What is your favorite default app? Which do you use most?

rafael1979

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I have two favorites, the Video app and the Mail app. Whenever I go back to my Windows 7 Ultimate partition for some reason I miss these two apps so much! I now simply cannot live without at least the Mail App, it's incredibly simple and at the same time so handy and practical. Having to open up my browser then logging in, then using that old fashion way of going through my e-mail has become a thing of the past.
And I love the Video Library App because I can see all my movies from all folders on big thumbnails in one cool place.
And the fact that 8.1 added the possibility to continue watching from where you left off is great!!

So, what are your favorite/most used default apps? Why?
 

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Honestly, none of them.

VLC is better for video, WMP is better for audio, Acrobat Reader is better than PDF viewer, Outlook or WLM is better for email. Calculator, well, it is poor. Food and Drink is quite fun to wave your hands at for a few seconds...

The Weather one is OK I guess.
 

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Honestly, none of them.

VLC is better for video, WMP is better for audio, Acrobat Reader is better than PDF viewer, Outlook or WLM is better for email. Calculator, well, it is poor. Food and Drink is quite fun to wave your hands at for a few seconds...

The Weather one is OK I guess.

I meant more as a new concept than as something you'd use despite better existing programs with better functionality. I know VLC and specially Media Player Classic HC are a LOT better for video than the Video app on 8.1, I mean they have tons of options available
and work better as a whole as a consequence of that. But as a new Windows concept the Video app is going in the right direction. To me, if it had the same amount of options and worked as well as MPC-HC the Video app would be amazing. Even now, so early into its development, "as a concept" it is great to use. As is the Mail app, sure, it lacks a lot of functionality if compared to Outlook or even a browser, but again, "as a new concept" it is also headed in the right direction. I mean, being able to split screen your Mail with a link and being able to use both at the same time with no prejudice of one another is a great concept.
Like I've said on this forum on another thread, Windows 8.1 is still in development, it is still an unfinished product, and as such you have to consider it and its functionalities and apps as concepts, and as such they're great!
 

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None of them as well. The problem with Microsoft apps is, that they are meant for everyone, so they are way too simple and they are always missing something basic. I do not even use explorer or task manager. :rolleyes:
 

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Quite honestly, News is probably the only app, I think, I can say I have no other alternative to. I have never had a better news reading experience on a computer. Simple, fluid and one-stop center for all your news without ads. Great!
 

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Just one simple question for all of you who don't like the Windows 8 apps: Why use Windows 8/8.1 in the first place then?
 

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None of them as well. The problem with Microsoft apps is, that they are meant for everyone, so they are way too simple and they are always missing something basic. I do not even use explorer or task manager. :rolleyes:

If you are a power user you'd be likely to steer clear of the Windows 8 apps, that's for sure, but for most users I think they can be very useful.
 

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    Gigabyte 78LMT-S2
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    8GB in 2 4GB Sticks
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    Onboard ATI Radeon HD3000
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    High Definition Audio Device
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    1600x900
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    1TB Seagate + 320GB Seagate
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    None
They aren't Default Apps but I use The Weather Channel App and the Slacker Radio App everyday. I did use the Bing Weather App for quit a while which is one of the default apps. The term "Default Apps" doesn't really mean much though as a new PC will have a bunch of Apps installed by the OEM. A lot more than what you would get with just your standard install from Microsoft supplied retail install media.
 

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    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
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    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
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They aren't Default Apps but I use The Weather Channel App and the Slacker Radio App everyday. I did use the Bing Weather App for quit a while which is one of the default apps. The term "Default Apps" doesn't really mean much though as a new PC will have a bunch of Apps installed by the OEM. A lot more than what you would get with just your standard install from Microsoft supplied retail install media.

That must be it then, I asked those who don't seem to like any apps in Windows 8 why use it in the first place? The answer can only be they are using apps other than the retail Windows 8 ones.
To me, an average user/gamer with a little bit of extra knowledge, the Mail app and the Video app on 8.1 could be so much better if only they had more options, especially the Video app which has the volume option and not much else, it's a shame because other than that I love it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Triple Boot Win7, Win8.1 and 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    OEM
    CPU
    FX6300 Black Edition
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte 78LMT-S2
    Memory
    8GB in 2 4GB Sticks
    Graphics Card(s)
    Onboard ATI Radeon HD3000
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
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    1TB Seagate + 320GB Seagate
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    500W
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    ATX
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    TX3 Evo
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    Generic
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Internet Speed
    30MB
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    Firefox
    Antivirus
    None
They aren't Default Apps but I use The Weather Channel App and the Slacker Radio App everyday. I did use the Bing Weather App for quit a while which is one of the default apps. The term "Default Apps" doesn't really mean much though as a new PC will have a bunch of Apps installed by the OEM. A lot more than what you would get with just your standard install from Microsoft supplied retail install media.

That must be it then, I asked those who don't seem to like any apps in Windows 8 why use it in the first place? The answer can only be they are using apps other than the retail Windows 8 ones.
To me, an average user/gamer with a little bit of extra knowledge, the Mail app and the Video app on 8.1 could be so much better if only they had more options, especially the Video app which has the volume option and not much else, it's a shame because other than that I love it.

Other than the two Apps I mentioned I do everything else with desktop programs. I use Outlook, Internet Explorer (desktop version) and Media player just like I did in Windows 7. I launch them from my taskbar. If you install a third party program to revive the traditional start menu, 8 can be just like 7. I didn't go that route as I don't mind using the Start Screen. I actually find it easier than the old start menu. There is more to Windows 8 than just the Metro Apps.
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
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    Asus
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    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
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    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
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    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
They aren't Default Apps but I use The Weather Channel App and the Slacker Radio App everyday. I did use the Bing Weather App for quit a while which is one of the default apps. The term "Default Apps" doesn't really mean much though as a new PC will have a bunch of Apps installed by the OEM. A lot more than what you would get with just your standard install from Microsoft supplied retail install media.

