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New Laptop, W8

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PAUL161

PAUL161

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No good comment at this time.:confusion: I guess it's ok for the kids and newbees, but so far for me, it looks like a lot of common sense was thrown out the window when the controls were designed. I don't like having to either load the screen with short cuts or jump to three different places to acheve one thing! If it gets any worse, or I get totally discusted with it, 8s going in the trash and 7 is going in it. I didn't want 8, but just about everything comes with it in it. I never saw where so many user IDs and passwords had to be entered to access some programs. I've had every version of windows other than 2000 and XP, since 3.1 came out and this is oneI could do without. :rolleyes:
 
My advice (having made the switch about 3 weeks ago and found it difficult) is to watch all the available videos (some on the desktop of Win8). Also the "Windows Key" needs to become your friend... notably hitting Windows and "D" to get a normal-looking/traditional desktop.

It WILL grow on you and you'll get used to it, but it's a bit change.
 
As Mark said - if you hit the Windows key, don't you get a relatively normal "desktop"?

and from there, take it step by step. Remember when we went from DOS to the first GUI?

I remember getting lost when I couldn't find this:

apologetics-and-jesus.jpg


But could only see this:

dos6shell.png
 
Wow! Been a long time since I've seen that screen! I really liked the simplicity back then, maybe because it was a challenge. Even took a couple courses in C++. Got my first copy of windows before it was put on CDs. 13 floppies, still have them plus a 5.25 drive with over 50 5.25 floppies in a box somewhere. My first computer was a Commodore and the first hard drive I ever had was a whopping 164MB! Yes, 164MB and thought that was the greatest thing since sliced bread! LOL. Thanks for bringing back some fond memories. :thankyousign: PJ
 
Adding... I think a few other companies have made a "Windows 7" shell that REALLY makes it look and feel like earlier Windows. Seems I do most of my regular activity in the "Windows Key - D" state, but even then there is no Start button (though you can add one). I don't like the "Charms" (they call them) that are hidden off to the right. One nice short-cut is to touch the lower left-hand corner (where the tiled icon appears) and right-click it to get a lot of techie stuff.

At least on a laptop, you can use the special new touch features (using your mouse-pad).
 
Geez, Paul! You missed the two (what I consider) best, most stable versions! NT5 and XP Pro were great compared to the others.

I've a number of clients running Win7 x64 Pro, it's a PITA to integrate into a network using real TCP/IP (Class-C networking) addressing. Haven't had 8 to beat into submission yet but expect it to be even more contrary. Only had a cursory look so far.
 
:encouragement:

BTW, Greg, I threw up a couple more pix in the photo group.
 
I think I still have my Windows 3.1 floppy disks somewhere. And I also agree that XP was the best. I stuck with 98 all the way until XP and the only reason I have even used 7 is because its what my laptop came with. Might buy a Mac for my next laptop.
 
Well, this new computer with W-8 is a royal PITA! Not the computer, it's super, but this W-8 is a complete learning experience. I had Windows essentials and live mail in the old one and MS says they wouldn't work in W-8, Wrong! Downloaded them from the net and they work perfectly! For some reason MS says you have to use the mail program in the W-8 software which isn't so. The photo display is ok, if you never used another, but it takes a couple extra moves to get back and has no advance arrows to go to the next photo. Along with other things that aren't the greatest. Seems like the main reason for this change is to advertise MS products, and applications for other programs, which I could care less about. But that's just me, I'm sure the gamers, bloggers, Facebook, twitter users etc are happy with it. I just don't have any interest in those programs. The Office program is ok and some of the added maintence and safety features that are standard are nice. But, the other computers we have will still remain W-7 and if they go down, I'll have them rebuilt, or, if a new one is needed, I'll buy one only if it comes set up with Windows 7! PJ
 
waltesefalcon said:
I think I still have my Windows 3.1 floppy disks somewhere. And I also agree that XP was the best. I stuck with 98 all the way until XP and the only reason I have even used 7 is because its what my laptop came with. Might buy a Mac for my next laptop.
Click to expand...

I agree. Why do they have to fix things that aren't broken and why can't we have a choice. New and improved just means it cost more. Geez.
 
waltesefalcon said:
I think I still have my Windows 3.1 floppy disks somewhere. And I also agree that XP was the best. I stuck with 98 all the way until XP and the only reason I have even used 7 is because its what my laptop came with. Might buy a Mac for my next laptop.
Click to expand...

I had been a PC / Windows guy for years and never imagined I'd ever buy an Apple product. But then a couple of years ago I bought my wife an iMac because they are supposed to be more "user friendly". Well, of course I ended up playing with her iMac and the more I played on it the more I liked it. Eventually, in 2011, I bought myself an iMac (and later a MacBook pro), and now would never go back to a PC.
 
judow said:
I agree. Why do they have to fix things that aren't broken and why can't we have a choice.
Click to expand...
There is a choice, just not from Microsoft.
judow said:
New and improved just means it cost more. Geez.
Click to expand...
Normally that would be true. A Windows upgrade would set me back $200 for the pro upgrade. I could get it cheaper if I could find an OEM version. Windows 8 pro upgrade sells for $70 until the end of January. $40 if you download it.
 
W8 is not going to really hit its speed until convertible touch screen laptops become common. Then it will become clear what it is about.
With a desktop or "normal" laptop it is a drawback.
Fortunately there are some really nice convertible designs and many more on the way. Also the prices are going to come down fairly rapidly as they start becoming common.
I have had the opportunity to play with a few prototypes and they left me smiling and trying to figure out how to sneak it away from the display stand.
 
Yup. Primarily for touch-screen "ease of use".

Fairly useLESS as a desktop/notebook O/S, IMHO.
 
Since I've had time to play with W-8, I'll admit it has it's advantages in some areas, but if it was a 1,2,3 move, I'd downgrade this computer to W-7! It's a Toshiba, my first, always had HPs and to remove 8 and install 7, all the Toshiba wifi drivers disappear, amongst a few others and I've been told it's a royal PITA to reinstall them on a Toshiba machine. I'll just leave it alone.
My fairly new W-7 HP lap top is gone. I gave it to a friend in New Jersey who lost almost everything in Sandy! Everything on the first floor was totally destroyed. At least the house is still intact. PJ
 
I'm still using XP on this old Desktop. Did just buy my wife a Mac laptop. Doesn't look too hard but I'm still using a flip phone. It does all I want.
 
Paul, download all the drivers ahead of time and make a DVD with 'em all on it. Do a low-level format of the drive, install 7 then the drivers. It ain't rocket surgery. Takes time but certainly worth it.
 
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