What problem does Windows 8 solve?

Summary: Windows 8 is intended to be Microsoft’s platform that does everything for everyone. The problem is it doesn’t solve anyone’s problems, so who will need it?

As Microsoft gets Windows 8 ready for the Consumer Preview coming shortly I am spending a lot of time thinking about the next OS from Redmond. There is a lot to consider given its multiple personalities. It’s a desktop OS, mobile OS, tablet OS, and touch OS all rolled into one. Rather, all rolled into multiple SKUs depending on the hardware involved. I admit to feeling more uneasy about Windows 8 the more I consider what problem(s) it intends to address. Fact is I just don’t see any.

Source

A Guy
 
A Guy
What problem does Windows 8 solve?
Summary: Windows 8 is intended to be Microsoft’s platform that does everything for everyone. The problem is it doesn’t solve anyone’s problems, so who will need it?

As Microsoft gets Windows 8 ready for the Consumer Preview coming shortly I am spending a lot of time thinking about the next OS from Redmond. There is a lot to consider given its multiple personalities. It’s a desktop OS, mobile OS, tablet OS, and touch OS all rolled into one. Rather, all rolled into multiple SKUs depending on the hardware involved. I admit to feeling more uneasy about Windows 8 the more I consider what problem(s) it intends to address. Fact is I just don’t see any.


Source

A Guy

It solves nothing, because their is nothing wrong with win 7. However, those upgrading from Vista, will see a lot difference.:zip:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 570
    CPU
    AMD x2
    Motherboard
    Dell
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI HD 5670
    Hard Drives
    2 x 500GB
    PSU
    Corsair 600W
    Case
    Dell
    Keyboard
    Logitech K300
    Mouse
    Logitech G400 Gaming
The problem that Windows 8 solves is Microsoft's. If current desktop PCs and laptops become niche market devices, supplanted for most users by mobile devices that interface to the Cloud, the current MS business model could be in serious trouble.

I'm not predicting that we'll all be using iPhones and iPads or their Android equivalents in five years. However, I recall the highly successful minicomputer makers of the 1980s (DEC, Wang, Prime, Data General). Rather than adapt to market changes, they went extinct. My guess is that MS is positioning the company so that they'll maintain their near monopoly in computing, even if computing means something quite different from what it meant in 2010. I wouldn't care to bet against MS: I recall how they recovered from failing to foresee the growth of the Web. (Anyone used the Netscape browser lately?)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Window 8 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    I7-3930k
    Motherboard
    Asus P9X79 Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Gskill DDR3-2133
    Graphics Card(s)
    eVGA GTX 680
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster Zx
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PA246Q
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    Corsair Force GT 120GB
    WD Cavair Black 1.5TB
    PSU
    PC Power & cooling Silencer 750
    Case
    Silverstone FT02B-W
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14 w/ PWM fans
    Keyboard
    cheap Logitech USB wired
    Mouse
    old 5 button Microsoft USB optical
    Internet Speed
    6Mb cable
Good point, and I had forgotten all about netscape.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 pro / win 8.1
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Pro 2/ HP Desktop
    CPU
    core i5 \ AMD E1 - 1200 APU
    Memory
    4gb \ 4gb
    Hard Drives
    128gb ssd
Well, that's the question most new Windows systems are released, is there any point to it? Going from xp to vista, what problem did that solve? Probably the security issues, but xp is still being used to this day. Going from vista to 7, it solved performance issues. Going from 7 to 8, it's solving the issue that Microsoft must adapt to current technologies being used by consumers today, much what every new Windows version does also.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Microsoft wants to participate in the mobile market. The Metro and especially the RISC processor support are a big effort. There is not a lot of slack left for the traditional desktop users - and the fact that it looks like Windows 7 to the desktop user is not such a bad thing.

I am afraid we will have to wait for later versions before we will see a lot of new things for the desktop. Even a big company like MS has only finite resources to get the job done.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
Does it have to solve anything?, no its all about fun , happiness and peace :).

But seriously, it provides platform for developers to solve the problems. the platform itself doesn't have to solve the problems.

and I can say its a good platform! better than anything before it. :)

Thanks
Mercurial
 

My Computer

Well, if anyone has seen the movie Minority Report, Windows 8 is the threshold to all that cool technology, hopefully. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Well, if anyone has seen the movie Minority Report, Windows 8 is the threshold to all that cool technology, hopefully. :)

Precognition? Very cool indeed.

