A number of the fun little improvements found within Windows 8 are mostly cosmetic – too small to warrant their own individual mention in this article, but still worth calling out in aggregate. While much can be said about Windows 8’s split classic desktop/Metro UI interface, we love-love-love some of the tweaks that Microsoft’s put into cornerstones of the operating system.
Take, for example, the window that now appears whenever you go to copy or move a file. Previously, your typical Windows “Progress Bar” would just be accompanied by a dumb little, text-only estimate for transfer times and speeds. Ugly, right?
Windows 8 kicks it up a notch by giving you a pretty, up-to-the-second graph that reflects your system’s file transfer speed, a graphic that slowly fills out as the file chugs along. Borrowing a page from some of our favorite freeware file transfer tools, you can also now pause your transfers at any point – useful if you’re copying multiple batches of files at once and you need one to take priority.
Speaking of, we also enjoy how multiple transfer requests automatically stack on top of each other, only to disappear from sight once the transfer’s complete. A subtle, but pleasing touch.
Other bells and whistles we enjoy? The overall look and feel of Windows 8’s “Music” app (take that, iTunes and/or Windows Media Player), the delightfully new-and-improved Windows Task Manager (with historical app resource use built-in), the fact that you can now mount .ISO files directly within the operating system (not a graphical comment; we just love the feature!), et cetera…
We kind of gave away the answer in the header, but here goes: What’s the one part of the Windows operating system that you’re sure to encounter on a daily basis, and a part you'll be most perturbed about when it starts messing up? Bingo: Windows’ startup and shutdown routines.
We can’t speak to the overall “snappiness” of Windows 8, as we’d be comparing an application-packed installation of Windows 7 against a barebones, fresh installation of Windows 8. However, we can (and have) run stopwatches to compare the two operating systems’ starting times – from power on to password prompt – and shutdown times.
The verdict? On a fairly antiquated laptop (by today’s standards), Windows 8 beat Windows 7’s shutdown time by ten full seconds, taking only 17 seconds to go from the press of the “Shut Down” button to a powered-off state on the laptop. But the juicer statistic is the comparison of Windows 8’s startup time to Window 7’s: From the press of the power button to the Windows 8 lock screen (or Window 7 login screen), Windows 8 only took 32 total seconds to boot. Windows 7? Almost a full minute (51 seconds).
Why such a dramatic difference? Windows 8 slaps the kernel into hibernation mode when you shut down the system, saving your system from having to reinitialize it on the next boot.
Fire up Windows Explorer within Windows 8 and you’ll swear you accidentally launched Microsoft Office 2007. That’s right: The ribbon is here. Or, to say it another way, Microsoft has finally started taking steps to unify its user interfaces across its major applications. Amen.
While you can still access Windows’ tried-and-true Folder Options via its own link within the View tab of the Explorer ribbon, you’ll quickly find the most of the options you need most are conveniently located within one of the three tabs on Windows Explorer’s ribbon: File, Computer, and View. Or is that File, Home, Share and View?
That’s right – the tabs shift depending on the context of what you click on within Explorer. Common folders get different options than user libraries; User libraries get different options depending on the media stored within (audio files, versus documents, versus pictures, et cetera); Disks (or spaces) get different options than folders.
We love all the shifting around, mainly because it puts all the key options we’re looking for right at our fingertips. And if you disagree, you can always customize up your own ribbon just like how you might add new buttons to an Office 2007 toolbar.
We were fans of Windows 7’s speedy indexed search capabilities – giving users a kind of ”Spotlight” field within Windows Explorer (and the start menu) that they could use to find anything on their systems at any time.
Windows 8 ups the ante by adding a lovely looking (and lovely functioning) search screen directly within the Metro interface. And here’s the fun bit: You don’t have to click on anything at all to start searching. If you’re just looking to find one of the many applications littering your tile-filled desktop, you need merely to just start typing the app you’re trying to find. Boom! Up pops Windows 8’s search window.
