Final thoughts on Windows 8: A design disaster

[h=1]
Final thoughts on Windows 8: A design disaster[/h]By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
June 7, 2012, 8:59am PDT

Summary: The biggest problem with Windows 8 is that it wasn’t born out of a need or demand. Its design failures, particularly with ‘Metro UI’ will likely be its downfall. Here’s why.

A week ago, Microsoft delivered the Windows 8 Release Preview, the final pre-release of the platform before the forthcoming operating system hits the release-to-manufacturing stage. OEMs get their hands on the final code at this stage, followed by Windows 8’s general availability where it’s available to us all.

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I’ve been following Windows 8 closely over the past few months, spending a lot of time not only with the official releases but also with a number of leaked builds, and I’ve had the chance to install the operating system on a variety of hardware platforms, both old and new. However, since my primary working platform is a desktop system, this is where I’ve had the chance to spend the most time with Microsoft’s new operating system.

I’m now ready to sum up my Windows 8 experience with a single word: awful.

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The Developer Preview failed to install here on any VM. Likewise the RP refused to go on a VM as well while the CP went on two different releases of VM Player without a hitch except no internet connection on one VM Player release(Dec. 2011) but would connect on the later(Feb. 2012). Besides those two issues that last line would seem to sum things up on how many feel about where MS is going!
 
In every way??? I think you will find that most will tend to disagree with that point of view. But there are always up and down opinions with any new version.
 

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In every way??? I think you will find that most will tend to disagree with that point of view. But there are always up and down opinions with any new version.

Microsoft said Windows 8 has over a 1,000 improvements over windows 7 so naturally it is a better operating system. I'm guessing you hate it because of the user interface? well theres ways to get the start menu back so that's not an issue.
 

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    Windows 8
In every way??? I think you will find that most will tend to disagree with that point of view. But there are always up and down opinions with any new version.

Microsoft said Windows 8 has over a 1,000 improvements over windows 7 so naturally it is a better operating system. I'm guessing you hate it because of the user interface? well theres ways to get the start menu back so that's not an issue.

SP3 for XP saw over 1,000 fixes for the 11yr. old version! Does that mean I should run XP? No!

As far as the Metro I have something even better and free to work on presently. Classic Shell. That includes a normal shutdown button while a bit smaller in size.

Rather then following up on the success 7 enjoys by continuring to follow in that line to make improvements MS decided to take a detour on other things besides the Metro. Read some of the other articles on how 8 will be stripped down despite whatever improvements are seen as far as stability, security, performance, system recovery, self maintainence, etc.
 

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    1st W10 Professional x64/W7 Ultimate x64 - 2nd Remote system: W10 Insider Builds/W7 Professional
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    AMD Phenom II X4 975 Deneb 3.6ghz -2nd case AMD Atholon II 3.2ghz
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    Kingston Hyper-X DDR3 1600mhz 16gb - 2nd case Kingston Hyper-X "Fury" DDR3 1600mhz 8gb
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    MSI Radeon HD 5750 1gb - 2nd AMD Radeon 6450
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    Creative Xtreme Gamer - 2nd case Realtek Onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 19" dual monitor setup - 2nd case HP 20" lcd
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 same on both builds
    Hard Drives
    1st build
    WD Caviar Black Edition Sata II 1tb two OS drives
    WD RE "Heavy Duty Sata II 2tb two Storage/Backup
    2nd build
    WD Blue Sata II 500gb
    WD Black Edition Sata III 1tb
    WD Green Power Sata II 1tb in external usb enclosure
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    Corsair TX750H 750w -Corsair 500w
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    Antec 900-2 -NXZT Vulcan Mini tower/carrying handle
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    120mm front pair, 120 rear 200cm top - 120mm Front intake 200mm side cover
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    Azio Blue led back lit both builds.
    Mouse
    MSI DS200 11 button programmable Gaming optical mouse - Odessa 3 button dual scroll trackball
    Internet Speed
    30mbps
    Other Info
    two MSI 22x ide dvd burners, 25 usb flash drives used for Linux Live, live data recovery 128gb, and Windows 7, 10 usb installation keys
It's not looking good for MS.

