Reason why the new UI annoys me

pparks1

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At work, I have quite a number of computers at my work area. For a couple of things which I can only do with physical hardware, I use a KVM to have a single monitor, keyboard and mouse for all of these additional test systems.

So, today, while on my Windows 8 desktop, I downloaded and installed the Remote Server Administration Toolkit (RSAT) for Windows 8. So, after it installed, and since I have a single monitor, I have to switch away from the desktop, flip over the Start Screen, find the 2 new tiles it created (Administrative Tools and Server Manager), move them to someplace usable (aside from the far right) or delete them entirely, and then fire it up.

It seems much simpler before where i would install the app from the desktop, click on Start and 9 times out of 10 it would be in the list right near the bottom. Some say I'm just scared of change, but I don't think that's the case here. It's just not quick and efficient this way, period.

And a quick cursory glance at metro within Windows 8 isn't going to tell anybody that Adminstrative Tools and Server Manager were installed as part of the RSAT toolkit. At least with the Program Group list in the old start menu, I would be able to quickly ascertain where something came from.
 

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I can see your point, everything was linked into the start menu.
From my point of view, in Windows 8, it's all about the "all apps" area, which is (from desktop) > charms and 1 click (magnifying glass pic) to all apps, then you can pin almost anything to the taskbar. And the desktop is always instantly available from the hotspot in the top left corner. (or thumbnail - along left edge - if you have other apps running)


Some may not get used to it. Bumping around the edges and charms to all apps and hot spots and thumbnails is something "else." After using the start menu since Windows 3, I like the change.
 

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I'll steal a little of mdmd's thunder here. He posted this article lead on anothert thread: Why Windows 8 will change the world @ Mint Usability

You may be especially interested in this section:

Extra: Tech support just got easy

Just think about all the mythical tech support gnomes who, even as you are reading this, are installing billion different applications to billion different computers. Well, with Windows 8, that whole scene will change radically: No longer will you have to remotely install/update/uninstall applications – Just find the application you need, point it to said Windows Accounts and you’re done. Time for beer for job well done.

Hope that helps.

BTW, I like your new sig. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder....or not. ;)
 
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It seems much simpler before where i would install the app from the desktop, click on Start and 9 times out of 10 it would be in the list right near the bottom. Some say I'm just scared of change, but I don't think that's the case here. It's just not quick and efficient this way, period.

Huh? I can't recall the last time I installed something in Windows 7 where I click on Start and what I installed was right there, I'd say 1 out of 10 times maybe. What I have seen every time is going to Start and seeing a path of highlights to lead you to the installed application through the hierarchy which I find much more annoying to navigate (and why I haven't used it since Win7 was released). As far I'm concerned it's not much different experience because in Windows 7 after installing I have to go find the icon in the Start Menu and either PIN it to Start Menu or PIN it to Task Bar. It's actually better and faster in Windows 8 because I don't have to navigate that hierarchy, I just reposition that tile where I want it.

Common theme though, everyone uses computers differently and find different things to be annoying. I could write a book on how annoying OSX is, I used my MacBook for maybe 2 months and it's been sitting on a shelf since and I've had it for at least 4 years now.
 

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I'll steal a little of mdmd's thunder here. He posted this article lead on anothert thread: Why Windows 8 will change the world @ Mint Usability

Considering how this guy keeps going on about how great HTML5 is for everything, despite its lack if speed and language capability, I would give him no more credibility than I would give to any other hipster spouting nonsense. Also the fact that this idiot thinks that w8 can run xbox games....

P.S.
Tech support people who deploy applications exist in enterprise, a world where MS accounts don't exist, and Everyone has an AD account. Tech support people in the consumer market are like those apple "geniuses" in the lates round of ads.
 

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    msi p67a-g43
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Speaking of Start, with the menu after I installed something it usually meant to hunt down a folder in the list or sometimes the entry was in All Programs list. Sometimes it was highlighted, sometimes it wasn't for me. The with the Start Screen, after installing something, all the entries to it are a scroll right. Sometimes with a huge suite of programs, a lot gets put on the screen. Deleting them are just about the same as with the menu, as you just need to right click on them, then unpin. In the menu, you have click to get to All programs, right click and delete and confirm the deletion. Sometimes it hides the menu and you have to reopen it.

Guess it's just what we find works better.
 

My Computer

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    Windows 8.1 Pro
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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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    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
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    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
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    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
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    Internet Explorer 11
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    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Speaking of Start, with the menu after I installed something it usually meant to hunt down a folder in the list or sometimes the entry was in All Programs list.
Yeah, apps in the All Programs list were really annoying to me. I think everything should have had a program group.

