Windows 8

[Jackolantern]

I just wanted to say that after making a stupid mistake with what to install yesterday, my computer was needing another formatting lol (it was a questionable utility application and it installed a ton of malware, adware, etc. that it acted like it gave me the option to leave out but it installed it anyway). I just said screw it and got the Consumer Preview of Windows 8, and am running it now!

It is pretty cool! There is still some attention needed for the desktop experience, as you cannot always use your mouse like you would use your finger on a tablet. Some aspects of old Windows is still there, like having to click and scroll with the scroll bar. And the learning curve is larger for Windows 8 than any other version of Windows since Windows 95. For many younger users, it is going to be the first change to Windows they have ever seen.

This isn't a full review or anything, as I may write one up in a couple of weeks in the review section. Has anyone else been using any preview versions of Windows 8?

[OldRod]

Can you disable the tablet UI stuff and use it pretty much like Win7? I'm wondering for business use... we do a lot of database/spreadsheet stuff and I don't need all that tablet stuff

[Jackolantern]

The Start Button has absolutely changed to the Start Screen, which is the tablet-like stuff. I don't think there is any way to turn it back. However, the original desktop is still there and, technically, it runs like an app. But you are free to run any desktop apps, and you can pretty much avoid the entire touch-based Start Screen. Windows may have more beyond that for enterprise, since they have all kinds of features specifically for commercial users, such as the ability to sideload proprietary business Metro apps, create groups to restrict Windows Store app downloads based on type, etc., so they have probably thought about it quite a bit.

Obviously, though, a business would not want to upgrade until a couple of months after official release for the best possible compatibility.

[hallsofvallhalla]

Eh it just seems like they keep making it more and more for 80 year olds. I want a developer windows. Exactly like Windows 3.1 but enhanced.

[Jackolantern]

They make no bones about the fact that Windows 8 is geared towards tablets and other mobile devices. As much as I love desktops and laptops, it is pretty easy to see that is where things are heading (more people access the internet now on mobile devices than desktop/laptops). And mobile devices demand simplicity, so I don't really think that is for 80-year olds. Why would anyone ever complicate their product anyway lol?

Microsoft had to do something to keep from slipping into the footnotes of history. I am not sure if Windows 8 will be the one to recapture the tablet world, but it feels like a move in the right direction. Having a real x64 version of Windows on a tablet that can be docked onto a keyboard when needed is a dream come true for me. Being able to develop anywhere is a developer's OS if I ever heard of one

[hallsofvallhalla]

It just seems like every version of windows is geared towards making it easier and easier until the point of it becoming worthless to use.

I have not used 8 but I do love the tablet commercials for 8, some of the features they show.

[Jackolantern]

It is quite amazing so far. It goes a long way towards resolving a lot of the issues that have plagued Windows. For example, PCs are known for getting slower and slower as you use them, but Windows 8 introduces a "refresh" option that automatically re-installs the OS and its dependencies without messing with any of your files, applications or documents, and it can be done right in the OS and will typically only take a minute or two. The core has also created new permissions systems in the hopes of making Windows more safe to use (this is similar to Mac and Linux, and really is the way a responsible OS should be). Windows Defender has been expanded out to a full, free, built-in anti-virus solution, so at least for now in the Consumer Preview no anti-virus is needed. Only time will tell if people do end up using third-party security, since for the time being no major anti-virus companies have packages out that work for the preview version.

[hallsofvallhalla]

wow sounds awesome. Not too worried about windows defender though, I deactivate it anyways. Have not used anti virus in years

[Jackolantern]

wow sounds awesome. Not too worried about windows defender though, I deactivate it anyways. Have not used anti virus in years

I would leave it on. It is extremely hands-off to the point where you won't even know you have it on. No anti-virus popping up on you, no manual updating, no subscription renewals or anything. Basically Windows is trying to conform to how you want to use your computer (unencumbered from anti-virus software) while still giving you all the benefits of having anti-virus software.

[hallsofvallhalla]

That makes sense I might have to give it a go then. Sounds intriguing.