Windows 8 six months in: Thoughts from a power(less) user

Crave's Eric Mack has felt at home in Windows for decades. Now that his home has a fresh coat of paint, he's still not sure if it's an improvement.

Since then I've been courted by other colonial powers, but I was conditioned at a young age to the ways of Windows and -- no matter how it came to be this way -- it still feels like home. Now my home has just received a fresh coat of paint. And even if the painters did a shoddy job and painted over all the switches and outlets and left a mess on the hardwood floor, I'm willing to wait for them to come clean things up and get my home looking better than ever.

Windows 8 six months in: Thoughts from a power(less) user | Crave - CNET
 
He nails it on the head:

Yes, I couldn't forget all the complaints we've already heard about Windows 8. They can mostly be boiled down to "Why did you guys feel a need to hide practically everything?" Apparently we can't have a Start button and a Start screen. And for some reason it takes 18 clicks and reciting a brief dance routine to restart your system.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Alt/F4 (when on desktop) > Enter (or scroll to desired command) :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Hey Hippsie Gypsy,
Great tip about ALT + F4 !!!!!! Why does Microsoft keep such things so secret?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP P2-1334
    CPU
    AMD Fusion E1-1200
    Motherboard
    Pegatron APXD1-DM (Redwood A)
    Memory
    Upgaded to PNY 8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 7310
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio (onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP w1707
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    WD 500 GB (onboard)
    + many,many external USB hard drives
    PSU
    stock
    Case
    stock
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    HP wireless 5187-4099
    Mouse
    Logitech laser wireless M325
    Internet Speed
    DL 6.99 mb/s......UL 3.34 mb/s
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox v.20.0.1
    Antivirus
    Norton......CCCleaner 64......Zone Alarm

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Perhaps I should have mentioned that it should be on an empty desktop, for Alt/F4 continues to close apps/programs. Therefore, one should save files and close programs before doing so.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Perhaps I should have mentioned that it should be on an empty desktop, for Alt/F4 continues to close apps/programs. Therefore, one should save files and close programs before doing so.

Grrrrr..........

Are you ok? You couldn't have lost work for it should popup for option to save. How many things did you have open? The browser for one and probably a few others. And you kept pressing it didn't you? Lol! Sorry, but I can't help to laugh. I wish I could've seen your face on that one! :D

And most of all I had "good intentions"! :p
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Wasn't this on the discussion block say, oh, about at least once a month. Just love it when something that finally ran it course a month or two ago is brought back as sometime new and wonderful to talk about; especially when all the hate stuff starts to disappear off the front page of the "News Forum.". . .:thumbsup:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Because its SOOOO hard to make a Shutdown tile :rolleyes:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Other Info
    Surface RT
Because its SOOOO hard to make a Shutdown tile :rolleyes:

Ya, give the average consumer a fresh 8 install - and when they ask how to shut it down - tell them that. See if you get off that easy. Obviously that's what you "don't get". The average person just wants to shut it off, not have to google making a shutdown tile.

"how do i shut down windows 8" in Google = 67,900,000 results....it shouldn't be that difficult.

The Charms bar only has about what, 6 inches of wasted space - surely another 56px icon/shortcut for powering down could've been afforded...and it would've been much more obvious.

Wasn't this on the discussion block say, oh, about at least once a month. Just love it when something that finally ran it course a month or two ago is brought back as sometime new and wonderful to talk about; especially when all the hate stuff starts to disappear off the front page of the "News Forum.". . .:thumbsup:

Redundant? If you don't like complainers or their complaints - then don't contribute to it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
This about how many clicks it takes to restart is once again one of those small shameless lies used to negate and bash Windows 8. By default it takes 3 clicks to restart Windows 7 and 3 clicks to restart Windows 8, two if you do Win + I first.

Before someone responses that "But in Windows 8 before you can make the first of those three clicks you must bring the pointer to the corner to open charms!", I just want to remind you that in Windows 7 you have to bring the pointer to a corner to be able to click Start.

I have not joined these discussions as I find it useless, like this well know imaginary gentleman from La Mancha fighting the windmills. Is there something wrong in me because I find Windows 8 both nice, fast and easy to use? Please keep in mind I have no touch screen devices except the mobile phone. No, I am talking about Windows 8 on a normal laptop or desktop. Also, I am not talking as a normal home user who needs PC and Windows only to surf the net, email and games. No, I am talking about my use of Windows 8 both as a heavy duty geek in private life and professional use of Windows 8 working in a company which among other things is developing tailor made Windows 8 in a stick (Windows ToGo) systems for business use.

It is so extremely easy to find anything on my PC now with Windows 8. For newbies I recommend you try to learn to use Win + Q, Win + W and Win + F keyboard shortcuts and learn their difference, and you have no more need to desperately seek your hard disks. Basically Windows 8 is nothing else than a revamped Seven; not counting the Start button, everything else is there. It runs same software PLUS additional Windows Apps, it can mount an ISO image natively, first time in PC history a normal OS includes an advanced virtualization platform with no additional cost (Hyper-V, available in Pro and Enterprise).

It is funny to read these comments about how a feature should be natively included in Windows 8, that it is a failure because this or that feature is only available through a third party tool. Most often these comments come from users who have Windows 7 filled with third party tools, Daemon or similar to mount ISOs, Rocketdock to get "nicer" buttons, Rainmeter skins because they are not happy with the default Windows themes, and so on.

I am 54 years old. I've done this all my adult life. I left the world of Windows mid 90's for Unix and Linux as I needed something Windows was not capable to give me. Windows XP brought my interest back, Seven took me totally back to Windows and Eight confirmed it: Windows is my operating system. Flexible, easy, fast, reliable.

