Why would I want Windows 8

whs

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I would like to start this thread where we can compile the compelling advantages of Windows 8. The question at hand is:

Why should I buy Windows 8 rather than continue with Windows 7 on my desktop.

I realize that it is early days to make an argument for Windows 8. But as we progress over time, we may add our new findings.
 

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Well if you are using a mobile device with an ARM chip and a touch screen then Win 8 might be for you.
 

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Interesting point, however as I get older I realize, sitting in front of a mobile hand held device is one thing but sitting at a computer desktop reaching across to a screen to navigate by screen won't cut it.

I can think of one compelling reason for me to move to W8 and that is if voice technology becomes truly reliable, stable and can navigate and issue commands as well as humans.
 

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    W7
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Hi there
IF and only IF (sounds like an old mathematical theorem proof !!) the metro apps can be sorted out so the user can quickly navigate and launch these (and with a Mouse -- why should I put my greasy mits all over a very expensive backlit huge LCD monitor) I'll switch my machines at a shot.

I'm actually one in the Older category who LIKES the Metro idea - although I don't have much time for smartphones and the like.

Navigating through a classical menu screen with zillions of submenus etc or looking at a desktop simply littered with shortcut links doesn't please me at all --reminds me too much of the horrors of using those simply HORENDOUSLY HIDEOUS overseas call centres where you are in perpetual menu hell.

I think W8 will actually fly -- it's a pity that just as W7 was being adopted by some large corporations W8 comes out --they won't want to do ANOTHER upgrade.

However where I work there is a policy now of letting users buy and use their own machines -- the only requirement is that company approved security software must be installed on the machine --fair enough if you are connecting to their networks.

It's a lot of extra work for our guys in I.T support but it's really appreciated by the users -- why use a 5 year old desktop at work when you've got a blazingly fast laptop etc.

I think more companies will be adopting this approach so W8 is likely to get a decent outing even with the corporates.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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Hi there
IF and only IF (sounds like an old mathematical theorem proof !!) the metro apps can be sorted out so the user can quickly navigate and launch these (and with a Mouse -- why should I put my greasy mits all over a very expensive backlit huge LCD monitor) I'll switch my machines at a shot.

I'm actually one in the Older category who LIKES the Metro idea - although I don't have much time for smartphones and the like.

Navigating through a classical menu screen with zillions of submenus etc or looking at a desktop simply littered with shortcut links doesn't please me at all --reminds me too much of the horrors of using those simply HORENDOUSLY HIDEOUS overseas call centres where you are in perpetual menu hell.

I think W8 will actually fly -- it's a pity that just as W7 was being adopted by some large corporations W8 comes out --they won't want to do ANOTHER upgrade.

However where I work there is a policy now of letting users buy and use their own machines -- the only requirement is that company approved security software must be installed on the machine --fair enough if you are connecting to their networks.

It's a lot of extra work for our guys in I.T support but it's really appreciated by the users -- why use a 5 year old desktop at work when you've got a blazingly fast laptop etc.

I think more companies will be adopting this approach so W8 is likely to get a decent outing even with the corporates.

Cheers
jimbo

I wonder if you are using Win7 correctly. First, there is the taskbar and then, you can just type the name of the progam. A well-organized desktop is an excellent productivity tool.

Win8 is not compelling for me as I really do not care about tablets. It may be important for those interested in tablets. In any case, my strong belief is that even in that space, the Win8 metro interface would be rather inferior to the more adaptable and more configurable Android 4 (ICS) which actually points the way MS should have taken.

Now, if Win8 tablets are compelling, it is another discussion. I feel that they are going to be priced to high to be of interest to general consumers. Win8-only-Metro in ARM is a non-starter in my opinion. It has no compelling content (not now anyway) and it would have some difficulty matching the competing environments in that score (i-Tunes and the Google/Amazon stores).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 7
The things I'm interested about Windows 8 is that it has the new task manager and native PDF reader plus other things like the new system reset, better shutdown and startup and the better memory management thing.

