Alright, haters. Judging by many of the comments left on this week’s “Week of Windows 8” posts, a number of you aren’t huge fans of Windows 8. In fact, some of you hate it so much, the very mention of the words “Windows” and “eight” in the same sentence – unless it’s a story about “Eight ways to not install Windows 8” or something like that — sets you into a frenzy.
Before you fire up your comment box and give us an earful about yet another story about that “horrible” operating system, let’s talk productive for a moment. Specifically, what can Microsoft do to enrich the operating system’s experience enough so that you’re no longer tempted to throw a brick through the company’s Windows.
When is Windows 8 SP1 coming out? If it follows the timelines set by previous iterations of the operating system, we're expecting sometime in 2014. What might Microsoft include/need to include in order to make Windows 8 a satisfying experience for early adopters and uncommitted upgraders alike?
One caveat, before we get into it: Given that Windows 8 just launched, it’s way too premature to make significant predictions about speed improvements and the lot that Microsoft might bake into a major update to the OS. These kinds of things will iron themselves out over time, and it would be a waste of space for us to just pontificate that “Windows 8 SP1 will totally be faster and such.” And yes, we know that SP1 will contain driver updates and increased compatibility geared toward OEMs. No-brainer there.
Instead, we’re going to concentrate on some of the core improvements that Microsoft could – and should – make to improve the Windows 8 experience and maybe, just maybe, get one or two of you to convert over to the “dark side.” Spoiler: It’s time to fix Metro.
Let’s face it. The Windows 8 user interface is a complete disaster. I realize that some of you – my tech-savvy colleagues, included – are perfectly willing to write off Microsoft’ inclusion of Metro/the “Modern UI”/the “new Windows user interface”/whatever the heck Microsoft’s calling it nowadays. I respect that opinion as a tech-savvy individual myself. But even though Metro is just a big, out of control search tool that you can theoretically ignore if you just want that classic Windows 7 look and feel, it’s just not good enough.
It’s not good enough because average people – and don’t take my word for it, consider the surveys – are being overly confused by Microsoft’s decision to slap a tablet (or smartphone) OS onto Windows 8 for desktops and laptops. So much so, that they can’t even perform normal tasks on their desktops.
The solution? Microsoft needs to refine the user interface, period. And this can take a number of forms. The most obvious solution is treating Metro the way it was meant to be designed: as a supplement to the “core” Windows 7 operating system rather than a botched attempt at a primary UI. Let users boot into the desktop if they want. Give them their Start button back. Give them the option of restricting Metro’s interface to Metro apps only, which also solves the irritating issue of installed apps filling Windows 8’s new user interface full of crappy tiles.
I don’t really have any good suggestions for dealing with the “bars” found in Windows 8, nor do I think Microsoft would be all that willing to abandon its Charms. It’s unfortunate that Windows 8 comes with two disparate settings menus – at the very least, a link from PC Settings to the Control Panel, and vice versa, would be a pleasant touch. As for Share, well, that’s still fussy depending on the kind of content you’re actually trying to show off to others. Caveat emptor.
Why Metro doesn’t talk to Windows 8’s Desktop Mode, and why Windows 8’s Desktop Mode doesn’t talk to Metro, we’ll never know. Or, rather, we’ll never know the reason why Microsoft didn’t do everything in its power to break down the wall between the two halves of Windows 8 – for apps, that is.
Windows 8 currently makes you run two browsers (one for the normal desktop and the other for Metro).
Here’s the confusing bit. If you go to load Internet Explorer, the Metro app, it doesn’t match up with the desktop-based version of Internet Explorer in the slightest. The same holds true for Google’s Chrome, or just about any other app that happens to have both Metro and Desktop versions on Windows 8. What you end up getting are two completely different experiences within – arguably – identical applications: Your tabs in one don’t match your tabs in the other, among other synchronization problems.
