Can you survive in Windows 8's modern UI alone?

Can Windows 8’s modern UI replace the traditional desktop? That’s the question everyone’s been asking since Microsoft released Windows 8 last October.

Thus far, the consensus theory has been a resounding NO! There aren’t enough modern apps in the Windows Store, critics point out. And the full-screen view of modern-style apps isn’t conducive to PC-style multitasking, they say. And hey, the control panel is still located on the desktop!

But so what?

For all the gripes, no complainers have yet to answer the basic question: Even with these limitations, is it conceivable to spend all of your time in the modern UI, and shun the desktop completely?

Source

A Guy

 

[geeve420]

Initially, it felt like someone had put a patch over my right eye, with that blank screen on the right; but later it became evident that my workflow has slowed by around a factor of three, because I didn't have the luxury of the second screen. In the days of pure paper, you'd lay out documents on the desk and be able to look at them all at the same time and cross-reference etc while taking notes et al. Without the two screens, it's akin to having a desk only able to hold one document at a time.

This is unbelievably frustrating.

And that is one advantage I am finding in Linux. Not only can I have multiple windows open and laid out how I can easily see info on each for comparing, but I have 4 desktops total. I can be using one with multiple windows to do some work at home, another desktop with multiple windows open working on music etc...

One program/window at a time at full screen is is absurd IMO

Geeve

 

[Ruudfood]

Is there a desktop in RT? Because if not then it is possible to survive in Metro alone!

 

[mdmd]

Initially, it felt like someone had put a patch over my right eye, with that blank screen on the right; but later it became evident that my workflow has slowed by around a factor of three, because I didn't have the luxury of the second screen. In the days of pure paper, you'd lay out documents on the desk and be able to look at them all at the same time and cross-reference etc while taking notes et al. Without the two screens, it's akin to having a desk only able to hold one document at a time.

This is unbelievably frustrating.

And that is one advantage I am finding in Linux. Not only can I have multiple windows open and laid out how I can easily see info on each for comparing, but I have 4 desktops total. I can be using one with multiple windows to do some work at home, another desktop with multiple windows open working on music etc...

One program/window at a time at full screen is absurd IMO

Geeve

Multiple desktops is an interesting idea, useful.

Suggesting survival in the metro "alone" ... that is hypothetical because it cannot be done in Windows 8.

Since someone dislikes how Windows 8 is designed and has expressed his/her disdain for months,
I doubt that someone would appreciate the possibilities.

Like cascade, side by side, snapping, app tasking and task switching. One can still do all those windowing tasks in Windows 8. Metro alone does not exist unless on a tablet.
Unfortunately, for many, the existence of WinRT is a deal breaker.

task switching


app taskbar






If you only use Ubuntu, then, ... well, ... have a nice day > that's >

 

[mdmd]

Is there a desktop in RT? Because if not then it is possible to survive in Metro alone!

That's true. The OP title subject is hypothetical referencing metro only on a workstation, I think.
I would like a holographic helper but they don't exist either.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
XP used to have multiple desktops -- 4 I think

It's still available from the XP download site (MS) -- choose powertoys.

So we've actually gone BACKWARDS since XP as this feature hasn't been available either in W7 or Win 8.
Screenshot enc

Cheers
jimbo

 

[geeve420]

Didn't know that existed Jim! It would seem backwards then...

I know for many many years Linux had this ability built in. As far as work flow goes it makes sense to me...

Geeve

Edit: I use Ubuntu now, I was a fedora guy for many years, then went to Pear, then Bohdi, then Mint, then Ubuntu. I could get Steam working in Ubuntu (with Play on Linux) as well as all of my componets without any headache or searching around. Everything just worked...

Don't get me wrong, I used windows while dual booting but, just got worn out with it.....

 

[mdmd]

Hi there
XP used to have multiple desktops -- 4 I think
It's still available from the XP download site (MS) -- choose powertoys.
So we've actually gone BACKWARDS since XP as this feature hasn't been available either in W7 or Win 8.
Screenshot enc

Cheers
jimbo

Didn't know that existed Jim! It would seem backwards then...

I know for many many years Linux had this ability built in. As far as work flow goes it makes sense to me...
Geeve

Multiple desktops are available for Windows 8 just as in Linux.

 

[geeve420]

Via third party, your back to the start button fiasco at that point.... relying on some other company to fix/offer the ability

At least for XP it is from MS

Geeve

 

[mdmd]

Via third party, your back to the start button fiasco at that point....

Geeve

You lost me. What's all this Microsoft must provide you with everything you need under the sun?
And anyway, how is installing a free start button a fiasco?

 

[mdmd]

What's all this Microsoft must provide you with everything you need under the sun?

Why is the term "third party" an unacceptable task?
There are millions of programs available. They are all 3rd party.

Before someone chimes in from a corporate environment, sorry, you can't have everything.

 

[geeve420]

I am not saying they owe me anything! However if I pay for something I should have some say in what I need it do no? The fiasco is all the threads on here, or have you not noticed the multiple threads of the the same crap over and over..

I don't care about third party either, however if at one point it was offered by MS, then it seems kind of round about. I think the stigma of third party comes from the fact that if who supports, writes and distributes the OS brings the "enhancment" then you know it is from a trusted source and will work with very few problems. However with third party, you are dealing with support from a random company that may or may not worry about what it could do to your system or if it will even work when an update/upgrade comes along..

