technology Windows 8

[DerpyFanatic 114]

Has anyone else upgraded or got a new device with it? I just upgraded from 7 Starter to 8 Pro and it's amazing. It's very different from any other version of Windows, but once you get used to the new start menu and desktop, it's great. Microsoft basically took the Start button off the taskbar and relegated it to a separate hidden panel on the right of the screen, which when accessed takes you to a completely different screen which is the one you see in the Win8 previews. Apart from that and the File Explorer, the desktop and library system are the same as Win7. I didn't even have to backup my files for the upgrade (but you will if you're going from XP or Vista to 8). The box came with discs for both 32-bit and 64-bit editions, which was cool.

 

The thing about the start screen and "charms" is that Win8 was designed primarily to be a tablet OS, but able to accommodate desktops and laptops. I can use the mousewheel to move around the start screen, but it was really meant to be swiped around on a tablet or other touch screen.

 

 

No, not even Windows 8 is safe from ponies. Especially Derpy.

 

 

I'm sure you've seen something like this before. I removed the Games icon and whatnot because it's all Xbox Live related and I couldn't care less about HEX-BAWX.

 

ERMAHGERD. Google Chrome has a Windows 8 mode. *geekgasm*

 

 

[Guest]

I have Windows 8 too and I agree, Windows 8 is amazing! I love it

It's easy to get used to and when you get used to it it's basically like using Windows 7 with easier navigation between your programs/apps and an improved Start menu.

[khaine21x3 789]

I despise their unethical business tactics and I despise how they're taking control away from non average users with each new version.I totally despise win 8 interface on pc and mobile phones and I hope that I gain enough political power one day to ban all microsoft product.

 

I think that they saw the popularity of apple's simple UI and they try to emulate that so the average joe flocks to products using win 8.

[Guest]

I despise their unethical business tactics and I despise how they're taking control away from non average users with each new version.I totally despise win 8 interface on pc and mobile phones and I hope that I gain enough political power one day to ban all microsoft product.

 

I think that they saw the popularity of apple's simple UI and they try to emulate that so the average joe flocks to products using win 8.

Can you elaborate on their business tactics? Because I don't see how it's unethical.

 

In my opinion, they aren't taking away any control at all. There's all the features of Windows 7 had plus more. They haven't really removed anything from Windows, just added and improved.

[mycarhasaMoustache 449]

Iv still got windows 7 and I will be sticking with it for a long time since this computer is overclocked by quite a bit and it works fine with windows 7 but windows 8 crashes all the time and causes the computer to become unstable. Also I hate the stupid app interface It feels like everything else, like its trying to be an Iphone 

[khaine21x3 789]

Can you elaborate on their business tactics? Because I don't see how it's unethical.

 

In my opinion, they aren't taking away any control at all. There's all the features of Windows 7 had plus more. They haven't really removed anything from Windows, just added and improved.

 

Where do I start

 

-pressuring pc assemblers to preinstall windows and a load of other software like a few brand of antivirus

-pressuring governments to force schools to use windows so kids are indoctornated to use their product

-caving in to government demands and making all sorts of backdoor so people can be easily spied upon

-including windows explorer so the average computer user gets virus and buy an anti virus software from one of their pals

-threatening third world countries to use windows or they'll use their lobbying powers to place UN sanctions on them

-dozens of other unethical business tactics which are documented on the internet and some caused them to be sued or fined.

 

microsoft sued in EU:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union_Microsoft_competition_case

 

"In 1993, Novell claimed that Microsoft was blocking its competitors out of the market through anti-competitive practices. The complaint centered on the license practices at the time which required royalties from each computer sold by a supplier of Microsoft's operating system, whether or not the unit actually contained the Windows operating system. Microsoft reached a settlement in 1994, ending some of its license practices.^[1]"

 

Criticism of Microsoft

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Microsoft

 

If Microsoft was a government instead of a corporation, they'd be ranked worse than genocidal African warlords and theocratic governments.

Edited December 3, 2012 by khaine21x3

[Commander Urdnot 2,680]

I'm perfectly happy with Windows 7. I see no reason to upgrade my computer to Windows 8. Windows 7 does everything I need it to.

[Betez 1,734]

Same here. I have Windows 7, and I love it.

 

@@khaine21x3

All the computers at my highschool still have Windows XP. I'd be shocked if they switched to 8 anytime soon.

[Sagitta 93]

My University gave us access to Dreamspark so I downloaded and gave Windows 8 a try. 

I have always hated the Metro UI and the way it takes over the Start Menu is horrible but there's still a desktop so one can work without too much trouble. It is faster than 7 and doesn't seem to have any problems with Steam, so it is usable.