(Sorry. Couldn't resist.)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Window 8 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    I7-3930k
    Motherboard
    Asus P9X79 Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Gskill DDR3-2133
    Graphics Card(s)
    eVGA GTX 680
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster Zx
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PA246Q
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    Corsair Force GT 120GB
    WD Cavair Black 1.5TB
    PSU
    PC Power & cooling Silencer 750
    Case
    Silverstone FT02B-W
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14 w/ PWM fans
    Keyboard
    cheap Logitech USB wired
    Mouse
    old 5 button Microsoft USB optical
    Internet Speed
    6Mb cable
Improved Fitness

Well, if anyone has seen the movie Minority Report, Windows 8 is the threshold to all that cool technology, hopefully. :)

They could combine it with aerobics and we could get fit whilst we're using our computers. ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Linux Mint 18.3 MATE (64 bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    n/a
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II x6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-8GAO (4GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD6450
    Sound Card
    Realtek?
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung S23B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 1.5 TB (SATA), Western Digital 2 TB (SATA), Western Digital 3 TB (SATA)
    Case
    Tower
    Mouse
    Wired Optical
    Other Info
    Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 17 MATE (64 bit) - 2014-05-17
    Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-11-13
    Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
    RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
    Monitor Upgraded - 2012-04-20
    System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
    HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    EXOPC Slate
    CPU
    Atom 1.66ghz
    Memory
    2gb
    Screen Resolution
    11.6 @ 1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    64gb sandisk ssd
    Keyboard
    screen
    Mouse
    finger
    Internet Speed
    8mbs / 1mbs
supplanted for most users by mobile devices that interface to the Cloud, the current MS business model could be in serious trouble.

I'm still trying to figure out what the cloud is and why it is so great. It just sounds like I'm giving up even more control over my computer.


CokeRobot said:
Going from 7 to 8, it's solving the issue that Microsoft must adapt to current technologies being used by consumers today, much what every new Windows version does also.

It has always struck me that the users must adapt to what Microsoft throws out there instead of the other way around.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7
supplanted for most users by mobile devices that interface to the Cloud, the current MS business model could be in serious trouble.

I'm still trying to figure out what the cloud is and why it is so great. It just sounds like I'm giving up even more control over my computer.


CokeRobot said:
Going from 7 to 8, it's solving the issue that Microsoft must adapt to current technologies being used by consumers today, much what every new Windows version does also.

It has always struck me that the users must adapt to what Microsoft throws out there instead of the other way around.

The cloud that Microsoft is offering can be described as a networked flash drive. Unlike other cloud services, YOU get to control what YOU put into it, how, when, and what YOU can take out of it. With Windows 8, SkyDrive will act almost more like a networked drive that also syncs files to other devices that you choose.

That last part is true, as is the reverse.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Technology in hardware demands newer updates to take advantage of what is already built in to most computers. So rather that look at what problems it solves seems more to the point that hardware demands new software and any company that does not recognize that is in trouble. If in the process of building software to utilize the hardware advances happens to require less memory to run ( when I boot Windows 7 it uses 2232 meg of memory and less than 1000 when I boot Windows 8 developer) then so much the better for users.

I can't imagine a computer world where stop developing is even remotely considered.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7 64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP 6585
    CPU
    I5
    Motherboard
    standard HP
    Memory
    4 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    STANDARD
Problems that Windows 8 will solve? hmmmmmmmmm...WELL to alot of us, it will solve what to do till Windows 9 comes out.
IF there is a Windows 9. For some REASON, unbeknownst to me, I have a feeling the following up to Windows 8 will be Windows X
(Can they use that as a naming convention? I remember a Operating System named Windows X). :confused: Then again it is Microsoft.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 pro Retail
Windows 7 didn't really enhance my life that much. Actually, since I went with the x64 version, it could be a step backwards since I have a ton of stuf that won't work now.

I'd be willing to bet that the average user doesn't see much of a difference between Windows 95 and Windows 7 except for stability which most won't even notice and the gee-whiz features of the shell. There are icons and they click on them to make things happen.

