A Windows veteran looks at Win8 Consumer Preview

If you download and install Windows 8 Consumer Preview, released late last week, I can almost guarantee that you won’t like it.

I know only a handful of experienced Windows users (who don’t work for or with Microsoft) who say they like Windows 8. But it’s the future, eh?

Microsoft is not building Windows 8 for the garden-variety Windows expert. You and I aren’t being ignored, exactly, but we’re not at the top of the Win8 food chain. As perplexing as it might sound, aiming Windows 8 at a different demographic is probably a good decision. But it still might lead to Windows’ demise.

Source

A Guy
 
A Windows veteran looks at Win8 Consumer Preview


what are we? Rookies all....geez
 

My Computer

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I won't say that 8 is awful, but it does have its problems. What people are looking for is the main theme, and MS is attempting to find what that is. Albeit, it would appear that MS is going down the wrong road; people just don't want to change. They have been using the same interface for so long that any change is disturbing, thus causing them to reject anything out of the norm. Windows 8 is in the long run going to happen, and whether we like it or not it is the way of the future. If you do not like the way MS is going then wait a couple of months after the first retail release and then there will be a couple of hundred skinning applications to help you decide how you want it to look.

And, if you think that going with a Mac will make a big difference you may find out that is also changing. If you want to see the Mac of the future then purchase an iPad 3 (HD).
 

My Computer

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    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
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    HP Pavilion p1423w
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    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
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    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
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    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
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    MSE-Defender
I stopped taking this man's quotation seriously at the first sentence. Who is he to tell us whether we like something or not? Sure, some people will agree with him... but you should always try something for yourself and THEN judge.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel
hi there
each to their own but I think this guy is talking a lot of Bovine Scatology.

I've used Windows even on the old Windows 286 (pre 3.0/3.1/3.11) and I find THIS version great.
Most of my colleagues do too --all old Windows users.

I haven't found ANYTHING I need to run that doesn't work on it either.

Of course some improvements need to be done but this isn't even a Release Candidate yet.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
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    1 X LG 40 inch TV
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    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
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    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Well said, jimbo.

It seems to me that so many people are stuck in a rut, and have got so used to doing things the same way that they have for years (the Start button has been available, in various incarnations, since the days of Windows 95) that when it comes to doing things differently they throw a hissy fit and say that they can't do it. In some cases, it's not a so much can't do it, rather the unwillingness to adapt and learn the new method, which I think is quite straightforward.

Of course, I realise that this is only my opinion, and that others may choose to agree or disagree with me. That's fine - everyone is entitled to their opinion and it is their perogative to do so. But that's my view on the subject.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dwarf Dwf/11/2012 r09/2013
    CPU
    Intel Core-i5-3570K 4-core @ 3.4GHz (Ivy Bridge) (OC 4.2GHz)
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    ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M
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    4 x 4GB DDR3-1600 Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B (16GB)
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    MSI GeForce GTX770 Gaming OC 2GB
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    Realtek High Definition on board solution (ALC 898)
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    ViewSonic VA1912w Widescreen
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    1440x900
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    OCZ Agility 3 120GB SATA III x2 (RAID 0)
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    XFX Pro Series 850W Semi-Modular
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    Gigabyte IF233
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    1 x 120mm Front Inlet 1 x 120mm Rear Exhaust
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    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 3000 (USB)
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    Microsoft Comfort Mouse 3000 for Business (USB)
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    Optical Drive: HL-DT-ST BD-RE BH10LS30 SATA Bluray
    Lexmark S305 Printer/Scanner/Copier (USB)
    WEI Score: 8.1/8.1/8.5/8.5/8.25
    Asus Eee PC 1011PX Netbook (Windows 7 x86 Starter)
"People don't like change"

If I see that once more I will scream.

It is a complete falsehood.

Probably the most used marketing technique is to slp the word "NEW" on a product - New aroma - New album by so and so - NEW sreies of whatever, New - now washes whiter.

They do that because they know people don't like change, obviously. :sarc:

The complete opposite is true.

So how did that idea get about?

Hitler proved that if you repeat a lie often enough - even if it is obviously untrue - people believe it.


