Official GIGABYTE Forum
Off-Topic => General discussions => Topic started by: soarwitheagles on November 09, 2012, 09:28:38 am
-
Hi everyone!
Well, just wondering what everyone here thinks of the new Windows 8...
I have test driven it now for several months and find it interesting, but I am not sure if I would like to upgrade my personal computer to use Windows 8 permenently.
Anyone have any specific ideas, suggestions, comments, advice, etc. on Windows 8?
I wish I could create a post here that enables people to vote on Windows 8!
How about choose an option?
Yes, I'm already running it!
Yes, I will be installing it soon.
Yes, I will be buying it before the end of the year
I'm on the fence
No, I'll be sticking with Windows 7
No, I'll be sticking with Windows XP
No, I'll be sticking with Windows Vista
No, I'll be sticking with Mac OS!
No, I'll be sticking with ________________.
I am trying to get more input from people so I may make a more educated decision.
Soar
-
G'Day
I am now the proud owner of win8, but what a journey it has been, if you have read my previous posts you may understand.
Still using it & I really like it, even if they moved the start button, (why?) seems pointless, the only difference is I move the mouse to the right instead of the left, 'it's just a jump to the right', song there somewhere.
Ben.
-
G'Day
I am now the proud owner of win8, but what a journey it has been, if you have read my previous posts you may understand.
Still using it & I really like it, even if they moved the start button, (why?) seems pointless, the only difference is I move the mouse to the right instead of the left, 'it's just a jump to the right', song there somewhere.
Ben.
Ben,
Nice to hear you like Windows 8 and are happy with it.
I have been "test driving" Windows 8 for several months and have found it to be quite interesting!
Soar
-
Hi everyone,
Personally I will be sticking to Windows 7 for now at least. Win 8 is fine for phones and pads etc but is not really geared up towards the PC. I can understand Micro$oft wanting to move everyone to one OS but that is the point I feel, different systems require different OSes.
-
Well I for one have switched to Windows 8 and generally I am more than pleased with the move. Yes, it has taken a little getting used to but in many areas it seems much quicker and more responsive with my hardware than Windows 7.
Also, if you are running an FX processor or similar from AMD then Windows 8 is a vast improvement over 7 and the info I am getting is that things seem to be handled better when it comes to utilising these processors as Microsoft has addressed the software issues that were present in previous Windows version when these CPUs came along.
USB3 is also handled in a better way than previous versions of Windows and I have also noticed other little things that just work better in Windows 8.
Yes, there are a few issues with certain software that I cannot run but, I expect these to be resolved as Windows 8 becomes more established and I remember facing similar problems when Windows 7 came along. It always seems that certain hardware & software producers are not as sharp as they could be when a new OS comes out despite the advanced warnings that they have.
Overall, I give Windows 8 a big thumbs up, which is not what I was thinking when I tried the pre-release versions. Yes, I have had to add a couple of tweaks, such as adding a restart and shutdown short cut to my taskbar to make things a little easier in this area. With a dual monitor set-up the Metro interface is not so annoying but, once again, if you don't like this feature at start-up you can add a tweak to remove it so you go straight to your desktop which, once there, looks almost identical to Windows 7
Another deciding factor was the price of an upgrade licence which I got for around £25.
-
Windows 7 isn't broke. I have no plans to switch Windows Spyware 8.
http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-tells-microsoft-about-everything-you-install
Also, if you have a cablecard you'll have to pay an extra $10 for the media package if you go Win 8.
If you disable 'glass theme' in Windows 7 you will get the same speed as Windows 8. Remember Win 8 is built on Win 7.
-
Hi everyone,
Personally I will be sticking to Windows 7 for now at least. Win 8 is fine for phones and pads etc but is not really geared up towards the PC. I can understand Micro$oft wanting to move everyone to one OS but that is the point I feel, different systems require different OSes.
Hi DM and long time no talk to you!
Great to see you are still here helping out all of us. Thanks again for the myriads of posts you did to help me so very, very much.
I will not forget you!
Yes, I have heard the same report from other people too about the Windows 8 being more geared to meet the needs of the tablet/phone market.
I am still debating which way to go.
Soar
-
Well I for one have switched to Windows 8 and generally I am more than pleased with the move. Yes, it has taken a little getting used to but in many areas it seems much quicker and more responsive with my hardware than Windows 7.
Also, if you are running an FX processor or similar from AMD then Windows 8 is a vast improvement over 7 and the info I am getting is that things seem to be handled better when it comes to utilising these processors as Microsoft has addressed the software issues that were present in previous Windows version when these CPUs came along.