Whether this is a Windows issue or a development issue, Microsoft needs to make it easier for apps found on the two parts of its operating system to get along. And while we’re at it, let’s get a fix for the “Can’t load Metro-based browser unless it’s set to be your default browser” issue. I’m not a huge Internet Explorer fan, but there’s absolutely no way I’m going to even be able to use Internet Explorer in Metro the minute I set another browser as my default. In some cases, maybe I’d like to – or need to – use IE. Why send me off to the desktop if you don’t need to, Microsoft?
Comments are closed on this article
MarioJP
November 03, 2012 at 5:13pm
I find win8 a seamless experiences because everything is right there on your face. I like that. And i like how you can alt back and fourth between the desktop and the modern UI without being interrupted. People here just need to give it a break. Its one thing you don't like it because its new but its another trying to ENFORCE their opinions on others especially the ones that does like it. Me myself included.
I am sorry but the more i use Win8 the more articles like these are on shaky grounds and beginning to crack. Win8 is like how winxp went to Vista. Its a change. At least vista had some valid issues like kind of a resource hog and the driver support wasn't there.
But Win8 has NO VALID issues what so ever. Its very snappier than win7. With that said. Bye bye Windows 7 and hello Windows 8. Finally i can have apps that were only exclusively to tablets and phone ON MY PC on top of the real thing.
The way i look at this. Metro or Modern UI is either a appetizer before or a dessert after a big meal. Nothing is really taken away. Only thing i noticed is not much of a windows themes to select but who cares. And i also could careless about the gadget thing. Metro UI replaces the stupid Sidebar or gadget.
Missing Start menu is where i lost hope in humanity lmao!. I find that the start screen is much better for searching and pinning not only to the taskbar but on the metro wall as well freeing up the desktop from icons. I just don't know about these people anymore lol.
I am typing this on my Windows 8 PC. I don't regret upgrading either. An investment well spent
Prime examples of the Wapps
.Netflix
.Newegg
.Slacker RadioThose 3 Apps free's up using the browser to login especially the netflix app. Using the app instead of the browser is a far better experience of watching tv shows and movies. So there ha.
jaseplase
November 04, 2012 at 10:45pm
well said mario. was on the fence from hearing all the hate but am really liking it so far.
gatorXXX
November 03, 2012 at 3:40pm
Ballmer and the dipshits around him need to hang their head in shame...
YOUR FIRED!
MarioJP
November 03, 2012 at 3:07pm
I really don't know why there is so much hate regarding Windows 8. Having a separate OS?? like if that is a good idea. I don't know what you guys are expecting but one thing for sure that the way we use our computers is changing. Just imagine if MS released another Windows 7. Just another desktop. What is the excuse now?? "Same o thing MS is not innovating why bother to upgrade if 7 does the same"
The fact of the matter is that Windows 8 brings interesting ways one uses their computers. Windows 8 reminds me one of those movies where the content is full screen, hiding the OS. Nothing really taken away. and its not counter-intuitive. What would the world be 10 years from now on..
"not upgrading to windows 11 gonna hang on to 7 or XP" This legacy can only go so far.
All credibility is lost when one says "Give me back my start Menu" really??? I mean sure it served its role for more than a decade, but c'mon it is not a big of a deal. I already figured windows 8 in's and outs. I find Windows 8 for me personally to be much more enjoyable experience than 7.
Some of you overly exaggerate just like this article lmao.
gatorXXX
November 03, 2012 at 3:50pm
You have got to be kidding right?
Look. It's not the OS itself because the "OS" is fine. It's how they implemented a mobile OS on top of it. It's a piss poor attempt at trying to converge the two together and it's a complete mess. Innovative? Yes. Intuitive? Yes again. Counter productive? HELL YES! The two mesh like water and WD-40 and it's the most hideous attempt at anything that MS has ever tried to pull over its customers.
MarioJP
November 03, 2012 at 4:21pm
I am not kidding as me being the early adopter from day one and have ditched 7 for 8. I am not going back. There are Apps that eliminates of having to use the web browser. yes i know what you talking about slapping 2 things together. I think its an attempt to try something new. I don't mind the addon apps as i am starting to find some of these apps very useful.
