I don't understand Windows 8

prowla

I've installed the Windows 8 release preview on a PC, and I just don't get the dumbed down start screen and can't figure out what I'm supposed to press or where I'm supposed to click (and with which button), or is it which hot keys, key combinations and gestures to use? (I only ended up doing one gesture, and it wasn't a polite one!).

Also, a lot of the functionality seems to require a Microsoft email account.

The maps app is very good (but maybe not as good as google earth), but otherwise, I just plain don't get it.

LincolnshireYokel

Its an even numbered windows version, itll be a waste of disc space installing it.

WelshSun

LincolnshireYokel wrote: »

Its an even numbered windows version, itll be a waste of disc space installing it.

Well thats been sort of true!*
95, 98, 2000, ME, XP, Vista, 7, 8.

However, Windows 8 does look different, and very much an advancement on Windows 7.
Plus I can't wait for the MS Surface


*Can I just say a) I liked Vista and b) it worked fine on my machine.

chunter

I'm sure windows 8 will fall between the floorboards.
Windows 7 works. It doesn't need fixed.
Unless it comes up some remarkable new innovation, it's basically irrelevant to the masses.

After wading through a half dozen reviews, I can confirm the above.

Are Microsoft really going down the Apple app route?
How utterly bizarre!

wallbash

Used Win 8 for weeks , went back to 7......says it all.

jayme1

it's basically the same as windows 7 but has a different start menu, for desktop users when it boots to the start menu just click the 'desktop tile' and go from there, exactly how windows 7 is now.
I don't know about you but I can go weeks without ever using 'Start' in windows 7, I certainly never click 'Start' and then go to 'all programs', in windows 7 and 8 (and vista) if you need anything just click the start button on your keyboard and type what you want, simpler and faster.
After that everything is exactly the same in windows 8 as it is now in windows 7 but it has better features like native USB3 support, Storage Spaces and native iso and VHD mounting.

though that being said I'm not sure if I'll upgrade or not, though the £30 upgrade to win 8 pro (equivalent to win7 ultimate) and the free media center addon is tempting.

wallbash

I don't know about you but I can go weeks without ever using 'Start' in windows 7, I certainly never click 'Start' and then go to 'all programs', in windows 7 and 8 (and vista) if you need anything just click the start button

But what about turning your computer off ??

Make win 8 better by giving us a dedicated 'off' button!

Richie-from-the-Boro

- its a hybrid that Microsoft were / are hoping will unify the O/S between different hardware platforms
- the iPhone generation and touchscreen fans seem to love it, the remainder hate the Metro interface
- the interface can be 'toggled' with the windows key
- whether we like it or not the tablet generation have to be catered for
- there is still available a working widely available 'toggle' [single click registry hack]

If however you look at Win8 as an O/S it offers as others have said almost nothing than Win7 already offers to desktop users, the upgrade path to 8 from 7 is cheap enough for licensed users but as a non-tablet user I for one see it as a Paul Daniels effect just a~n~other example of the emperor in new clothes.
___________________________

........... where is that gentle, nice, softly spoken sweet person Hammyman anyway ?

elektra

Taking this thread back a step -

What do you prefer/like about Windows 7 compared to Windows XP ?

phoneguy

What is 'Windows'?

GunJack

XP and 7 - Good

8 - BAD

no more really needs to be said, other than a long rant about the "Tablet Generation", apple and microsoft could be inserted here very easily....

Generation X still the best