What makes windows eight special?

For someone like me who uses a normal laptop, not a touch laptop, i havent found anything to be special in windows eight. I mean sure some of the things in win 8 are "cool", but i didnt find anything worth talking about.

The start is annoying to begin with and im finding LOTS of compatibility problems with the OS too. So im thinking of going back to Windows se7en once again.

Is there anything im missing on windows eight?

thanks

An OS is designed to be Functional, not Fun. So, if you are having compatibility issues with Windows 8 and your computer. And you have updated the drivers, etc. Then by all means, you should retreat back to the last OS that was more functional on your computer.

Windows 8 is relatively new. So it is not like you are going to be left behind and miss out on any development innovations native only to 8. At least not any time soon.

ei8htmad said:

Is there anything im missing on windows eight?

thanks

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1. Faster Boots
2. Integrated Hyper-V
3. Natively mounts ISO files
4. File History feature
5. Improved Task Manager
6. Events tracking in Device Manager
7. Better dual monitor support
8. Refresh and Restore options

1. Add Secure Boot
2. No repair install possible anymore cancels refresh

There is a long list of 'improvements' in Windows 8. Question is whether those do anything for you. The most obvious one is a slightly better boot time. But that is not detectable if you run from an SSD. All the other things are either present in Windows 7 (e.g. the new Task Manager functions are in Resource Monitor), or (in my case), I don't need them.

The inconvenience of operating Windows 8 is not really worth the few additional functions. If you like your PC to be converted into a tablet, you might like it. It is also easier for your 3 year old to play around with it. But if you are a power user, it is unattractive.

whs said:

The most obvious one is a slightly better boot time. But that is not detectable if you run from an SSD.

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I don't completely agree with this. The differences between Windows 7 on an SSD and Windows 8 on an SSD are far less pronounced, but with a stopwatch, it's clear they are there. When you couple the hybrid boot "fast startup" with an SSD, Windows 8 gets booted faster. For me, Windows 7 was around 16 seconds. Windows 8 is around 9.5 seconds. That doesn't make it the greatest thing ever, but I rarely ever put my laptop to sleep. I always shut it off now since it comes back up so fast.

whs said:

The inconvenience of operating Windows 8 is not really worth the few additional functions. If you like your PC to be converted into a tablet, you might like it. It is also easier for your 3 year old to play around with it. But if you are a power user, it is unattractive.

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I've left this decision up to the end user. I got a new laptop at work and the cost was exactly the same for Windows 7 Pro or Windows 8 Pro. So, I went with 8 pro. I've benefited from the faster bootups, and the native ISO mounting is great since my new laptop has no optical drive so I work a lot with ISO's. I paid $7.99 to Stardock for Start8 and Decor8. I boot straight to the desktop, and hardly ever see any of the new interface. The only time I switch to the new start is when I am searching for something. I hit Windows key, type what I want and hit enter. So, like I said, I don't even have time to see it.

Patrick, Looks like you got it worked out. If I needed a new PC that came with /8, your approach is probably viable. Fortunately my systems are all very recent and there is no need to change. And the wife does not want her's changed anyhow.

WHS, yep you gotta figure out where and if it fits. I personally have very few issues with it, but I use Windows 8 in a very classic sense. Include me in the list of people annoyed that we have to go third party for this, but it's still doable. While I do appreciate the new changes, it wasn't enough to spend money on my old systems that were working perfectly well for me.

On a brand new system, I don't have any issues with it now running Windows 8. There was a change of software for me to image it. And a learning curve to adjust to UEFI and SecureBoot, but it's working out fine for me now.

Agree, the learning curve is not a problem. I have most of that already behind me. It is just the little annoyances that make /8 unattractive. But if they keep spoonfeeding it to people, it will eventually have it's place. My guess would be though that apart from a few real enthusiasts, the reception will be muted.

Well really the incompatibility is a big problem. And in my opinion, the older Start button was much more useful! I used it SO much as a shortcut.

Thanks for the replies

What was the difference from vista to 7?

Nobody seems to mention the new improved networking stack in Windows 8 - it's much faster, smoother and reliable than that of Windows 7, switching from wired to wireless or connecting either medium on startup without the wait. I used to have to spend a lot of time in the Windows 7 Network and Sharing Center or Network Troubleshooter trying to remake failed connections, but now in 8, I don't even know what they look like.

I guess the 244,000 odd members of Windows 7 Forums must be a bit slow on the uptake compared to the 20,000 odd enlightened geniuses who belong to Windows 8 Forums.

Never mind, the new state sponsored indoctrination camps will soon be compulsory for all PC users!

244,000 odd members

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Yes

Question: What makes Windows 8 special?
Answer: It is not Windows 7

fafhrd said:

Nobody seems to mention the new improved networking stack in Windows 8 - it's much faster, smoother and reliable than that of Windows 7, switching from wired to wireless or connecting either medium on startup without the wait. I used to have to spend a lot of time in the Windows 7 Network and Sharing Center or Network Troubleshooter trying to remake failed connections, but now in 8, I don't even know what they look like.

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That is a good comment. I noticed that too. Internet connections in /8 seem to be faster and more stable than in /7.

mdmd said:

244,000 odd members

Click to expand...

Yes

Question: What makes Windows 8 special?
Answer: It is not Windows 7

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Lol! Right on, Bro! :thumbup:

whs said:

fafhrd said:

Nobody seems to mention the new improved networking stack in Windows 8 - it's much faster, smoother and reliable than that of Windows 7, switching from wired to wireless or connecting either medium on startup without the wait. I used to have to spend a lot of time in the Windows 7 Network and Sharing Center or Network Troubleshooter trying to remake failed connections, but now in 8, I don't even know what they look like.

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That is a good comment. I noticed that too. Internet connections in /8 seem to be faster and more stable than in /7.

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I noticed also. It takes about 45 seconds for my 7side side to gain WiFi access after boot. I've tweaked that the best I know how. After 8 boots it takes about 5 seconds watching the splash screen. I'll immediately hit a key to enter sign in, though. By the time I type my password it's connected. 5 more seconds tiles start to scroll with refreshing.

I upgraded to IE 10 in 7. It helped a little, but it's not as fast as in 8. 8 made my old Acer one lean and quick machine.

whs said:

Patrick, Looks like you got it worked out. If I needed a new PC that came with /8, your approach is probably viable. Fortunately my systems are all very recent and there is no need to change. And the wife does not want her's changed anyhow.

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I knew you were a smart man and made the right decision. If the wife isn't happy, nobody is happy.

A few days ago my wife saw my W8 Start Screen and asked why she didn't have that (she has W7) so I may have to dual boot her PC and see what happens.

Jim

HippsieGypsie said:

mdmd said:

244,000 odd members

Click to expand...

Yes

Question: What makes Windows 8 special?
Answer: It is not Windows 7

Click to expand...

Lol! Right on, Bro! :thumbup:

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I seem to remember someone saying in another thread HERE:

HippsieGypsie said:

Numbers never lie.

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Is that statement a lie? Hmmmmm????

A statement is a lie only when it's said by a non-fanboi! lol!

Phone Man said:

If the wife isn't happy, nobody is happy.

Jim

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Spoken like a man of great experience and wisdom! Better to risk the wrath of Khan!