Why they didn't see that earlier is the question.
 
Last edited:

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    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
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Apparently they were too busy focusing on the mobile look and completely forgot about the desktop user. Or you could assume Tablet is what MS now considers the desktop pc. :rolleyes: "gee it sits on a desktop." But isn't like any desktop OS! is the way most are seeing it.

In all these years Tablet PC always had a completely separate version of Windows for each major release. Now they expect everyone to want Tablet OS on their desktop? The questions are plenty! SIW But the answers are few.

If they were seeing a standard desktop type release along with the new mobile Metro gui far more would be looking to see what else 8 was going to offer. Better notify the ER 8 will be arriving even earlier then anticipated! Only those running touch screen and a few diehards will actually be taking any serious look at replacing Vista or 7 with it.
 

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    AMD Phenom II X4 975 Deneb 3.6ghz -2nd case AMD Atholon II 3.2ghz
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    MSI Radeon HD 5750 1gb - 2nd AMD Radeon 6450
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    Creative Xtreme Gamer - 2nd case Realtek Onboard audio
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    Acer 19" dual monitor setup - 2nd case HP 20" lcd
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    1440x900 same on both builds
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    1st build
    WD Caviar Black Edition Sata II 1tb two OS drives
    WD RE "Heavy Duty Sata II 2tb two Storage/Backup
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    WD Blue Sata II 500gb
    WD Black Edition Sata III 1tb
    WD Green Power Sata II 1tb in external usb enclosure
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    Corsair TX750H 750w -Corsair 500w
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    Antec 900-2 -NXZT Vulcan Mini tower/carrying handle
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    120mm front pair, 120 rear 200cm top - 120mm Front intake 200mm side cover
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    Azio Blue led back lit both builds.
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    MSI DS200 11 button programmable Gaming optical mouse - Odessa 3 button dual scroll trackball
    Internet Speed
    30mbps
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    two MSI 22x ide dvd burners, 25 usb flash drives used for Linux Live, live data recovery 128gb, and Windows 7, 10 usb installation keys
I wouldn't call it a design disaster but it is a bit clunky. It is two OS's in one and they act totally independent from each other. Finding programs can be a nightmare through the metro interface, they need to make it easier to navigate your way to a chosen .exe.
Metro aside it is a very good OS although it does seem like a service packed windows 7. I really hope they add a disable metro option in the RTM and I will use it for sure.
 

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    Asus Home built
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    Asus M5A97 Evo
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    Corsair Vengeance 4GBx2
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    ATI Radeon HD 5890
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    1 x Asus IPS HDMI + 2 x ViewSonic VE710s-2
    Screen Resolution
    3840x1024
I am certain they had no intention whatsoever of allowing a disable metro option.

In view of the dismal reception win8 has received so far, it is possible they may have changed their minds.
 
Last edited:

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The one option that would make far more sense would be seeing two different types of setup when going to install the retail product. Standard or Metro! For those not running with any touchscreen displays as far as desktops, laptops, netbooks a standard desktop option that included the Aero style Start menu, shutdown button would be what you would see once the installation was finished.

For new models of laptop, Tablets with touchscreen the OEMs would have to use the Metro once they provide the touchscreen displays and the higher prices to go along with it!
 

