Clearing Up 5 Windows 8 Confusions

Windows 8 is not your conventional Windows upgrade. With Windows 7, Vista, and XP, you got an upgrade that added new tools, more capabilities under the hood, new interface options, and a new look. But all of these were variations on the basic Windows theme, and ran all your existing Windows programs. Windows 8 changes all this, because it has a bigger mission—to extend Windows for use on touch tablets while still keeping its ability to run your existing Windows programs. This way, Microsoft can tap into its installed base of over a billion users, bringing them

With this goal came a whole new class of apps that run on the operating system, and that brings us to our first point of confusion: Metro apps vs. desktop apps. But even before delving into which types of apps run where, you have the choice of which kind of machine you want—tablet or desktop/laptop. In fact the lines between tablets and laptops start to blur with Windows 8, and many manufacturers are coming out with convertibles that start out looking like laptops but detach or swivel to transform into tablets.

As with the earlier major Windows releases, we still have the "which edition?" question. Thankfully, this time around there's actually a less-confusing array of choices than we had in the past for Windows 7: It's pretty much Pro vs. standard Windows 8, unless you're in a developing nation or in a large enterprise's IT department. Also in the past, you had questions of upgrade or buy new, 64-bit or 32-bit, and upgrade or clean install. But those are more familiar and less existential than most of the dualities we cover below.

Read more at source:
Clearing Up 5 Windows 8 Confusions | News & Opinion | PCMag.com
 
A good clarification of the differences in the new versions.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
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    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
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    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
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    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
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    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
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    Corsair HX650W
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    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
Brink quoted.... "this time around there's actually a less-confusing array of choices than we had in the past for Windows 7: It's pretty much Pro vs. standard Windows 8, unless you're in a developing nation or in a large enterprise's IT department."


I've been using the Enterprise RTM for about two months now, and I'd
be quite comfortable continuing to use it as my 'home' OS.

I have tweaked it, and added/replaced much of its 'lost' functionality
with 3rd-party apps. My preferred x86 progs all run without issues
and the thing is absolutely rock-solid.

Apart from Media Center (which I never really used), and the loss of
DVD playback in WMP (got around that with PowerDVD 10), I can't
see that I'm missing much using Ent as opposed to Pro.

(Apart from the bloody thing being only the 90-day trial...GRRRRR!!!!)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
Hi there
Free Full DVD playing is quite easily managed by downloading FREE VLC. Works fine --been using it since Windows 2000 daya. Regularly updated and plays almost ANY codec you throw at it (including Sound too -- although I use Winamp for purely audio playing).

VideoLAN - VLC: Official site - Free multimedia solutions for all OS!

W8 Enterprise works fine as a desktop -- language packs now decently available too. Incidentally it's available for TechNet subscribers. Another "Goodie" with W8 enterprise is the Windows to go.


Cheers
jimbo
 

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    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
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    PC/Desktop
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    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Not a big fan of VLC, I'm afraid, but, having said that, I usually
keep a copy on hand for that odd file that simply WON'T open
in anything else.

My video of the hanging of Saddam Hussein is a
good example, it'll ONLY play in VLC.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.

I have tweaked it, and added/replaced much of its 'lost' functionality with 3rd-party apps.



Ref the bolded red text: Here's my biggest issue with Win 8. I don't want to have to rely on a slew of 3rd party apps to restore functionality that has been common since 1995. Microsoft needs to add options during installation that allows users to set up the system the way THEY want, and not be forced to settle for this ridiculous 'metro' bull s..t. Microsoft is taking a stance with this and basically telling customers 'screw you, you're going to do it OUR way'.

Give us a little more flexibility; thats all those of us who bash Win8 are asking for,
 
Last edited:

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System One

  • OS
    Win 7 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18xR2
    CPU
    i7 3820qm
    Motherboard
    Alienware / Dell
    Memory
    16gb Corsair ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Dual GTX 675m
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 120gb SSD
    1tb storage drive
    Internet Speed
    Not nearly fast enough
did you ever ask yourself WHY with it being the 21st century....
and WHY it not being "rocket science"......

do we still need to "add a slew of 3rd party apps to restore functionality" to windows 7/ windows 8 /etc.

ever help someone setup a Mac....I was amazed...it just works....didn't have to add this, add that..etc
MS seems to still be in the 1970-1980 time warp....when will they ever come out of it???
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    viewpad10
    CPU
    intel atom 455
    Memory
    2GB
did you ever ask yourself WHY with it being the 21st century....
and WHY it not being "rocket science"......

do we still need to "add a slew of 3rd party apps to restore functionality" to windows 7/ windows 8 /etc.

ever help someone setup a Mac....I was amazed...it just works....didn't have to add this, add that..etc
MS seems to still be in the 1970-1980 time warp....when will they ever come out of it???