Sorry that you don't like it but this sounds more of a personal preference than it really is.
gatorXXX
November 03, 2012 at 5:23pm
Well, I'm all for trying something new....but this was a poor attempt. It feels sooooo unfinished at launch. There's so much they could have done to make it better but decided to leave the two separate but yet joined at the hip. Don't get me wrong, it's a step in the right direction but this attempt took the left turn at radiator springs.....
califrag
November 03, 2012 at 1:22pm
I agree with the majority of the article's points but since the points critically needed to correct MS 8 (I really can't call it Windows...since it doesn't even have any) and the suggestion that SP1 wont happen until perhaps 2014 instead of November 2012, it only makes me happy that I have two pristine copies of Win7 Pro 64 in a safe place.
I'll never understand MS's middle-finger to the billions of desktop owners without a touch screen and who don't want a crippled work or recreation experience, but since MS has now defined their intent to stop being involved in the desktop computer market I fully intend to begin my study of the Penguin. I will not purchase MS 8 until they actually make it Windows 8 with a Metro interface that can be applied if wanted. Better yet, how about a Windows 8 for desktops and separate OS for tablets and smartphones? Or is that too radical?
ss81bja
November 03, 2012 at 1:02pm
Most of Win 8 flaws are UI(Metro) based but are such that it can kill the user experience. Win8 is basically Win7 enhanced + Metro. At the core it is still as good as Win 7 so any SP shouldn't be too hard. In fact I can see a lot of 3rd party software developed to improve Metro.
What i want to see:-
1) the start screen is a poor substitute to the start menu. Either put
back the start menu or make the superbar more customizable(e.g. like ObjectDock)2) Metro just blatantly lacks UI customization options eg there should be folder tiles to put icon groups in, changing tile colors etc.
I still applauded Microsoft for Win8 because it recognizes that the future is touch but does not forget that Windows is a desktop OS.
Jeffredo
November 03, 2012 at 10:37am
Evolution, not revolution Microsoft. You've condition people over 20 years to expect certain things from the UI. Every OS since 3.1 has been a refinement, not a reinvention.
compguytracy
November 03, 2012 at 10:35am
In desktop, file explorer is pinned automatically to task bar, open file explorer, find computer, right click to get to control panel, system properties, device manager, etc.
burntham77
November 03, 2012 at 9:58am
Everything from MaxPCs recent Windows 8 Tips article would be nice to see made the norm in the OS. Also, I would like to see them take everything from the Control Panel and move it to the new Settings area. If they want us to use the new interface, then let's use it.
JMK60
November 03, 2012 at 8:36am
Not sure what you mean by: "Here’s the confusing bit. If you go to load Internet Explorer, the Metro app, it doesn’t match up with the desktop-based version of Internet Explorer in the slightest." I just set IE up within Metro with my favorite tabs, addition of Menu bar, ext.....then closed it and launched from desktop. Came up just like I set it up on Metro.
gatorXXX
November 03, 2012 at 4:03pm
He's saying that they aren't the same. They don't mesh in the slightest with one another. Yeah, they sync up but whooptie doo! The Metro version is optimized for touch on a mobile setting while the desktop version is for all intents and purposes, a desktop version. Kinda like using two different versions of the same browser. Why?
Erris
November 03, 2012 at 7:17am
I agree with every point of the article and want to add a few additional changes I would like to see:
Ability to add people to contact list from the new Mail app.
Ability to NOT show the hotmail email account in the new Mail app.
Ability for the Calendar app to scan the mail account for any scheduled events - like deliveries, plane ticket confirmation emails, etc and create calendar entries for them.
Ability to scroll the metro UI by moving the mouse to the left/right edges of the screen.
Ability to freely place tiles in any pattern I choose.
Ability to further increase tile to any combination from 1x1 to at least 4x4. I would prefer to be able to be able to make a single tile the size of the current columns if I want a bunch of news info there for example.
Less wasted space around the tiles.
Improved Music app view - want to be able to see my music by folder.
Improved Video app view - want to be able to see my videos by folder.
