Windows 8... Again

[Doctor Destiny 41]

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?

[PurpleGaga27 40]

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 May 1, 2012 by zocom7

[Sonic 296]

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 41]

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

[Tore 33]

Windows 8 got the most important functionality inn:

 

 

[Doctor Destiny 41]

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 291]

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 41]

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 291]

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

These:

the Metro start screen

the Ribbon interface in Explorer

[Doctor Destiny 41]

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 291]

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 41]

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

[Nmenth 291]

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 41]

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.

[Plok 327]

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 41]

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.

[Plok 327]

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 296]

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 41]

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

[Plok 327]

Even third-party stuff is something.

[TheBlackOut 7]

I'll be interested to see if any marketing attempts occur. Say, buy this Windows 8 tablet and get a desktop version for free or discounted. Or get this desktop version and here will be a coupon for a tablet.

 

I used to think tablets wouldn't appeal to me but after having had two (I did not buy them), they're sort of fun to have in certain situations. I wouldn't buy one at full price but I would consider it at a discounted one...

 

Microsoft needs to do something if they even hope to capture any sort of significance in the tablet sphere this late in the game.

 

And from what I read about their pricing for the tablet OS.... I am not sure they're going to.

[pichorra 4]

Microsoft still investing in x86? meh... we broke almost all limitation of x86 Windows that it is just ridiculous keep supporting it. Even more ridiculous make it requiring PAE to work... 32-bits OSs should die, and Microsoft is waiting so much for that. I doubt that a inversiment like that is worst injury than Windows Millennium, or Vista.

 

That interface is confuse. But it isn't a problem. Win3 to 95 was also a big change. But I am sure that a lot of users won't upgrade it due this Interface.

 

Tablet Windows is... a good ideia if there are intel x64 compatible tablets. Windows ARM don't see to be an advantage, Microsoft removed the new office exclusivity for it, and if microsoft force the users to use Silverlight, Internet Explorer, or any other crap like that, then get a Android.

 

I've heart that Windows 8 require a compatible BIOS to activate... If it somehow write stuff in BIOS, we are all screwed. Wait for some virus bypass the Windows Security and mess the BIOS up...

 

 

So, just waiting the result... I can be wrong.

[PurpleGaga27 40]

If 32bit OSs die, how would older programs work in 64 bit mode? I have been depending on 32-bit apps 99% of the time.

[Doctor Destiny 41]

I run 32-bit apps on a 64-bit OS daily. You just can't run 16-bit apps on a 64-bit OS. That's really your limitation.

 

And I believe the reason Windows 8 will still have a 32-bit version is emerging markets like Africa, Asia and Latin America. With the poor areas unable to afford anything, cheap models are being made specifically for their regions to get them into the markets as well. At least, that's my theory anyway and it holds some merit with the "$100 Laptops" being produced for those regions.

[pichorra 4]

Even computers from three years ago can run 64-bits code wihout problems. most of Atoms can run 64-bits. Same go to newest Semptroms

 

Wait... Mine is from 2005 and it actually CAN run it.

 

I'm not saying that microsoft need to stop supporting 32-bits OS, but they could push a 64-bits only Windows 8.

 

About the low-end computers: There is no reason for Windows 8 supporting those... It is designed for Touchscreen computers, and those one just got a mouse.

 

Is Windows 8 using an updated NT Kernel, or it still in NT6 kernel?