However, I do not think it will be appealing for enterprises especially on companies that do not want to upgrade their machines unless it was of huge reason. The metro with full screen apps is not appealing for the desktop on business machines for the most part and those companies who are still using Windows XP will more likely upgrade to Windows 7 instead of Windows 8 by next year or so unless Windows 8 gets a major makover on what it looks like at the moment.
 

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    Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Developer Preview, Linux Mint 9
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"
Navigating through a classical menu screen with zillions of submenus etc or looking at a desktop simply littered with shortcut links doesn't please me at all"

Jimbo. I don't have a cluttered destop, but why do you see that as different from a desktop (Metro) cluttered with icons?
My "classical" Windows 7 start menu is organised into folders. After using the same basic structure since way back legacy OSs, I know where to quickly go for any particular program.
Like most, whilst I have a large number of programs on my computer, many are rarely used and are only for that rare convenience.
The thought of gazing at all those icons, as a welcome to my Windows 8 desktop, does not get my motor going. I will move on, for the benefits of, hopefully, improved performance - particularly in the 64Bit category. I am already, getting accustomed to the Non metro desktop and have not, so far, encountered any problems.
 

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    Windows 8.1
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    Use several different computers during a day, so specs are irrelevant.
It's supposed to have a fix for the new AMD CPU's
 

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    Heat rises....See case
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    Old HP
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    Pink, made in China, Ebay special
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    DSL
I like those huge compatibility improvements with two (or more) monitors :)
if they just could make it possible to not to blink those screens when a direct3D or Open GL program is open
 

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    Do i have one?
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    2
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    1x HD1080 1x SXGA
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    1x Samsung 500 Gb
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    1x LaCie 1Tb Hard drive.
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    Antec 500W
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    Antec three hundred
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    3 fans + psu and cpu + gpu
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    Logitech G19
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    CM Storm Xornet
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    110mb/ s
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    Look, what i've created... just a few visits at the recyclement center was enough...
The thought of gazing at all those icons, as a welcome to my Windows 8 desktop, does not get my motor going

And it is not only for the programs that you get a tile - you get a tile for every .exe that is in the Program File folder, even for the uninstaller. Who needs such clutter.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
-the first Windows operating system to actually support touch
-faster startup/shutdown
-Ribbon interface in Windows Explorer
-ARM support
-full screen apps
-faster user logging in and out
-better SSD support
-improved energy efficiency
-improved visual performance
-XBOX Live integration
-potential Xbox gaming
-simple and beautiful design
-pdf reader
-potential People Hub
-potential advanced biometrics to log users in
-new and more animated
-this is going out on a limb but device consolidation since people play with their phones, you can now with Windows 8
-enhanced networking
-a plus for enterprises that use tablets, now they can run one operating system
-Windows Store
-no more ipad!
-Windows Live ID login
-hybridization between a cloud and local operating system
-IE 10
-hopefully a new and pretty sounding sound scheme (no more vista for crying out loud!)
-no more design influence from vista
-new Media Center when it comes out
-new DVD Maker if it comes out
-Windows update harassment is gone
-every device is friends with Windows 8
-the Windows 95 of our decade, simply the hugest change to Windows EVER
-puts relevant information first
-no more android!
-hopefully and Metro designed Media Player
-the PC literally is being recognized by Windows as a PC
-non frightening BSODs
-a lot of fun to switch between Metro and Desktop, and fun hitting the Start key
-Windows 8 shows that Microsoft is willing to intentionally risk their reputation (again) for innovation and change


And that's just based off the Developer's Preview build!
 

My Computer

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    Windows 8.1 Pro
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    ASUS
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    AMD FX 8320
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    Crosshair V Formula-Z
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    16 gig DDR3
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    ASUS R9 270
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    1440x900
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    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
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    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
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    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
-ie 10
 

My Computer

System One

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    Crosshair V Formula-Z
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    16 gig DDR3
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    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.
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    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
-Hyper-V integration, if it matures
 

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
-unlike other tablets, it has actual features, not just apps
-brings a competent operating system to all form factors
 

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
-the first Windows operating system to actually support touch
-faster startup/shutdown
-Ribbon interface in Windows Explorer
-ARM support
-full screen apps
-faster user logging in and out
-better SSD support
-improved energy efficiency
-improved visual performance
-XBOX Live integration
-potential Xbox gaming
-simple and beautiful design
-pdf reader
-potential People Hub
-potential advanced biometrics to log users in
-new and more animated
-this is going out on a limb but device consolidation since people play with their phones, you can now with Windows 8
-enhanced networking
-a plus for enterprises that use tablets, now they can run one operating system
-Windows Store
-no more ipad!