Seriously. I teach an adult ed computer class. The students are usually in their late 50s to early 60s but I get students in their 20s and 30s as well. Most don't have a clue. In today's world of technology, it amazes me that people don't know how to do simple things like copy and paste or create a shortcut. Most don't even have a clue about their directory structure and where their documents are stashed. If MS Word didn't know show them where their documents were, they couldn't find a thing.

Sadly, the same is true for many young people who grew up with computers in their bedrooms. I work with many young people and they are as clueless as the older folks. They can create videos and put them on Youtube or they can send Tweets but to actually have a glimmer of a clue as to what goes on is far beyond their ken.

What Windows 8 will do for most of the computer using public is very little. Everything will stay pretty much like it did when it came out of the box. The users will click on an icon and they'll blunder about barely understanding what they are doing.

Sadly, this is true of too many things in life. Ask the average automobile owner to explain why the engine in his car is called a "four stroke" and he'll just blink at you.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7
You got a good point. I see the same in the classes I teach. But fortunately there are a few that are willing to learn - but you have to spoon feed it to them.

I now only teach people who bring their own laptop and can immediately do themselves what I show on the screen. I am hoping that this will stick better.

But the education level of the general population is pretty dismal - and not only on technology. Ask them any geography or history question or how many foreign languages they speak. You usually draw a blank.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
It solves nothing, because their is nothing wrong with win 7. However, those upgrading from Vista, will see a lot difference.:zip:

Windows 7 didn't really enhance my life that much. Actually, since I went with the x64 version, it could be a step backwards since I have a ton of stuf that won't work now.

Windows 7 is greight, and until big corps move to 8.... It will keep saving the days :)
 

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
Sure, but ...

I used to facilitate "Intro to PCs and MS Office" training.
I can only remember 1 student who didn't want to know "more than one way" of doing something.

Seriously. I teach an adult ed computer class. The students are usually in their late 50s to early 60s but I get students in their 20s and 30s as well. Most don't have a clue. In today's world of technology, it amazes me that people don't know how to do simple things like copy and paste or create a shortcut. Most don't even have a clue about their directory structure and where their documents are stashed. If MS Word didn't know show them where their documents were, they couldn't find a thing.

Not everyone sees a need to own a PC though (my parents don't).

If you've never been shown how to use a PC OS, you aren't going to know the "tricks".
It's hard to explain the "imaginary" locations (in the directory structure) to beginners.

Also MS doesn't make it easy to find out what features are available and they are unable to explain their operation anyway.
The chaotic way MS groups various features/tools doesn't help either.
Various tools and monitors seem to be strewn about at random.

This is what led to the "Ribbon".
MS were unable to explain how to use various functions in Office.

Sinofsky doesn't seem to know how to use the "Start Menu" and he's responsible for creating new Windows features! :eek:

I only recently discovered that "Ctrl + Shift + N" creates a new folder in Windows Explorer (just like it does in Nautilus).
When was that introduced?

Various "improvements" in Windows 7 haven't helped either.
For example, the way that Windows 7 completely ignores the "Read-only" file attribute.
When I was training students I told (and demonstrated to) everyone how set the "Read-only" attribute, to prevent the accidental deletion of important files (we had XP on the PCs).
Windows 7 happily deletes everything, without any warning. :mad:

Remember the menu shortcut key underlines?
There doesn't seem to be a simple way to make them stay displayed anymore.

I now only teach people who bring their own laptop and can immediately do themselves what I show on the screen. I am hoping that this will stick better.

I find that unless I physically perform the actions, I'll forget how to do something within a few hours.

But the education level of the general population is pretty dismal - and not only on technology. Ask them any geography or history question or how many foreign languages they speak. You usually draw a blank.

Too much time is wasted on pointless drivel.

Windows 8 will just make things worse, because "everything you know is wrong" now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Linux Mint 18.3 MATE (64 bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    n/a
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II x6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-8GAO (4GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD6450
    Sound Card
    Realtek?
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung S23B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 1.5 TB (SATA), Western Digital 2 TB (SATA), Western Digital 3 TB (SATA)
    Case
    Tower
    Mouse
    Wired Optical
    Other Info
    Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 17 MATE (64 bit) - 2014-05-17
    Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-11-13
    Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
    RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
    Monitor Upgraded - 2012-04-20
    System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
    HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,
Back
Top