Want to find a particular file (or subset of files) instead? You can still start typing your query directly within Windows 8’s Metro UI. Only, when the search screen loads, you just have to click on “Files” to find what you’re looking for within your storage spaces. Windows 8 will even allow you to search for keywords within Windows’ settings, if you happen to be looking for the various places you can set options that ultimately affect, say, your MP3 playback. This context-sensitive search even carries through to other apps installed on your system, depending on what you click on within the search results window – a great touch on Microsoft’s part!
Ready to see what we hate about Windows 8? Check back tomorrow for our list of Window’s 8 Worst Features!
For more from David, former Maximum PC editor and Windows enthusiast, follow him on Facebook or Twitter (@thedavidmurphy).
Comments are closed on this article
polka
March 12, 2012 at 7:16pm
a friend's sister-in-law makes $65 hourly on the laptop. She has been laid off for 6 months but last month her pay was $19426 just working on the laptop for a few hours. Go to this web site and read more NuttyRich dot com
yammerpickle2
March 07, 2012 at 6:01pm
I just want to make sure that I have option not to install metro, and another to default to start button.
Mike_Holli
March 22, 2012 at 4:15am
You can just set it to load the Windows 7 interface, and put vistart into the startup folder. By doing this you can bypass the Metro interface, and ViStart gives you back your start button.
John A
March 07, 2012 at 10:07am
After a few days on Windows 8 I have decided to forgo this new generation and stick with 7,Vista and Ubuntu. It seems that every other new Windows is a flop and I think that 8 maybe OK for tablets but not a desktop.
LatiosXT
March 07, 2012 at 9:19am
If the interface is the only thing holding you back, then enjoy Windows 7 for the rest of your life. Or go to Linux.
Because Metro, like it or not, is here to stay.
RUSENSITIVESWEETNESS
March 07, 2012 at 5:36am
The Cloud may make you wet in the seat, but it will be a cold day in hell before I put my data out there for all to see, steal, or lose.
scoop6274
March 06, 2012 at 10:43pm
c'mon, Metro doesn't help. Switching between metro and desktop to start a new program or app is very disjointed. It is in fact distracting. Imagine for a moment, your typical employee. They have started the facebook/twitter app on metro. They're working on a spreadsheet on the desktop and have to switch to metro to start a new program they haven't pind to the taskbar. Suddenly they see some "uber" important update one of their friends has posted and now has become completely distracted and now feels the need to go to facebook/twitter to comment on said status. Once in, they get distracted by other updates and now an hour of work time is lost because of one distaction.Is this really a good idea for a workspace at work? I'm thinking not. I have a feeling that many businesses are going to get hung up on this.
And before anyone accuses me of not trying it, I have and just couldn't get past the metro ui. That and the fact that the apps dominate the workspace and don't allow customization of window size when you set them to a side of the workspace. I don't care about social integration. I don't want my data (of any kind) stored out in space on someones server. I don't even like the fact that I had to log in to w8cp with my Windows Live account when I set it up. There really isn't anything in w8cp that entices me to switch.
AnUnknownSource
March 07, 2012 at 2:34am
Though it's proven that morale, and therefore productivity is higher when employees have access to the "outside world" during the workday, if you oppose your employees accessing social media that badly, then why not disable access to it altogether? I'd be willing to bet once the W8 Enterprise SKU is detailed, that'll be a possibility...
Bullwinkle J Moose
March 06, 2012 at 8:20pm
Windows 7 boot time = 51 Seconds
Windows 8 Boot time - 32 seconds
Windows XP SP2 booting up from a compact Flash Card on the incredibly slow ATOM 330 1.6Ghz 1st generation computer = 12 seconds!
