How difficult is Windows 8

poppellerant

I must admit, I have recently tried Window 8.1 myself. Other than the start screen/menu/metro/tiles, it's not that bad. I installed a program called StartIsBack to bring back the Window 7-style start menu and remove the charms (top right, left, etc of the screen) - and it's made it so much more usable. Even the Control Panel is just like Windows 7!

p00

SurferDan wrote: »

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.

Packard bell I media 2885 and 2185 we looked for the size of the pc itself because of the shelf it needs to fit on.

I could probably get the dummies book from the library.

And I don't understand things like , classic shell.

P00

Bantex_2

I wish MS would do an XP clone or something. It is just simpler to see what is going on and moving files etc is much more straightforard. W8 seems to want to tell you where you should store things.

Gloomendoom

p00 wrote: »

Packard bell I media 2885 and 2185 we looked for the size of the pc itself because of the shelf it needs to fit on.

I could probably get the dummies book from the library.

And I don't understand things like , classic shell.

P00

Classic shell and Startisback are programs that you can download and install to make Window 8/8.1 usable with a mouse. Well worth doing if you want to retain your sanity... in my opinion.

Don't be afraid of Win 8, it really doesn't take long to get used to. You probably won't need a book.

I like it.

custardy

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Classic shell and Startisback are programs that you can download and install to make Window 8/8.1 usable with a mouse. Well worth doing if you want to retain your sanity... in my opinion.

Don't be afraid of Win 8, it really doesn't take long to get used to. You probably won't need a book.

I like it.

whoa. Lets be clear for the OP.
Windows 8 is perfectly 'usable' with a mouse
I run it on a desktop with no 3rd party programs.
You may prefer it,however lets not start scaremongering.

RumRat

custardy wrote: »

whoa. Lets be clear for the OP.
Windows 8 is perfectly 'usable' with a mouse
I run it on a desktop with no 3rd party programs.
You may prefer it,however lets not start scaremongering.

Agreed, I think it's wrong to advise people to load TP apps from day one. I usually advise people to try it first, then, if they are really losing it over everything, tell them of the other options.
So far, out of 11 people I've helped with the updates etc 6 are using it without any enhancements, 3 are using StartMenuX and Modern mix in a hybrid fashion while still using the Modern Start menu for Apps and the remaining two have gone for a full blown W7 lookey likey...;)

yummy_mummy_2

So I have been using 8 for a couple of days now ...the main problem for me was not been able to use Incredimail .. just would not work could send emails but not receive them?.. even after installing the one that is supposed to work with Windows 8 ....So I have had to uninstall it and go with a new email account which was a pain.

At the moment I am using MSN Windows explorer but should I install Google Chrome and use that as my browser? I have a start button that I can see if I place my mouse pointer in the left hand corner of the screen which helps me navigate to where I want to go so I don't think I will bother updating to 8.1 just now. I am slowly finding my way around this new layout ...not that hard once you get your head around it really.

penrhyn

You are two releases behind, you should update your system ASAP, for security if nothing else. So thats 8.1, from the store, and Update 1 from Windows update.

People still use Incredimail, who knew?:D

John259

yummy_mummy wrote: »

should I install Google Chrome and use that as my browser?

It's entirely your decision but there's nothing to lose by giving it a try. If you don't like it then you can just stop using it, or even uninstall it.

Idiophreak

I really struggle with win 8 - just because I'm so used to how windows has worked every day for the last 10 years, it's a bit of a pain suddenly having to do stuff differently.

In a way, I think the less confident with computers you are, the easier it will be to use windows 8 - as you'll have less habits to break.