Geeve

 

[mdmd]

I think the stigma of third party comes from the fact that if who supports, writes and distributes the OS brings the "enhancement" then you know it is from a trusted source and will work with very few problems.

Who believes that around here? "trusted" ?

The fiasco is all the threads on here ...

I know and from other sources, literally tens of thousands of complaints but, and the but is,
in general, blanket statement, > many if not most, do not like metro. Period.
My experience is different because it is different to me, a change of pace with new "things" ...
The workstation is still there, but again, many if not most, believe the metro interferes with it.
I don't think so but my point of view is irrelevant.

I can't survive in the modern UI alone because I need to go outside and cut the grass.

 

[alphanumeric]

Is there a desktop in RT? Because if not then it is possible to survive in Metro alone!

I do believe that is a Yes, but it restricted to desktop programs that have been recoded for Windows RT. Opening say Control Panel will bring you to the desktop version you see in Windows 8. Not everything has been moved over to run exclusively in the Metro UI, even in Windows RT. The included Office RT still opens on what looks like the traditional windows desktop.

 

[Ray8]

Multiple desktops is an interesting idea, useful.

Suggesting survival in the metro "alone" ... that is hypothetical because it cannot be done in Windows 8.

Since someone dislikes how Windows 8 is designed and has expressed his/her disdain for months,
I doubt that someone would appreciate the possibilities.

Like cascade, side by side, snapping, app tasking and task switching. One can still do all those windowing tasks in Windows 8. Metro alone does not exist unless on a tablet.
Unfortunately, for many, the existence of WinRT is a deal breaker.

task switching
View attachment 20320

app taskbar
View attachment 20317

View attachment 20318

View attachment 20319

If you only use Ubuntu, then, ... well, ... have a nice day > that's >

Those examples do not represent a workable solution to what I'm describing. I want to physically see separate programs open at the same time on separate screens, not one open and the others in thumbnail mode. I do things like copying text, photos etc from one open program and pasting it into another. It's fine for those who never have to do work such as going through lengthy, complex documents, like reviewing contracts, tender documents, associated tender responses and the like. It's so simple and efficient when you have both programs fully open and just move from one screen to the other.

Your example requires me to do what I'm doing now, with one screen, seeing one program open and then having to bring to the front another that's sitting in the background. Yes, this is how I used to work many years back, but having used multiple screen for years now, going back to one screen is a retrograde step. You lose your workflow when you can't have one or more programs open at the same time and see them at the same time.

 

[mdmd]

If there is a need to have a multi monitor setup, well that could be challenging, I suppose.
I would say that 2 or 3 monitors or more are not typical arrangements for a home PC although they do exist.

It's fine for those who never have to do work such as going through lengthy, complex documents, like reviewing contracts, tender documents, associated tender responses and the like. It's so simple and efficient when you have both programs fully open and just move from one screen to the other.

I do some of those things that you cite,
but am very used to copy > paste, minimize > restore > cascade or side by side.

... anyway... I get annoyed by moving and resizing overlapping windows.
If a window is minimized (or windows) or tabbed,
how is that any different than working a single frame at a time?

Those examples do not represent a workable solution to what I'm describing. I want to physically see separate programs open at the same time on separate screens, not one open and the others in thumbnail mode.

There is a new program I found as a result of posting somewhere else here, maybe this would be useful.
Multiple desktops in Windows 8 as in Linux or XP apparently. Hope this helps.

 

[Ray8]

I don't minimise when working with multiple documents. I usually have two documents open full screen, but if I need to have a third open, then I'll either switch between one or the other on one screen, while having the main document open on the other. Or, if it's practical, reduce the two secondary documents so that they occupy a split screen on the secondary monitor. With two 24" monitors, one split in half is still very usable.

 

[pparks1]

I've been using multiple monitors for nearly 8 years, would hate to go back.

 

[Lee]

Like Ray and pparks1 I have been using multiple monitors (3) going on twelve years now, and to think of just using one makes my skin crawl. One monitor (24" 1920 x 1080) is use to run Win 7 (VM), the main monitor (40" 1920 x 1080) runs Win 8 desktop/Modern apps and programs. Finally the third monitor (Dell 23" 2048 x 1152 in portrait mode) is used for several things; first, iTunes (music), Word, PDF (Acrobat) reader (nice to have for reading manuals when working Canvas, and Photoshop, etc.).

Most people who use multiple monitors really do not want to go back to a single monitor.

 

[mdmd]

I use 2. One 37 inch HDTV 1920 x 1080 for Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and video files. Monk, Northern Exposure, Space Precinct, Farscape, Andromeda, Babylon 5, Deep Space Nine, Fringe etc...

The other is an AOC Led 1920 x 1080 for everything else.

...and to think of just using one makes my skin crawl

Well, geez... what about the millions of mobile computers > laptops whatever.

 

[Ray8]

I'm happy with the single screen on my tablet, because then I'm not doing serious work. It may be used for some aspects of work as a reference device or presentation device (attached to a screen projector etc), but mainly it's for singular or less intensive tasks.