Fastest Boot Time = XP
Best Value, security and ease of use for an Internet Computer = Ubuntu
(FREE)When STEAM run natively on Ubuntu, Microsoft will have no reason to live!
stradric
March 07, 2012 at 6:52am
I love Ubuntu, but that's nonsense. Microsoft provides compelling reasons for developers to user their platform -- especially large commercial ones like Adobe. Photoshop, for example, doesn't exist on Linux because cost is too high for Adobe to develop on such a fragmented platform. They also claim that Linux users don't like paying for software, which I'm willing to bet is mostly accurate.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has a consistent set of APIs and application frameworks that are heavily documented and (relatively) uniformly supported across OS updates and revisions.
The bottom line is that Windows is more appealing to the masses and more appealing to developers. Plus, it has the leading graphics platform, DirectX. For businesses, MS Office remains the leading productivity suite by a long shot.
So Steam on Linux is but a scratch. The simple fact that Steam doesn't exist on Linux right now illustrates just how unappealing of a platform it is. For power users and developers of cross-platform and web apps, Linux can't be beat.
Malistair
March 06, 2012 at 10:23pm
You're nothing short of delusional. The chances of gaming on Linux being on the level of Windows' are astronomical.
Linux gaming = playing video games with Amish people.
win7fanboi
March 07, 2012 at 9:41am
I see two most common arguments for using Linux -
1) Its free compared to windows - My time costs money, so while I can keep looking for software that do what I need to get done after a lot of workarounds, I rather not. Video editing software, drivers, games, etc come to mind.
2) Its secure - Same argument Mac users used to make... its safer only because/until it command a tiny market share. There have been documented issues that took years to fix.
With Win8 microsoft is trying to target crowd who use tablet as their main computer (folks hang around facebook all day come to mind). I think they are screwing themselves by doing this. Either the common tablet user is a member of the iCult, in which case there will never be any reason compelling enough to make them switch, or they will go with android. Even if Win8 is sold on great hardware, microsoft lacks the eco systems that apple and google have built. They should focus on desktop users IMO.
bpstone
March 08, 2012 at 8:24am
Please do not comment on Linux in general anymore. Understood? Use your favorite operating system and be quiet. It is like someone giving a lecture how to build a jet when they have no professional training or experience doing so.
Malistair
March 08, 2012 at 12:41pm
"It is like someone giving a lecture how to build a jet when they have no professional training or experience doing so."
I expected that from you. Typical Linux elitist quote. Another reason why some people will never embrace Linux, if that means having to put up with snobs who think it's far more worthwhile to waste time with workarounds than actual work (and think anybody who says otherwise is an imbecile).
I rest my case.
win7fanboi
March 08, 2012 at 1:29pm
Notice he didn't have any counter argument or advice on how you can alleviate some of the issues of not having professional video editing software, compatible drivers, native games, etc for linux.
“Linux OS is expected to remain niche over the next five years with its share below 2 percent because of the remaining high costs of application migration from Windows to Linux. In the consumer market, Linux will be run on less than 1 percent of PCs, as Linux's success with mini-notebooks was short-lived and few mini-notebooks are preloaded with it today,” the company said.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-8-vs-OS-X-vs-Linux-vs-Chrome-OS-A-Numbers-Game-215942.shtml
He still goes on to tout Linux as just as viable platform as Windows:
"Have you ever used a Linux desktop environment operating system beyond running it off a CD? It is very capable of playing video games. "
How do you know bp without a single first rate title being available on Linux? FYI, Mac has more than triple the market share than Linux and still doesn't have Mac only titles.