For both Music and Video apps - My content should be the default view, not what they want to sell to me. When they make the OS free, then they can put priority on sponsored content.
Add Close buttons to Metro Apps
Make the shutoff/Sleep etc commands closer. Tired of digging 2 layers down to get basic functionality
Add Widgets/Gadgets to the regular desktop.
Make it possible to have a window open over the Metro UI start menu.
Get rid of the 3 buckets where results get segregated when searching for apps in the Metro Start menu. Should have only 1 bucket for results.
Apps should add a link only to the main program .exe file to the Start menu.
Update ALL windows throughout the OS to have the same Metro UI borders
Update ALL windows throughout the OS to be re-sizable. Reading the various old settings windows 4-5 lines at a time might have been good enough when we had 640x480 resolution displays, but is not anymore.
Make "hubs" for things like Games - Something like one main games "tile" which when clicked "unfolds" the games you have installed as an overlay instead of a new window.
There were more things I found lacking, but they don't come to mind now.
Duck Dodgers
November 04, 2012 at 7:18am
It's the best of both worlds! I have no problems using Windows 8 this way.
Stocklone
November 03, 2012 at 6:51am
The only things I agree with this article is that it's confusing that only the default browser can run in Metro mode. And that tiles should be able to auto arrange themselves by group. Android has the exact same issue. If this stuff is organized and categorized in the app store, the user should have an option of taking advantage of that. Or add the ability to tell it which group to go to when you select to install the app. It could be a list right under the download button. Or you could have a zoomed out copy of the start screen on the bottom and you would drag the icon to the group you wanted it to go to when you install the app if you want to make it more of a NUI feeling. You don't even need a download button then.
The only things I see happening to the start screen, is that they add the ability to have quarter size tiles like WP8 so you can fit more on the screen without having to scroll. I imagine that would make 7 tiles looks better too since you will has less whitespace space around the icon. And the ability to delete entire groups in the zoomed out mode. This way if some 7 program barfs out 20 tiles, you can grab 1 or 2 you actually want, zoom out and toss the rest with two clicks.
Gutter96
November 03, 2012 at 6:54am
The only real thing I would like to see is for Microsoft to give the user the option to turn "Metro" on or off. If you like it turn it on. If you don't turn it off. It can't be that hard. I personally like some of the Metro Apps. Maps is good, weather is good and there are a few others that I really like as well. I DON'T like that I have TWO DIFFERENT versions of Chrome, that are completely separate (histories, shortcuts, etc.)
If I don't have either a tablet OR a smartphone, why would I run a tablet/phone interface on my PC? It's because Microsoft wants to "unify" their OS across all platforms. Well guess what? It only makes a difference if you have a WINDOWS tablet, a WINDOWS phone and an XBox! How many of you out there are ready to can your android phones and tablets for a windows version? Last I checked, 75 percent of mobile devices use ANDROID. That leaves 24 percent running iOS, and ONE PERCENT running windows. Kinda sounds like they are putting the cart before the horse to me.
tcreek
November 03, 2012 at 6:46am
Pastorbob, see the link below to delete the windows.old file.
This refers you to Administrative Tools > Disk cleanup. Choose "Cleanup syastem files". Make sure that there are no files in windows.old that were not copied to Windows 8.http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2527-windows-old-folder-delete-windows-8-a.html
pastorbob
November 03, 2012 at 9:46am
Thanks tcreek and davelray. That allowed me to free up 30 gig of my SSD.
davelray
November 03, 2012 at 6:19am
Thanks guys for all the laughs this morning. It's hilarious seeing all the Windows 8 hate spewing forth from people that don't use it and never intend on using it because they'd rather rage over it. I wonder if half of you would be truly happy if you didn't have something to complain about.
gatorXXX
November 03, 2012 at 4:20pm
Hey. I bought it for 14.99 and installed it on my laptop. In fact, I'm using it right now. So I have the right to spew hate if I so wish. And I'm spewing it.
