Windows 8.1 first look: Finally, Windows the way you want

With Windows 8.1 Microsoft finally recognizes that a big portion of the world actively dislikes the new "Modern" interface and Start screen, and lets people downplay it, bypass it, or make it work the way they like. It doesn't solve the basic problem of Windows 8 having dueling interfaces -- one for touch and tablets, and another for the desktop and mouse and keyboard -- but it gives desktop fans enough options to make the operating system much better to use.
Big changes include the ability to go directly to the desktop when you sign in, and a whole host of Start screen customizations that make it more useful for those who primarily use the desktop. There's also now a not-particularly useful Start button that doesn't come close to having the features offered by the old school Start button you've come to love in earlier Windows versions.
If you're like me, what you care about most about is the go-to-desktop option, and changes that make the Start screen easier to use. You would expect that you'd get to those changes from the Start screen somewhere...but if you expected that, you'd be wrong. Instead, head to the desktop, right-click the taskbar and select Properties to get to the Taskbar and Navigation properties screen. There's a new tab here called Navigation. This is essentially command central for the new features for customizing the Start screen and booting to the desktop. It's got two sections: Core navigation and Start screen.
The bottom line
Windows 8.1 is far more configurable than Windows 8, and those who primarily use the desktop will be especially pleased to be able to go directly to it when they sign in. Also useful are the new features for customizing the Start screen, particularly for using it as an app launcher. This new version of Windows 8 isn't perfect, but this newfound power to tweak and customize makes it a far better operating system than the one that shipped.
Note: I'll have a more in-depth look at Windows 8.1 on Computerworld in several days.
Windows 8.1 first look: Finally, Windows the way you want it | Computerworld Blogs
 
Its no where close to what I want.
 

My Computer

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
It's not that bad, but could be far better if they listened what consumers say !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 'Ultimate' RTM 64 bit (Pro/WMC).
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AS8951G 'Desktop Replacement'.
    CPU
    i7-2670QM@2.2/3.1Ghz.
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB@1366Mhz.
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GT555M 2GB DDR3
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD w/Dolby 5.1 surround.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built-in. Non-touch.
    Screen Resolution
    18/4" 1920x1080 full-HD.
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 750GBx2 internal. 1x2TB, 2x640GB, 1x500GB external.
    PSU
    Stock.
    Case
    Laptop.
    Cooling
    Stock.
    Keyboard
    Full 101-key
    Mouse
    USB cordless.
    Browser
    IE11, Firefox, Tor.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, MalwareBytes Pro.
    Other Info
    BD-ROM drive.
I will take a pass on 8.1 thanks.

Same here. If it had eliminated the need for a 3rd party addon to achieve the normal desktop experience, as we had demanded, it would be a different story, but alas.

At some point, ms will have to understand that the desktop community is a mature community and will not be bullied. Perhaps a second consecutive massive flop will help them figure it out....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Since this preview is too fresh and I've had some driver issues with it, I'll go back to 8.0 the next days.

I'll probably keep it as a VM but no real benefits to that as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
I liked Files History feature very much. Very useful indeed !

FilesHistory.jpg

:)

Since this preview is too fresh and I've had some driver issues with it, I'll go back to 8.0 the next days.

I'll probably keep it as a VM but no real benefits to that as well.

I'll keep it dual booting along with Windows 8, but won't use it that much.

:cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
I liked Files History feature very much. Very useful indeed !

View attachment 23744

:)

Since this preview is too fresh and I've had some driver issues with it, I'll go back to 8.0 the next days.

I'll probably keep it as a VM but no real benefits to that as well.

I'll keep it dual booting along with Windows 8, but won't use it that much.

:cool:

Yeah, between the drivers I needed to reinstall the sound (there was no bass anymore). VirtualBox networking had some weird driver warnings: http://www.eightforums.com/virtualization/27292-windows-8-1-virtualbox.html#post248878
I was worried about the stability a bit.

But I've already restored. Took just 10 minutes. :D

You can keep it if you have spare disk space... :cool: to me both OSes look the same. I like the new start screen customization, the button (don't like the hover stuff from 8.0) but I needed the Win7 file recovery back, I still need to get used to the new backup system.

