I have yet to meet anyone in person who actually likes it

musiclover7

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I finally broke down and installed classic shell on my desktop a few days back and I must say, I find this OS so much more enjoyable with it. I have proceeded to install this app on a friends new laptop, as well as a distant family member's pc. Both were very grateful to have the start menu back. Today, when I finished loading it on my friends laptop he let out a big exhale of relief when he finally saw that he had a way to get to his programs again. The poor guy had been trying for days before he called me, and he is actually a fairly apt pc user. I have talked with probably a dozen folks who are using, or have used Windows 8. I have yet to talk with anyone who actually likes the new interface. Everyone in my circles misses the old work-flow it seems, with the exception of some folks around these boards, but my hunch is that many of the folks around here have ties to Microsoft in some way which makes them feel obliged to support it.

So, among my friends, family, and work colleagues, Win 8 is batting a flat zero. I wonder how many others are hearing similar reviews from friends. I wonder if enough people take issue, microsoft will actually listen to their user base, and just make a few minor tweaks that could make the world happy.

So many of the conversations we have been seeing lately could have been avoided if they had just included the start menu for those who want it, but also added this whole new metro interface for touch. The entire concept would have been so much more warmly received, and thousands of forum/blog post handsome frog fests could have been avoided (including this one). I am just saying. I have been using the OS for over a few months, and I still cannot understand why these decisions were made. After 2 months with the vanilla OS, I loaded up classic shell, and am much happier with it. If the new changes were an improvement, then why after using them for 2 months would I feel like going back to the old way was an upgrade.

There are some things I really like about this OS. It all could have been so different.
 

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Today, when I finished loading it on my friends laptop he let out a big exhale of relief when he finally saw that he had a way to get to his programs again. The poor guy had been trying for days before he called me, and he is actually a fairly apt pc user..

Then he must not be very apt with Windows. No offense to the guy, but it shouldn't take an apt user days to find his programs. Google is there too.

At any rate, MS should have included a tutorial for 8, like with their past operating systems. Metro basically provides the same functions as the start menu. it is not vastly different in function.
 

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It is vastly different in function. I am not sure how you can say that. I used the vanilla OS for about 2 months after launch, and only in the last 3 days installed classic shell. I really wanted to like it as vanilla,because I really wanted to see the sense behind it. For my part, I like it so much more with the start button back, and given that this is true for me I cannot see the start screen as an improvement. With a touch monitor maybe I would feel differently. Without touch, it is just tedious. The live tiles have yet to show me anything remotely useful to make them somehow better than just plain icons. I honestly think MS was just trying to be different, and shot themselves in the foot here. Time will tell...
 

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    Processor AMD Athlon(tm) II X4 635 Processor, 2800 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
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My point in posting the thread though, is that I have yet to talk with anyone who likes it. I work in IT, and talk with a lot of computer users. One would think that by now, I would have talked with at least one person who actually likes it and yet this is not the case.
 

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    Processor AMD Athlon(tm) II X4 635 Processor, 2800 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
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    8gb
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    Nvidia GTX 460
I understand their frustration, Musiclover. I downloaded the free preview edition on a separate partition, and it took me a while to figure it out. Meanwhile, I used Windows 7 for serious work (and games). Over time, I used 8 more often. I upgraded to Pro when it came out, and Windows 8 Pro is now my primary operating system. And I love it.
 

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How bout this then. Among those who actually like the change, how many of you would dis-like having the start menu back? My guess is that number is close to zero, if folks were truly honest..
 

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    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
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    Processor AMD Athlon(tm) II X4 635 Processor, 2800 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
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    8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 460
Well lets start a Love Hate Forum I started using 8 from the first preview and have Loved it from the beginning it is a little quirky from first install,but that soon works itself out for some reason at least on my old dv9000us series Laptop and my Asus P5Q Pro turbo system. I love looking at all my programs all on one screen or arrange then however I like them. Apps well I love the calculator, maps, sky, skype, and a bunch of others. Windows pro 8 her with Media Center.
 

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    Windows 8
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    Kingston PC6300 4 gig
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    HD5670
Unfortunately, there are many about who consider anyone who doesn't like or has issues with Windows 8 Modern interface, as being a Neanderthal, or worse. Give people both options and everyone would be happy. The Modern interface is like forcing Brussels sprouts on everyone because some like the taste.
 

