Windows 8--opinions.

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Replies

  • jlapey
    jlapey Posts: 1,850 Member
    We just got a new computer (desk top) at work with Windows 8 and I honestly don't see where it's that much different from the XP version I was using before. What's the big deal? Am I missing something?

    Neve mind, My boss just informed me that we are actually using Window 7. I guess that explains a lot.
  • The_Enginerd
    The_Enginerd Posts: 3,982 Member
    It feels like a hybrid touch tablet OS that just doesn't have focus, with a mix of apps and desktop applications. It works as tablet or desktop interface, but not well, to try and grab the convertible/hybrid market. It would have been better if they either split it into different editions or had different modes that it switched between automatically depending on how the computer was being used at the time; desktop mode like Windows 7 when docked, and the tile/app mode interface when undocked and used as a tablet.

    I like Windows 7 a lot better and plan on sticking to it. I could get used to 8, and some things like the tiles are nice, but that tile screen shouldn't have replaced the start menu. I believe you can still backdate any license of Windows 8 to Windows 7.
  • upnorthtim
    upnorthtim Posts: 376 Member
    Hideously garish and ugly interface to stare at all day long ... luckily it appears my workplace has decided to skip Windows 8 until whatever the next iteration is. We skipped over Vista, luckily too. Windows 7 is stable and works well.
  • Followingsea
    Followingsea Posts: 407 Member
    I have both a Surface tablet and a laptop running Windows 8.

    The laptop is intolerable. Nobody can use it for long without threatening to chuck it out the Window.

    The Surface is a totally different story. Windows 8 really shines on touchscreens. I just have no freaking clue why they are releasing it on desktop platforms.
  • gillz89
    gillz89 Posts: 81 Member
    So, I run Windows 7 and Ubuntu (Linux) dual boot desktop and I have a MacBook Pro. Windows 8 is just terrible. Tried it for months (as a triple boot...I didn't want to replace Windows 7 until I knew it would be worth it) and absolutely hated it. I agree that it would be great on a mobile device (tablet, phone, etc.) but it does not belong on a laptop and sure as hell not on a desktop. It's shouldn't even be classified as a PC operating system.

    I'm looking for a laptop for my sister (if it were me, I'd get a new MacBook and just keep Windows on my desktop) and am having issues finding non Windows 8 ones. I am either going to make whoever I buy it from give me Windows 7 to install or have them install it. When I got my mom her laptop it was the Vista era, and they put XP on it for me. No way I was using Vista or making my mom use it. Not everyone will do this probably, but there are quite a few places that will.
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    The reviews for Windows 8 have been really bad, particularly for systems that don't have a touch screen. If you really hate it you can see about having Windows 7 or Linux installed instead.
  • bearkisses
    bearkisses Posts: 1,252 Member
    i prefer apple products. My work is on an old *kitten* version of windows.
  • KahuNZ
    KahuNZ Posts: 401 Member
    MS is doing an update for Windows 8 that will address a few issues for running on desktops. I have windows 7 and won't upgrade to 8 in the near future. I did have Vista and had no problem with that at all though not many people liked it. (my Mum has my laptop with Vista now)
  • Gdeeaz
    Gdeeaz Posts: 60
    I bought a laptop for my dad for his birthday. Every laptop had Windows 8 except for 2 and they were both sold out. When I set it up for him it was a nightmare. I hate Windows 8.
  • majica8
    majica8 Posts: 210 Member
    I'm getting used to it on my desktop, but it's definitely designed to be used with a touch screen, which is just annoying.
    It would not be that hard for them to add the start menu back and have all the useful stuff like shutdown and restart. I've had to put my own shortcut on the start page for shutdown and that's not ideal because you don't have to confirm or anything. Accidentally click it and the PC will shutdown no matter what I'm doing.

    I guess I like it overall though. The start screen is useful and switching between apps is easy enough. Apps in general are pretty good too. I would still probably suggest getting or sticking to Windows 7 if you were looking to upgrade, but it's far from the worst Windows experience.
  • DalekBrittany
    DalekBrittany Posts: 1,748 Member
    Ugh I had to Google how to enable two finger touch on my mousepad to get it to scroll, because **** if I know how to get to my own computer settings that aren't just changing the freaking background to make it look better.

    Also, I just figured out something my laptop does by accident...if I swipe down from the top of my mouse pad it goes full screen. Not that I need it to because this screen is huge.
  • RainHoward
    RainHoward Posts: 1,599 Member
    Any windows OS I purchase earns an immediate wipe and install with linux. MS is attempting to rip off ubuntu so why not just use the real thing.
  • bettyann55
    bettyann55 Posts: 87 Member
    I just got a new laptop, which I love, but I am still not sure how I feel about Windows 8. I feel like it isn't very user friendly and seems more like something better suited for a phone or tablet than a PC. I couldn't even figure out how the hell to use the new paint! I had to Google it! :laugh: I am still trying to get used to it. I will say the calendar is really handy though.

    I'm just curious, because it seems like people only like every other Windows OS, and could do without the ones in between! Anyone else think that it's not user friendly? Any other opinions?

    I do not like it at all. Just got a new laptop 2 weeks ago and I am totally lost.

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