bpstone
March 08, 2012 at 9:10pm
Are you talking about desktops again? At the moment it is not suited for gamers. So what are you trying to argue about? How about you actually dig into the statistics. Love your cash cow. Fuck it! Personally I do not give a damn. I have no interest in flaming it out with you two. Your dick will be the same at the end of it all. So would it be worth it? ;P Have fun! ^_^
Here are some quick finds:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/linux-snickers-at-microsofts-victory-declaration/9405
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/172357/desktop_takes_back_seat_at_linux_conference.html
http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/announcements/2012/01/linux-foundation-releases-enterprise-linux-user-report
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/204423/five_reasons_linux_beats_windows_for_servers.html
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/nvidia-joins-the-linux-foundation/10530
Malistair
March 07, 2012 at 10:47am
win7fanboi, I agree. I remember trying to install my laptop's webcam on Ubuntu so it can work properly for Skype. It took an agonizing 3-4 hours to find the proper drivers, looking up message boards (complete with condescending Linux fanboy douchebags), and trying every trial-and-error method they suggested. In the end, I got a webcam image that's upside down, luridly tinted, and completely unusable. Just for curiosity's sake, and to compare to my experience on Linux, it was a whole lot easier to install it in (surprise, surprise) Windows Vista, which only took me 5 minutes.
No average computer user wants to waste time dicking around command lines for hours on end just to get a simple device to work. They've got better things to do than that.
bpstone
March 07, 2012 at 7:44am
Have you ever used a Linux desktop environment operating system beyond running it off a CD? It is very capable of playing video games. Most general consumers purchased their personal or office system/s with Windows pre-installed. A lot of times the new owner has no interest in changing it. Those who might are often afraid to do so themselves. To put it simple, the market is not there for game developers. It has little to do with the actual operating system and instead more to do with simple economics; a.k.a the general consumer market.
Malistair
March 07, 2012 at 10:31am
I have tried a few Linux distros myself, and while I agree that it's a great platform in its own right, I hate the fact that it doesn't support games out of the box.
If, by 'very capable of playing video games' you mean 'installing Wine', forget it. I find the idea ridiculous. Installing MAME on Windows, I can understand, but installing a half-baked Windows emulator on Linux!?
Until Linux has a graphics API comparable to Windows' DirectX, and if that means I have to settle for playing an amateur game with Tux as the main character (talk about narcissism), then I seriously doubt that Linux will grow out of the 1-2% market share that it's been stuck in for so long.
Then again, on the bright side, that means no hacker will waste their time trying to hack a Linux PC.
bpstone
March 08, 2012 at 8:32am
Quote, "If, by 'very capable of playing video games' you mean 'installing Wine', forget it. I find the idea ridiculous. Installing MAME on Windows, I can understand, but installing a half-baked Windows emulator on Linux!?"
No. I meant games can be specifically developed for Linux. Wine imitates a Windows environment for certain games to run. I kept my response simple.
Quote, "Until Linux has a graphics API comparable to Windows' DirectX, and if that means I have to settle for playing an amateur game with Tux as the main character (talk about narcissism), then I seriously doubt that Linux will grow out of the 1-2% market share that it's been stuck in for so long."
You are talking about things you obviously do not understand just yet. At least research before replying. OpenGL is superior to Microsoft's closed source DirectX. There are YouTube users who do not understand game development, but create asinine video comparisons. OGL is cross-platform and is not specifically for Linux. Do not talk economics with me. Actual hackers target Linux all the time in the server world.
bautrey
March 06, 2012 at 9:16pm
The only thing holding me back to switching to linux completely are the games. Once I can be sure all my games will work on Linux, bye bye Windows!!
bpstone
March 08, 2012 at 8:46am
If you are running a high-end system, Wine would suffice for some games. Linux is much more suited for professional use (servers and workstations). Not for average consumers wanting to play games. That can easily change in the future. If enough consumer enthusiasts started pushing for native Linux support, then you would see many developers doing so. I highly doubt that will happen anytime soon. There is a lot of undue prejudice of it being inferior. In actuality that ideology is complete nonsense.
TsunamiZ
March 06, 2012 at 8:19pm
TOO MUCH BLUE!!! they still haven't added the ability to change the color of the blue interface.
AnUnknownSource
March 07, 2012 at 12:46am
If you go to the desktop and right click as you did in Windows 7 you can change the window color. Not sure where else you see too much blue. The metro background can be changed from the settings bar by hovering over the top right corner, choosing settings, then "More PC Settings" at the bottom right of the sidebar. Then under personalization, choose start screen at the top.
