Windows 8's learning curve to be addressed

Microsoft: Windows 8's learning curve needs addressing - Neowin

Microsoft Chief Marketing Officer Tami Reller has been speaking to The New York Times in relation to Windows Blue (Windows 8.1), the next big update to Windows 8 that will be released later this year. According to Reller, Microsoft acknowledge that Windows 8's learning curve is an issue, saying that it's "real and needs to be addressed," while she mentioned that some aspects of Windows 8 will be made easier to learn in Windows 8.1.

Reller didn't specify exactly what will be changed in Windows Blue – she mentioned more details will be unveiled during and in the lead up to BUILD 2013 – although she hinted the tutorial will be adjusted. "We need to help [users] learn faster,” and that's not being accomplished by the poor tutorial in Windows 8 that only shows new users how to open the Charms menu.

One aspect of Windows 8.1, which at this stage is only rumored to be coming back in the update, that should abate the steep learning curve is the Start button. Although the accompanying Start menu will likely not be returning, the visual familiarity of the Start button will make it easier for people to make the jump without getting lost, as currently Windows 8 doesn't feature any visual clues about how to return to the Start screen from the desktop.

Despite the learning curve of Windows 8, it continues to sell relatively well; Microsoft announced several days ago that they've sold more than 100 million Windows 8 licenses. Expect to see more information in relation to Windows Blue in the coming weeks, as Microsoft has promised to reveal more info ahead of BUILD including pricing and packaging specifics.

 

[pparks1]

Lol! This is an executive? The first thing I suggest you teach him is where the help files are. It amuses me that he spent 30 minutes trying to figure it out, then came to you wasting your time when all he had to do was look in the help files.

I've found that very few people ever read the help files. Heck, I don't even read the help files, I search on Google.

There's good reason why items have been moved. Charms bar is the new menu system allocated for touch, but works well with other input peripherals. "Devices" is another innovation of the Charms Bar menu.

Well, we can agree to disagree on this. This is a desktop computer, albeit one with a touchscreen monitor (he's actually using one of those Acer All in Ones). But he's using the keyboard and the mouse, not touching.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

OK then - how do you get to the Help files from Reader?!

(Incidentally I see that the Print option has now appeared in Reader on a Right-click - I'm pretty sure it wasn't there before and MS have added it during an Update.)

Hi there
just because a guy is an executive of an organisation doesn't mean to say he / she has to have any knowledge of computers other than basic tools such as I'd assume - on how to create and interpret a spread sheet or read a power point type of demonstration.

(Of course if the guy was say a senior executive at Ms then I would be surprised if he couldn't use Windows properly --even Windows 8).

Cheers
jimbo

No argument from me on any of that.

Sadly I'm neither a senior executive, nor am I clever enough to work out how to get to the Help files from within Reader... does anyone know? Is it even possible?

Lol! This is an executive? The first thing I suggest you teach him is where the help files are. It amuses me that he spent 30 minutes trying to figure it out, then came to you wasting your time when all he had to do was look in the help files.

I've found that very few people ever read the help files. Heck, I don't even read the help files, I search on Google.

There's good reason why items have been moved. Charms bar is the new menu system allocated for touch, but works well with other input peripherals. "Devices" is another innovation of the Charms Bar menu.

Well, we can agree to disagree on this. This is a desktop computer, albeit one with a touchscreen monitor (he's actually using one of those Acer All in Ones). But he's using the keyboard and the mouse, not touching.

Charms Bar for Start Screen specific or Store app specific: WinKey/C or mouse pointer/finger in the upper or lower right hand corner > choose Settings > Help. F1 remains the same on the blank desktop.

Perhaps I'm lucky in that my IT friend who gave me my first computer (a Gateway 2000 with 95) literally brought it to me, taught me how to set all the hardware up, and after boot taught me some rules such as if the system or program starts to act up to save work and to reboot. Most times the system will fix itself. Backup, backup, backup was another. Beware of 3rd party fixit or maintenance programs. And last but not least, where the Help files are. This is in the days of dialup and internet infancy. I learned more from the Help files not only about the OS, but about programs as well, especially complex programs like Office suite.

I'm not trying to boast here. These are basic rules of using a computer IMHO. Executive or not, users should know better to use Help. MS and other software companies spend a lot of time and money creating them. Why not use them for their purpose?

I see MS has moved some of the Help to the cloud via video tutorials as of late. One not even need to read for cripes sake. I hate to say it, but one could be an illiterate to learn most of 8. Basic navigation anyway.

On the subject of the thread; The solution to the learning curve is Help files. Read or watch videos on 8.

I had a construction foreman years ago that stated that there's one thing no one can teach an employee > enthusiasm. Either one has it or they don't. I noticed he let a new employee go if after a time that employee wasn't willing to learn things his way or a new way he came upon. In construction architectural design, engineered materials, and installation methods change frequently just as OSs change. Employees are there to make a company profit by being paid a wage, not whine about how difficult something is to learn or do. Produce or hit the road.