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    1st W10 Professional x64/W7 Ultimate x64 - 2nd Remote system: W10 Insider Builds/W7 Professional
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    Custom Builds
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 975 Deneb 3.6ghz -2nd case AMD Atholon II 3.2ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4
    Memory
    Kingston Hyper-X DDR3 1600mhz 16gb - 2nd case Kingston Hyper-X "Fury" DDR3 1600mhz 8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Radeon HD 5750 1gb - 2nd AMD Radeon 6450
    Sound Card
    Creative Xtreme Gamer - 2nd case Realtek Onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 19" dual monitor setup - 2nd case HP 20" lcd
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 same on both builds
    Hard Drives
    1st build
    WD Caviar Black Edition Sata II 1tb two OS drives
    WD RE "Heavy Duty Sata II 2tb two Storage/Backup
    2nd build
    WD Blue Sata II 500gb
    WD Black Edition Sata III 1tb
    WD Green Power Sata II 1tb in external usb enclosure
    PSU
    Corsair TX750H 750w -Corsair 500w
    Case
    Antec 900-2 -NXZT Vulcan Mini tower/carrying handle
    Cooling
    120mm front pair, 120 rear 200cm top - 120mm Front intake 200mm side cover
    Keyboard
    Azio Blue led back lit both builds.
    Mouse
    MSI DS200 11 button programmable Gaming optical mouse - Odessa 3 button dual scroll trackball
    Internet Speed
    30mbps
    Other Info
    two MSI 22x ide dvd burners, 25 usb flash drives used for Linux Live, live data recovery 128gb, and Windows 7, 10 usb installation keys
That's metro design for you, it's decisive. Either you like it or you don't. Simple as that....
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
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    PC/Desktop
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    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
If the Metro was only an optional layout for those with touchscreen displays but still retained some familiarity with a standard desktop you would simply look at this as a new option 8 was bringing in not something being jammed down your throat! "This is the way it will be and that's final!" is how MS is introducing 8 as the next major release of the Windows OS.

I have a friend that wouldn't even look at 7 yet he will at Vista since he didn't like not being able to lower the screen resolution and considers 7 too involved. Vista still had the option for the Classic theme as well as bringing in the Aero while for 7 the Classic was then gone. Yet most who have run 7 for any period of time stuck with 7 and easily accepted those changes since they were within reason!

In order to make 8 you not only have to pin your favorites on the taskbar, create a desktop shortcut, or run some addon like RocketDock or CircleDock, or even go as far as pinning the Programs folder to the taskbar if not having a shortcut to avoid the need to return to the Start screen for every little thing. Back and forth, back and forth just to open a second IE or WE window becomes tedious in a fast hurry!

And then there's the need for the other addons like Start menu 7 or Classic Shell(preferred here), Start8, etc. involving the need for 3rd party addons for replacing standard items people would otherwise expect to see included with any new version despite something new to replace Aero even while Metro isn't what would.

As for someone who has been running most versions since dos and 3.1 W8 is a big letdown following the realization of 7's success as the champion of all versions to date! MS finally got it right with 7 but now will falter with the next version not learning at all about how to take 7 further knowing it was a working OS!

But just like XP needed SP1 just to get the old version there going and finally SP3 cleaning up the mess of code errors and other things like security while Vista saw the bad rep instead for being larger but far more stable and secure(despite endless delays causing XP ro reign) most will be electing to stay with the version that does work for them.

Likewise security and stability factors have been improved with 7 and in 8 as far as the core elements while the desktop interface(gui) people are accustomed to is "trashed" as well as MS removing things people normally expect to see included are the turnoff factors.

Unexpected compatibility issues or compatibility issues when comparing Vista to XP while 7 was for the most part backward compatible to XP in many ways was another success seen with 7. Fat support restored with 7 for things like usb flash drives and exFat seen on new external Windows/the other guy's OS compatible drives being sold.

Here I am still trying to get at the inner workings besides the gui change to see if it would even be worth dual booting the 7 Ultimate with 8 HP or Pro? You can always "buy" into OS tweakers just to run any new OS while why change what you have that already works? For others just having the next version is a different story there what to simply say "We are the OS Geeks!"?