If you are selling something new - and it doesn't go down too well -instead of admitting you didn't get it right - you can blame the customers - it is their fault - because after all, people don't like change.

Garbage.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I like windows 8 however some things that I need getting used to are:

*Metro panels that appear on the desktop and look out of place when navigating my desktop. Sometimes these panels get in my way also.
*Metro interface sometimes looks like it shouldn't coexist with aero. It should be all one way or the other.

Everything else I am happy with. It is smooth responsive and stable and I have been using it as my primary OS as I like to live on the wild side :).

I'm sure I will get used to it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
It going to be tough selling Windows 8 to business customers and converting large numbers of business computers :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win_8 Build 7959 x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
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    AMD Phenom II x6 1100T x64 3.3ghz AM3 CPU
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    Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5
    Memory
    16gb GSkill F3-12800CL9D
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    EVGA GeForce 210 - 512mb DDR3 PCI-E 2.0
    Sound Card
    on Motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
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    1tb Sata Samsung, WD 500gb Blue
    PSU
    OCZ PSU Mod-X-Stream-Pro 700w
    Case
    Red Custom $ 9.99 on sale special !
    Cooling
    2 fans
    Keyboard
    Re-Cycled from Thrift shop
    Mouse
    Emprex Optical
    Internet Speed
    Cable Internet
    Other Info
    " Doc's " Home for Re-Cycled Computers & Parts !
@SIW2 I couldn't agree more.

The problem I have with Metro is, I just don't see the point of it on the desktop. The first question I asked myself when I installed DP and again when I installed CP was, how much time will I spend in the Metro interface. The answer to that, for me anyway, is zero. There's simply nothing in Metro I want or need to use. The the majority of what I do, every day, on my systems, requires several open and constantly accessed windows across multiple desktops. For me, Metro is just an unnecessary layer, I'm apparently required to navigate, to get to where I need to be. After I'm there, I have no reason to return.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64 Ultimate/Windows 8.1/Linux
    CPU
    FX-8350
    Motherboard
    GA-990XA-UD3
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 Corsair Vengeance
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    HD7860
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    Xonar Essence STX
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    Benq
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    1920x1080
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    Various
    PSU
    Corsair HX 850W
    Case
    Corsair Obsidian
    Cooling
    Thermalright
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Internet Speed
    50/50
    Browser
    firefox
Well said, jimbo.

It seems to me that so many people are stuck in a rut, and have got so used to doing things the same way that they have for years (the Start button has been available, in various incarnations, since the days of Windows 95) that when it comes to doing things differently they throw a hissy fit and say that they can't do it. In some cases, it's not a so much can't do it, rather the unwillingness to adapt and learn the new method, which I think is quite straightforward.

Of course, I realise that this is only my opinion, and that others may choose to agree or disagree with me. That's fine - everyone is entitled to their opinion and it is their prerogative to do so. But that's my view on the subject.
Agree.

Just need to take a little time to get use to it, use it for a week or so and then tune it.
Everybody should have a way to make it how they want, a few more native options would make it easier but don't expect to see that happen.
For those willing, third party apps will likely be needed.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
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    Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    CM Sentinel
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    Abysmal
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    Opera Next
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    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
Agreed

"People don't like change"

If I see that once more I will scream.

It is a complete falsehood.

Probably the most used marketing technique is to slp the word "NEW" on a product - New aroma - New album by so and so - NEW sreies of whatever, New - now washes whiter.

They do that because they know people don't like change, obviously. :sarc:
...
If you are selling something new - and it doesn't go down too well -instead of admitting you didn't get it right - you can blame the customers - it is their fault - because after all, people don't like change.

Garbage.

Agreed.

I ran W7 as (basically) my main OS from b7048.
There were some things I didn't like (and those things are still true today).
 

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  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Linux Mint 18.3 MATE (64 bit)
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    PC/Desktop
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    AMD Phenom II x6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
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    ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3
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    8GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-8GAO (4GB x 2)
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    ATI Radeon HD6450
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    Realtek?
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    Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 17 MATE (64 bit) - 2014-05-17
    Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-11-13
    Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
    RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
    Monitor Upgraded - 2012-04-20
    System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
    HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,
I'm kind of getting tired of people ragging on Windows 8. This version is can't really be compared to past version because there hasn't ever been anything like it. It's not going to fail like vista, it might not succeed like 7, it might not last as long as xp.