JohnP
March 06, 2012 at 7:37pm
From another post somewhere that I made a copy of. I apologize to the writer for lack of credit.
The Ribbon UI is more efficient in every single way compared to previous interfaces. Number of clicks, feature discovery, keyboard short-cut discovery, screen size, and feature time to find. The only valid argument against the Ribbon UI is refusal of change and progression, and a learning curve to find the new locations of features.
And improvements to the Windows 8 Desktop experience? Improved multi-monitor support, native USB 3.0 stack, reduced boot time, significantly lower memory footprint, Storage Spaces (virtualized storage pools), a new files system (ReFS), improved SSD support and performance, built-in antivirus and spyware protection, improved automatic updating system (less frequent reboot required updates), built in support for creating system images and full system restore, built-in ISO mounting, built-in VHD mounting, built-in PDF support, automatic cloud based backup of system settings, personal files, and Metro applications, a new Apple Time Capsule like interface for Shadow Copy, Windows Store sells desktop software as well, drastically improved task manager, drastically improved file management allowing you to pause file copying jobs and finish them later, Windows 8 has basically become rootkit proof when combined with UEFI, Hyper-V, and various reviews of the beta candidate builds confirm noticeably improved performance over Windows 7 SP1. And that's just a small sample of the various desktop related improvements. And it's still PRE-BETA! Many of the future major software applications haven't even been publicly shown at all (Media Player and Media Center [which are both expecting some HUGE changes], and how Office 15 will tie in with Windows 8). Anybody claiming that Windows 8 brings no improvements to the desktop experience is simply ignoring the facts. And I promise you that even the most dedicated desktop proponents will dip their toe into Metro every once in a while once the Windows Store gains some steam. Anybody that owns an iOS, Android, or Windows Phone device knows how addicting and effective these micro transaction application stores are. Once one is available on every desktop in the world it will be hard to resist jumping into it every once in a while.
avenger48
March 06, 2012 at 9:50pm
Exactly. Perhaps a checkbox in the "personalize" menu that says something like "classic mode" and brings back the start menu, assigning metro access to something like Scroll Lock or a multikey shortcut (Alt+Win, perhaps?) would be a godsend. If MS just added this ONE FEATURE, I would upgrade to W8. As it is, I don't want to touch Metro with a 10' pole.
rorrr
March 06, 2012 at 5:57pm
press it from anywhere within the Windows UI (Metro or Desktop) and you'll be able to search for files
on that note, there are a ton of new keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8. another reason to look forward to its release
opticallog
March 06, 2012 at 5:40pm
If anyone can figure out how to log out of the "People" app (or any other Metro app) when you've done a local account install of the OS, post please. I had a co-worker sign in to her Microsoft Live account in the People app on a test machine I setup, and no one could figure out how to log out of her Windows Live account.
AnUnknownSource
March 07, 2012 at 12:59am
If you hover over the top right corner, and then click on the settings icon (cog) then choose "More PC Settings" at the bottom of the sidebar, you will have a User tab on the left of the screen. On that tab, click "Switch to a local account" and follow the directions. Basically, while logged into a Hotmail account, you're on your "roaming" profile. Any changes (ok some, not all) you make while logged in should follow you to another machine if you log in again with your Hotmail account.
To close a metro app, hover over the top middle of the screen, and hold the left mouse button, and drag the entire app to the bottom right of the screen and let go. It's now closed.
cc3d
March 06, 2012 at 5:12pm
I doubt any of the nay-sayers on here have even given W8 a shot yet! I thought the same things and still do in some cases, but I upgraded to W8 on my work machine (I mirrored my HD so I could go back later).