USB3 is also handled in a better way than previous versions of Windows and I have also noticed other little things that just work better in Windows 8.
Yes, there are a few issues with certain software that I cannot run but, I expect these to be resolved as Windows 8 becomes more established and I remember facing similar problems when Windows 7 came along. It always seems that certain hardware & software producers are not as sharp as they could be when a new OS comes out despite the advanced warnings that they have.
Overall, I give Windows 8 a big thumbs up, which is not what I was thinking when I tried the pre-release versions. Yes, I have had to add a couple of tweaks, such as adding a restart and shutdown short cut to my taskbar to make things a little easier in this area. With a dual monitor set-up the Metro interface is not so annoying but, once again, if you don't like this feature at start-up you can add a tweak to remove it so you go straight to your desktop which, once there, looks almost identical to Windows 7
Another deciding factor was the price of an upgrade licence which I got for around £25.
Hi again Absic!
Glad to see you are still here working on the darker side of the moon...
It is good to hear that you like Windows 8 and that it is working better than Windows 7 for you.
Are you experiencing a big improvement from the pre-release version compared to the real deal?
My wife and I both received numerous keys of the Windows 8 Professional due to our educational background, but I have only been test driving the consumer preview version...
Is there much of a difference?
Soar
-
Windows 7 isn't broke. I have no plans to switch Windows Spyware 8.
http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-tells-microsoft-about-everything-you-install
Also, if you have a cablecard you'll have to pay an extra $10 for the media package if you go Win 8.
If you disable 'glass theme' in Windows 7 you will get the same speed as Windows 8. Remember Win 8 is built on Win 7.
XFile,
Thanks for your post. I read your neopost article and found it interesting, but I failed to see any pertinent documentation regarding the perceived security risks.
Oh, a few days ago, Microsoft was offering free Windows Media Center downloads and keys for anyone that submitted an email address. My wife and I swiftly received over 15 free keys for the Windows Media Center that appears to missing in the Windows 8 operating system.
I cannot remember the exact website, but you may want to Google it. I think it is still available.
Here is a portion of the Email that Microsoft sent to each of the email addresses we submitted:
Thank you for registering for our free Windows 8 Media Center Pack offer! **
Here’s your free Windows 8 Media Center Pack product key:
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
Follow these steps to add Windows 8 Media Center Pack to your PC running Windows 8 Pro:
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. (If you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search).
Enter add features in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.
Tap or click Add features to Windows 8.
Then tap or click I already have a product key.
Enter the product key, and then click Next.
Read the license terms, select the check box to accept the license terms, and then click Add features.
Your PC will restart automatically and Windows Media Center will be available for use.
Oh, here is some more info about the free Windows Media Center keys that Microsoft is offering:
** Windows 8 Media Center Pack is available at no charge for a limited time only through the promotional page on Windows.com. If you obtain Windows 8 Media Center Pack through any other location, fees might apply. Offer valid from October 26, 2012, until January 31, 2013, and is limited to one product key per email address. In addition, each product key can only be used with one computer. You qualify for this promotion if your PC is running Windows 8 Pro. Additional hardware may be required to watch and record live TV. You must provide a valid email address to receive your Windows 8 Media Center Pack product key. This promotion ends on January 31, 2013; your product key must be activated no later than February 1, 2013. Microsoft will only contact you at the email address you provide to send you your product key and to remind you when the activation period for your product key is ending. Catalysis Corporation is a third-party company we use to collect subscription information and process the delivery of these emails. If you purchase a new PC with Windows 8 preinstalled and you later upgrade that PC with Windows 8 Pro Pack, Windows 8 Media Center Pack, a volume license edition, or a retail edition, you will no longer be able to install apps that are provided exclusively from your PC manufacturer through the Windows Store. Get the full details on our special offers.
Hope this helps someone!
Soar
UPDATE: Here is the website if you would like a free Microsoft Windows Media Center Download and Key:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/feature-packs
-
Thanks for your post. I read your neopost article and found it interesting, but I failed to see any pertinent documentation regarding the perceived security risks.
The problem is SmartScreen. SmartScreen sends a hash of the app installer and its digital signature, if any. A combination of the hash and the user’s IP address is still enough to identify that IP address x attempted to install software y.
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2011/03/22/smartscreen-174-application-reputation-building-reputation.aspx
I know android does something similar but that's a phone not a primary box.
The free media license offer ends January 31, 2013.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/feature-packs
-
Thanks for your post. I read your neopost article and found it interesting, but I failed to see any pertinent documentation regarding the perceived security risks.
