How difficult is Windows 8

SurferDan

Can you give us the model number of the Packard Bell PC they are trying to sell you and the price. Then someone can suggest an alternative PC complete with operating system.
Windows 8.1 For Dummies can be bought for less than £10.

AshleyPomeroy

p00 wrote: »

PC world then told us they would charge £40 to install software and £30 to even show us how to turn it on as it 'doesnt have the normal start button'

Just for an example, here's one of PC World's USB extension cables:
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/components-upgrades/other-components/internal-cables/advent-auex48m12-usb-2-0-extension-cable-3-m-12716823-pdt.html

It's £14.99. The equivalent product from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-A-Male-A-Female-Extension-Cable/dp/B001TH7GUU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1398459578&sr=8-2&keywords=usb+extension+cable

It's £5.29. PC World employs a lot of people, and in that respect it's fab. As a place to buy computers it makes a bit of sense if you're worried about servicing, but as I understand it you have to pay for an extended warranty and there comes a point when it's just not worth it.

As for Windows 8, you turn on the machine and then click "desktop" and you're on the desktop. The best thing to do at that point is (a) check for updates (b) pop open IE, download Firefox, install Firefox, then download and install something like Classic Shell:
http://www.classicshell.net/

Run through the default installation options and, paf, you have Windows 7 (for the most part).

4743hudsonj

The current version of windows (8.1) already has the start button back. The menu just looks different and now takes up the entire screen. If you get your head round that and ignore the colours its actually not that much of a different concept.

Also in the pipeline is a change to bring back the smaller start menu blending the best of old and new. Dont pay them a penny, you will pick it up soon enough.

I_have_spoken

8.1 Update 1 is very much better for mouse/keyboard users. You can boot to the desktop, have the Start menu show all programs by category and have IE always open in desktop mode.

dizziblonde

I was on the PC world website yesterday and even THEY are marketing their PCs now with a "Windows 8.1 is bringing back the start button" line in the descriptions of them all.

I do have a lot of fun in PC world when they start assuming I'm female so have no clue about PCs though.

penrhyn

There are two rules about PC World.

Rule 1. Do not shop PC World
Rule 2. DO NOT shop in PC World


PS OAP running Windows 8.1, its a not so bad.

grumpycrab

I've provided a few Windows8 computers. Obviously a reasonable amount of computer literacy is required to use any computer. I determine whether somebody is "reasonably computer literate" if they know how to use a mouse (IE know the differences between left-mouse single/double clicking and right-mouse clicking).

The main app issue is moving from Outlook Express. Windows Live Mail is a problem with some people ("where's the print button" being a common question). I have best luck with Thunderbird although its tabbed functionality has caused confusion.

A 3rd party start button is still beneficial (despite MS attempts to appease); and while modern/metro apps are still fullscreen a third party app to fix this is also useful. (see my sig.)

yummy_mummy_2

I am Today awaiting delivery of a new computer running windows 8.
When I set it up will it automatically update to 8.1 ? also need to know if I can still use IncrediMail with it? Have to admit I am dreading having to set it up... I am so used to XP.

Any hints/help you can give me would be great .

grumpycrab

If its just Windows8 then you upgrade to 8.1 (if you want) via the Store. Its a big update.
IncrediMail info is here http://support.incredimail.com/entries/23246566-Windows-8-Compatibility

I_have_spoken

When I set it up will it automatically update to 8.1

You need to let it complete all the hot-fixes to 8.0, then go to the Windows Store for 8.1, then let it complete all the hot fixes for 8.1 Update 1. Yes, it takes hours.