What do you like about using the Desktop?

Coke Robot

Coke Robot

New Member
Pro User
Gold Member
Messages
5,707
Holy crap it's 2014! Where did the time go? Seriously...where does it go?
:D

Anyways, yes, I haven't been here for a while for all of those who have been here for a while; I have a thread in the Off Topic section about that. Today I'm here because I'm looking for some feedback/discussion/arguments/life stories/desires about one simple thing that has been a sore spot and point of discussion here: the Desktop UI.

I'm actually working on some mockups for a UI design that will and should be a Windows 9 or later version and not an 8.x type update as that's not going to be a true branch of Windows 8 I think. But I do need something, what are the things you love, live and die for, with the Desktop?

I have my favorite things like the selection pane for multiple files/folder selection, drag and drop, file system management with Explorer, using Photoshop (although CC is WAT? to me, slightly odd and different), doing data recovery, deploying .wim files with DISM in PowerShell, and using VMs.

I don't like the window management set up however.

Your turn!
 

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
Desktop? Like?
OH heck yes, I like it.
My 8.1 Desktop looks just like my XP-pro Desktop, thanks to the "Classic Shell 4.0".

Nuff said!

Happy 2014! Yes, it's here to stay!

TM :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win-8.1/Pro/64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer X-1200
    CPU
    AMD 2 Core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    Crucial, 4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 9200
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Acer
    Hard Drives
    Sandisk, SSD 500GB
    PSU
    Acer
    Case
    SFF Slimline
    Keyboard
    emachines 101 key
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    5 Meg
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Using Classic Shell on Win-8.1 /pro/64
I'm pretty much an exclusive Desktop user of Windows. If I'm not on the desktop, then i am in a command prompt window. I'm never viewing the Start Screen, nor running any of the new UI applications.

The things that I like about the desktop
  • Menus contained within the application themselves.
  • Ability to resize a window and put them anyplace I want them.
  • Ability to see all other open and running applications from the superbar.
  • Small fonts and more effective use of desktop space....far less wasted space than that of new windows UI apps.
  • Start menu, right there, not in the way, and doesn't take over entire screen when I do want it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Thanks to Classic Shell and a few gpedit's my Notebook's desktop looks and work pretty much like my Win 7 desktop did, I have the Gadgets that I have used for the last few years,
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro MC
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus G75VW / Z97 Pro
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3610QM / I7-4790K
    Motherboard
    Z97 Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Hyundai HTM315156CFR8C-PB PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M (GF114M)
    Sound Card
    VIA 6.0.10.1600
    Screen Resolution
    1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256, Samsung 850 Pro 1TB
    Internet Speed
    30 down 3 up
    Browser
    Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    NIS and Malwarebytes
What I liked about the W7 desktop was translucency and glass. Now I'm on W8 with gray this and that it looks like XP with a really drab theme. It seems pretty stable, but awfully boring.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Yeah, I really appreciated the glass as well. The new UI is basically drab Apple design if you ask me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Same here with glass!
Also I really really like an all programs folder for the desktop - I really miss that!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Made
    CPU
    I7 4820K
    Motherboard
    EVGA X-79 Dark
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 16 gb 2133 mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 770 4GB
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
If possible, can you tighten your reasons?

I like the Desktop because I can do intense file/folder management and operations with File Explorer. The SkyDrive app doesn't allow that.
 

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
pparks1 said:
I'm pretty much an exclusive Desktop user of Windows. If I'm not on the desktop, then i am in a command prompt window. I'm never viewing the Start Screen, nor running any of the new UI applications.

The things that I like about the desktop
  • Menus contained within the application themselves.
  • Ability to resize a window and put them anyplace I want them.
  • Ability to see all other open and running applications from the superbar.
  • Small fonts and more effective use of desktop space....far less wasted space than that of new windows UI apps.
  • Start menu, right there, not in the way, and doesn't take over entire screen when I do want it.
Click to expand...

So if I can extrapolate more on this, would prefer to see all open and running apps from the Taskbar. Would you prefer to see all your open windows in a nicer and more commanding view? As in, screen estate is being used for your windows, and nothing's overlapping.
 