The with the Start Screen, after installing something, all the entries to it are a scroll right. Sometimes with a huge suite of programs, a lot gets put on the screen.
And with some programs, the tiles don't have a name which really indicates what they are for. So, if you forget to clean up the list immediately after install, you might find yourself scratching yourself at a later time trying to figure out what "Filter X for Y" belongs to, is it Photoshop, is it Visual Studio, was it the server admin tools, was it SQL server. With a program group, it was obvious what it was for.


Guess it's just what we find works better.
That's right. For those who like Windows 8, i'm happy for them. If more people like it then dislike it, I'll be in the minority and sad that I cannot really come to terms with a few things. I however feel strongly that people will overwhelmingly demand change and things will improve or become a compromise in the next version of Windows.

 

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Don't you find that most programs actually ask if you want to create a desktop icon, or pin to taskbar as part of the install process?

If it 's something you want to acces frequently you have the chance to let it to do that.

If you don't want to acces it frequently - then it goes in the all programs list.

Works for me.


I however feel strongly that people will overwhelmingly demand change and things will improve

Yes, if they actually demand it.

But if they shut up and put up with it , or force themselves because others keep telling them they are wrong or ( ludicrously ) "afraid" - then they won't get any improvements.
 

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People can tell me all day that I am afraid of change....but yet I'm not running on Windows 95. I'm on Windows 7 and evaluating and playing extensively with Windows 8. Doesn't seem like I am too bothered by change, just some of the changes make this new OS a real pain to actually try to work with.
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 7
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    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
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    Corsair 620HX modular
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    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.
Of course there will be changes made. I'd like new program installs or apps to make their own separate block rather than latch onto the last group. Heck, maybe even label the new group while we're at it. But for now, I don't have a tremendous issue with it.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
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    PC/Desktop
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    ASUS
    CPU
    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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    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    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
People can tell me all day that I am afraid of change....but yet I'm not running on Windows 95. I'm on Windows 7 and evaluating and playing extensively with Windows 8. Doesn't seem like I am too bothered by change, just some of the changes make this new OS a real pain to actually try to work with.

Agree with your point. Change is not the issue. It's a radically different way to manage everything. And it will annoy a whole lot of folks, but the newness of it will be attractive and many might like it. And many dislike it. I don't think downgrading to a Windows 7 tablet is realistic. Downgrading to a Windows 7 PC would be another plus for MS. Do you think they would offer a downgrade for free? The OEM's have already bought and installed Windows 8 on their devices.



Of course there will be changes made. I'd like new program installs or apps to make their own separate block rather than latch onto the last group. Heck, maybe even label the new group while we're at it. But for now, I don't have a tremendous issue with it.

Sorry, I differ with you slightly, CR, on this point. New installs to the start screen should make 1 tile (like Acronis 2013)(if possible) and everything else automatically sorted, labeled and grouped in the all apps area.
For some programs > it may not be possible >. (a few screen tiles would be needed)

When I first started using 8, I was aghast by the ALL APPS area with a hundred links there. And I tried different methods to hide or minimize what was there. But in reality, that is where everything is linked to. Administrative Tools can be installed to the all apps area and unpinned from the start screen. And program installs do make their own separate blocks that are labeled. I differ because my preference is to minimize the number of tiles on the start screen and go to the all apps area where they are group blocked and sorted. All Apps is only 1 click from the desktop. As you know, anything that is frequently used, can be pinned to the start screen from the all apps area. If one has a lot of desktop work to do, pinning to the taskbar seems ok to me. That's what is great about this, all this pinning and unpinning. It is very easy to do.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Server 2012 / 8.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7 QuadCore 3770k
    Motherboard
    Asrock Extreme 4
    Memory
    16GB Crucial Ballistix
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel embedded gpu
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Z
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC / Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Plextor pcie msata
    PSU
    Rosewill Silent Night 500W Fanless / PicoPSU
    Case
    open bench - no case enclosure
    Cooling
    Silverstone HEO2 Passive Silent
    Keyboard
    logitech washable K310
    Mouse
    logitech wired
    Browser
    ie / maxthon
    Other Info
    Totally silent. No fans at all.
Downgrading to a Windows 7 PC would be another plus for MS. Do you think they would offer a downgrade for free? The OEM's have already bought and installed Windows 8 on their devices.
Yes, they always give you the ability to use a previous version of the OS, you get these free.
 

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.
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