Actually, what you seem to regard as a flaw in Windows is really one of its greatest strengths.

Who really wants to be locked into someone ELSE'S idea of what the computing experience should be?

Certainly not me.......
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
did you ever ask yourself WHY with it being the 21st century....
and WHY it not being "rocket science"......

do we still need to "add a slew of 3rd party apps to restore functionality" to windows 7/ windows 8 /etc.

ever help someone setup a Mac....I was amazed...it just works....didn't have to add this, add that..etc
MS seems to still be in the 1970-1980 time warp....when will they ever come out of it???

Actually, what you seem to regard as a flaw in Windows is really one of its greatest strengths.

Who really wants to be locked into someone ELSE'S idea of what the computing experience should be?

Certainly not me.......

"one of its greatest strengths" ??????????

to have it's users who just want something to work have to figure out which driver...which version
of java..which this and which that....

whatever...I want something that "just works"....MS Windows isn't there...even Linux is much better at
finding and installing 95% of what you need...with MS it's like 65%....and that's only an improvement of about 20%
since 1975-1990..........
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    viewpad10
    CPU
    intel atom 455
    Memory
    2GB
did you ever ask yourself WHY with it being the 21st century....
and WHY it not being "rocket science"......

do we still need to "add a slew of 3rd party apps to restore functionality" to windows 7/ windows 8 /etc.

ever help someone setup a Mac....I was amazed...it just works....didn't have to add this, add that..etc
MS seems to still be in the 1970-1980 time warp....when will they ever come out of it???

Actually, what you seem to regard as a flaw in Windows is really one of its greatest strengths.

Who really wants to be locked into someone ELSE'S idea of what the computing experience should be?

Certainly not me.......

Have to agree here, users have ALWAYS had the option to make Windows more personalized through 3rd party tools. Could Microsoft have given users more options with Metro, sure...but it doesn't change anything in regards use of 3rd party tools.

The OSX argument is a weak one also, you have Apple that controls the hardware AND software so they can guarantee that it always works since they control the whole process. Why do you think when Steve Jobs came back to Apple he stopped all the Mac Clone companies from making Macs? they need that control. When you think about how many different types of Windows computers are out there, Dell, HP, SONY, home assembled etc with so many different variations in graphic cards and other hardware, it's amazing how well Windows does JUST WORK with everything. This is something Apple could NEVER do.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7, Windows 8 RP
to have it's users who just want something to work have to figure out which driver...which version
of java..which this and which that....

With every version of Windows the driver "issue" becomes less of an issue, many drivers that have come out are unified drivers. This is also an advantage of Windows 8 and one of the reason Microsoft wants to use the same kernel across all platforms. A driver made for Windows 8 will work for Server 2012, Windows Phone 8 etc. As for jave, I don't recall that ever being an issue other than certain software that has been programmed to work with a certain version of java. It doesn't matter what desktop, laptop or server I am on I just go to the Java download page and click download...it just works.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7, Windows 8 RP
Sorry
FG you loose me. I agree with KAT here.



I do not want to wear a suit every day, want to wear what i want;



Same with my OS, so Apple is not for me.



I like Windows for what it is, no mather what you or others think or say.



Like the fact that you can change/alter/add settings programs whatever.


So no Linux either (i have a DVD with Linux on, never used it, never will).

Already bought 4 licenses Windows 8 and will install this this week.

Only my pc will have to wait since I will be upgrading hardware.

To each is own I guess.

Jeff
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WINDOWS 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    INTEL CORE I--3770K LGA1155
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77-V
    Memory
    KINGSTON 2400 MHZ KHX24C11K4 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    INTEL HD GRAFICS 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philip BDL3245€ 32 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SAMSUNG 840 PRO RAID 0 ON BOARD 2 x 128 GB
    Keyboard
    LOGITEC MX™ 5500
    Mouse
    LOGITEC MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    120 Mbps
Yes, Robr, if only the metro could be resized, but i am sure a 3d party will arrange this.

Jeff
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WINDOWS 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    INTEL CORE I--3770K LGA1155
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77-V
    Memory
    KINGSTON 2400 MHZ KHX24C11K4 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    INTEL HD GRAFICS 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philip BDL3245€ 32 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SAMSUNG 840 PRO RAID 0 ON BOARD 2 x 128 GB
    Keyboard
    LOGITEC MX™ 5500
    Mouse
    LOGITEC MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    120 Mbps
You guys might have to get used to VLC player or XBMC, I have been trying to get Win 8 Media Ctr to stop pixelating for days. This is an example of where the user should not have to muck around searching for codecs or whatever just to play a simple avi file
Win7 on the same machine plays perfectly.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8 pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    hp DX7400
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