The problem is SmartScreen. SmartScreen sends a hash of the app installer and its digital signature, if any. A combination of the hash and the user’s IP address is still enough to identify that IP address x attempted to install software y.
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2011/03/22/smartscreen-174-application-reputation-building-reputation.aspx
I know android does something similar but that's a phone not a primary box.
Xfile,
Thanks again for a nice post. I read this article too. Isn't this referring to IE 9? Does it apply when we are using Firefox, Chrome, etc.?
Soar
-
Xfile,
Thanks again for a nice post. I read this article too. Isn't this referring to IE 9? Does it apply when we are using Firefox, Chrome, etc.?
Soar
Yes, you could download and switch browsers. IE 9 and IE 10 does have SmartScreen under the Safety tab "SmartScreen Filter". This feature is turned on by default.
I've seen posted unconfirmed rumor about Windows Defender in Win 8 recording installs. I'm still on the fence about the legitimacy of that rumor.
-
Are you experiencing a big improvement from the pre-release version compared to the real deal?
Not a big improvement but it is better in many subtle ways. As with all things new, Windows 8 takes a little getting used to and there are some things that are not implemented as well as they could be, shutdown and restart for example but, these can be overcome with a few simple tweaks.
As I mentioned previously, if you don't want to be bothered with the Metro interface at startup and want to go straight to the desktop, this too can be achieved although I can see many users who are using mobile phones and tablets preferring the icon driven interface.
Smartfilter can be disabled during the first run of IE10 if you are planning on using this browser so personally I don't really see this as a major issue.
Defender seems to work in the same way as Security Essentials and other Anti-Virus/malware software. Over the years I have tried many different products in this field and they all seem to log some installation information. Again, you can disable the reporting of usage, suspected files and/or perceived threats or disable it all together and use your favourite Anti Virus software if you prefer.
Everyone will have their own views on Windows 8 some will love it, some will hate and yet others will be indifferent to it. I didn't like it when I first started testing the preview release but now, I wouldn't switch back to 7. I have found an issue with the current version of Alcohol 120 not running on Windows 8 but this is down to the software and an update is in the pipeline. However, Windows 8 does include a virtual drive of its own so you can mount ISO images without the need for 3rd party software if you so desire.
-
Well, Im only using Windows 8 in a virtual box for now. Unfortunately Im currently studying a new module with the OU, so me changing my operating system would be a strict no-no at the moment, esp when I have to create virtual machines for the course ;)
I aint keen on the new interface (notably the start menu missing, however there are mods to "get that back" to make Windows 8 look like Windows 7). However it is fair to say that I havent really "played" with it that much - I just havent had the time yet. I suppose I could do some things in Windows 8 to see how it "handles".
So Im just gonna "sit on the fence" for now, until Ive had a chance to "play with it more". Im happy with Windows 7 for now though.
-
Are you experiencing a big improvement from the pre-release version compared to the real deal?
Not a big improvement but it is better in many subtle ways. As with all things new, Windows 8 takes a little getting used to and there are some things that are not implemented as well as they could be, shutdown and restart for example but, these can be overcome with a few simple tweaks.
As I mentioned previously, if you don't want to be bothered with the Metro interface at startup and want to go straight to the desktop, this too can be achieved although I can see many users who are using mobile phones and tablets preferring the icon driven interface.
Smartfilter can be disabled during the first run of IE10 if you are planning on using this browser so personally I don't really see this as a major issue.
Defender seems to work in the same way as Security Essentials and other Anti-Virus/malware software. Over the years I have tried many different products in this field and they all seem to log some installation information. Again, you can disable the reporting of usage, suspected files and/or perceived threats or disable it all together and use your favourite Anti Virus software if you prefer.
Everyone will have their own views on Windows 8 some will love it, some will hate and yet others will be indifferent to it. I didn't like it when I first started testing the preview release but now, I wouldn't switch back to 7. I have found an issue with the current version of Alcohol 120 not running on Windows 8 but this is down to the software and an update is in the pipeline. However, Windows 8 does include a virtual drive of its own so you can mount ISO images without the need for 3rd party software if you so desire.
Absic,
Thanks for the great info and I may be asking you how to tweak Windows 8 in the future. Thanks also for the info on disabling Smart Filter to close any security issues.
I look forward to learning more about Windows 8.
Soar
-
Sup Soars,
Used the beta and rc and i honestly was like absic and thought id hate it in the end i learned how to use it. I actually didnt like it enough to buy even the upgrade but i may before the 39. special goes off just to have it. For what i do and how i do it windows 7 actually works a bit better for me as i dont have the time to tweak like i used to right now.
