Windows 8 Features … What will it Microsoft Add?

The list will keep growing.

I think it's time for CD/DVD's to phase out.
External devices are available for those that need it.

Dave76 said:

The list will keep growing.

I think it's time for CD/DVD's to phase out.
External devices are available for those that need it.

Click to expand...

I disagree. There are many programs that are distributed in a software form. Also, Windows itself is commonly distributed using DVDs, so it makes sense to have the CD/DVD drive, even if it is very basic, included in the computer.

Seems to me Windows 8 is more about holding Apple at bay than anything else.

saiarcot895 said:

Dave76 said:

The list will keep growing.

I think it's time for CD/DVD's to phase out.
External devices are available for those that need it.

Click to expand...

I disagree. There are many programs that are distributed in a software form. Also, Windows itself is commonly distributed using DVDs, so it makes sense to have the CD/DVD drive, even if it is very basic, included in the computer.

Click to expand...

Most software is downloaded, including Windows.

I haven't gotten any software by CD/DVD for about 3 years.

Those that would still like to have it can always get one. The ability to add one will still be there for years to come.

I reckon CD/DVD is going to be around still for some time. The majority of PC users out there still rely heavily on them for the purchasing and installation of software. Certainly the trend these days is towards a more online distibution network for software, such as Steam, but still at least half of it is printed onto disks and distributed on a physical medium.
So, basically DVD is going to be supported, because thats where we are at the moment.

Not forgetting the vast market of music and video cd/dvd's which your family can use on a computer.

USB pens will take over CD/DVD's, except for blue-ray.

It's hard to tell,

I haven't used my CD/DVD Drive for some time, but everybody is different when they use a computer.

I don't see why they would need to discontinue the CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive. Is there something better to replace it?

and once downloaded, how do you expect to install such software onto a computer if all you have is Bios and no Optical Drive?

CD/DVD drives are here for a while longer... and if you don't want one then just don't use it, but don't say no one should have them, they only cost 20 bucks and work well.

CovertDeath said:

and once downloaded, how do you expect to install such software onto a computer if all you have is Bios and no Optical Drive?

CD/DVD drives are here for a while longer... and if you don't want one then just don't use it, but don't say no one should have them, they only cost 20 bucks and work well.

Click to expand...

USB flash drive or external HDD are two options.

I don't think anyone said 'no one should have them', just that they are going to start to be phased out.
Replaced by 'something' else, as was the floppy drive.
I remember not to long ago people were saying a computer can't function without a floppy drive, that they would never be without one.
Back then I said pretty much the same thing as mentioned about the CD/DVD drives.

They're not bad, they shouldn't be banned from the planet and if anyone wants to keep using them, I'm sure people will, it is of coarse their prerogative.

I haven't used one very often in the last three years, and see them as fading away from the standard, must have, component in a computer system.
As long as there is a SATA port, USB port or other possible connection they can easily be added.
I just think they will stop being a standard feature, and it is time to move to other means of storage.

Just my humble opinion.

I can agree with that, Dave. However, I still often get DVDs from friends with pics they want to share.

I don't think everyone's internet connection has reached the point wherein DVDs will become a thing of the past.

Once that happens, perhaps. We'll also need more robust and free file-sharing venues wherein those pics can be shared without requiring one to join a social network.

Things always change slowly. Would I have thought, 20 years ago, I'd be doing some of the things I now do on a computer? Certainly not.

Still, I prefer to have more ownership of what I do and not rely on whether or not I have an internet connection. Sometimes, simpler is better.

The only reason floppy drives went the way of the dinosaur is because better alternatives with more storage and faster access became available. It wasn't because the purpose changed.

I think one of the key words is what you said mikedl,

Ownership, Some people like having the Physical disk/drive" feeling in their hand. The ability to control it.

I'm on the fence with this one...

Yeah, Ryan, we'll get there eventually but it will be a bit.

I'm certainly no Luddite but I like knowing where my data is stored and that I have unfettered access to it.

I'm not on the fence yet ... I'm still on this side but, then, I've been drug over other fences in the past.

You can always D/L and store it where ever is convenient, hard drive, flash drive, even DVD if you prefer.

I still use my DVD drive a lot. I'm always burning something, and not only movies and music... I still prefer the good old DVD installation method to pens. It's not coming to an end !

DVD drives will not disappear from standard PC specs that quickly. People are too used to buying games and software on DVDs to stop that suddenly, and anyway, other rumors say Xbox 360 games will be playable on W8, but how does that work without a DVD drive???

http://www.eightforums.com/windows-8-news/2002-windows-8-allows-xbox-360-games-played-pc.html