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Wow, do you and I know different people then...

I don't work for Microsoft in anyway, other than to promote them over apple because I personally despise apple. I live in Twin Falls, ID. Southern Idaho. Potatoes. Dairy. Warm winters. No, I have literally no affiliation with Microsoft or anything for monetary gain from them, although I would LOVE to! Oh boy! :D

I've installed Windows 8 Developer Preview on about three personal friend's PCs, a laptop from the vista era and two desktops both non touch. They went through the development phase with me from DP to RTM, one adores it, one likes it, the other likes it as well.

I installed the Release Preview on a few older and a newer PC at a small auto dealership, the owner was really interested in it, and they day I was showing him Windows 8 and how it works, his daughter and wife were there and they were watching me show him how to use it, and they looked real impressed and interested with it. Last I know, his 10 employees use it from time to time and he uses it as well as his secretary, no issues or problems other than a networking issue. Windows 8, what?...

I also installed the Consumer Preview on another a couple of friend's laptops. One I decided to install Windows 8 as 7 was acting up and being slow as a dog no matter what I was doing. Windows 8 was fast and speedy. That person had difficulties with it and was blown away by it, I quote, "I need to process this!" But after a month, she's using it like how she used 7. No biggie. The other also was skeptical of using it and questioned why? But after 20 minutes of him personally using it, he actually said, "You know, if I use this for a couple of hours, I think I might actually love it." He currently is running the RTM Trial on his recently built gaming rig. He facebook messages me from time to time to express what he really likes about it. The last one was I quote, "ANDY I LOVE THE WINDOWS 8!!!" I'll even post the screenshot of it later, but I feel lazy right now.

Umm, I also installed the Release Preview and Office 2013 Preview on a netbook for a friend, which the PC is used by like four people in the family. The hard drive died and needing replacing with a SSD and the battery as well. My friend's mother was blown away, like, BLOWN away I honestly thought it was sarcastic but totally genuine. My friend was iffy about it, as she uses vista and it's ick. Her older sister is kind of liking it, last I know my friend was playing around with it still. Her younger siblings really liked it after seeing it for not even three seconds. They have told me they really enjoy using it, and thanked me again for fixing the netbook.

I recently installed the RTM Trial on a desktop, the guy is a friend of a friend, married with kids, a line cook. The desktop in question was running xp even though it should have had vista as spec wise it was on par. Back in summer, I suggested he look into Windows 7 or 8, as xp is crap and I took about an hour or so optimizing the performance of xp, which again got messed up a month ago. I had my Windows 8 To Go drive with me, and showed him the Start Screen with blue tiles and black background, he gobbled it up! He liked the blue tile colors, and the new apps, and IE 10 immersive, and how the apps would notify and the live tiles as well and having a new Desktop to use. I cleaned the PC and brought it back over to his house, put it back together, and showed him the apps, got him a Microsoft Account going with his Yahoo! mail account, set up a picture password, showed him PC Settings, app navigation, Charms and Start, and how easy it is to setup a printer. Plug it in and done! His sons were watching this, and were amazed by it, like it was pretty colors to them or something. His older son started play Angry Birds Star Wars as I had some apps and a few games installed. OH! User accounts, showed him that too! And HP's Getting Started app to show how to do anything with Windows 8.

The same day, I showed like four friends Windows 8 To Go on their laptop, showed off the new apps, like I did with the guy who is a line cook. ALL were impressed with it, and asked when I was going to install it on their laptops! :D

So I guess, like 29 or so people I've exposed Windows 8 to? Yeah, seems about. All in all, three or four hesitant, one still probably iffy about it today. As of yet, no issues have been reported and I've asked and poked and prodded about this and it's just smooth sailing. Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve, but most of those people I've shown it to, I've spent like 15 minutes telling them how to use it, where things are at. I also pin Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Downloads, Recycle Bin, Computer, Task Manager, and Office if installed on their Start Screens. This is a default thing I do. Maybe if Windows 8 had those tiles on there by default, it wouldn't be so scary to use?
 