Thats the reason i may buy it but wait to install and play more with it i can always put it on my junk puter and play with it. I also understand why they did it with windows 8 phone and the surface coming out with it trying to get everyone to use the same system. Last time they came out with a tablet and phone they both flopped this way they might get some of the desktop users to buy their other products.
-
Sup Soars,
Used the beta and rc and i honestly was like absic and thought id hate it in the end i learned how to use it. I actually didnt like it enough to buy even the upgrade but i may before the 39. special goes off just to have it. For what i do and how i do it windows 7 actually works a bit better for me as i dont have the time to tweak like i used to right now.
Thats the reason i may buy it but wait to install and play more with it i can always put it on my junk puter and play with it. I also understand why they did it with windows 8 phone and the surface coming out with it trying to get everyone to use the same system. Last time they came out with a tablet and phone they both flopped this way they might get some of the desktop users to buy their other products.
autotech,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I suppose once a person masters the Windows 8, they would never want to go back to Windows 7. I have the Windows 7 phone and it has been really, really good for me. No complaints at all.
For me, the Windows 8 Professional came at nearly zero cost, so that should be a deciding factor, but right now, it is not. My wife and serve as educators and we also take classes from time to time. We both have the .edu email address, so we were able to pick up eight keys each of the Windows 9 Professional and it was free for us.
Problem is, now, even though we have a total of 16 licenses, and I still do not like Windows 8 yet, and I do not want to use Windows 8 full time on my main rig. I am presently building a new rig for me dad, but I am not so sure he would be happy with Windows 8 because he is up there in years and Windows 8 requires a substantial amount of relearning.
I am thinking of installing a dual boot system on my rig, and that way I can keep toying with Windows 8 until I make my final decision.
If you have an .edu email here in the USA, you can obtain several keys at zero or very minimal cost through ACM or IEEE.
They also give free copies of Windows Server and all sorts of other free Microsoft software.
Well, hope this helps!
Soar
-
With me building computers for low budget friends, family, coworkers, friends of friends i had to learn it in case any wanted it. When windows 7 came out i upgraded 25 of 300 to 500 i have built in the last 5 to 7 years. I thought i would send out an email to all my customers that there was a cheap upgrade to windows 8 if they wanted to install it before jan. 1st 2013.
My fee for upgrading them would only be the cost of windows 8 since these are all loyal customers. I was sure at 39.00 i would have loads of them wanting to upgrade especially my younger customers that are all 20 to 30 years old. I didnt get a reply from any of them so resent the email asking that they reply even if they didnt want it so i caould check my email list to make sure they were still working. Well they are working except a few that i can always count on because they changed email addresses or just let theres go.
As to date from 230 or so a few more each day all have turned it down. Most werent concered about the price more were concerned with the bad media windows has gotten and out of all of them i have 50 or so customers that flat out said no and all those customers are 50 to 75 years old. They all said they just didnt like the look of it from what they have seen on the web.
I purchased 50 windows 7 disk so future customers have a choice out of 3 i have built since it came out all wanted windows 7. I am really interested in what will be said 6 months to a year from now about windows 8.
-
Autotech,
Thanks again for the very informative post. Wow, your post was also an eye-opener! No one at all took the Windows 8 bait? My, my, I do find that shocking! Hopefully it is merely a case of people following the "Six month rule" and afterwards, you will have many customers craving the new Windows 8.
On the other hand, if what you are describing becomes the norm for the entire market, then Microsoft will be left with no other choice than to go back to the pre-existing user interface that so many millions of people have come to prefer and use.
Gosh, with such a radical step away from the norm, you would think Microsoft would have done some serious psychological testings, evaluations and consultations regarding the market's willingness to learn a new interface.
I am not good at predicting the future, but if the large majority of the market follows the pattern your customers have chosen, then I believe Microsoft will be forced to release some major UI changes for the PC portion of the market within the next 6 months. Perhaps, at the very least, we will see Microsoft offer a change of UI for all PC owners running Windows 8. If not, they will lose big time.
This is gonna be an interesting drama to watch.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this unfolding Microsoft drama?
Soar
-
Hi all,
I am still using win 8 & loving it, I suppose bad media can't help, also I have noticed that some computer editorials when testing out new stuff say wow what a great program, we love this, only to bite their tongue after, when the whole thing falls apart, it's like the movie critics when they say we love this movie, & then it bombs at the box office, I have watched many movies where the critics say this is great & think this sucks, & when they say its crap, I loved the movie.
I say try it out if you don't like it after a while get rid of it, remember "Microsoft 'ME' then "Vista" or "ME2 ?) I remember some editorials giving them good reviews.