 

[2ndHalfCor]

As someone brand new to Windows 8, but a long time user of WinXP and Win7, I can attest to the fact that there is a serious learning curve. That said, once I learned to navigate and understood there was a dual interface between Metro and the desk-top, I really liked Windows 8. It was just something of a shock. Going from Windows 95 to ME to NT to XP to Win7 (I skipped Vista), you always had the most familiar aspects of the old system to get you started. Not so in Win8.

People just need to be forewarned that it will take awhile to get back up to speed. Most people have learned Android or IOS or whatnot with equally big learning curves. They can learn Win8 too if they understand it's going to be quite different from what they're used to.

 

[pparks1]

I'm not trying to boast here. These are basic rules of using a computer IMHO. Executive or not, users should know better to use Help. MS and other software companies spend a lot of time and money creating them. Why not use them for their purpose?

You aren't representative of corporate America. I've never once had somebody call me up and say, "hey I was reading the help files and I have a question".

 

[sygnus21]

Lol! This is an executive? The first thing I suggest you teach him is where the help files are. It amuses me that he spent 30 minutes trying to figure it out, then came to you wasting your time when all he had to do was look in the help files.

I've found that very few people ever read the help files. Heck, I don't even read the help files, I search on Google

Agree. I've been in computers since 1998 and in all that time I may have looked at help files maybe 4 or 5 times.

And just because a person is a high ranking official that doesn't make them an expert in all things.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

I'm not trying to boast here. These are basic rules of using a computer IMHO. Executive or not, users should know better to use Help. MS and other software companies spend a lot of time and money creating them. Why not use them for their purpose?

You aren't representative of corporate America.

By that I'll assume that most office workers or computer users in a office setting don't know at least some of these basics? Know where at and read help files? What a shame if that be true. If I or another construction worker doesn't know how to use a tool, ladder, and/or scaffold or set one up one properly it could create havoc. Do not users break systems if not knowing what they're doing?

I've never once had somebody call me up and say, "hey I was reading the help files and I have a question".

Not trying to be sarcastic, but it would make sense that they read the help file and didn't need to call you. Yes?

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Lol! This is an executive? The first thing I suggest you teach him is where the help files are. It amuses me that he spent 30 minutes trying to figure it out, then came to you wasting your time when all he had to do was look in the help files.

I've found that very few people ever read the help files. Heck, I don't even read the help files, I search on Google

Agree. I've been in computers since 1998 and in all that time I may have looked at help files maybe 4 or 5 times.

Then did you have a private tutor to teach you how to use an OS? You had to start somehow.

And just because a person is a high ranking official that doesn't make them an expert in all things.

Never said they had to be an expert in all things, just know some basics of a tool they're using or know where to find help easily when they're lost. I probably know more about computers and OSs than the average user, but I don't consider myself to be the savviest either. I do know one thing for sure > I know where the help files are, know how to read, and follow instructions.

Perhaps I'm just too "Old School".

 

[lehnerus2000]

If MS could create decent Help files and Tutorials, then there wouldn't be a plethora of sites like VistaForums, SevenForums and EightForums (just to name 3).

The vast number of Windows Help forums indicate that MS can't explain their products functions, or worse, don't even know how their products actually work.

 

[turbofish]

I was teaching college a couple of years ago when the first betas started to be available. I had my students try to figure out some things like how to log in, how to shut it off, how to locate different applications. They all had issues and the sad thing is all of these students were in their final months of graduation and had already taken all of the other computer classes. They all had issues with the basics with Windows 8. It isn't intuitive

 

[alphanumeric]

There is an old term used in gaming to describe this, "pixel hunt".

 

[Brooklyn567]

W8 is all about the mouse....

 

[sygnus21]

And just because a person is a high ranking official that doesn't make them an expert in all things.

Never said they had to be an expert in all things, just know some basics of a tool they're using or know where to find help easily when they're lost. I probably know more about computers and OSs than the average user, but I don't consider myself to be the savviest either. I do know one thing for sure > I know where the help files are, know how to read, and follow instructions.

Perhaps I'm just too "Old School".

I'm as old school as you can get, and I still wouldn't criticize someone for not using the help files on a PC because, in my opinion, they aren't as easy to read or understand, especially if you aren't a computer "geek" as we are.

And regardless what you and I think, computers can be daunting, and intimidating, especially to those with just has basic knowledge. I see this all the time in my computer classes.

And just because you and I have knowledge doesn't mean everyone else does. What if you went to a doctor for an illness and he said - "couldn't you have looked that up on the internet instead of wasting my time? That's a pretty common sense illness you have there."

To him, it's common sense, to you and I...

I've found that very few people ever read the help files. Heck, I don't even read the help files, I search on Google

Agree. I've been in computers since 1998 and in all that time I may have looked at help files maybe 4 or 5 times.

Then did you have a private tutor to teach you how to use an OS? You had to start somehow.

The tutor I had was trial and error + reading and questioning. What I didn't utilize, and no one pushed, was the help files. That's me.

However I do recognize that not everyone is interested in computers beyond using them. Just as I'm not interested in medicine beyond keeping myself healthy.

My two cents.