Decisions about 8 will need to be based on more then just whether or not you do or don't like the Metro UI. Many hated the Aero seen with the past two versions! So you can't really say that the Metro alone is the seller or the turnoff. It will be a bit more confusing for the novice user however!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    1st W10 Professional x64/W7 Ultimate x64 - 2nd Remote system: W10 Insider Builds/W7 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Builds
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 975 Deneb 3.6ghz -2nd case AMD Atholon II 3.2ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4
    Memory
    Kingston Hyper-X DDR3 1600mhz 16gb - 2nd case Kingston Hyper-X "Fury" DDR3 1600mhz 8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Radeon HD 5750 1gb - 2nd AMD Radeon 6450
    Sound Card
    Creative Xtreme Gamer - 2nd case Realtek Onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 19" dual monitor setup - 2nd case HP 20" lcd
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 same on both builds
    Hard Drives
    1st build
    WD Caviar Black Edition Sata II 1tb two OS drives
    WD RE "Heavy Duty Sata II 2tb two Storage/Backup
    2nd build
    WD Blue Sata II 500gb
    WD Black Edition Sata III 1tb
    WD Green Power Sata II 1tb in external usb enclosure
    PSU
    Corsair TX750H 750w -Corsair 500w
    Case
    Antec 900-2 -NXZT Vulcan Mini tower/carrying handle
    Cooling
    120mm front pair, 120 rear 200cm top - 120mm Front intake 200mm side cover
    Keyboard
    Azio Blue led back lit both builds.
    Mouse
    MSI DS200 11 button programmable Gaming optical mouse - Odessa 3 button dual scroll trackball
    Internet Speed
    30mbps
    Other Info
    two MSI 22x ide dvd burners, 25 usb flash drives used for Linux Live, live data recovery 128gb, and Windows 7, 10 usb installation keys
If the Metro was only an optional layout for those with touchscreen displays but still retained some familiarity with a standard desktop you would simply look at this as a new option 8 was bringing in not something being jammed down your throat! "This is the way it will be and that's final!" is how MS is introducing 8 as the next major release of the Windows OS.

I have a friend that wouldn't even look at 7 yet he will at Vista since he didn't like not being able to lower the screen resolution and considers 7 too involved. Vista still had the option for the Classic theme as well as bringing in the Aero while for 7 the Classic was then gone. Yet most who have run 7 for any period of time stuck with 7 and easily accepted those changes since they were within reason!

In order to make 8 you not only have to pin your favorites on the taskbar, create a desktop shortcut, or run some addon like RocketDock or CircleDock, or even go as far as pinning the Programs folder to the taskbar if not having a shortcut to avoid the need to return to the Start screen for every little thing. Back and forth, back and forth just to open a second IE or WE window becomes tedious in a fast hurry!

And then there's the need for the other addons like Start menu 7 or Classic Shell(preferred here), Start8, etc. involving the need for 3rd party addons for replacing standard items people would otherwise expect to see included with any new version despite something new to replace Aero even while Metro isn't what would.

As for someone who has been running most versions since dos and 3.1 W8 is a big letdown following the realization of 7's success as the champion of all versions to date! MS finally got it right with 7 but now will falter with the next version not learning at all about how to take 7 further knowing it was a working OS!

But just like XP needed SP1 just to get the old version there going and finally SP3 cleaning up the mess of code errors and other things like security while Vista saw the bad rep instead for being larger but far more stable and secure(despite endless delays causing XP ro reign) most will be electing to stay with the version that does work for them.

Likewise security and stability factors have been improved with 7 and in 8 as far as the core elements while the desktop interface(gui) people are accustomed to is "trashed" as well as MS removing things people normally expect to see included are the turnoff factors.

Unexpected compatibility issues or compatibility issues when comparing Vista to XP while 7 was for the most part backward compatible to XP in many ways was another success seen with 7. Fat support restored with 7 for things like usb flash drives and exFat seen on new external Windows/the other guy's OS compatible drives being sold.

Here I am still trying to get at the inner workings besides the gui change to see if it would even be worth dual booting the 7 Ultimate with 8 HP or Pro? You can always "buy" into OS tweakers just to run any new OS while why change what you have that already works? For others just having the next version is a different story there what to simply say "We are the OS Geeks!"?

Decisions about 8 will need to be based on more then just whether or not you do or don't like the Metro UI. Many hated the Aero seen with the past two versions! So you can't really say that the Metro alone is the seller or the turnoff. It will be a bit more confusing for the novice user however!

If you're really going back to the Start Screen that often, I think you might not have the best work flow pattern.
 

