Old Windows User Finding it Hard to Transition

chandenee

New Member
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Location
Wyoming
Hello, is anyone in the same boat as me? Windows 8 is so vastly different from previous operating systems that I find it hard to transition to it. Any shortcuts or pointers would be appreciated. Right now I just want to take the computer back to the store and ask them to put Win 7 on it.:(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    HP
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    HP
    Graphics Card(s)
    HP
    Browser
    Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Norton

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
Hello, is anyone in the same boat as me? Windows 8 is so vastly different from previous operating systems that I find it hard to transition to it. Any shortcuts or pointers would be appreciated. Right now I just want to take the computer back to the store and ask them to put Win 7 on it.:(

Check this out: startisback.com

IMO, it is the best of the 'bring back the start menu' crowd. Boot straight to desktop, disable the hot corners, etc.. but easily get to the Start Screen when you want to explore... though if you don't have a touch screen, I don't see much point in it (the Start Screen/Apps thing, that is).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compac Presario SR5518F
    CPU
    Dual Pentium E2180 (2 GHz)
    Motherboard
    MS-7525 (Boston)
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 8500 GT
Keep playing with it, it will get better.

When the Metro tiles come on at startup, just click desktop. Also, click settings, personalization, change desktop icons. Select control panel, computer, and files to be displayed on your desktop.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 64bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
    CPU
    Intel i3, 2348
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD3000
It's like mold, kind of grows on you if you let it. Is snappier and boots faster especially with UEFI.

Windows 8, the fungus of operating systems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 and 10, 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Yoga Pro 1370 (Ultrabook)
    CPU
    Intel (R) 5Y70 @ 1.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo VIUU4
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (R) HD Graphics 5300
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Screen Resolution
    3200 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD
    Samsung MZNTE256HMHP-000L2
    Cooling
    Fan
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Ccleaner, Malwarebytes.
    Other Info
    Touchscreen,
This worked for me, I just moved from XP to win 8: Install Classic Shell. Set it to boot directly to the desktop and to disable hot corners. Mostly forget about the new phone style apps and page.

Two exceptions I've found - Bing news and weather apps are nice to use once you figure out the hidden gestures you need to use and configure them. You can link to them from the classic start menu.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 consumer 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5 481PT-6644
    CPU
    Intel Core I5
    Memory
    6 GB
    Hard Drives
    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
    Mouse
    ELAN Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    18mbs/5mbs
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Hello, is anyone in the same boat as me? Windows 8 is so vastly different from previous operating systems that I find it hard to transition to it. Any shortcuts or pointers would be appreciated. Right now I just want to take the computer back to the store and ask them to put Win 7 on it.:(

They won't do it... You could probably install Windows 7 if you have an install disk.

If you want Windows 8 to look and act more like Windows 7, then there are two programs you can use: Stardock Start 8 and something called "StartIsBack" - Start8 costs 5 bucks, and Startis Back has some kind of subscription. That is why I prefer Start8, once you buy it, it's activated forever.

There are also free solutions, Windows Classic Shell will give you a working Start Menu. I like Start8 better only in that you can tell it to totally pass on the Lockscreen and Initial Start Page, by telling it to boot straight to Desktop.

If you get into your Desktop, you will see that aside from the Start Menu being gone, it is pretty much the same as Windows 7. You can add your "My/This Computer" icon and User Profile folder icons to the desktop by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing "Personalise- Change Desktop Icons".

This will give you the ability to browse your Hard Drive using File Explorer.

I'd go with Classic Shell for how, then if you like it, you can choose either StartisBack or Start8 to get the full Start Menu back.
 

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.
I'd recommend Classic Shell (free) and Windows 8.1 update when it's out (soon) , with the option to boot straight to desktop , you've got Win 7 with the kernel improvements and lower memory footprint.