IT SUCKS. PERIOD. What part of that do you not understand? The "it sucks"? Or the "period"? Cause "metro" at this point is the most hideous skin/overlay I have ever used. This is my opinion and I have a right to express it. I expressed it....now go away.
davelray
November 03, 2012 at 6:10pm
And I, as well as many many others, are just fine with it. Just because you have your panties in a wad because you don't understand it, or won't bother taking the time to learn it, doesn't mean you should waste your time and others whining and complaining. By all means, go back to Windows 7 if you like. I don't think anyone held a gun to your head and made you upgrade. Or better yet, stop nitpicking everything and learn and adjust. Not everyone shares your opinion and we have every right to express our own. Or did you forget about that while you were spewing your self-entitled bull?
InfiniteImp
November 03, 2012 at 10:16am
You assume a lot. Did I say I didn't use it? I used it several times, and long enough to know that it takes longer to do what I want and it's more inconvenient. I even installed it as a dual-boot with Win7 because I intended to give it a fair evaluation, and I did. It failed.
I'd be VERY happy if I didn't have to complain. I would love to be able to say "Microsoft just keeps making their already good OS better". That just isn't the case here. It offers functionality I'd like to use (improved copying, system restore functionality, etc) and if in the future they allow me to use it as a proper desktop OS (i.e. with a Start menu and bypassing the tile start screen), I will switch to it.
pastorbob
November 04, 2012 at 6:07pm
It takes one click to display the desktop. If you want to run an app (even the ones installed in Win 7 and carried over) just begin typing the name of the app at the Start screen and it brings up the app icon and you click on it. Do you want to display your older apps on your Start screen and give yourself one click startup? Pull up your list of apps from the search window, right click on the app icon and select "pin to start" at the bottom of the screen. Or go to the desktop and use the taskbar. Either way works and it doesn't get any easier.
If all you did was try Windows 8 in a dual boot setup without importing or reinstalling all of your old apps then you did not give it a fair shake. I did the same thing and was also disappointed. Once I did an upgrade install and pulled in all of my existing settings and apps, then tweaked it for a day my opinion changed dramatically.
Just like any new OS, until you spend a little time learning the new features you won't get the full flavor of how it works.
pastorbob
November 03, 2012 at 5:58am
I understand all of the negative energy this OS generates. I felt the same way when I tried the preview version so I removed it from my system. But, I've used my upgrade install for three days now and while I have had to get used to some changes, for the most part I have no major problems with Windows 8. The original look and feel of Windows 7 (minus the Start menu) is only a mouse click away. All of my previously installed apps run well. As far as lack of sync between the Metro version and desktop version of an app (e.g. IE 10) I can see where that could be a problem. But I launch IE from the desktop so it is a moot to me.
How I feel about it doesn't invalidate the complaints many have against it. What made the difference for me was to install it when I had the time to spend learning how to navigate it and all of the changes.
One question though. Can I delete the Windows.old folder without any detrimental impact? If so how do I do it? In previous upgrades I was given an option to do so (delete previous Windows install. But I haven't found that option in Windows 8. And when I tried to just delete the folder I was told I "need permission from TrustedInstaller" to do it.
Any suggestions?
davelray
November 03, 2012 at 6:26am
Yes you have few options to do this. DiskCleanup is probably the easiest. Just search for "cleanmgr" and run it. Select the drive with the windows.old folder on it as the drive to clean. Click the Clean Up System Files button. Choose your drive again, then select the check box for Previous Windows Installations. Click Ok, Click Delete. And your done when it's done. If you are comfortable with command line, it's even easier. Launch an elevated command line window and put in "RD /S /Q %SystemDrive%\windows.old" without the quotes of course.