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
When you first go to install either the CP or RP what do you run right into once past the Lock/Logon screens? The Start screen.

Once you find the desktop button and arrive there you may want to open a second window or app. If you need open a seocond IE window or want to copy and paste and need that second WE window opened where do you go? The pinned shortcut won't open a second meaning back to Square #1 to click the Metro shortcut if one is present there.

Now for those familiar with the Windows key + letter E combination they wouldn't run into any problem seeing a second WE windows opened. For those not familiar at all with keyboard shortcuts on the other hand "back and forth" becomes the constant factor. Having a Quick Launch bar added to the taskbar if not using another 3rd party addon will of course save on the additional steps.

But what if you don't pin things to the task bar or even know about RocketDock as one example? You can still see them pinned to the Start screen if the Windows installer doesn't already do that for any new app going on. Pinning things to the Start screen once you find the Programs folder will help but still brings you back to.. Square #1.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    1st W10 Professional x64/W7 Ultimate x64 - 2nd Remote system: W10 Insider Builds/W7 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Builds
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 975 Deneb 3.6ghz -2nd case AMD Atholon II 3.2ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4
    Memory
    Kingston Hyper-X DDR3 1600mhz 16gb - 2nd case Kingston Hyper-X "Fury" DDR3 1600mhz 8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Radeon HD 5750 1gb - 2nd AMD Radeon 6450
    Sound Card
    Creative Xtreme Gamer - 2nd case Realtek Onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 19" dual monitor setup - 2nd case HP 20" lcd
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 same on both builds
    Hard Drives
    1st build
    WD Caviar Black Edition Sata II 1tb two OS drives
    WD RE "Heavy Duty Sata II 2tb two Storage/Backup
    2nd build
    WD Blue Sata II 500gb
    WD Black Edition Sata III 1tb
    WD Green Power Sata II 1tb in external usb enclosure
    PSU
    Corsair TX750H 750w -Corsair 500w
    Case
    Antec 900-2 -NXZT Vulcan Mini tower/carrying handle
    Cooling
    120mm front pair, 120 rear 200cm top - 120mm Front intake 200mm side cover
    Keyboard
    Azio Blue led back lit both builds.
    Mouse
    MSI DS200 11 button programmable Gaming optical mouse - Odessa 3 button dual scroll trackball
    Internet Speed
    30mbps
    Other Info
    two MSI 22x ide dvd burners, 25 usb flash drives used for Linux Live, live data recovery 128gb, and Windows 7, 10 usb installation keys
When you first go to install either the CP or RP what do you run right into once past the Lock/Logon screens? The Start screen.

Once you find the desktop button and arrive there you may want to open a second window or app. If you need open a seocond IE window or want to copy and paste and need that second WE window opened where do you go? The pinned shortcut won't open a second meaning back to Square #1 to click the Metro shortcut if one is present there.

Now for those familiar with the Windows key + letter E combination they wouldn't run into any problem seeing a second WE windows opened. For those not familiar at all with keyboard shortcuts on the other hand "back and forth" becomes the constant factor. Having a Quick Launch bar added to the taskbar if not using another 3rd party addon will of course save on the additional steps.

But what if you don't pin things to the task bar or even know about RocketDock as one example? You can still see them pinned to the Start screen if the Windows installer doesn't already do that for any new app going on. Pinning things to the Start screen once you find the Programs folder will help but still brings you back to.. Square #1.
From the default configuration of the Start Screen, I could see that happening. But once you pin some of the items you use from the start menu or from Windows Explorer to it, everything works out fine. I have all seven of my libraries pinned to the Start Screen along with Computer and Downloads. I set the defaults on media files so they open on the Desktop and not in an app. I find multitasking on the Desktop to better than on 7 since, for example, if I had many windows open, I would either a) click on show Desktop and find what I need on the Desktop or b) troll the start menu and/or type a search for it. Option a doesn't allow me to see content in all the windows. Option b puts my focus more on the start menu than the window content. The Start Screen though, is a sleek compromise of both. I don't need to minimize all my windows, and I can find things easier.
 

