Thread: Windows 8

Windows 8 will be officially released on October 26th (next week) and here is some feedback from the previewers. I've read some other things on techrader and what not.

As a casual user with simple needs I suppose this won't affect me much.

I am skeptical of the part on bold below. I mean, it can't be that difficult.

Originally published Friday, October 19, 2012

Early look at Windows 8 baffles consumers

The release of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system is a week away, and consumers are in for a shock. Windows, used in one form or another for a generation, is getting a completely different look that will force users to learn new ways to get things done.

By PETER SVENSSON
AP Technology Writer

NEW YORK — The release of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system is a week away, and consumers are in for a shock. Windows, used in one form or another for a generation, is getting a completely different look that will force users to learn new ways to get things done.

Microsoft is making a radical break with the past to stay relevant in a world where smartphones and tablets have eroded the three-decade dominance of the personal computer. Windows 8 is supposed to tie together Microsoft's PC, tablet and phone software with one look. But judging by the reactions of some people who have tried the PC version, it's a move that risks confusing and alienating customers.

Tony Roos, an American missionary in Paris, installed a free preview version of Windows 8 on his aging laptop to see if Microsoft's new operating system would make the PC faster and more responsive. It didn't, he said, and he quickly learned that working with the new software requires tossing out a lot of what he knows about Windows.

"It was very difficult to get used to," he said. "I have an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, and they never got used to it. They were like, `We're just going to use Mom's computer.'"

Windows 8 is the biggest revision of Microsoft Corp.'s operating system since it introduced Windows 95 amid great fanfare 17 years ago. Ultimately, Windows grew into a $14 billion a year business and helped make former Chief Executive Bill Gates the richest man in the world for a time. Now, due to smartphones and tablets, the personal computer industry is slumping. Computer companies are desperate for something that will get sales growing again. PC sales are expected to shrink this year for the first time since 2001, according to IHS iSuppli, a market research firm.

The question is whether the new version, which can be run on tablets and smartphones, along with the traditional PC, can satisfy the needs of both types of users.

"I am very worried that Microsoft may be about to shoot itself in the foot spectacularly," said. Michael Mace, the CEO of Silicon Valley software startup Cera Technology and a former Apple employee. Windows 8 is so different, he said, that many Windows users who aren't technophiles will feel lost, he said.

Microsoft is releasing Windows 8 on Oct. 26, and it doesn't plan to cushion the impact. Computer companies will make Windows 8 standard on practically all PCs that are sold to consumers.

Entire: Early look at Windows 8 baffles consumers | Local News | The Seattle Times

The problem with situations like this is the customer having to learn new ways of doing the same thing.

VN was moaning about Office 2007+ being not as 'nice' as older versions. It takes a leap of faith and a bit of time to start feeling comfortable and get more out of the product. I was in the same boat, but now realise that the most recent version of Office is a very powerful tool that has way more going for it than OfficeXP.

I think people will have similar, but more pronounced experiences with Win8. It's not a problem if you're posting crap on TD or Facebook all day, but if you use your computer to any reasonable level, it will definitely impact on your productivity for a while. I'd not be happy if I employed people and the whole company went to shit for a month or two while they got used to a new way of doing things.

It'll take a long time for me until I make the change as I can't afford to be learning how to use a new operating system when Win7 is excellent and I know it well enough to use without thinking about it.

For new PC users it'll probably be easier than using Win7, especially if they have a Windows phone. I know The Midget would certainly find it easier to use as she doesn't really use Win7, but does have a Windows phone.

Originally Posted by Butterfly

it's funny how many stupid people are still buying Win7 and now Win8, they offer no value

Ubuntu is doing a much better job than Win7 and Win8 combined, this is the true alternative

Ubuntu is not for retarded users though, so Mac fans and Win fans are stuck with MS and Apple

You have no experience of Win7 so how can you comment..?
Win7 works perfectly well, it is what Vista should have been.

I still use XP on 1 laptop and my netbook, it's simple and perfectly functional.

The thing with Ubuntu/Linux is driver compatibility.. you dl it, install it, it looks fine, then you realise your touch pad scroll doesn't work or something similar, you search for a driver on the net and don't find solutions, only forums with posts by people looking for the same thing. You try to persevere, but in the end revert back to MS because as much as you hate big corp, your scroll pad works correctly.