Learning to Navigate Windows 8: How About You?

RAM, this woman just had Windows 8 installed and is having a few issues herself.

 

I'm still happily working with Vista. No problems, no conflicts, just smooth sailing. If somehow I find that I can't do something that I want to do because I haven't upgraded operating systems then I'll upgrade. During the interim period they'll fix all the bugs. I don't know why people upgrade when it's not necessary.

 

))))))))))

 

Help is here!

Microsoft unveils latest Windows adjustments - Road Runner

 

Windows 8 has more feature and modern looks, but the frustration is there for everybody include tech geek. It is designed more for the touch screen folks, then mouse and keyboard. I installed and uninstall multiple times, I hate it takes time to find your useful programs.

The "START" button is there for since Windows 3.0 existed, and it is easy to navigate.

 

Yes, but before rushing to upgrade, there is an important caveat to be aware of.

Microsoft has just released a "preview" edition of Windows 8.1, which is intended to address many of the complaints about Windows 8. The "preview" edition is really intended for developers, not general public users. The final "public" release won't occur until some unspecified future date.

If you don't want to wait, you can download and install the "preview edition" now. But there's a catch: if you install the "preview edition" now, and then install the "final release" later, you will have to reinstall all of your applications:

So if you install the Win8.1 preview now, it will be more of a hassle to upgrade to the final Win8.1 later. You will have to reinstall all of your applications.

If you wait until the final release of Win8.1, you won't have to reinstall your applications, but you will have to wait longer. At this point, nobody knows how long.

 

More caveats about the Windows 8.1 preview below. These are from Microsoft directly. You should read them before installing the new Win8.1 Preview.

*****

 

Indeed, and similar caveats apply to every new (beta) version of an OS. I have Windows 8 on my laptop and the new Dell I just purchased. I'm going to download the 8.1 on my laptop (which is not my main computer), learn what I can now about 8.1, then wait on the final version before installing on my PC.

 

I love these. I have to ask myself, how is this different from Windows 8? I wish W8 came with the same warning!

Are there risks to installing Windows 8.1 Preview?

Yes. Windows 8.1 Preview and Windows RT 8.1 Preview are stable and have been thoroughly tested, but aren't the finished product. Your PC could crash and you could lose important files. You should back up your data and you shouldn't test the preview on your primary home or business PC. You might also encounter problems like:
- Software that doesn’t install or work correctly, including antivirus or security programs.
- Printers, video cards, or other hardware that doesn’t work.
- Difficulty accessing corporate or home networks.
- Damage to some of your files.
You should carefully balance the risks and rewards of trying out the preview before you install it.

 

TEKMAN - I understand what you're saying but here's my take. Not all features are created equal. Yeah maybe it's kinda cool if your computer can do this or that but it's only worth the trouble if you really want/need to do this or that. As for modern looks. My experience is that they only slow your processor. Like a lot of people, I've been through a bunch of Windows upgrades. Not once did I find something I couldn't easily live without.

 

You may be overlooking the "under-the-hood" improvements that Microsoft makes in Windows upgrades, especially as regards to security. Windows is by far the most targeted operating system in terms of malware, and MS is constantly strengthening security in response. I wouldn't characterize security upgrades as "something you can easily live without".

For example, many Vista users (those on SP1) are no longer getting any security updates from Microsoft. Sticking with the old version is the wrong move in this situation.

 

I installed the Windows 8.1 Pro Preview upgrade on my laptop (HP Pavilion dv6, 64-bit OS, Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4 Gb RAM). So far, all is working correctly with no compatibility issues that I've experienced.

 

Good point by you.

 

True. I read this as an ad for Linux, Apple, Android, et al.

"You don't know what you've got till it's gone.." (Joni Mitchell)

Joni wasn't singing about MS Windows, but it's still true! I know the Start Button and familiar desktop are gone in Windows 8, but Microsoft has been making changes that bother me with other new versions. In Windows 7:

(1) The command-line editor ("edit" command, with us since DOS days through XP) was removed.
(2) You can't read older Windows "Help" files (CHM, CHF) that are OK in XP
(3) I had a couple of apps from Windows 3.1 days that worked through 95, 98 and XP, but no more.

Maybe they'll come up with more "downgrades" as were once available (Vista to XP).
If they don't -- well, I've got CD/DVDs for 3.1, 95, 98 and XP. And about 40 Linux distros....and a 1988 copy of Digital Research DR-DOS on 3.5 floppy, if it all "goes south." :smile: And yes -my desktop has a 3.5 floppy drive!

Don't think DR-DOS would go well on a tablet, though. :jester:

Johann

 

I'll guarantee you they won't move to W8 yet... look how look it took them to migrate to W7... too many unknowns in W8 at this stage to simply migrate business platform onto it.

 

One of Win 8's biggest attractions is MS's SkyDrive with 7GB of storage being given. Signing on using your Live Account enables you to access your documents from any pc; some apps are run from the cloud amongst other improvements... from what I have heard, it is quite stable. I intend to install it this weekend... (I look at the forensic side of Windows / application artifacts, so my purpose for installing it is more than just being a user)

Here is an overview of SkyDrive if you're not familiar with it: Microsoft SkyDrive - Microsoft Windows

 

Microsoft SkyDrive is certainly worth considering, but it is not something that is unique to Windows 8.
You can use SkyDrive with Windows 7 or Vista (not XP), so you may not need to upgrade your operating system.

In fact, you don't even need Windows, because you can use SkyDrive with Macs too.

In fact, you don't even need a traditional computer, because SkyDrive also works with Windows Phone, iOS, Android, and Xbox.

 

I'm calling you before I buy anything.

 

I think it is usable to those who are the most computer and technology savvy people, not a cup of tea for people who just use computer only when they need.