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
I Love Windows 8 , You guys aint poweruser enough to appreciate it :) :p

Not all people appreciate things they way you do. I just hate the Start Screen, blocking my Desktop and unless, I use some third party stuff, it always has to come up again at some point. And Windows 7 can do almost all of the things Windows 8 can on the Desktop part, so there is not much reason to upgrade. Period.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Developer Preview, Linux Mint 9
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
When you first go to install either the CP or RP what do you run right into once past the Lock/Logon screens? The Start screen.

Once you find the desktop button and arrive there you may want to open a second window or app. If you need open a seocond IE window or want to copy and paste and need that second WE window opened where do you go? The pinned shortcut won't open a second meaning back to Square #1 to click the Metro shortcut if one is present there.

Now for those familiar with the Windows key + letter E combination they wouldn't run into any problem seeing a second WE windows opened. For those not familiar at all with keyboard shortcuts on the other hand "back and forth" becomes the constant factor. Having a Quick Launch bar added to the taskbar if not using another 3rd party addon will of course save on the additional steps.

But what if you don't pin things to the task bar or even know about RocketDock as one example? You can still see them pinned to the Start screen if the Windows installer doesn't already do that for any new app going on. Pinning things to the Start screen once you find the Programs folder will help but still brings you back to.. Square #1.
From the default configuration of the Start Screen, I could see that happening. But once you pin some of the items you use from the start menu or from Windows Explorer to it, everything works out fine. I have all seven of my libraries pinned to the Start Screen along with Computer and Downloads. I set the defaults on media files so they open on the Desktop and not in an app. I find multitasking on the Desktop to better than on 7 since, for example, if I had many windows open, I would either a) click on show Desktop and find what I need on the Desktop or b) troll the start menu and/or type a search for it. Option a doesn't allow me to see content in all the windows. Option b puts my focus more on the start menu than the window content. The Start Screen though, is a sleek compromise of both. I don't need to minimize all my windows, and I can find things easier.

What I was referring to wasn't someone as well as over at SF with access to an endless list of guides showing you how to do things in each version but for the novice or more recent XP, Vista, 7 user who encounters 8 for the first time let's say when going to buy a new OEM machine and then "surprise"! "How do you find your way around in this thing? :) ".

As for the need to minimize windows on 7? I never had to. Between addon toolbars and RocketDock in addition to the Start>Programs menu opening up any next app or going into the Control Panel never required minimizing any open windows to the tassk bar or to an addon bar like RocketDock since the next item will open in the new active window. The desktop at the same time remains free of any shortcuts.

For things like powering down, restarting the machine, or logging off one account the novice is then completely baffled at where those options are to be found namely with the power button on a hidden popup toolbar they wouldn't even know about. The same with the right click menu appearing in the lower left hand corner.

For the power user or someone that simply knows how to look for changes in each new version mainly from practical experience they'll simply find the workarounds in order to make 8 work for them. The novice user will be the one stumped and most novices lose patience much faster with large changes over those experienced users that would run 8 for something the new version will support when not able to run the same on a previous version.

This is what the writer there was pointing out as one reason why MS is running a gambit on the Metro making or breaking 8. For most who found 7 to be a working OS the disappointment of not seeing MS follow that up with 8 taking off in some other direction will simply make many ask "Why bother?" They'll wait to see what 9 will bring and simply skip over 8 entirely.

Here if anything 8 would simply become a secondary OS in preference of 7. If it was just for what will be removed from 8 like dvd playback for vcd projects I might as well dual boot the 7 host with Vista which would be another step backwards! 8 certainly will no longer support a number of older apps that will still run on the 64bit 7 however.

And if you have any older game titles that require DX9 you're out of luck with 8! "Not compatible with this version of Windows."! oops! "Sorry gamers!(and media players that use DX9) No more support. You now have to buy all new titles only!"

