I'm new to Windows 8.1 and just discovered the Windows Store. What are the advantages or disadvantages of using the Windows Store? it doesn't contain many of the apps I've needed so far, and for like VLC there is a store offering but you can download VLC from the VideoLAN website - when should I install apps from the Store vs download them from the suppliers website?
You download apps from the Windows Store when you want touch optimized "modern" apps. If you aren't using a touch enabled computer then you are probably better off installing/running the regular Windows desktop program (if available) since the "modern" apps found in the Store are generally not as full featured.
Home built i7-8700K, Hp Envy x360 EVO Laptop, MS Surface Pro 7
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3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
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ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
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AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
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ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
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Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
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Coolermaster CM 212+
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IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
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Microsoft IntelliMouse
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FireFox, MS Edge
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Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
Well, not exactly right about all Apps being unfriendly with mouse, most of them run just fine without touch screen but I can't find any good ones except for few games.
Well, not exactly right about all Apps being unfriendly with mouse, most of them run just fine without touch screen but I can't find any good ones except for few games.
Home built i7-8700K, Hp Envy x360 EVO Laptop, MS Surface Pro 7
CPU
3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
Motherboard
ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
Memory
16G, 8G, 8G
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
Sound Card
ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
Screen Resolution
3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
Hard Drives
500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
PSU
Corsair CX 750M
Case
Antec 100
Cooling
Coolermaster CM 212+
Keyboard
IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
Mouse
Microsoft IntelliMouse
Internet Speed
665Mbps/15Mbps down/up
Browser
FireFox, MS Edge
Antivirus
Defender on all
Other Info
Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
Touch optimized does not mean the same thing as mouse unfriendly. A touch optimized app uses large buttons and links that are created so they can be easily used by touch. A standard desktop app is not touch optimized and uses smaller buttons and menus/sub-menus that are more difficult (not impossible) to use by touch.
Compare the "modern" version of IE which is touch optimized with the desktop version of IE, they are both usable with a mouse but the modern version of IE is easier to use by touch than its counterpart.
For me, when I use my tablet running Win 8.1, I use apps from the Store since they are much easier to use on a touch only device with no mouse/keyboard. However, on my laptop with mouse/keyboard, I tend to stick with standard desktop apps.
Home built i7-8700K, Hp Envy x360 EVO Laptop, MS Surface Pro 7
CPU
3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
Motherboard
ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
Memory
16G, 8G, 8G
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
Sound Card
ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
Screen Resolution
3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
Hard Drives
500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
PSU
Corsair CX 750M
Case
Antec 100
Cooling
Coolermaster CM 212+
Keyboard
IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
Mouse
Microsoft IntelliMouse
Internet Speed
665Mbps/15Mbps down/up
Browser
FireFox, MS Edge
Antivirus
Defender on all
Other Info
Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
Touch optimized does not mean the same thing as mouse unfriendly. A touch optimized app uses large buttons and links that are created so they can be easily used by touch. A standard desktop app is not touch optimized and uses smaller buttons and menus/sub-menus that are more difficult (not impossible) to use by touch.