77 replies to this topic

[Doctor Destiny]

So the consumer preview is out and I just happened to have installed Virtualbox last night as well. I grabbed me an ISO copy of Windows 8 x86 and installed it virtually. I've used it on and off today just to see how it works and functions. The Metro interface really isn't so bad but that lack of a start button is going to be really grating. Short of that though, everything about the new OS runs and functions like it did in Windows 7 with some new eyecandy tweaks and some additional functionality like connecting with Live accounts and, of course, Xbox Dashboard functionality as well. Overall, it's shaping up to be neat, but it needs some work before I'd call it done. Though, really, all they need to do is add the ****ing start button again.

Any of you had an opportunity to try it yet?

[zocom7]

I wish I would want the opportunity to try Windows 8, but since it's mostly tablet-related, meh.

When Windows 8 is out, might as well get the latest free versions of Direct X, MS Dotnet Framework and maybe IE.

Edited by zocom7, Tuesday, 1 May 2012 - 11:57 PM.

[Sonic]

I avoid using pre-release versions of Windows. Most are stable but who know what can go wrong with them.

When Windows 8 is out, might as well get the latest free versions of Direct X, MS Dotnet Framework and maybe IE.

Free versions? Since when have Microsoft charge for things like Direct X or even IE? They are Windows components that are updated for free.

[Doctor Destiny]

That's why I installed my copy of Windows 8 on a VM. If it tanks, it doesn't matter.

[Tore]

Windows 8 got the most important functionality inn:

[Doctor Destiny]

Windows 8 looks to be built mostly on Windows 7 with a lot of cosmetic changes. The core seems about the same so it's no surprise that it runs.

[Nmenth]

If it is mostly cosmetic, I'll pass. 7 looks fine, whereas 8 looks like the computer got a virus and then digitally vomited all over its monitor.

[Doctor Destiny]

Aside from the Metro start screen, Windows 8 looks identical to 7. Oh, and the Ribbon interface in Explorer. In other words, it's really not all that different. Everything is in the same place as 7 so I don't see what the big deal is aesthetically.

[Nmenth]

I don't see what the big deal is aesthetically.

These:

the Metro start screen

the Ribbon interface in Explorer

[Doctor Destiny]

The Metro start screen is easy: click the "Desktop" button and there's everything right there. Even the Ribbon interface is in Windows 7. Open Wordpad and there you go. Yeah, it takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it's not all that difficult. The learning curve isn't that steep. Click around and do something with it.

[Nmenth]

I didn't say it was hard to use, I said it looks like digital vomit. And I know they started implementing Ribbon in 7, it is one of the stupidest "improvements" Microsoft has come out with to date. Yes, I understand how to use it, no, I don't want to.

[Doctor Destiny]

There are worse things. Have you seen myspace pages lately? Windows 8 is now not bad.

[Nmenth]

I don't know if I've ever looked at Myspace before, but I know what you are saying. It is a trend these days to keep upgrading everything beyond functionality. I think it is because these designers would lose their jobs if they said, it is done, I have made everything perfect. So instead they keep actively destroying their products under the guise of "improvements".

[Doctor Destiny]

Windows 8 is going for the moron approach like the Mac OS did. Morons account for more business than users like us. We just have to adapt and, really, it isn't even that bad. It's no less usable than Windows XP or 7.

[Plokite_Wolf]

If there's a Metro start screen, what's the point of having the classic desktop view? And where the **** is the start button in the mentioned desktop?!

[Doctor Destiny]

The classic desktop view is for desktop PCs of course. And people who are good with the desktop aspect instead of the Metro stuff.

There is no Start button. It's gone. Replaced with the start screen. The good folks over at Stardock have developed Start8 so there's no worries.

[Plokite_Wolf]

Well, if there IS a desktop, I'd prefer to use it over the iPhoneish Metro ****. But the Start button should not have been retired. I use it to.... well.... start things.

I mean, how to access the control panel or delete programs you no longer need?

[Sonic]

If you upgrade to Windows 8 and then spend time changing it and adding in third party software to work like Windows 7, Vista or whatever you might as well just stick with your current OS.

Screen shot of Windows 8 with "Start8"

[Doctor Destiny]

I actually like the look of that. Classic functionality with a new look. Neat.

[Plokite_Wolf]

Even third-party stuff is something.