Can't wait for windows 9 to come out. ;)
Ben.
-
Ben,
I actually liked and used both ME and Vista! So, for me, I was extremely happy to obtain and use both of those OS's.
Windows 8 is the very first OS from Microsoft that I have found to be so unique and challenging.
Windows 9 is still a long way off, if Microsoft continues their trend of a new OS every 3 years.
People are saying October of 2015 for Windows 9...
Heck, by then I may be in the funny farm after trying to master Windows 8 for a full 3 years.... :P
Soar
-
Ben,
I actually liked and used both ME and Vista! So, for me, I was extremely happy to obtain and use both of those OS's.
Windows 8 is the very first OS from Microsoft that I have found to be so unique and challenging.
Windows 9 is still a long way off, if Microsoft continues their trend of a new OS every 3 years.
People are saying October of 2015 for Windows 9...
Heck, by then I may be in the funny farm after trying to master Windows 8 for a full 3 years.... :P
Soar
Soarwitheagles,
Precisely, Vista & ME were given bad reviews, but as you I found them okay to use.
Like everything else time will tell. Plus you nailed it on it's head "unique & challenging" people like 'easy' better.
I wonder if we will have any updates on win 8, also there are ways of turning it into a 7 lookalike.
Ben.
-
I loved vista and thought it was a huge step in the right direction. Even over xp I thought the visual aspects of it were what they were aiming for even on xp with the way graphics were advancing was starting to look grainy. The way i look at it without vista we wouldnt of gotten windows 7.
It depends on consumer purchasing of windows 8 i think if alot dont fall for it on the desktop they might actually make it where you can choose tiles or desktop with the start menu and visual effects of windows 7. I also understand why they took out alot of the visual effects it does make it start faster. I look for a service pack for desktop users that would allow upon startup just to go into desktop without having to use and 3rd party software.
I am like you Soar i am sitting back watching it unfold, At the price it is at i wanted to buy 20 or so copies but after my customers emails i just bought extra windows 7 for the ones that are still running xp. The last thing i want to do is get stuck with 20 copies or so of windows 8. Which reminds me last time i jumped the gun i ended up with 25 or so extra copies of vista 64 bit that i had to sell at a very reduced price or give away and yes i still have a few of them left.
-
Ben,
I actually liked and used both ME and Vista! So, for me, I was extremely happy to obtain and use both of those OS's.
Windows 8 is the very first OS from Microsoft that I have found to be so unique and challenging.
Windows 9 is still a long way off, if Microsoft continues their trend of a new OS every 3 years.
People are saying October of 2015 for Windows 9...
Heck, by then I may be in the funny farm after trying to master Windows 8 for a full 3 years.... :P
Soar
Soarwitheagles,
Precisely, Vista & ME were given bad reviews, but as you I found them okay to use.
Like everything else time will tell. Plus you nailed it on it's head "unique & challenging" people like 'easy' better.
I wonder if we will have any updates on win 8, also there are ways of turning it into a 7 lookalike.
Ben.
Ben,
Glad to hear you too enjoyed ME and Vista. I was beginning to think I was the only person in the world that enjoyed those two operating systems!
Yes, there are several programs now that give Windows 8 a more Windows 7 lookalike.
Here's just a few:
Classic Shell
ViStart
Start8
Start Menu 8
Pokki
Then again, why not wait until Microsoft finally catches on, and puts the start menu back on the Windows 8 for PC's?
Soar
-
I loved vista and thought it was a huge step in the right direction. Even over xp I thought the visual aspects of it were what they were aiming for even on xp with the way graphics were advancing was starting to look grainy. The way i look at it without vista we wouldnt of gotten windows 7.
It depends on consumer purchasing of windows 8 i think if alot dont fall for it on the desktop they might actually make it where you can choose tiles or desktop with the start menu and visual effects of windows 7. I also understand why they took out alot of the visual effects it does make it start faster. I look for a service pack for desktop users that would allow upon startup just to go into desktop without having to use and 3rd party software.
I am like you Soar i am sitting back watching it unfold, At the price it is at i wanted to buy 20 or so copies but after my customers emails i just bought extra windows 7 for the ones that are still running xp. The last thing i want to do is get stuck with 20 copies or so of windows 8. Which reminds me last time i jumped the gun i ended up with 25 or so extra copies of vista 64 bit that i had to sell at a very reduced price or give away and yes i still have a few of them left.
Autotech,
Glad to hear you enjoyed Vista too.
Yes, this Microsoft Windows Drama is very exciting to watch. I am just wondering how it will all turn out!
