Don't hate Windows 8!

Windows 8 takes a lot of getting used to, but it's the best OS made by Microsoft, and could be the best OS ever made by anyone...

Windows 8 is really hard to get used to. Really, really hard.

Don't get me wrong, even when when you're running through the install process, Windows 8 looks absolutely fabulous. Never before has so much elegance been wrought from such basic use of colour and typography. It's beautiful from the get-go.

But when you get to the Start screen -- well, it's really that where it starts to fall apart for people.

I started using Windows 8 full-time on March 1st 2012, just under eight months ago. Soon after starting I wrote a particularly harsh article about what I thought of it. Over the weeks and months that followed, I grew to really enjoy using Windows 8 and -- in all honesty -- regretted being quite so harsh.

Read more at source:
Don't hate Windows 8! | ZDNet
 
Thanks, Shawn. What a find!

Lol! He's virtualizing 8 on his MacBook Pro! And then honestly confessing in coming to like it after using it a while! Also recanting his previous negative article! There is hope in this world for tech writers! :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
I don't!

Never hated it for a minute, had some confusion as to why some things were there, but got over them. I find that some don't like it as the frustration level of not knowing what's going on definitely causes the grips people have. If you take that frustration away, do people have an appreciation for it? I think so. I've shown people how to use 8, and there hasn't been any level of frustration. There is more, "This is neat."
 

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
I don't think the start screen itself is bad or that the operating system itself is bad but it just could have been better or the changes could have been better. I like the minimalism in certain executions but not all. For example before on the zune they used the typography in a better way. There was a better sense of hierarchy. They used different weights and sizes. Here it's mostly the thin fonts with only the size really changing. Depending on the background sometimes it doesn't work. Such as the start screen the type for even the start is a bit too thin for a busier background. There are some parts where they do a good job and some parts where their execution was lacking. But this is true for any operating system. I doubt anyone hates windows 8. There are some necessary additions(touch/tablet based things) and some not so great changes/additions.
 

My Computer

I don't hate 8... I hate the metro nonsense. Fortunately, I don't ever have to see it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
A truly ghastly "front end". Eventually, after finding the Classic Start Menu software and figuring out how to get rid of the Metro interface and making it look just like Windows 7, it is OK - even very good.

Annoying though - I spent (actually I wasted) £14.99 on the Win7 to Win8 upgrade offer. If I could charge my time spent p***ing around trying to sort out this pig of an operating system - or rather pig of a front end of an operating system, it would come to hundreds of pounds.

What a pity. Sadly it will kill Microsoft

Phil Bee
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8_unfortunately
    System Manufacturer/Model
    PC Specialists
    CPU
    I5
    Motherboard
    Yes
    Memory
    Forgotten
    Graphics Card(s)
    Probably not
Microsoft's problem is that if you're trying to transition over to a world where the PC becomes an archaic irrelevancy you have to be bold. And Windows 8 is smack-bang in the middle of that transition. It's neither one thing nor the other for the specific reason that both Old Windows and New Windows are relevant today. Go back ten years, New Windows would be too futuristic and out of kilter with the hardware. Go forward ten years and hardly anyone will be using an OS that looks like Old Windows today. (Well, maybe 20 years.)

It's that fact that we all have to make peace with when thinking about Windows 8. There isn't a better way of making Old Windows and New Windows work together. What Microsoft has come up with is the least-awful way of doing it.

This guy has got it spot on and I don't know why it's so difficult for people to see this!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Shuttle SG33G5M
    CPU
    Intel Q8300
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 1066MHz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    128GB OCZ Vertex 4 SSD
    2x500GB Seagate Barracuda
    Keyboard
    Logitech DiNovo Mini
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity 65 Mbps

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    4 Windows 7 Pro Sp1- 4 Win 8 Pro, 1- xp pro sp3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 390, 380, 3 Vostro Laptops (7 computers in all)
    CPU
    desktop/laptop
    Memory
    4gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    atm randioum
    Hard Drives
    350,250
Windows 8 has to grow on you, for sure. Once you get the idea it's not hard to navigate or use. Windows 8 doesn't do anything for me that I can't already do in Windows 7, but then I live in a traditional computing world, not one where I do my computing via lightweight mobile devices and small screens. I run my Windows 8 OS on a desktop or VM.