 

[DavidY]

Had an executive who didn't have a pdf reader installed and was using the built in reader. After about 30 minutes of trying to figure
out how to print, he came to me. I showed him devices in the charms bar. He was a bit shocked that this basic function was so unintuitive.

Lol! This is an executive? The first thing I suggest you teach him is where the help files are. It amuses me that he spent 30 minutes trying to figure it out, then came to you wasting your time when all he had to do was look in the help files.

OK then - how do you get to the Help files from Reader?!

Charms Bar for Start Screen specific or Store app specific: WinKey/C or mouse pointer/finger in the upper or lower right hand corner > choose Settings > Help. F1 remains the same on the blank desktop.

Er.... so I'm in Reader, bring up the Charms bar, and within Settings there's no Help option.

If you exit Reader and bring up the Charms bar outside Reader then yes, there's a Help option within Settings, but
a) you need to figure out how to exit Reader in the first place - and it's quite possible that was what you needed help on anyway!
b) it's hardly context sensitive
c) if you don't know Windows 8, how would you know to look for the Charms bar?
d) if you search within Help for "Reader" there seem to be no matches that relate to the app. So it's no help whatsoever!

So I'm still not sure how you think the Help files would have helped the person in pparks1's example trying to use Reader?

On the subject of the thread; The solution to the learning curve is Help files.

Yes but where are they?!

Even if they do exist, it's not easy to get to them.

In earlier versions of Windows you just pressed F1 or clicked on the word "Help" (or for instance "?" symbol) which you could see on the screen in front of you.

Windows 8 is so hopelessly intuitive in this area- Microsoft have failed big-time when it comes to Help.

 

[Ray8]

I've never really found a 'help' file overly helpful or frequently even useful. The help files are usually written by the programmers and they do not know how to write help files in ways in which the common man can understand them. In part, that's why we get such things as the 'idiot's guide to...' It takes a completely different perspective and understanding of human thought processes, and often an actual user, to write effective operating guides. Programmers and usually people heavily into IT don't have those innate skills.

 

[Lee]

You guys want a real learning curve, if so then here is one: Determine all the build up points, the size of the blocks, the size of the soft caps, and all the mathematical block lay outs using a transit in a graving dock. Oh, the ship you will be doing the work up for is USN Carrier. Those are just the easy part of dry docking a carrier for work up.

And, yes this is one of the things I enjoyed doing for a living.

 

[Coke Robot]

Actually, the Help files were something Microsoft updated in Windows 8. If you go to the Settings Charm, Help is literally there. When you open it, the default things it shows are, "Getting Started, Internet and Networking, Security, privacy, and accounts." Getting Started LITERALLY shows you via text, pictures, and even yes, VIDEO.

Problem is, no one knows it's there and no one really uses it.

Using the Help files in Windows 8, it would cut out a good chunk of threads just in this site.

 

[Ray8]

I think when you really start to look around at comments on Windows 8, it's patently clear that it hasn't hit the mark as far as the public is concerned (the comments associated with these articles is very telling):

What needs to change with Windows Blue?

Microsoft, Don’t Bail On Windows 8 | Gizmodo Australia

 

[SIW2]

Interesting comments. They are posting e.g.

installing a 3rd party utility (StartIsBack) I find it's as good as if not better than Win7 - especially faster!
If they return the start button for non-touch PC's and have the option to boot to desktop then most users would have no problems upgrading.

He/she says return the start button. Obviously he/she means the start menu. To most people, it is the same thing.

If MS Julie thinks people will click the button and be delighted to have the start screen covering evrything up - she has got to be kidding.

Whoever is reading this for MS - please let Miss Julie know.

(She knows already - but at least I can say , I told you so )

 

[SIW2]

sure there are add-ons you can buy to achieve booting directly to the Windows 8 desktop and put the Start Menu back form other companies, however it should have been an option to start with built into Windows.

How many times have we seen that.

They won't be getting it, I don't think.

But MS have been given the message loud and clear.

​

 

[legacy7955]

sure there are add-ons you can buy to achieve booting directly to the Windows 8 desktop and put the Start Menu back form other companies, however it should have been an option to start with built into Windows.

How many times have we seen that.

They won't be getting it, I don't think.

But MS have been given the message loud and clear.

​

It's amazing to think that a cola company in the early 80's (Coca Cola Company) took the hint about their iconic product and are still in business as a result. Perhaps today the same wouldn't be true..Why? The rise of MBAs, and the belief by modern day executives that they can force the customer to bend to THEIR needs. LOL

There is a LOT of arrogance in today's modern business world compared to just thirty years ago. It WAS COMMON for businesses to meet the needs and wants of the customer. Today it seems as if these over educated, overly self important MBA executives have the self deluded belief that they can do no wrong. I consider what I see at MANY companies today nothing short of shocking when it comes to making sure you KEEP the customer loyal.

It was very possible that if CCC hadn't listened to the wants of the customer they may very well have been driven out of business back in the 1980's after they mistakenly introduced "New Coke".

I seriously believe that if MS refuses to ACTUALLY address the legitimate and SERIOUS gripes about Windows 8 that MS may become a footnote in history.


It's nothing short of stunning if MS doesn't look at this business case from history and learn from it.