Overall the preview worked fine. New stuff works, old stuff works. There was no cloud issues and I was using a local account, libraries still exist (just need to be enabled for those interested).
All programs and apps were still working, no compatibility issues: old DirectPlay needed to be enabled (as a feature) but Dune2000 (from 1997) still runs fine on the preview so now I'm waiting for the final release.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Hi there

I'm not really one for the whole Tile stuff so I'm afraid I'm never going to completely like W8 but at least I've got BOOT to desktop and I tend to use custom toolbars so I don't miss or really need a "Classic" menu. I do like the Search though.

seems fine by me (apart from the whole Tile stuff which isn't for me) -- I'm still testing in a VM -- my problem is that I want the Enterprise version -- the Preview is only Windows 8 Pro -- I really need the Windows to Go app (and that's Enterprise only).

IE11 seems OK although some problems with things like Online Banking and some other "secure" type websites which deny me access with a message Your browser is not a supported version - please UPDATE it" !!!! --- I suppose we'll probably have to wait 3 years or so before some Off shored overpaid consultancy group gets round to fixing this. Typical of shoddy off shored stuff these days -- however what else does one expect from BANKS -- to actually give their customers a decent Service -- Ms would probably be developing the next OS for APPLE before that happened. !!!

Otherwise so far so good -- no problems installing anything I need. Still playing around with customisation.

Windows 2012 R2 server looks good too -- also available from TechNet -- trying out the ReFs new file system Windows CLIENTS BTW can access this FS both for read and write -- although note the BOOT disk (partition) on W2012 server cannot be ReFs.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    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)
I did a clean install of 8.1 on a VM and so far it behaves well. The start screen is more customizable than before and that's a good thing. Nothing seems to be broken.

New Start button is as useless as a screen door on a submarine. It basically does what the old "drag mouse to lower left corber and click" move did in 8.0.

It seems that the new start menu is improved in terms of search functionality and also the ease of access to all my apps.

I'm glad to see the straight-to-desktop navigation.

Overall I'd say it's a slight improvement but more could be done. Maybe by the final release we'll see more improvement. If you're expectiong a major overhaul of 8.0, though, you're going to be disappointed.

I plan to try the Windows Store upgrade route from the VHD copy of Win8 that I use in a dual boot with Windows 7. We'll see how that goes.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64
Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 is the worst OS Microsoft has ever made next to Vista

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 is only really to be used or installed on tablet type of devices and don't let these clowns at Microsoft tell you or fool you that this new Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 is great for Desktop or High End Laptops cuz that's far from the truth

I will keep all of my Desktops and Laptops on with Windows 7 Enterprise 64-Bit Version until Windows 9 Pro 64-bit gets released in the spring of May 2015...

Windows 8 or Windows Blue Sucks! for Desktops and Laptops the 2nd worse OS ever made by Microsoft ever...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise 64-Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel 2 Extreme 4 Core 3.2GHz X9770
    Motherboard
    ASUS Formula
    Memory
    8 GBs
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5000 Series
    Hard Drives
    500GB Sata SD Drive
    Browser
    EI 10
    Antivirus
    ESet
I will keep all of my Desktops and Laptops on with Windows 7 Enterprise 64-Bit Version until Windows 9 Pro 64-bit gets released in the spring of May 2015...
As a consumer, you don't even have the ability to get a license for Enterprise.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I will keep all of my Desktops and Laptops on with Windows 7 Enterprise 64-Bit Version until Windows 9 Pro 64-bit gets released in the spring of May 2015...
As a consumer, you don't even have the ability to get a license for Enterprise.

Well if you are the Head of IT within a large Banking company like I am, Windows 7 Enterprise 32-Bit or 64-bit is very easy to get licenses and full activation...

Windows 8 Pro and Windows Blue are both terrible OS systems to load on your desktop or high end laptop wait till Windows 9 Pro rolls out in two years then all of you will say for sure Windows Vista and Windows 8Pro and Blue have been the worse of the worse in fact garbage if your not running Windows 8 Pro or Blue on a Tablet Device.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise 64-Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel 2 Extreme 4 Core 3.2GHz X9770
    Motherboard
    ASUS Formula
    Memory
    8 GBs
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5000 Series
    Hard Drives
    500GB Sata SD Drive
    Browser
    EI 10
    Antivirus
    ESet
Well if you are the Head of IT within a large Banking company like I am, Windows 7 Enterprise 32-Bit or 64-bit is very easy to get licenses and full activation...
Of course, you "could" just use your companies MAK key...but that doesn't make it exactly legal. I run my companies MSDN and manage our enterprise agreements...but I don't borrow and use corporate licenses for personal use.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Several 8.1 threads so not sure where this belongs but I am extremely disappointed in MS.