Just make sure you get whatever data files you need copied out of windows.old before you delete it using either method. It's sole purpose in life is as a temporary backup in case for whatever reason, it failed to copy any of your files or data into your new folders after installation.
gatorXXX
November 03, 2012 at 4:26pm
No one should have to get a degree in technology to delete a freakin' folder. Before it was simple...find folder, right click, select delete, click yes.....done. There's NO NEED for the crap you have to go through to do basic and simple tasks.
pastorbob
November 04, 2012 at 6:11pm
Degree in technology? It took me all of 30 seconds to follow davelray's advice and be done with it. I believe that is one of the purposes for the comments section and the forums. So we can share knowledge and experience.
davelray
November 03, 2012 at 6:16pm
Gee, I didn't know you needed a education to learn that your standard account needs to be elevated to delete certain folders. Considering it's been that way since Vista. So here's your education. The Windows.Old folder contains the older operating system. That means it has several protected files and folders that require Administrative rights to delete. It's called system security. Do a little research before you make yourself look even less intelligent than you already have.
kevaskous
November 04, 2012 at 1:03am
Believe XP did the same thing, was also removed in the same manner.
RUSENSITIVESWEETNESS
November 03, 2012 at 5:04am
“Eight ways to not install Windows 8.” That is brilliantly funny.
Yeah, I'm enraged by the decision to FORCE a phone OS onto desktop PC users. Apple doesn't do that. Nobody does that. It was a monumentally stupid decision, and those responsible should be sacked. I've been using Windows since 3.0. I skipped ME and Vista, because of their performance issues. I will skip Windows 8 because of the Metro interface. Those boot times don't impress me. I can download a new file manager. I don't need Windows 8, and I certainly don't need a telephone OS on my PC.
If Microsoft continues down this road and closes its platform off entirely (all software must be purchased through Microsoft), as many expect they will, I will switch back to Apple. Hell, the only reason I use a PC is that the openness of the platform allows for greater software diversity, including games. Take that away, and what is the point?
Stupidparrot
November 03, 2012 at 5:00am
Agreed. I have found that I am much more stingy with the time element I am prepared to invest in a new OS than the money. Frustration and aggravation are something I get enough of for free, why would I spend my money to buy some?
igoka
November 03, 2012 at 12:33am
Lol. Win 8 has just been released and there is already need for service pack , reminds me of Vista situation. I wonder how many desktops and laptops will be returned ? No wonder stores still have Win 7 machines available. For me personally I'm gonna stay with Win 7.
guntlager
November 02, 2012 at 11:30pm
I've had Windows 8 running for a week now. While easy to install it took three evenings of fiddling in order to get it to run on my Mac Pro. I can't blame Microsoft for all the problems since Apple Bootcamp does not yet support Windows 8.
To be clear I'm a major, major Metro hater. What a piece of crapware. Weak Mail, weak Photos, weak Music, stupid Travel. The disappointments just don't end. Metro is definitely the 'People Magazine' of OSs, big pretty pictures, zero to worthless content. Oh those poor bastards who bought Windows 8 RT anything.
The Metro Start Screen is fairly easy to set up once you learn a few tricks. It's way better than it was on the previews. Some convenient groups can be created. Other than that Metro sucks bigtime.
The desktop is really nice. The new layout is cleaner and fresher looking than Windows 7. I'm using a toned down color #14 scheme with Apple's orange fish against green desktop picture and it looks great. I've also got Office 2010 set to the "black" color option. Easy on the eyes with none of that Microsoft blue on blue on blue look.
Naturally I'm using Stardock's Start8 app to bring back the traditional start button. By ignoring Metro I've got an improved, responsive, snappy, great looking desktop to work on. Windows 8 is a worthy improvement over Windows 7 and a steal at forty bucks.
Now if only Microsoft would bring back the real start button and offer a boot to desktop option I could give them 100% of the credit for a great OS. As it is I'll only give them 99%.
BTW Windows 8, Windows 7 and Mountain Lion Geekbench about the same. As expected the Windows installs kills Mountain Lion on Cinebench.