That must be it then, I asked those who don't seem to like any apps in Windows 8 why use it in the first place? The answer can only be they are using apps other than the retail Windows 8 ones.
To me, an average user/gamer with a little bit of extra knowledge, the Mail app and the Video app on 8.1 could be so much better if only they had more options, especially the Video app which has the volume option and not much else, it's a shame because other than that I love it.

Other than the two Apps I mentioned I do everything else with desktop programs. I use Outlook, Internet Explorer (desktop version) and Media player just like I did in Windows 7. I launch them from my taskbar. If you install a third party program to revive the traditional start menu, 8 can be just like 7. I didn't go that route as I don't mind using the Start Screen. I actually find it easier than the old start menu. There is more to Windows 8 than just the Metro Apps.

Please name at least a couple of reasons why you think someone who uses only one or two apps would prefer underdeveloped Windows 8 over better looking, actually finished product Windows 7?? Other than the Metro Apps, what do you like so much about Windows 8 over Windows 7?
 

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System One

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    Triple Boot Win7, Win8.1 and 10
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    OEM
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    FX6300 Black Edition
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    Gigabyte 78LMT-S2
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    8GB in 2 4GB Sticks
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    Onboard ATI Radeon HD3000
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    None
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I can't speak for other people but Windows 8.1 with update 1 is fine by me. The look of the Start Screen doesn't bother me all that much. I wouldn't mind having some control over the tile colors but for the amount of time I actually look at it, it isn't an issue. I boot to desktop and only occasionally use the Start Screen. It's business as usual for me as far as the rest of it goes. I launch the stuff I use everyday from my taskbar. My Windows 8.1 was free so why not use it.
 

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    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
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    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
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    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
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    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
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    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
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    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
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    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
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    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
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    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
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    Internet Explorer 11
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    Windows Defender
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    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I can't speak for other people but Windows 8.1 with update 1 is fine by me. The look of the Start Screen doesn't bother me all that much. I wouldn't mind having some control over the tile colors but for the amount of time I actually look at it, it isn't an issue. I boot to desktop and only occasionally use the Start Screen. It's business as usual for me as far as the rest of it goes. I launch the stuff I use everyday from my taskbar. My Windows 8.1 was free so why not use it.

Most Windows 8 users seem to be using it for the sake of it too. Maybe out of curiosity, maybe some because it's new...
 

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    8GB in 2 4GB Sticks
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    Onboard ATI Radeon HD3000
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    1600x900
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    1TB Seagate + 320GB Seagate
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Please name at least a couple of reasons why you think someone who uses only one or two apps would prefer underdeveloped Windows 8 over better looking, actually finished product Windows 7?? Other than the Metro Apps, what do you like so much about Windows 8 over Windows 7?

Rafael, I'll assume you're speaking of 8.1, not 8. Forget 8. 8 was a marketing disaster. Good OS, but too drastic a change for Desktop users who don't like Modern/Metro.

I use a lot of the Store apps and for my good reasons of which I don't have time to write at this time. To some it up, though, I like to hold WinKey > Press period key > Press arrow down key > Release WinKey when finished with the Desktop app mostly for Office. I'll do email, news, Xbox and other games, and some other things in the Start Screen. Here's a few for starters when I was using 8 before 8.1.

http://www.eightforums.com/general-support/16379-real-quality-boot-time-8-verses-7-a.html#post164432
 
Last edited:

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About the only one I use on a regular basis is MS Reader.
 

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I don't use apps on the PC, only on my W8Phone. Here my favorite is my webmusic 'Nostalgie'.
 

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Just one simple question for all of you who don't like the Windows 8 apps: Why use Windows 8/8.1 in the first place then?
Because it's much more than ONLY Apps. When somebody comes up with a good App I will use it.
 

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    WD
rapheal1979, I think most people here like windows 8 (even if we complain about it a bit). Not liking the apps doesn't diminish from the OS. I've never understood what the point of "mobility center" is either for example so I just use other things instead. It is good to be enthusiastic - don't let the old gits like me grind you down :)
 

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  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
Just one simple question for all of you who don't like the Windows 8 apps: Why use Windows 8/8.1 in the first place then?

I am using Windows 8 because that is what the computer I bought came with. I use it solely from the desktop using classic shell. I have removed all but a few of the telephone style apps.

That being said, it is light years better than my last OS, Windows XP. I have been using it for over a year and have not had one OS crash (BSOD). I sleep my laptop when I am not using it so I only reboot it about once a month and it never gives me trouble - I only reboot when an update makes me or it crosses my mind that I have not rebooted in a weeks and it would be a good idea. Even rebooting is orders of magnitude faster than XP. The touchscreen comes in handy even on the desktop. It exhibits no weird issues and the computer is always fast and consistent.

So, while the whole phone app side of Win 8 is of no use to me, I am still happy with it.
 

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    6 GB
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    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
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    ELAN Trackpad
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    18mbs/5mbs
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    Chrome
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    Windows Defender
Just a quick question here, @mikeytg is it completely safe to always sleep your computer instead of rebooting it for months? I mean I never thought about it really. Doesn't doing that have any downsides? Kinda feels a bit awkward to me, but I can get used to it if it is technically safe to do so.

Thanks :)
 

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    Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Linux Mint 14
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    4 GB
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    1 GB Radeon Graphics
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    Generic PnP Monitor
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    1366x768
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    500 GB HDD
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