Perhaps some years from now when everyone is running around with uber-smart phones and tablets and gadgets, Windows 7 and desktop/laptop PCs will seem archaic. Maybe then we'll look back at Windows 8 as a bold move on the part of MS: one that marked the beginning of the end of "traditional" ways of computing.

Or, maybe even Microsoft will be a memory.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64
Well I've loved it since day one, I've got it on 4 computers replacing Windows 7. I think for the average user this the easiest Windows ever produced, the learning curve is minimal. I never close Apps down just go back to the start screen and start another app then go to the left side to reopen.
Even control panel and device manager etc are easier to access. On a big screen TV Windows 8 is absolutely awesome, it seems tailor made for home entertainment. Me personally, I would never go back to Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro/Windows 8 Pro/Windows 7 64 Bit64Bit/Windows XP
Perhaps some years from now when everyone is running around with uber-smart phones and tablets and gadgets, Windows 7 and desktop/laptop PCs will seem archaic.

I already have an uber smart phone and tablet. They are made by Apple!
But I still need a desktop PC with a big monitor and a couple extra screens for doing real work on and a tablet can never replace that functionality. What I need is an OS designed for that purpose, not a second rate mobile phone interface.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
That person is similar with me.
Hated Windows 8 on CP, Loved on RTM. Slowly.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
OS X did integrate it's mobile features into it's main OS much better than Windows did without changing anything. OS X has stayed roughly the same since the 80s with only the inclusion of the dock since 2001. And it's mobile features recently.

I don't want Microsoft to outright copy apple but honestly.. they could have done better, windows 8 is a better windows XP in terms of themes and performance but some people hate change. Just download start8 and you're good to go.

I'm waiting on Apples next update to the Mac Pro before I upgrade my Mac mainly due to the ivybridge xeons and possibly a chassis update as well as it's stayed roughly the same since the G4.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
There is nothing to hate or to love about Windows 8. It is a dual purpose OS which probably does not serve very well for either purpose - PC or Tablet. In one sentence: It is neither fish nor fowl.

Most of us who come from Windows 7 are not amused with the new Metro interface which makes the operation cumbersome. Some (maybe many) have tweaked it to look like Windows 7 and enjoy the extra performance and (maybe) extra security. That's the happy crowd. But those who stay on the vanilla version will probably never like it. It is just too alien for a PC.

I use it in virtual for study purposes and it is interesting to discover the new twists. But there is really no new attractive function that I need. So for serious work, I stay on Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
I don't hate 8... I hate the metro nonsense. Fortunately, I don't ever have to see it.

The Metro is actually the Windows RT gui deployed on 8 not the core elements which have seen improvements there. The Start screen, Crawler toolbar that comes up along one side, etc. was designed for Tablet. The real problem is MS didn't bother to work up something new for the desktop platform besides the new Lock screen reflected at the top of the article which can see different backgrounds and pulls up like a window(s) shade when click and hold to drag upward.

And then you have a few other items to notice like a new look for the task manager which now looks a bit more impressive. Adding to that the security has actually been boosted as well as MS finally tossing in a free av program that works for a change to replace the worthless old Windows Defender. The updated MS Security Essentials that actually does find and remove malwares for a change that is.