 

I still think they should've sticked to Windows Longhorn's UI guidelines, though.

In any case, I can't really complain. I don't use Windows as my main OS so I haven't had the chance to really test the other features it offers. 

[Kapi 215]

I really like it, I upgraded soon after it was released. I didn't like it at first glance, but once I started using it, I felt a lot more comfortable with it. Just clicking the corner pulls open the Start screen, and from there, it acts like the Start Menu. I kind of wish Microsoft would've allowed you to customize the start screen further. I downloaded Decor8 ($5) so I could do just that, I used my desktop wallpaper, and customized my lock screen to something else.

 

Here's my desktop view:

 

And here's my Start Screen:

 

If you're not used to it, but you use the search function of Windows 7, its just as easy on 8, open the start screen, start typing, and done.

 

EDIT:

My University gave us access to Dreamspark so I downloaded and gave Windows 8 a try.

Lucky! I get access to Dreamspark, but only Server OSes (Basic Dreamspark) I have to go to the college (30 minute drive) to get the disc, and HOPE that its there and somebody doesn't have it

Edited December 3, 2012 by Kapi

[Starflower 323]

I adore Windows 8. I love the start menu and everything. Although I feel a bit weird when using it on a desktop and laptop since it was built to be a Tablet OS. I havent tried it out on tablet yet but would love to someday.

 

Overall, great OS and I love it. Been using it since the development preview.

[DerpyFanatic 114]

Where do I start

 

-pressuring pc assemblers to preinstall windows and a load of other software like a few brand of antivirus

-pressuring governments to force schools to use windows so kids are indoctornated to use their product

-caving in to government demands and making all sorts of backdoor so people can be easily spied upon

-including windows explorer so the average computer user gets virus and buy an anti virus software from one of their pals

-threatening third world countries to use windows or they'll use their lobbying powers to place UN sanctions on them

-dozens of other unethical business tactics which are documented on the internet and some caused them to be sued or fined.

 

 

Apple has done worse:

 

-banning third-party apps on iPhones that directly compete with Apple apps

-imposing draconian security procedures and punishments on their employees and subcontractors' employees to the point where workers have been driven to suicide

-planning to implement advertising technology on iProducts that "compel the user's attention" by locking down the device until you respond to the advert (Steve Jobs approved this just before he stepped down as CEO)

-including unwanted software updates with Safari and iTunes, preventing users from opting out

-suing the crap out of IT journalists for leaking details of minor peripherals

-locking down jailbroken iPhones

-Apple Maps issued no warnings about Hurricane Sandy at all, whereas Google Maps had real-time emergency services updates

-suing Samsung over the Galaxy Tab, using false "they stole our design" claims as an excuse to limit competition

-racial profiling at Apple Stores

-improper disposal of toxic waste from component manufacture

-begrudging charity contributions

 

 

If Apple was a government, they'd make North Korea look harmless.

Edited December 3, 2012 by Swift Decision

[RagingTwilight 101]

I'm primarily a Linux user, but I have upgraded my Windows installations to Windows 8. While I'm not crazy about the new Start Screen and the Removal of the classic start menu, I'm very happy about the ribbon interface being incorporated into windows explore and the re-introduction of the "up" button to go up a directory. In addition, I've found that on a clean install it is considerably faster than my Windows 7 install ever was. Aside from the start screen, the only other complaint is that I've had the most problems with backwards compatibility since Windows Vista. Several of my games don't work (especially on a 64-bit install) for example. But, I guess that's what I get for upgrading early. 

[Zygen 6,066]

I dunno, I'm kinda skeptical about getting it, I mean I won't be getting it anyways unless I had the money fall right outta the sky, but still just because I heard it disabled steam I don't think I'll be getting it. And because it may disable other things or conflict with stuff I use right now.

I always heard that Windows software is always like every other one is good, but I dunno if thats just coincidence or what.

 

The interface is kinda confusing at first when I tried it at a store. I found out how to work it, but still.

 

I guess it doesn't matter right now what I think about it, I don't have the money to buy it if I wanted it or not. To be honest I think i'd rather get Windows 7. Yeah thats right I still have crappy Vista on my laptop :/ However to be fair I'm sure Windows 8 is proably better then Vista, but if I got a new computer I'd probably just get Windows 7. Just because of the problem with steam making be a bit unsure about if it would have other conflicts or stuff. I dunno if thats true because I never tried it on a computer yet, but thats what I heard.

 

 

In the end it comes down to the whole, I'm to poor to get it anyways being a 15 year old .

