just to the right instead of the left.
Sorry I should clarify... it is the same mouse clicks and movement as Windows 7, just only on the right side of the screen not the left.
I was just saying that they could have made it better.
Quote from: Melbosa on October 28, 2012, 05:52:44 AM
Sorry I should clarify... it is the same mouse clicks and movement as Windows 7, just only on the right side of the screen not the left.
It is less intuitive in 8, and takes nearly twice the clicks...
Windows 8
1. Start
2. Put you your mouse in one of the right hand corners
3. Settings
4. Power Symbol
5. Shut down.
Windows 7
1. Start
2. Shutdown
3. Confirm shutdown dialog OK
Quote from: Lazybones on October 28, 2012, 02:16:09 AM
After learning how cheap it would be to upgrade and that a nearly feature complete version of Hyper-V is included I grabbed it and have updated my home system.
never heard of Hyper-V.
http://www.zdnet.com/debate/hyper-v-or-vmware/10086932/
now I have.
Certainly is nice to see it included.
That's the conflicting thing with 8, lots of cool new under-the-hood type things wrapped in a puzzle box.
Quote from: Lazybones on October 28, 2012, 11:07:34 AM
Quote from: Melbosa on October 28, 2012, 05:52:44 AM
Sorry I should clarify... it is the same mouse clicks and movement as Windows 7, just only on the right side of the screen not the left.
It is less intuitive in 8, and takes nearly twice the clicks...
Windows 8
1. Start
2. Put you your mouse in one of the right hand corners
3. Settings
4. Power Symbol
5. Shut down.
Windows 7
1. Start
2. Shutdown
3. Confirm shutdown dialog OK
Hehe your making to complicated. You don't have to go to the Start Tab in Windows 8 to shutdown. Can be done from any screen that isn't a game.
And Do a restart in Windows 7? Its one more click than Windows 8.
So its more like this:
Windows 8
1. Put you your mouse in one of the right hand corners
2. Click Settings
3. Click Power Symbol
4. Click Shut down.
Windows 7
1. Put your mouse in the bottom left corner.
2. Click Start
3. Click Shutdown
4. Click Confirm Shutdown
Same clicks. Sorry same amount of clicks, same mouse movements.
Quote from: Melbosa on October 28, 2012, 04:53:20 PM
Windows 8
1. Put you your mouse in one of the right hand corners
2. Click Settings
3. Click Power Symbol
4. Click Shut down.
Windows 7
1. Put your mouse in the bottom left corner.
2. Click Start
3. Click Shutdown
4. Click Confirm Shutdown
Same clicks. Sorry same amount of clicks, same mouse movements.
Thanks, the "charm" bar is throwing me for a loop... I hate waiting for the hot corners even though they are fairly fast.