Good choice on waiting to purchase Windows 8. No need to be caught with lots of licenses and then not be able to use them!
The Windows 8 licenses I received were free after joining ACM and IEEE, so I am not worried about the cost.
I have decided to install a copy of Windows 8 on a separate SSD. Here is my plan:
1. Unplug my Windows 7 Ultimate SSD.
2. Install a new SSD on my rig.
3. Install Windows 8 Professional on the new SSD.
4. Plug in the Windows 7 Ultimate SSD.
5. Hopefully have a dual boot system that will work well and not require reinstalling Windows 7 if I eventually decide to remove Windows 8!
Ok everyone: Here is my question: WILL IT WORK? ???
It's me,
Silly Soar
-
Yes, but you will have to use F12 and choose the drive you want to BOOT into if you don't want to go with the default.
Which will be the default OS?
Well, that choice is yours and can be picked via the BOOT drive Priority in BIOS but of course, you will have to be able to identify which drive each OS is on.
Not a problem if you have two different drives but me, I had to make it that little bit harder by having the same make, model and size. Took a bit of time but can happily switch between several versions of Windows depending on what I want to do. (4 drives running XP, Vista 64 bit, Windows 7 64 bit and now Windows 8 64 bit) :P
-
It is actually easier absic's way also when i played with it during my different beta, rc and so on releases i found you had to install the newest OS first then do a clean install of the older one so you could just hit the start button and when it booted up pick which one you wanted without going into bios.
The problem i found with that is if you want to go back to your old system you had to use a program to change your boot order if you dont know how to do it manually otherwise you just boot into the old system and then go to msconfig and boot order then pick the old system as default to start right into it.
-
Thanks guys! Ok, I will give it a try and post my results as soon as I get everything up and running.
I did just finish a new computer build for my dad last night. Installing Windows 8 Professional was a total breeze.
During my first attempt to install an OS, I attempted to install XP Professional [my goal was to install XP, then use an upgrade key to install Windows 7].
Unfortunately, during each attempt to install XP, I received the BSOD...that was strange because I have never experienced the dreaded BSOD during a Windows OS install.
The good news is, that after wiping the drive clean again, Windows 8 Professional installed like a champ.
Nearly 600 MB of updates for Windows 8 after the install.
I will update later on how this works out. I will drive tonight to my dad's house for Thanksgiving and to give him his new, hot, sophisticated, intelligent looking, cutting edge Windows 8 powered computer. I hope he likes it! :-\
Soar
-
Windows 8 UPDATE:
Ok, here's my update:
Did the upgrade on my wife's ASUS laptop from Windows 7 to Windows 8 Pro, and it works wonderfully. She loves it.
Installed Windows 8 on my Gigabyte 990XFA-UD3/AMD 8350, and it too is working well.
Never was able to successfully have a dual boot system work.
So, for me, I have one system with Windows 7, the other with Windows 8.
Working well for me!
Have a good one everyone!
Soar
-
You are saying that Windows 8 is an upgrade.
I don t think so.
Your wife could very well use OpenSuse or Linux Mint just fine too ,free of charge ,even more safely.
In my opinion "upgrading" to Windows 8 is a waste of money and will only fill some corporation wallet.
-
You are saying that Windows 8 is an upgrade.
I don t think so.
Your wife could very well use OpenSuse or Linux Mint just fine too ,free of charge ,even more safely.
In my opinion "upgrading" to Windows 8 is a waste of money and will only fill some corporation wallet.
Now, now Vezina...no need to be so negative!
No need to be a Windows 8 hater!
You state that Windows 8 is not an upgrade....
How interesting!
Chew on these facts for a while good friend, then tell me Windows 8 is not an upgrade:
Client Hyper-V (So ability to run VMs built right in)
Much better battery life (by about 30%)
File History (similar to Apples time machine)
AppContainers sandboxed apps.
Slimline memory usage.
ForceASLR and High Entropy ASLR (HEASLR) ..security (Takes advantage of Ivy Bridge' RNG)
"Supervisor Mode Execution Prevention" (SMEP) support
Eliminates access to win32k.sys (Eliminates many security flaws/exploits)
Tickless kernel..lets processor sleep
Reset and refresh your PC (instead of total re-install)
ISO & VHD native mount (Supports Native boot VHD ... boot into OS from a VHD file works great creates a 40 GB harddrive by default for 8 rest is old system D:...dual-boot)
Native PDF reader
Enhanced Task Manager..see at a glance exactly which app is causing your hard drive to grind to a halt,
Windows Defender (True AV...basically now MSE)
Trusted boot (More secure)
Windows Store (Free apps)
SmartScreen (More secure than 7's version)
Storage Spaces (New Drive Extender replacement from WHS could make a good Home Server)
New ribbon for File management (can pause restart file transfers and has graph)
OS itself consumes less RAM and CPU cycles than Windows 7
Windows 8 is that it boots a lot faster than Windows 7
Many hackers have already gone on the record to say that Windows 8 is (and will be) very hard to break into.