Stick with it , it took me a short while to get into the OS , but I'm now glad I kept trying.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Memory
    6 GB
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    12 TB in 6 disks
    PSU
    TX650
    Keyboard
    G15
    Mouse
    Intellimouse 3.0
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbits
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Trend Micro
Another Classic Shell recommendation (or try out any of the other start-restorers available). And the metro stuff will be there as an optional extra, if one ever wants to use it for something. Implementing some adjustments here and there and W8 will perform very well, with no need to see or use any of the ugly metro and it's malevolent phone interface.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8.1, W7
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP \ Toshiba \ Lenovo \ Dell E7440
    Browser
    FF
If you stay with it and ask questions when necessary, you will be glad you have Win 8.
I imaged back to 7 for a day and came right back to 8. I arm looking at 80 and it is as new to me. Stay current.
I do understand wanting the ease and comfort of the os you were used to but you will get stuck there..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8300, Dell Inspiron 15 R N5010
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GE force 420
    Hard Drives
    1TB
    Browser
    Edge, Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender, MBAM, Router
Looking at 80? You go Peter2! :party:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
I hope I'm still working with Puters at that age, but I think he meant "8" heh.
 

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.
I'm a novice compter guy and went from XP to Win 8 when changing desktop computers. I have not seen anything in Win 8 that is not easily understood or worked with so I have no recommendations other than to try harder to work with Win 8. At the beginning, I compiled a short list of keyboard commands (taped to the front of my monitor) to get me to: the desk top, search, run, charm bar, shut down, sleep, win explorer, help and some other things I wanted quickly but have used pretty much what comes up in the Start window for my work. It's not like XP but just as easy to deal with, IMO.
good luck,
jim
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo H535
    CPU
    A4-5300
    Memory
    4GB
    Hard Drives
    905GB
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Browser
    FIREFOX
    Antivirus
    McAFEE
Looking at 80? You go Peter2! :party:

>>Thanks + 80 is right -actually I am 73.5 but I can see 80 clearly and more so each day.
However, One day a ta time is the way to go.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8300, Dell Inspiron 15 R N5010
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GE force 420
    Hard Drives
    1TB
    Browser
    Edge, Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender, MBAM, Router
Hello, is anyone in the same boat as me? Windows 8 is so vastly different from previous operating systems that I find it hard to transition to it. Any shortcuts or pointers would be appreciated. Right now I just want to take the computer back to the store and ask them to put Win 7 on it.:(
I think the best approach is to spend time trying to adjust. I disliked it when I first used it and I realised that I might, because changing anything can lead you to dislike it through unfamiliarity and feeling like you don't know where things are, and even after a couple of weeks I still didn't really like it. It was only when I put it on my desktop as my main OS that I grew to like it, as now I know how it all works and where everything is.

For example, a lot of people installed 8 and then shouted "where's the Start menu???" then they rushed off to download a third party app to replace it. I decided against that and now that I'm used to not having one, I don't miss it at all. In fact, I kind of wish I could get rid of the Start button in Windows 8.1, lol.

I'm certainly not saying that you can't have the opinion that things in Windows 8 are worse than 7, but you simply have to give yourself time to get used to it. If you moved from Windows to Ubuntu, you might hate it at first because it's so different, but then over time you might grow to like it and even prefer it to Windows. While there are a lot of similarities between 7 and 8, there are also so many differences that you get that same "I'm using something totally different here" feeling at times.

For me, things got better as I discovered new ways to do things. For example, the menu you get if you right-click in the lower left corner of the screen has a whole bunch of shortcuts in it that I find useful and in 8.1 that also includes a quick way to shut down your machine. But a lot of people don't know it exists. Another example would be closing a Metro app, as some people think you either can't or that you have to use that somewhat clunky bar that pops up on the left hand side, but you can actually just move your mouse pointer to the top of the screen, it'll turn into a hand, then left-click and "throw" the app off the bottom of the screen to close it. Once you get used to those kinds of things, it becomes second nature and you start to miss less about 7. But if you do give it time and you still dislike it, you can always install a Start menu replacement, boot to desktop, disable the hot corners (which you can do natively in 8.1 or in a third party app) and you'll have the same core experience as you had with Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center (64 bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Asus Maximus V Gene
    Memory
    Corsair 4 x 4 GB 1,600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte GTX 670
    Sound Card
    RME HDSPe AIO
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2713HM
    Screen Resolution
    2,560 x 1,440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 830 SSD 128 GB
    Hitachi 7K3000 2 TB
    PSU
    Seasonic X-760
    Case
    Silverstone TJ08-E
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14 Special Edition
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech M570
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps/3 Mbps cable
    Browser
    Opera 12.16
I find many techy people are more easily adapting to new operating systems but that the average person is looking for more user friendly devices.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8300, Dell Inspiron 15 R N5010
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GE force 420
    Hard Drives
    1TB
    Browser
    Edge, Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender, MBAM, Router
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