[khaine21x3 789]

Apple has done worse:

 

-banning third-party apps on iPhones that directly compete with Apple apps

-imposing draconian security procedures and punishments on their employees and subcontractors' employees to the point where workers have been driven to suicide

-planning to implement advertising technology on iProducts that "compel the user's attention" by locking down the device until you respond to the advert (Steve Jobs approved this just before he stepped down as CEO)

-including unwanted software updates with Safari and iTunes, preventing users from opting out

-suing the crap out of IT journalists for leaking details of minor peripherals

-locking down jailbroken iPhones

-Apple Maps issued no warnings about Hurricane Sandy at all, whereas Google Maps had real-time emergency services updates

-suing Samsung over the Galaxy Tab, using false "they stole our design" claims as an excuse to limit competition

-racial profiling at Apple Stores

-improper disposal of toxic waste from component manufacture

-begrudging charity contributions

 

 

Shall I go on?

Sure, I don't like apple either but not as much as I hate Microsoft.I'll always pick the third option as long as those two brands are top.

[DerpyFanatic 114]

Yeah, games compatibility is always one of the biggest problems when you upgrade. Diablo 2 doesn't run on Win7, hopefully I can get it going on Win8.

[sheparddog 8]

 i don't like any form of gui my friend showed me this old programing tool that just used text  commands.

it was so awesome nothing got messed up when i used it

[3005 332]

It's a nice OS for a tablet or a phone. Windows Phone 7/8 is a very innovative piece of software, one that was a serious contender when I was in the market for a new phone. However, Microsoft really fucked up with Windows 8; combining a tablet experience and a desktop experience was something that Steve Ballmer should've NEVER allowed. It makes the tablet experience awkward because using the desktop interface on it is very weird and uncomfortable, and vice versa when using W8 on a desktop platform. 

 

I also don't understand why they split things up. For example, on a Windows 8 device, you can have a Skype that runs on Metro (the new start screen), but has a completely different UI when you run it on desktop. I don't know if it stores the app separately, but this just seems odd to me.

[Hansel 1,512]

I really dislike Windows 8. I could explain why, but there's just so much wrong with it and I've been through it several times already. It's just very awkward to use and I find the interface frustrating and needlessly over-the-top. Using it with a mouse on a desktop is even more awkward, and I'm not particularly interested in touch screens.

 

Windows operating systems seem to have an "amazing, bad, amazing, bad" kind of pattern, so hopefully the next one they release will be great. For now, I'm sticking with 7. 

 

start menu.

wat r u doin.

start menu.

STAHP.

Edited December 4, 2012 by Hansel

[Aaramus 449]

I tried windows 8 on a friends computer as I was contemplating getting it for my home PC but after using I can't say that the upgrade has anything more than Win 7 asides from the new UI which you don't have to use anyway. 

 

It's a tad bit easier to navigate through but its not much of an improvement for me, especially since my PC is specified towards gaming primarily and switching OS will just be a pain for a few of the older games I have.

Edited December 4, 2012 by Aaramus

[Fridge 382]

I'm sticking with Windows 7 until all then bugs are worked out of 8. Then I might look at it...

 

But from what I have seen I doubt I'll like it.

[Otter 1,942]

I kind of wish Microsoft would've allowed you to customize the start screen further. I downloaded Decor8 ($5) so I could do just that, I used my desktop wallpaper, and customized my lock screen to something else.

 

This is exactly the reason I despise Windows 8. Instead of being able to fully customize your machine straight out of the box, a la Windows 7, you have to BUY A PROGRAM just to let you customize things.  

[Nah 3,182]

I hate Windows 8 with a burning passion. They're being a direct copycat of Apple (OMG, like iPads are selling better than PCs). I am not going to upgrade to Win8 at all, even though my desktop is somewhat designed for it, it runs win7 really quick, and it's touchscreen. 

 

Other than that, microsoft shot themselves in the foot releasing win8.

[Discordian 6,015]

Do they keep all the usual Windows quirks that make programming on it a hassle or have they finally changed over to the Unix way of things?

[Celtore 2,770]

All I can say is that I am going to be hanging on to windows 7 like XP users are still holding on. There are just too many UI issues right now to upgrade and I don't feel it's right for my desktop to have to act like a tablet. That is why I ran away from gnome 3 in favour of XFCE or even KDE for my desktop environment of chocie on my linux box.

 

Once Microsoft has integrated the tablet and desktop world a little better than just hosting them each in their own independant world, I will be a little more interested. I still likely wouldn't upgrade because I've already seen what a tablet interface is like on a desktop, but it would make me give a little credit where it's due.

Edited December 7, 2012 by Celtore