Microsoft wants you to forget Windows 8

Computerworld - As talk of the next Windows begins to build and some details of what most are calling for now either Windows 9 or Threshold come into focus, it's worthwhile to take a moment to remember Windows 8.

Because Microsoft will want everyone to forget it. And we will.
Unless the Redmond, Wash. technology company radically changes its habits, it will throw Windows 8 down a memory hole even before the successor ships. Just like it made Vista persona non grata in its official messaging in 2009, it will shove Windows 8 so far into the background that we'll need the Hubble telescope to find it.

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[oneeyed]

Same here, didn't like 8.0 at all, but what they did in 8.1 fixed most of the issues I had with 8.0. Update 1 made it even better IMHO. I got the impression someone at Microsoft was actually listening to customer complaints.

More like the hardware manufacturers got on the train and fixed their drivers, and the software producers fixed their applications to make them really compatible with win 8. Microsoft didn't do what most complainers wanted.
I myself don't like the Metro side UI, at all.. But I like the OS as a whole... Yeah because the UI is only the surface, which can be more or less easily modified or configured to what anyone wants. But the core of Windows 8 past that is great.
And about win 9 being free for windows 8's owners, I don't buy it. No pun intended. Microsoft isn't a charity, this didn't happen with Vista, this certainly won't with 8.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there

For all sorts of reason I tend to use Linux more and more - but often run Windows 8.1 as a VM (Ms Office - full version including outlook) still doesn't have any serious competition if you are any sort of Power user -- EXCEL macros and VB code simply can't easily be replicated in some of the "alternatives" and most email clients other than outlook I just find excruciatingly horrible to use.

I LIKE Windows to Go as well since I can then run even from a Locked down Office computer different versions of software including versions in other languages than is loaded on the works PC.

Windows 8.1 update 1 has fixed most of the things I hated with the standard Windows 8 system - but give a dog a bad name and the brand is tainted forever (rather like Vista - its main problem though was being released TOO EARLY without suitable hardware being available -- I actually like the "AERO GLASS" effects -- Linux has these in Spades - I rather like the "Wobbly Windows" effects when moving windows etc -- OK Eye candy for sure but it makes using the computer more pleasant even if it doesn't actually add any extra functionality.

Wait a little while longer and I'm sure W9 will bring out things to surprise us all.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Although I agree with the author that MS would like us to forget 8, I forgot about 8 when I upgraded to 8.1. Although MS considers it liken to an SP1 so far as servicing timeline and others keep calling it 8 when indeed it is a different edition since the kernel was upgraded. Far more personalization in 8.1 and great additions with each minor and major upgrade.

 

[popeye]

Am I wrong to assume the article in the OP was talking about the whole 8 series, ie 8.1 etc., not just the original 8 specifically? Some of the replies here have me confused as usual.

I am pretty happy with 8.1 and Classic Shell.

 

[Nuccii]

Am I wrong to assume the article in the OP was talking about the whole 8 series, ie 8.1 etc., not just the original 8 specifically? Some of the replies here have me confused as usual.

I am pretty happy with 8.1 and Classic Shell.

Welcome to my world

 

[popeye]

Am I wrong to assume the article in the OP was talking about the whole 8 series, ie 8.1 etc., not just the original 8 specifically? Some of the replies here have me confused as usual.

I am pretty happy with 8.1 and Classic Shell.

Welcome to my world

Lol, easier for me these days than when I was a pup.

 

[alphanumeric]

I would say they want to forget Windows 8.0 for sure. 8.1 I don't know? If they offer free upgrades to 9 for those that are running 8.1, I would take that as a yes, they want you to move on from 8.x completely.

 

[visruth]

I don't want to go for 9. It's hectic job upgrading, then looking for all the drivers from wherever you can - laptop product site, manufacturer site & if something don't work advice from notebook manufacturer- do system refresh, to go all the way back to first day!