One other concern about security however would be directed more at OEMs and no other OSs allowed on a new 8 pc without a what? A key of some type. Some information about that can be seen in the news about the new boot loader coming out now from the other open source OS dept. Linux Foundation releases secure boot loader - Computerworld
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    1st W10 Professional x64/W7 Ultimate x64 - 2nd Remote system: W10 Insider Builds/W7 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Builds
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 975 Deneb 3.6ghz -2nd case AMD Atholon II 3.2ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4
    Memory
    Kingston Hyper-X DDR3 1600mhz 16gb - 2nd case Kingston Hyper-X "Fury" DDR3 1600mhz 8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Radeon HD 5750 1gb - 2nd AMD Radeon 6450
    Sound Card
    Creative Xtreme Gamer - 2nd case Realtek Onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 19" dual monitor setup - 2nd case HP 20" lcd
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 same on both builds
    Hard Drives
    1st build
    WD Caviar Black Edition Sata II 1tb two OS drives
    WD RE "Heavy Duty Sata II 2tb two Storage/Backup
    2nd build
    WD Blue Sata II 500gb
    WD Black Edition Sata III 1tb
    WD Green Power Sata II 1tb in external usb enclosure
    PSU
    Corsair TX750H 750w -Corsair 500w
    Case
    Antec 900-2 -NXZT Vulcan Mini tower/carrying handle
    Cooling
    120mm front pair, 120 rear 200cm top - 120mm Front intake 200mm side cover
    Keyboard
    Azio Blue led back lit both builds.
    Mouse
    MSI DS200 11 button programmable Gaming optical mouse - Odessa 3 button dual scroll trackball
    Internet Speed
    30mbps
    Other Info
    two MSI 22x ide dvd burners, 25 usb flash drives used for Linux Live, live data recovery 128gb, and Windows 7, 10 usb installation keys
I think the following seems to be appropriate here.

. We Seek Out People Like Us to Avoid ChangeBecause new information bothers our brains, we tend to find friends and form groups that reinforce our beliefs—whether they're correct or not. When many people agree, it's easy to discount the opinions of others in the face of undeniable logic. This occurs because of a phenomenon known as the illusion of asymmetric insight. David McRaney, writer of the blog and book about self-delusion You Are Not So Smart, explains:


The illusion of asymmetric insight makes it seem as though you know everyone else far better than they know you, and not only that, but you know them better than they know themselves. You believe the same thing about groups of which you are a member. As a whole, your group understands outsiders better than outsiders understand your group, and you understand the group better than its members know the group to which they belong.


This lovely phenomenon gives you cause to discount conflicting information as bias and stick with what you know. Essentially, you attack the possibility of change because you think you know better than everyone else and have the friends to back you up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro/Windows 8 Pro/Windows 7 64 Bit64Bit/Windows XP
I think the following seems to be appropriate here.

. We Seek Out People Like Us to Avoid ChangeBecause new information bothers our brains, we tend to find friends and form groups that reinforce our beliefs—whether they're correct or not. When many people agree, it's easy to discount the opinions of others in the face of undeniable logic. This occurs because of a phenomenon known as the illusion of asymmetric insight. David McRaney, writer of the blog and book about self-delusion You Are Not So Smart, explains:


The illusion of asymmetric insight makes it seem as though you know everyone else far better than they know you, and not only that, but you know them better than they know themselves. You believe the same thing about groups of which you are a member. As a whole, your group understands outsiders better than outsiders understand your group, and you understand the group better than its members know the group to which they belong.


This lovely phenomenon gives you cause to discount conflicting information as bias and stick with what you know. Essentially, you attack the possibility of change because you think you know better than everyone else and have the friends to back you up.


Of course, we are human - all things are subjective :D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7HP x64/7 Ultimate x32
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY
    CPU
    i7 920
    Motherboard
    Intel x58
    Memory
    6 x 2GB Corsair XMS3
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4890 CF
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 2408
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2 x 150GB Velociraptors (RAID 0 ) - OS
    1 x 1TB Seagate (Backup)
    1 x 1.5TB Seagate - Storage
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000
    Case
    Antec 1200
    Cooling
    Stock
    Keyboard
    Razer Lycosa/n52te
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    Too damn slow :-(
Or it could just be that Metro is crap!

No it wasn't.
Metro isn't crap, it's beautiful.

I Just wish that W8 still have Aero Glass built-in.
Using DWMHook from MDL to get Aero Glass is very beautiful (with the blurs). Really blends with the OS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
We will have to disagree. My view is that the Metro interface is a pointless and useless second rate mobile phone interface that has no place on a PC. Only by deleting all the apps and installing StartIsBack to hide the monstrosity, its daft corner and edge effects, pointless lock screen etc, does Windows 8 become a worthwhile and useful operating system.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
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