Bullwinkle J Moose
November 02, 2012 at 11:05pm
EDIT MODE
I'd like an Edit Mode to simply right click on any command or function that I never use and remove it from view to streamline the O.S. the way I use it
Not to remove simply Metro, but any and all options, commands and apps from every Window including control panel, device mangler, etc
Edit Mode would not remove the code itself, but simply the visual access to that specific function to avoid confusion and customize the O.S. to the way I do things
To bring any specific option back, simply enter Edit Mode again and select the option you want back
MicroSloth should then allow users to add functions not included with the Original O.S. and embed those functions as right click options wherever "WE" want them such as the file mangler or desktop
EDIT MODE
Add Start Menu
Remove Metro
Add Lossless Rotate for Selected Jpeg's to File Mangler
Add Record what you hear option to sound panel
etc, etcOr simply remove Everything from the desktop and then Right Click your way to whatever you want
adding or removing functions that "WE" want for "OUR" O.S. is the way to go as they can easily be reversed later when needed
I would buy a copy if it worked the way I want it to work and then simply make a backup
I actually love the power saving features of Windows 8 by the way
It's just everything else that I hate!
jgottberg
November 05, 2012 at 1:22pm
Dude, after reading enough of your posts, you obviously AREN'T rushing out to buy a copy anytime soon. If memory serves me, you are still pimping WinXP. It's fine that you dislike, or even despise Windows 8 but I have to question why you continue to go out of your way to post negative things about an OS that you haven't used and don't intend to buy.
mattatooski
November 03, 2012 at 3:54pm
What have you done with the Bullwinkle that we have all come to love ..... "I would buy a copy if it worked ....." I will call the authorities and let them know that the moose has been taken hostage.
InfiniteImp
November 02, 2012 at 9:26pm
Let me start by saying that this message is written from the standpoint of a desktop, non-touchscreen user. For touchscreen users I'm sure the experience is completely different.
I've been an early adopter of every Windows OS since Windows 3 (yes, including Windows ME and Vista). There was always something significantly better and something to look forward to. Windows 8 adds nothing major (although there are several nice improvements) and takes away some very significant functionality, replacing it with what I can best describe as a gimmick. I love my start menu. I use it often and I use it for specific purposes. I like my programs grouped; I like related items together, I like the ability to pin items to the start menu.
How hard would it have been for MS to give the OPTION to use the modern UI -OR- the desktop as the primary interface. How hard would it have been to leave the start button? They knew very well that unless they FORCED it on people, it wouldn't get used. This approach has, after all, worked for Apple and its iSheep (users). They are told what they'll like and they like it. Doesn't work for Windows users, however.
MS, you need to IMPROVE functionality, not take it away and replace it with something inferior.
88keyz
November 03, 2012 at 4:44pm
I agree completely. I have always thought that each version of Windows was an improvement on the last, Windows 8 has brought that tradition to an end. Its not that it didn't bring anything new the table, the problem is that it brought too much new while taking away too much of the familiar at the same time. I was, and still am, an avid supporter of Windows Vista. My opinion is that Windows 7 was only a success because Vista paved the way for it with its own revolutionary changes. For me though Vista and 7 worked because the major changes were behind the scenes and they were done in order to take advantage of new technology and to improve the user experience. With Windows 8 Microsoft thought that they had built a better mouse trap when in fact they already had the perfect design to begin with. Windows 95 was the last revolution in the Windows OS interface and that actually served to make the user experience better, that is the reason that it was the standard for the next 17 years. In 17 years does anyone think we'll still be using the Windows 8 interface design?
chrome_slinky
November 02, 2012 at 8:31pm
On another site, it has been reported that Microsoft will be releasing no more service packs for any OS, from now on.
{{{http://www.instantfundas.com/2012/10/windows-service-packs-no-more.html}}}
wolfing
November 02, 2012 at 7:28pm
They should add a 'restore Windows 7' button in the Windows 8 SP1
gatorXXX
November 03, 2012 at 5:13pm
HUH? It's the same freakin' desktop as win 7....minus the start menu. So how is it more redefined? Tell me please.I'm all giddy to hear it....
Neufeldt2002
November 03, 2012 at 12:23am
In your opinion. I find it not very nice to look at, but I don't like minimalist I prefer the look that aero gives and 7 is polished enough for my tastes, that is my opinion.
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