-Windows Live ID login
-hybridization between a cloud and local operating system
-IE 10
-hopefully a new and pretty sounding sound scheme (no more vista for crying out loud!)
-no more design influence from vista-new Media Center when it comes out
-new DVD Maker if it comes out
-Windows update harassment is gone
-every device is friends with Windows 8
-the Windows 95 of our decade, simply the hugest change to Windows EVER
-puts relevant information first
-no more android!
-hopefully and Metro designed Media Player
-the PC literally is being recognized by Windows as a PC
-non frightening BSODs
-a lot of fun to switch between Metro and Desktop, and fun hitting the Start key
-Windows 8 shows that Microsoft is willing to intentionally risk their reputation (again) for innovation and change


And that's just based off the Developer's Preview build!
This is a nice list - although the points I marked in red are either irrelevant for the dasktop (and that was the question) or fluff. But in what way does Win8 provide a better SSD support??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
-the first Windows operating system to actually support touch
-faster startup/shutdown
-Ribbon interface in Windows Explorer
-ARM support
-full screen apps
-faster user logging in and out
-better SSD support
-improved energy efficiency
-improved visual performance
-XBOX Live integration
-potential Xbox gaming
-simple and beautiful design
-pdf reader
-potential People Hub
-potential advanced biometrics to log users in
-new and more animated
-this is going out on a limb but device consolidation since people play with their phones, you can now with Windows 8
-enhanced networking
-a plus for enterprises that use tablets, now they can run one operating system
-Windows Store
-no more ipad!

-Windows Live ID login
-hybridization between a cloud and local operating system
-IE 10
-hopefully a new and pretty sounding sound scheme (no more vista for crying out loud!)
-no more design influence from vista-new Media Center when it comes out
-new DVD Maker if it comes out
-Windows update harassment is gone
-every device is friends with Windows 8
-the Windows 95 of our decade, simply the hugest change to Windows EVER
-puts relevant information first
-no more android!
-hopefully and Metro designed Media Player
-the PC literally is being recognized by Windows as a PC
-non frightening BSODs
-a lot of fun to switch between Metro and Desktop, and fun hitting the Start key
-Windows 8 shows that Microsoft is willing to intentionally risk their reputation (again) for innovation and change


And that's just based off the Developer's Preview build!
This is a nice list - although the points I marked in red are either irrelevant for the dasktop (and that was the question) or fluff. But in what way does Win8 provide a better SSD support??

OH! OK! We're segregating desktops only. As for fluff, what's a new operating system without fluff? :)


And for improved SSD performance...
Delivering fast boot times in Windows 8 - Building Windows 8 - Site Home - MSDN Blogs
watch the video at the bottom of the page, she's running the Windows 8 on a laptop with an obvious SSD using Hybrid Boot. Also, I think there some fine tuning that was done for solid drives. Even at the build conference, they were talking about how Windows on SSDs startup faster than what the monitor can turn on!
 

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
OK, understand. They refer to the hybrid startup. But that should not only be an advantage for the SSDs.

I boot in 16 seconds - if it gets any faster I will stop breathing - LOL.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
The mere fact that we have to ask the question in this forum as to why we would want Windows 8 is an indictment of this development program.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 7
The mere fact that we have to ask the question in this forum as to why we would want Windows 8 is an indictment of this development program.

I guess you are right. It expresses a certain unexcitement. That was different in the early Win7 days. But maybe they surprise us with the Beta.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
I guess you are right. It expresses a certain unexcitement. That was different in the early Win7 days. But maybe they surprise us with the Beta.


I pray for it... not that WDP is bad, but I want to see what's under the hood :rolleyes:
 

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
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