[i7 920, 4GB ram, dual 24 inch monitors]
It's a new paradigm and this usually scares people. The way the Microsoft ID links all your accounts together is VERY USEFUL and starts to make more sense of the metro interface. I've been doing my regular heavy work on this machine.
being able to sync your account on multiple PCs is interesting and VERY USEFUL! The integration of mail, web, calendar, twitter, Facebook, pictures, skydrive starts to congeal WHEN YOU USE IT!
RESET & REFRESH windows 8? This is a welcome feature!! Need to reinstall windows? Refresh it instead!! Who hasn't wished for that!!
There's more to it and it becomes apparent as you get into it. Metro stays out of the way when you want it to.
my $0.02
guntlager
March 06, 2012 at 5:42pm
Really? That new paradigm line is what one occasionally reads from the Mac fanboys when someone doesn't buy marketing dribble line "post PC world" and "iCloud"
I would suggest that ruining a proven work flow for people who get real work done on their computers is much scarier than someone's "new paradigm". It isn't that Metro is all that bad of a concept. The problem is that Metro is no substitute for the Windows 7 Start menu. Users need a choice.
I'll grant that the current release is only a preview with a lot of work to be done. On my 15in laptop Metro doesn't look too bad but on my 24in desktop display is really sucks.
Additionally there is not one Metro app that has either the capability or flexibility of a desktop app performing the same function. Most of them are just stupid. Do I really want to see how my investments are doing in a little green rectangle? Not at all. How about the weather out side. Wow, a blue rectangle! Fugly.
None of the Metro stuff even comes close to the apps that come standard with an iPad and let's be honest here, whether you like iToys or not that is Microsoft's target.
loozer
March 06, 2012 at 6:39pm
There's one metro app that does all the desktop can. It's called desktop.
All other apps are irrelevant.
Also, the new start menu is actually an improvement. Just get used to typing into it.
thetechchild
March 06, 2012 at 6:39pm
What a ridiculous complaint. The entire issue you have is the Metro GUI & "Users need a choice?" Another of MPC's recent articles showed you how to always start up with the classic Desktop rather than the Metro UI. And I seriously doubt it'll take more than a few months after the RTM release of W8 for a 3rd party to rip Metro out of it altogether.
Seriously, if Metro is the only issue you have, then I can't see why you don't consider W8 a major improvement, looking at all the other new features introduced.
kevaskous
March 06, 2012 at 5:06pm
Man, lots of people love to find reasons NOT to upgrade, and if they can't they make one up. Having used every Microsoft since Win2k/Me where in their beta stages, as well as more than a few distro's of Linux over the years and Mac (I hate Mac....) I really love metro, it took some getting used to at first and dropping my preconceptions but it's good.
Once I played with is organized and tweaked it i found it -much- faster than my previous start, hell for the fact alone of i use a dock for Windows 7, i won't bother with Win8, no need! Not only your list but i have many of my own reasons but the UI honestly is a gem once you get over the omg change effect. This will be especially useful for HTPC's where small tect and small icons are laughably useless.
someuid
March 06, 2012 at 4:44pm
It boots fast. That is about the only thing that impresses me so far.
Metro is stupid simple. That will be good for some people.
Haven't tried task manager yet, or file copying. Can't put it on the network yet here at work so I'm kinda stuck.
FrancesTheMute
March 06, 2012 at 4:35pm
I haven't had too much time to play around with it, but I've got it running on an old Dell D630 laptop and it seems to be running just fine. Haven't noticed any major performance issues.
The main thing I'll be hoping for is the ability to completely turn off Metro. I'm sure it will be great on machines that have a touch screen, but at least give us the option to turn it off if we want to.
Neufeldt2002
March 06, 2012 at 4:16pm
Normally, I would have left this article alone, but I must say that love is subjective. The only useful thing is Storage Spaces. The rest is Meh at best. I agree that some of the bells and whistles are coming along, but some features are seriously over rated.
TommM
March 06, 2012 at 4:21pm
Agreed. I've yet to see one upgrade in Windows 8 that wants to make me jump from Win 7.
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