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
dburne458 said:
Same here with glass!
Also I really really like an all programs folder for the desktop - I really miss that!
Click to expand...

Why not easily create toolbars.
Rightclick the taskbar>Toolbars>New> Paste one of the lines below >click Select Folder

  1. %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
  2. %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
  3. C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories


Make a personal toolbar by creating a folder in Desktop with your name.
Add shortcuts to your most frequently used programs. Then create the Toolbar with your name.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" 24"
    Hard Drives
    1 TB WD
    PSU
    550w
The ability to change the Start orb easily to a custom one.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
pparks1 said:
I'm pretty much an exclusive Desktop user of Windows. If I'm not on the desktop, then i am in a command prompt window. I'm never viewing the Start Screen, nor running any of the new UI applications.

The things that I like about the desktop
  • Menus contained within the application themselves.
  • Ability to resize a window and put them anyplace I want them.
  • Ability to see all other open and running applications from the superbar.
  • Small fonts and more effective use of desktop space....far less wasted space than that of new windows UI apps.
  • Start menu, right there, not in the way, and doesn't take over entire screen when I do want it.
Click to expand...

Quote for true

exactly what I think.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 uiltimate, Windows 8.1 pro 64bit, Windows server 2008R2, Windows 10 TP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
" all your open windows in a nicer and more commanding view? As in, screen estate is being used for your windows, and nothing's overlapping"

I use modernmix for that, and the modern screen, customised, as my one click start menu.

Untitled.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Use several different computers during a day, so specs are irrelevant.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Coke Robot said:
So if I can extrapolate more on this, would prefer to see all open and running apps from the Taskbar. Would you prefer to see all your open windows in a nicer and more commanding view? As in, screen estate is being used for your windows, and nothing's overlapping.
Click to expand...
I know it looks horrible :(, but for me, sometimes overlapping windows are the only way.

While I'd love to have dual 24-inch monitors or whatever, all too often I'm stuck in on a single 1280x800 laptop screen, but still need to see several things at once, and the only way to arrange it is with a degree of overlap.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, 10
While I'd love to have dual 24-inch monitors or whatever, all too often I'm stuck in on a single 1280x800 laptop screen, but still need to see several things at once, and the only way to arrange it is with a degree of overlap.
Click to expand...

I'm with you. I tried several freeware "virtual desktops" over the years. Seems like they all run stable until you start to depend on 'em. Then kablooey. A tangled mess. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
davehc said:
" all your open windows in a nicer and more commanding view? As in, screen estate is being used for your windows, and nothing's overlapping"

I use modernmix for that, and the modern screen, customised, as my one click start menu.

View attachment 34406
Click to expand...

Interesting you tile your windows, that's a nicer way I think among other options to view what you have open at once.

Problem is though, when you have too many windows tiled, it's like a Desktop for ants.
 

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
DavidY said:
Coke Robot said:
So if I can extrapolate more on this, would prefer to see all open and running apps from the Taskbar. Would you prefer to see all your open windows in a nicer and more commanding view? As in, screen estate is being used for your windows, and nothing's overlapping.
Click to expand...
I know it looks horrible :(, but for me, sometimes overlapping windows are the only way.

While I'd love to have dual 24-inch monitors or whatever, all too often I'm stuck in on a single 1280x800 laptop screen, but still need to see several things at once, and the only way to arrange it is with a degree of overlap.
Click to expand...

Would it be nicer if theoretically, you were able to not overlap your windows on your laptop screen, have them whatever size you want however, but all viewable? Like maybe if you had something like a second display?
 

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
Coke Robot said:
davehc said:
" all your open windows in a nicer and more commanding view? As in, screen estate is being used for your windows, and nothing's overlapping"
Click to expand...

Interesting you tile your windows, that's a nicer way I think among other options to view what you have open at once.

Problem is though, when you have too many windows tiled, it's like a Desktop for ants.
Ah. OK. Maybe I misunderstood, hence my quote? That was an extreme example. In my daily useage, I could not see an eventuality, where I would need more than four windows open, and that would be a rarity, also.
Click to expand...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Use several different computers during a day, so specs are irrelevant.
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top