Thinking of giving Windows 8 a try, few questions:

[SlackerITGuy]

So, I've been thinking about giving Windows 8 a try (once the Consumer Preview rolls out February 29th), but a have a few questions before going through with this:

- How does the licensing works on an Beta/Developer-Consumer preview build? is there a 30-day window? how does it works?

- Are the latest graphics/sound/etc drivers fully compatible with Windows 8?

- Same with games, will Steam/Origin work without a hitch?

- I think I know the answer to this but, will there be an option to disable the Metro UI completely?

Thanks!

 

[DMHolt57]

There are numerous ways to switch the mode from mobile to desktop. I am playing Elder Scrolls Skyrim on Steam without problems. No problems with drivers of any kind even in the Alpha release. The beta version will have a timb bomb that lasts almost a year.

 

[Coke Robot]

Yep, the licensing will allow for about a year's use of the Consumer Preview. From what I've seen with Windows 8 Developer Preview, it seems to have MUCH better device support. Webcams on laptops work right from the install, I've even had wifi adapters that normally need separate drivers in Windows 7 be installed seamlessly in 8. The graphics performance has dramatically improved for lower end PCs as well. I can't say for gaming for my partition isn't large enough, but from the above post, I guess so.

And no, Windows 8 doesn't offer a user input to turn off metro, that's one of the points of Windows 8, and is the point of Windows Phone and is the point of Xbox. Microsoft is approaching software design throughout all their products in the metro design language.

 

[revmike]

I have a tablet pc, hp slate 500. I do not like the metro look, so if it can't be disabled then I will stick with windows 7.

 

[JaidynM]

It takes a while and a lot of getting used to but it's definitely a good choice to try it out. Especially if you'll be getting the full version when it's released, you might as well test it early so you're ready for the final release.

Most games and software work but some of them are not yet compatible with Windows 8. All the drivers work for the most part; you shouldn't run into any problems with Windows 8 DP or CP.

 

[CB]

Hi Slacker and Revmike.
For the Metro UI disable or enable,
Read this tutorial by Shawn Brink.

 

[SlackerITGuy]

Thanks for all the help fellas, let's hope once the Consumer Preview rolls out, there will be an option for disabling the Metro UI completely.

+rep to all!

 

[revmike]

Thanks for the info.

 

[CB]

You're both welcome.

 

[MadHorseman]

Hmmm - what's the betting that if there is one, the "turn off metro" option is at install time only? Or am I being cynical??

Regards

Robin

 

[CB]

My best guess only, feel metro UI will stay firmly with no turn off option