At least with 7 even on the 64bit flavor the older Direct X would install along side DX11. It may have been a fluke made by MS originally but it's still a win, win for the dedicated gamers. Vista wouldn't run many older game titles and apps either as the 32bit 7 would. W7 is perhaps the one happy middle ground between two worlds one could say.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    1st W10 Professional x64/W7 Ultimate x64 - 2nd Remote system: W10 Insider Builds/W7 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Builds
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 975 Deneb 3.6ghz -2nd case AMD Atholon II 3.2ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4
    Memory
    Kingston Hyper-X DDR3 1600mhz 16gb - 2nd case Kingston Hyper-X "Fury" DDR3 1600mhz 8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Radeon HD 5750 1gb - 2nd AMD Radeon 6450
    Sound Card
    Creative Xtreme Gamer - 2nd case Realtek Onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 19" dual monitor setup - 2nd case HP 20" lcd
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 same on both builds
    Hard Drives
    1st build
    WD Caviar Black Edition Sata II 1tb two OS drives
    WD RE "Heavy Duty Sata II 2tb two Storage/Backup
    2nd build
    WD Blue Sata II 500gb
    WD Black Edition Sata III 1tb
    WD Green Power Sata II 1tb in external usb enclosure
    PSU
    Corsair TX750H 750w -Corsair 500w
    Case
    Antec 900-2 -NXZT Vulcan Mini tower/carrying handle
    Cooling
    120mm front pair, 120 rear 200cm top - 120mm Front intake 200mm side cover
    Keyboard
    Azio Blue led back lit both builds.
    Mouse
    MSI DS200 11 button programmable Gaming optical mouse - Odessa 3 button dual scroll trackball
    Internet Speed
    30mbps
    Other Info
    two MSI 22x ide dvd burners, 25 usb flash drives used for Linux Live, live data recovery 128gb, and Windows 7, 10 usb installation keys
I think, part of what made Windows 7 successful is that, many average users were told somehow that it was "fast" and of course it was new after the many bad reps that Vista had in terms of performance and also the annoying UAC prompts that most people have never seen before but most average users don't really care much about the inside core of the OS. Many average users care about the speed, usability and the smoothness of how the OS performs and some would just make up their minds of the new OS based from the trend and hearsay they've been getting and many just did not bother use the OS on its beta stages. Windows 7 was not perfect, there were critics and there will always be because its impossible for one OS to satisfy everyone, but Windows 7 did satisfy MOST of those that have it and that brought it to success. If you are using Windows 7 from XP, there is less alienation than with XP to Windows 8. So far with Windows 8, its a mixed review.

Some people who have tried W8, like the Metro and its apps and would defend that UI design and think that it was better than the Desktop and say that those who don't are just simply ignoring the point of this new design, talking in the manner as if to minimize flaws in Windows 8 and give reasons as to why they think it would still succeed. Some don't like W8 and would say it was a disaster and assume it would be on the long run even if no one has clear figures of what is really on people's minds alongside the existence of third party tools that could actually still bring back most of the Start Button and Menu anyway. The discussion goes on forever. Some would rather have W8 on a tablet but not on the PC, some with mixed reviews on their own. But the average Joe would just make up his mind based from what's on the trend, what he hears or what he sees that is powerful enough to convince him and that went well for Windows 7 and yes, iPhones and iPads, disregarding how clumsy to use these products of the fruit company are (to me). As for Windows 8, having mixed reviews and an extra learning curve, with Windows 7 still being in the hype for the Desktop, iPad for tablets, iPhone for phones (trendy gadgets and status symbols from the fruit company that have established their roots deep already) on their peak of attention right now, W8 will not be as successful as Windows 7 nor the products of Apple but I personally think, it would NOT flop towards the buttom. It would still gain respectable market share as devices preinstalled with it will be shipped out into the shelves quite soon but highly unlikely to start a revolution. It would be lucky have 2/3 of the total sales of Windows 7 at this point by the end of 2013.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Developer Preview, Linux Mint 9
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
The writing is on the wall. The amount of people who like and support this seems to be a very small percenatage of users. They would most likely take anything windows threw at them and rave about it.
I personally know many people who have run both versions of W8. not one plans on buying or using it, speaks for itself.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W7
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