I had the option for the $19.99 upgrade (I think that was the price) because I had purchased a Win 7 laptop shortly before Win 8 was released. Based on reviews and my research I decided I didn't want the OS as I didn't have a touchscreen computer so I didn't really see a lot of benefit. So now barely six months later they release 8.1 which seems to have resolved most of the issues non touch screen users had. But I can't get it without paying full price. MS should have some sort of discount available but of course they want. Yes I know it is my fault but still I am disappointed (and I am a Microsoft shareholder too).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium on 2 Windows 8.1 on 1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Well if you are the Head of IT within a large Banking company like I am, Windows 7 Enterprise 32-Bit or 64-bit is very easy to get licenses and full activation...
Of course, you "could" just use your companies MAK key...but that doesn't make it exactly legal. I run my companies MSDN and manage our enterprise agreements...but I don't borrow and use corporate licenses for personal use.


Sorry mate your wrong I don't use my Companies personal and paid for Enterprise keys as your suggesting I have my own Enterprise key for my only use from Microsoft, I am a partner with Microsoft for over 20 years and trust me there is no need to be using any ones or companies keys the last time I checked ;)

Mr PParks1,

FYI I have been a MSDN member for over 20 years and also a TechNet member for again over 20 years and one more note, I am a Microsoft Certified Engineer in the area of Operating Systems and Hardware Driver Design just a little info in regards to my back round and by the way I am also a tear 3 tester for Microsoft Canada besides being head of IT in a major and leading Bank within Canada
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise 64-Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel 2 Extreme 4 Core 3.2GHz X9770
    Motherboard
    ASUS Formula
    Memory
    8 GBs
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5000 Series
    Hard Drives
    500GB Sata SD Drive
    Browser
    EI 10
    Antivirus
    ESet
Several 8.1 threads so not sure where this belongs but I am extremely disappointed in MS.

I had the option for the $19.99 upgrade (I think that was the price) because I had purchased a Win 7 laptop shortly before Win 8 was released. Based on reviews and my research I decided I didn't want the OS as I didn't have a touchscreen computer so I didn't really see a lot of benefit. So now barely six months later they release 8.1 which seems to have resolved most of the issues non touch screen users had. But I can't get it without paying full price. MS should have some sort of discount available but of course they want. Yes I know it is my fault but still I am disappointed (and I am a Microsoft shareholder too).


Bru,

hang tight till windows 9 arrives or go back to Windows 7 Ultimate and don't touch windows 8 or Windows blue this is the 2nd place worse and garbage next to Windows Vista stay on Windows 7 for a couple of years Windows 9 is nice I am have been testing it for the last 3 months
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise 64-Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel 2 Extreme 4 Core 3.2GHz X9770
    Motherboard
    ASUS Formula
    Memory
    8 GBs
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5000 Series
    Hard Drives
    500GB Sata SD Drive
    Browser
    EI 10
    Antivirus
    ESet
I don't know what they have changed, but it must be more than cosmetic. My USB 3.0 will not work properly in 8.1 and falls back to USB 2.0 speeds. I had this issue in 8 as well, but I installed the 3.0 drivers from my mobo manufacturers site, and they worked. 8.1 won't let my USB ports work at all with the downloaded drivers.

Overall I quite like it, I'm not 8s biggest fan, but they fixed a couple of niggles for me, (mainly search and snap) and introduced a feature I've wanted since 7; My Computer and Libraries all in one place. If I ever don't open something through search I start in one f those 2 places... so ideal!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-built
    CPU
    2nd Gen Intel Core i5 2500k
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z86a-d3-b3
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333Mhz Crucial DIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 460 (Gygabite OC)
    Sound Card
    Realtek On board sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer Al1980 + Generic non brand Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1280*1024 + 1366*768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Sata III Cavier Green
    500GB SATA II WD Caviar Blue
    160GB SATA II Hitachi
    PSU
    Corsair Extreme
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF-X
    Cooling
    HAF-X cooling (1 exhaust, 1 front, 1 side, 1 top fan)
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    12.5 Mb/s down 1.2 (ish) M/b up (ADSL2+)
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
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