Windows 8 is Windows literally reimagined. It's shaping to the way people use PCs, and that is partly influenced by the tablet sector, but that isn't such a bad thing. I like some features in mobile systems to be on my desktop, like general speed overall. Many people don't have 20 windows open on average. Windows 8 offers the best of both worlds, supreme multitasking, and content immersion.

Also, power users aren't the main concern of Microsoft, it's usually the enterprise and consumers, not always for IT people. That's why there is a thing called Windows Server, Windows Home Server, and Windows Azure. Those are products for IT people.
 

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.
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    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 can't be the only that actually likes Metro, right? I find it very useful when I want to navigate to files/settings/programs, since it only requires the use of a keyboard. I press the Windows key and typ in whatever I'm looking for and it immediatly shows up. Easy access.

Has anyone tried the Marketplace? It's cool because you have the same apps you'd have on your phone or tablet AND you're able to use them in full HD glory on your desktop!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel
Thing is when Win7 came out in RC1(which is where this Win8 is basically) it was pretty much an instant hit, almost everyone that liked Windows LOVED Windows 7. Wind8 is, as far as I can tell so far, a good OS-except for Metro. More people dislike it than like it from what I am reading and those that like it are really trying hard to sell it. That was not the case with Win7 and I will repeat what I said about Win7 when it came out, "Microsoft finally got one right-right out of the box". Just my opinion, I would sell Windows 8 with a more traditional interface and offer Metro as "feature".
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8 CP 64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD Athlon X2 2.4G
    Motherboard
    ASRock
    Memory
    6GS
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI HD 5450
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 75hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Black 80g SATA3 x2 System/Backup
    Keyboard
    MS
    Mouse
    MS
    Internet Speed
    10 mgs
    Other Info
    This is just my test machine.
The irony is. I suspect if all previous versions of windows were taken away, and only 8 was available, as soon as everyone learned how 8 works, they would be more then satisfied. It seems that other then a few issues, much as people had certain issues with 7, that 8 is as good as 7, and may indeed prove to be better?
 

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  • OS
    Windows 10 Home x64
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    INTEL Core i5-750
    Motherboard
    ASUS P7P55D
    Memory
    KINGSTON HyperX Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX750
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 27MP33HQ 32" IPS LED
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 Evo 120 GB, 2 x SEAGATE 500GB Barracuda® 7200.12, SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 16MB cache
    PSU
    ANTEC TruePower New TP-550, 80 PLUS®, 550W
    Case
    ANTEC Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus, 3 x 120mm 1 x 140mm Case
    Internet Speed
    20 + Mbps
    Browser
    Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Avast
You can already do that in Windows 7.

I find it very useful when I want to navigate to files/settings/programs, since it only requires the use of a keyboard. I press the Windows key and typ in whatever I'm looking for and it immediatly shows up. Easy access.

You can already do that in Windows 7. :confused:

The irony is. I suspect if all previous versions of windows were taken away, and only 8 was available, as soon as everyone learned how 8 works, they would be more then satisfied

Assuming that they had never tried Linux or Mac OSX.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Linux Mint 18.3 MATE (64 bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    n/a
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II x6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-8GAO (4GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD6450
    Sound Card
    Realtek?
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung S23B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 1.5 TB (SATA), Western Digital 2 TB (SATA), Western Digital 3 TB (SATA)
    Case
    Tower
    Mouse
    Wired Optical
    Other Info
    Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 17 MATE (64 bit) - 2014-05-17
    Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-11-13
    Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
    RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
    Monitor Upgraded - 2012-04-20
    System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
    HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,
I find it very useful when I want to navigate to files/settings/programs, since it only requires the use of a keyboard. I press the Windows key and typ in whatever I'm looking for and it immediatly shows up. Easy access.
You can already do that in Windows 7. :confused:
I'm aware of that, but it just feels more integrated now. Besides that, it's also more visually integrated and just seems faster.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel
I see a few people seem to imagine win 8 is somehow faster.

Mine isn't - I don't mind - I wasn't expecting it to be at this stage.

Strange how a few people think it is.

Perhaps it depends on your system.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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