 

[eatup]

They can keep 9 commercial for 8.x users. Just give us an Update 3 with the hybrid menu and I'll be a happy camper! (Plus plz modify that default orange theme. It's just yucky! What was wrong with the original 8.0 theme?)

 

[visruth]

Product keys worth lakhs seized by Cops in India: http://freepressjournal.in/hacker-who-stole-microsoft-keys/

 

[whs]

I think the free upgrades are in dreamland - why should they offer that. 8 and 8.1 are nice experimental systems from which both MS and the users have learned a lot. As such they are viable offerings - especially if you bought an early copy that was available at a peanuts price.

 

[Rickkins]

Only enthusiasts would consider rolling back etc. The average punter hasn't a clue. Enthusiasts already know win7 is the best from MS by a league.

False.

Windows 8.1 is the best. No need to speak for me. Thanks!

I don't think it matters much what any of us here say. The public has spoken, and by and large have rejected 8/8.1 metro/tifkam. Nothing said here will change that single salient point.

 

[visruth]

If everything from MS was perfect, this would be a pretty boring forum!

That's well said

 

[visruth]

Hope Win 9 is not free!
If it's free I may have to do what MS advise.. doing a compulsory upgrade I don't want to do that & mess up my current OS, drivers & programs.

 

[Nuccii]

Hope Win 9 is not free!
If it's free I may have to do what MS advise.. doing a compulsory upgrade I don't want to do that & mess up my current OS, drivers & programs.

If you wish to remain in the past, your choice. Others will want to move forward.

 

[visruth]

Hope Win 9 is not free!
If it's free I may have to do what MS advise.. doing a compulsory upgrade I don't want to do that & mess up my current OS, drivers & programs.

If '9' becomes a game changer, I may move forward :thumbup:

I don't think the decision to upgrade to 9 is something related to 'moving ahead' as far as I'm concerned, it's more about how adversely the upgrade may affect the working of my system - And I don't want to take chances in that, I'll wait for the user reviews for quite some time before getting to it!

 

[tst]

What is this give to me free crap. . .Come on people they put in thousands of hours of work, and you think that your so special that they should give it to you free. . .please. . .

Ever heard of Ubuntu, Unity or Mir? Canonical has put thousands of hours of work to it and they're offering it for me, and for everyone else for that matter, for free. If Canonical has afford to it, so does Microsoft, specially after they screwed us with Windows 8.

 

[whs]

Unity is a bad example. That is really screwed up.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Am I wrong to assume the article in the OP was talking about the whole 8 series, ie 8.1 etc., not just the original 8 specifically? Some of the replies here have me confused as usual.

I am pretty happy with 8.1 and Classic Shell.

A matter of view really. I consider 8/8.1 liken more to 98/98SE. Two different editions since the kernel changed. That's speaking traditionally. Did we not consider them different editions even though similar? 8/8.1 are sold as two different SKUs in the Store. They pretty much down play 8 with it being at the bottom in the store. I think the only reason it's there is for Vista and XP users to upgrade to, then free upgrade to 8.1. Notice the different types of editions of 8.1:

Windows 8 and 8.1 For Home, Students, and Professionals - Microsoft Store

I liked 8, but for me I didn't dislike it until I upgraded to 8.1. I began to see it as a huge mistake on Ballmer and Sinofsky's part. They simply shoved it out the door too soon without much thought IMO. That's why 8.1 was released shortly afterwards. It seems to me they should have taken more time with 8 in the testing and marketing departments before releasing. 8.1 features should have been included in 8 upon release. If that was so, I don't think 8 would have gotten the bad rap it did.

I consider this article to be a negative one rather than positive. Admittedly I like to downplay them. Ok, MS made a mistake. How much longer will we beat a dead horse?

Ballmer and Sinofsky are out. Nadella and Myerson are in. We shall see what they offer in 9.

 

[LittleJay]

Personally, I quite like Windows 8, especially 8.1 with update 1 and don't want to "forget about it". I will check out the Windows 9 consumer release, but unless it really has additional features that I really like, I will be more than happy to stay with Windows 8.