Thank you Microsoft.

Kari
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
This about how many clicks it takes to restart is once again one of those small shameless lies used to negate and bash Windows 8. By default it takes 3 clicks to restart Windows 7 and 3 clicks to restart Windows 8, two if you do Win + I first.

Before someone responses that "But in Windows 8 before you can make the first of those three clicks you must bring the pointer to the corner to open charms!", I just want to remind you that in Windows 7 you have to bring the pointer to a corner to be able to click Start.

While I see your point the number of clicks etc., to me personally the number of clicks doesn't matter. Shutdown is located in a illogical spot. Under "Settings"?? in the same spot actual settings are... It could've been placed right on the charm bar in the wasted space like I said earlier, and no one would've wondered. At least the button was in a logical spot when it was located in the Start Menu. I don't use it in either place and never have - but I can understand some of the confusion.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
Because its SOOOO hard to make a Shutdown tile :rolleyes:

Ya, give the average consumer a fresh 8 install - and when they ask how to shut it down - tell them that. See if you get off that easy. Obviously that's what you "don't get". The average person just wants to shut it off, not have to google making a shutdown tile.

"how do i shut down windows 8" in Google = 67,900,000 results....it shouldn't be that difficult.

The Charms bar only has about what, 6 inches of wasted space - surely another 56px icon/shortcut for powering down could've been afforded...and it would've been much more obvious.

Wasn't this on the discussion block say, oh, about at least once a month. Just love it when something that finally ran it course a month or two ago is brought back as sometime new and wonderful to talk about; especially when all the hate stuff starts to disappear off the front page of the "News Forum.". . .:thumbsup:

Redundant? If you don't like complainers or their complaints - then don't contribute to it.
I am so "Sorry" to insult you in that manner. From now on I will be really careful not to insult "You" again. . .
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
This about how many clicks it takes to restart is once again one of those small shameless lies used to negate and bash Windows 8. By default it takes 3 clicks to restart Windows 7 and 3 clicks to restart Windows 8, two if you do Win + I first.

Before someone responses that "But in Windows 8 before you can make the first of those three clicks you must bring the pointer to the corner to open charms!", I just want to remind you that in Windows 7 you have to bring the pointer to a corner to be able to click Start.

I have not joined these discussions as I find it useless, like this well know imaginary gentleman from La Mancha fighting the windmills. Is there something wrong in me because I find Windows 8 both nice, fast and easy to use? Please keep in mind I have no touch screen devices except the mobile phone. No, I am talking about Windows 8 on a normal laptop or desktop. Also, I am not talking as a normal home user who needs PC and Windows only to surf the net, email and games. No, I am talking about my use of Windows 8 both as a heavy duty geek in private life and professional use of Windows 8 working in a company which among other things are developing tailor made Windows 8 in a stick (Windows ToGo) systems for business use.

It is so extremely easy to find anything on my PC now with Windows 8. For newbies I recommend you try to learn to use Win + Q, Win + W and Win + F keyboard shortcuts and learn their difference, and you have no more need to desperately seek your hard disks. Basically Windows 8 is nothing else than a revamped Seven; not counting the Start button, everything else is there. It runs same software PLUS additional Windows Apps, it can mount an ISO image natively, first time in PC history a normal OS includes an advanced virtualization platform with no additional cost (Hyper-V, available in Pro and Enterprise).

It is funny to read these comments about how a feature should be natively included in Windows 8, that it is a failure because this or that feature is only available through a third party tool. Most often these comments come from users who have Windows 7 filled with third party tools, Daemon or similar to mount ISOs, Rocketdock to get "nicer" buttons, Rainmeter skins because they are not happy with the default Windows themes, and so on.

I am 54 years old. I've done this all my adult life. I left the world of Windows mid 90's for Unix and Linux as I needed something Windows was not capable to give me. Windows XP brought my interest back, Seven took me totally back to Windows and Eight confirmed it: Windows is my operating system. Flexible, easy, fast, reliable.

Thank you Microsoft.

Kari
Good points, and Thanks for them. . .:thumbsup:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Shutdown is located in a illogical spot. Under "Settings"??
OK, I understand your logics: Having Shutdown (close, end) in Start (begin) is not illogical?

At least the button was in a logical spot when it was located in the Start Menu. I don't use it in either place and never have - but I can understand some of the confusion.
My point exactly. Most of the complaints of something missing or being in a wrong place come from users who are in any case not using the Windows native solutions.

Not knowing what method you use to shutdown Seven, what's the difference between that said method and creating a Shutdown tile or shortcut in Windows 8?

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
This about how many clicks it takes to restart is once again one of those small shameless lies used to negate and bash Windows 8. By default it takes 3 clicks to restart Windows 7 and 3 clicks to restart Windows 8, two if you do Win + I first.

Before someone responses that "But in Windows 8 before you can make the first of those three clicks you must bring the pointer to the corner to open charms!", I just want to remind you that in Windows 7 you have to bring the pointer to a corner to be able to click Start.

While I see your point the number of clicks etc., to me personally the number of clicks doesn't matter. Shutdown is located in a illogical spot. Under "Settings"?? in the same spot actual settings are... It could've been placed right on the charm bar in the wasted space like I said earlier, and no one would've wondered. At least the button was in a logical spot when it was located in the Start Menu. I don't use it in either place and never have - but I can understand some of the confusion.
Not sure how long you have been working with Windows OS's. The ALT-F4 key as been used to shut down, put to sleep, or restart for the different Windows OS's for at least twenty years, thus if you have been around that long then it is something that should come normal to you. . .just saying it is not all that hard regardless if sixty-seven million had to Google to find out how.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
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