Already optimized for SSD (http://forums.mydigitallife.info/...n?p=621681)
Screenshots... Windows Key+Printscreen automatically save a PNG to Pictures
Support for ReFS the new file system, newer better than NTFS
System Wide Search.
Better File Management.
Better Device Management
Better Dual Monitor support.
Better Memory management
Registry is more compact and faster
Boot time: 9 sec cold > 5 seconds warm. Amazing
Seamless Cloud Integration (SkyDrive is pretty awesome).
USB 3.0 support.
Full touch support (This OS is killer with touch displays)
New picture login
Built- in Enhanced version of Narrator...MUCH IMPROVED for those with disabilities... fun for rest of us
..and many more little improvements... its fast!
Beneath the user interface, Windows 8 is in almost all regards a more efficient, more secure, more reliable operating system. From high-speed, hibernation-powered booting to Connected Standby and a tickless kernel, it takes the solid Windows 7 foundation and makes things better.
It is me, Soar...
Trying to fly up, up, and away into more faster and efficient operating systems!
PS Even though I believe Windows 8 is indeed a genuine upgrade, I still was never able to enjoy it long term, even after watching tutorials over and over and playing with it for months.
Finally, a frightening article [especially if you were on the Windows 8 development team at Microsoft] was released March 1st, 2013:
Title of the article: Four months in: Windows 8 adoption is almost at a standstill
Quite shocking when you read/understand the numbers and statistics and compare them with other Microsoft OS releases...
http://www.extremetech.com/computing/149762-four-months-in-windows-8-adoption-is-almost-at-a-standstill
I think it is possible some of the developers, writers, designers of Windows 8 may be going wee-wee in their pants right about now...
-
You are saying that Windows 8 is an upgrade.
I don t think so.
Your wife could very well use OpenSuse or Linux Mint just fine too ,free of charge ,even more safely.
In my opinion "upgrading" to Windows 8 is a waste of money and will only fill some corporation wallet.
Now, now Vezina...no need to be so negative!
No need to be a Windows 8 hater!
Not a hater.
I like testing new OS-es from time to time.
The first day i ve tried it i have found it strange,
The enhancement under the hood may be good but i doubt most of the users care about them as long as Windows 7 remains an excellent OS.
For me personally it just seems useless and not a necessity .
I would still use WinXP on all my machines ,if Direct X would have received updates for it.:)
Windows 8 was intended for mobility and specifically for touch screens ,at least this is how i see it.As for mobility i use Android based devices so i see no reason to pay and use Windows 8.
-
EEEK!!! Just read that Micky soft is having an update called "Windows Blue" who thinks up these names, & besides that I thought 'Win 8' was struggling?
so why go for an upgrade if you are already struggling, this is getting ridiculous, plus it's too soon, anyway here is an excerpt from the site, it's a bit long:
Microsoft has officially confirmed Blue, which is an extensive update to Windows 8, bringing more improvements than a basic Service Pack without being a full new version of the OS.
Windows Blue will mark a shift to at least annual updates, similar to how Apple releases OS X versions. It's expected to be a cheap upgrade, if not free, for Windows 8 users.
Blue looks set to arrive this summer, with Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft's corporate vice-president of communications, saying the company planned to reveal more about it at its Build conference at the end of June.
Shaw said the "continuous development cycle" introduced by Blue was "the new normal across Microsoft", confirming the update model will apply to products beyond Windows 8.
He added: "we’ll tune everyday experiences as well as introduce bold, connected and exciting new scenarios. Our product groups are also taking a unified planning approach so people get what they want – all of their devices, apps and services working together wherever they are and for whatever they are doing."
Windows Blue codename
Shaw stressed Blue was merely a codename, saying in a blog post "chances of products being named thusly are slim to none".
Before Shaw's official confirmation of Blue, a few official confirmations of the project and codename had slipped out on Microsoft employees' LinkedIn profiles as well as the company's own job advertisements - and those leaks also revealed some of the upcoming features.
Features
Windows watcher Mary Jo Foley said the "feature pack" would include UI changes as well as updated apps, such as a fully touch-enabled Metro version of Excel.