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    Crosshair V Formula-Z
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    16 gig DDR3
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    x2 3 TB Toshibas
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Wow, do you and I know different people then...

It's seems quite plausible that the OP does know different people and that their experiences are different to yours. The world can be quite amazing in that respect. You either accept the post as being true, or call the OP a liar.
 

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Wow, do you and I know different people then...

It's seems quite plausible that the OP does know different people and that their experiences are different to yours. The world can be quite amazing in that respect. You either accept the post as being true, or call the OP a liar.

Yeah, I know, I'm being light and cheery...
 

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    Windows 8.1 Pro
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    PC/Desktop
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    ASUS
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    AMD FX 8320
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    Crosshair V Formula-Z
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    16 gig DDR3
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    ASUS R9 270
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    1440x900
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    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
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    OCZ 500 watt
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    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
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    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
"My point in posting the thread though, is that I have yet to talk with anyone who likes it."

"Like" is the operative word. using competenty, and with ease, can be another matter. I do not have a touch screen so use the mouse pointing method, not a great deal of difference on speed, when it come down to it. I did try nout the various third party Start menus. Eventually, I reorganised the "Metro" with my frequently used programs and discarded the third party offerings. I find the Windows key gets me to the Metro/start menu quicker than through a start orb - programs, sequence.
But, I do find, to my eye, the icons rather ugly, but 100% usable. So, like (visually) big no. Like (for functionality) No problems.
 

My Computer

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    Windows 8.1
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    PC/Desktop
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    Use several different computers during a day, so specs are irrelevant.
OH! I just remembered when I was making myself a spot of tea, I had a Windows 8 To Go drive with the Consumer Preview I used at work. I do data entry work in the records department at the local hospital, and I got it working with the rest of the system and used it everyday at work. I work with about 12 other people in my department and others in other departments, and they were tripping out at seeing the Start Screen. Most were like, "What?!" Others were like, "Whoa, this is cool." I let some people use it and showed them how to use it during some downtime at night. Most that were iffy about that used it, they liked it once they got used to how it's used (I use the Charms bar HEAVILY with both my Touch Mouse and with the mouse pointer, that's how I show how to use Windows 8).

I guess the total is about 43 people I've exposed Windows 8 to. Overwhelmingly positive experiences.
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
It is vastly different in function. I am not sure how you can say that. I used the vanilla OS for about 2 months after launch, and only in the last 3 days installed classic shell. I really wanted to like it as vanilla,because I really wanted to see the sense behind it. For my part, I like it so much more with the start button back, and given that this is true for me I cannot see the start screen as an improvement. With a touch monitor maybe I would feel differently. Without touch, it is just tedious. The live tiles have yet to show me anything remotely useful to make them somehow better than just plain icons. I honestly think MS was just trying to be different, and shot themselves in the foot here. Time will tell...

It's not vastly different in the least. File Explorer (windows explorer in 7), the file icon on the taskbar, takes care of any file exploring needs, just like in 7. The shortcuts to those folders (such as libraries, computer, your user folder) in the start menu in 7 were redundant.

7: Open the start menu and click All Programs. Scroll down and select the folder you want. click the program.
8: Open the start screen. Click All Apps. Scroll to the program you want. Click program.

7: You can pin programs to the start menu in 7 for quick access.
8: You can pin programs to the start screen for quick access.

7: Open the start menu and type to search.
8: Open the start screen and type to search.

7: Need to get to the Control Panel? Click the start button and click on Control Panel
8: Right-click bottom left corner (start window), select Control Panel. (in fact, many power user items are in that menu)

The only real difference is that 8 doesn't have a menu that has your most used programs automatically listed, which is a redundant (though nice) feature since you should have those programs pinned anyway.

The interface is different, but the function is basically the same. People are making it more difficult than it has to be. You may not like the look or how it's full screen. That's your opinion. It doesn't change that it is mostly the same in function and is about as snappy.

As for the option of having a start menu, sure. I also think there should be an option for Aero. I don't think the start menu is needed anymore, but I can see why others may feel differently and it's a good thing that third party programs are available. I really don't think people should disable Metro though. They should at least try to get used to it because I have serious doubts MS is going back to the classic start menu. It also has its benefits. For instance, many apps are just nifty. The Sports app is useful if you follow any sports. The Music app is cool because you can search for bands and listen to a number of different songs over the net (yes there are many programs for this, but it's still nifty).
 