Screenshots of a leaked version - build 9364, completed on 15 March - were posted on a Polish Windows site and spotted by The Verge, revealing changes to how the Live Tiles and apps will work on the Start screen, formerly known as Metro.
The screenshots reveal smaller tile sizes, allowing for different arrangements on the Start screen, while apps will be able to "snap" and split the screen 50/50, the same as in in Windows 7. The Verge said as many as four apps can be snapped alongside each other, with multi-monitor support.
Charms and gestures will also be updated, and there will be new alarm, sound recorder and calculator apps in Metro, as well as Internet Explorer 11, although few features of the browser have been leaked.
Microsoft also appears to be making it easier to adjust settings from Metro, without going directly into the Control Panel.
Previous reports from The Verge suggested Windows Blue will include driver updates, while one analyst expects a major driver for Windows Blue will be 7in tablets, bringing improved support for smaller screens and a lower price, necessary to keep costs in the budget range.
A leaked video highlighted by The Verge reveals Microsoft is working to improve touch in Blue, and will feature an updated version of the Fresh Paint app
Read more: Windows Blue: everything you need to know | News | PC Pro http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/380713/windows-blue-everything-you-need-to-know#ixzz2OpekiAz7
-
Ben,
Thanks for posting the info and article. Very interesting indeed!
I hope this new version of Microsoft operating system works out for everyone!
For me, even after obtaining over 20 of the Windows 8 licenses, I have decided to remain with Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.
No matter how long and hard I tried to adjust and accommodate for Windows 8, I never really was able to enjoy it long term. For usage on a desktop computer, I found it terribly frustrating. I think I would like to use it on a phone and/or tablet, but never again on a desktop computer.
I simply removed it from all my machines with the exception of my wife's i-5 laptop. Somehow, she likes Windows 8.
Soar
-
Anytime, friend.
At least it is going to be a freebie, I suppose.
Anyway have a good Easter, & not too many chocolate's, got to watch the old cholesterol eh?.
Ben.
-
LOL, well, Ben, you are right...I must watch the chocolates very carefully as that has been my weakness in the past.
I will keep my eyes open with you regarding this new upgrade and see how everything works out.
As I stated earlier, I never did grow to like and enjoy Windows 8. I found myself hating parts of it, and for me, Windows 7 work just fine.
Hopefully, the Windows code name BLUE will change some of the more frustrating aspects of Windows 8!
If not, I am destined to remain with Windows 7 for some time.....
Happy Easter to you too and don't eat too many Easter Bunnies!
Soar
-
No, I'll be sticking with Windows 7
I see no reason to update when my current version is going well and well supported by developers.
-
Yeah, I upgraded when it was released. I'm currently using the Pro edition and I've never had any issue of sorts (I can't say the same of Win 7, unfortunately).
Honestly, for those that use it on desktops/laptops without touchscreen monitors, if you don't like the Metro UI, there is no need to get used with it at all.
After installing Win 8 I always install http://startisback.com/, so I've the benefits of Win 8 with the "same" comfort of previous Wins.
Sure, there are other ways to get back Start button, but I find this faster. Install and forget it.
Regards,
Max
-
Hi everyone!
Well, just wondering what everyone here thinks of the new Windows 8...
I have test driven it now for several months and find it interesting, but I am not sure if I would like to upgrade my personal computer to use Windows 8 permenently.
Anyone have any specific ideas, suggestions, comments, advice, etc. on Windows 8?
I wish I could create a post here that enables people to vote on Windows 8!
How about choose an option?
Yes, I'm already running it!
Yes, I will be installing it soon.
Yes, I will be buying it before the end of the year
I'm on the fence
No, I'll be sticking with Windows 7
No, I'll be sticking with Windows XP
No, I'll be sticking with Windows Vista
No, I'll be sticking with Mac OS!
No, I'll be sticking with ________________.
I am trying to get more input from people so I may make a more educated decision.
Soar
Windows 8 Sucks ! it is for kids with palm toys and girls with mobile phone glued to their hands.
Serious people keep using Windows XP SP3 or Win 7.
-
I upgraded and i love it... however it will be so much better when 8.1 comes out as theyve finally pulled together all of the UI inconsistencies that drove me nuts.
-
Merry Christmas everyone, well almost.
Speculation, I just heard on the grapevine that 'Microsoft' is bringing out besides win 8.1 & 9 but also 10 will be coming out & will be based on the cloud system, so in essence 'Micky Soft' would handle all the data & info etc in their main servers & you would just download the contents.
I don't like this idea, I really hope that this is indeed just speculation & not fact.
What do you guys think of this & have you heard any more about it?
Ben.