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    MSI Pro x58
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    6GB OCZ Gold
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    Two GTX 460s in SLI
    Sound Card
    Xonar DX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 21.5" Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    PSU
    Corsair 750tx
    Case
    Xclio Windtunnel
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
That's it then, 43 out of 43 people in a records dept, when shown Windows 8 liked it; ergo, world + dog likes Windows 8. Case closed.
 

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That's it then, 43 out of 43 people in a records dept, when shown Windows 8 liked it; ergo, world + dog likes Windows 8. Case closed.

I suppose since the Topic Creator here has never met one person who likes 8, everyone and their grandma must hate it with fury. Case closed. Works both ways. There are going to be negative and positive responses. Not surprising. He says he's seen positive responses, so I guess he should be met with sarcasm?
 

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    Windows 8.1 Professional x64
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    PC/Desktop
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    i7 920 2.66GHz (OC to 3.8GHz)
    Motherboard
    MSI Pro x58
    Memory
    6GB OCZ Gold
    Graphics Card(s)
    Two GTX 460s in SLI
    Sound Card
    Xonar DX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 21.5" Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    PSU
    Corsair 750tx
    Case
    Xclio Windtunnel
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
The problem is that there's too much polarisation. From a personal point of view, Windows 8 does what it was designed to do. That said, it could have done things much better and I've given clear examples of areas where I feel that it falls short.

No one has responded to the shortfalls that I've identified with any sort of comprehensive reply. And I've been using Windows 8 since I was able to purchase it and I stand by my observations.

I've owned no other OS since DOS, so it's not as if I'm a troll coming from another camp to bag Windows. However, if long term Windows users are ragged for expressing their views, then rabid fanboyism has finally reached the Windows camp.
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
The problem is that there's too much polarisation. From a personal point of view, Windows 8 does what it was designed to do. That said, it could have done things much better and I've given clear examples of areas where I feel that it falls short.

No one has responded to the shortfalls that I've identified with any sort of comprehensive reply. And I've been using Windows 8 since I was able to purchase it and I stand by my observations.

I've owned no other OS since DOS, so it's not as if I'm a troll coming from another camp to bag Windows. However, if long term Windows users are ragged for expressing their views, then rabid fanboyism has finally reached the Windows camp.

Or if it may be kind of difficult to move away from a traditional Windows Desktop workflow to a non-traditional workflow...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
The problem is that there's too much polarisation. From a personal point of view, Windows 8 does what it was designed to do. That said, it could have done things much better and I've given clear examples of areas where I feel that it falls short.

No one has responded to the shortfalls that I've identified with any sort of comprehensive reply. And I've been using Windows 8 since I was able to purchase it and I stand by my observations.

I've owned no other OS since DOS, so it's not as if I'm a troll coming from another camp to bag Windows. However, if long term Windows users are ragged for expressing their views, then rabid fanboyism has finally reached the Windows camp.

Okay, what shortfalls are you referring to? No one is saying that you're a troll. You're clearly not in one of those groups that annoy me. Groups such as the blind bashers who have no idea what they're talking about. Pretty much up there with the people who still blindly bash Vista as if it was the plague of operating systems. Opinions may differ here, but I don't believe you're in that category (or most people here). I think a lot of the issue here is aesthetics. Obviously, opinion on that is going to be even greater since opinion on what it looks like is entirely subjective. Some think it's an ugly mess, others think it looks spiffy. If you recall, I do agree with you about some of the things you brought up (such as the limitation of open apps in Metro and how they can't be resized).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Professional x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 920 2.66GHz (OC to 3.8GHz)
    Motherboard
    MSI Pro x58
    Memory
    6GB OCZ Gold
    Graphics Card(s)
    Two GTX 460s in SLI
    Sound Card
    Xonar DX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 21.5" Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    PSU
    Corsair 750tx
    Case
    Xclio Windtunnel
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
I hope that some, by not responding to points raised and merely replying with what are in effect insults, are not attempting to incite unseemly responses that would lead to a ban, and thus end constructive debate.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
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