Comments on: 8 things you need to know about Windows 8

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:36:00 +0000

I’ve seen other authors talk about Windows being “drastically revamped” (if I may use your words from another article http://heresthethingblog.com/2012/11/02/8-gotta-tips-windows-8-newbies/ ) in some fashion or other – but the biggest change anyone will see is the user interface. It does have good integration with cloud computing – something I personally do not use. I also do zero social networking (I don’t use Facebook or Twitter), so for me, any of that sort of integration is also a non-player. For gaming performance, it is essentially a push with Windows 7. If you are Microsoft, why get rid of the Start menu from the desktop? If you are really trying to push this new interface, why have a desktop at all?

By: Ben Patterson

Ben Patterson — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:33:00 +0000

In reply to Thomas. All good points — and indeed, I've only upgraded one of my Windows machines to Windows 8; the other is still running Windows 7, and I intend to keep it that way for the time-being.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:29:00 +0000

With respect, why should I upgrade? I’ve used Windows 8, and really do not like the interface, which is a lot of what you are paying for. I know there are a few tweaks under the hood of the OS, but nothing earth-shattering. The desktop, while there, isn’t the default and doesn’t have a Start Menu. Yes, I know, I can download one if that is my thing, and I know all the functions we’re used to are still there – but that isn’t the point. My Windows 7 installation is stable and works just fine, and I don’t see the need to have to learn a new way to interact with my computer, which doesn’t (and likely will never) have a touchscreen. There is little, if anything, that compels me personally to upgrade. It may work for some folks, and that’s great. More power to them. Me, I’ll stick with Windows 7.

By: Macky Dee

Macky Dee — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:21:00 +0000

Cant believe all the fuss over Windows 8. It’s basically Windows 7 but your start menu is splashed across your screen, and when you view images, it’s a bit more “slide-showy”. That’s it! I’d upgrade before Jan 31st to get it for £25

By: James Ratcliff

James Ratcliff — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:28:00 +0000

Balanced article. Feels about right – two rolled into one. Possibly missed the aspect that Win8 is very well integrated to cloud services… but a useful review (finally!)

By: James Ratcliff

James Ratcliff — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:27:00 +0000

In reply to dee. probably just the firewall product as installed by the oem then...

By: dee

dee — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:47:00 +0000

My Dad just got a new computer with windows 8 and had trouble installing skype. So I figured I could log in remotely to his computer and do it for him without any problem. What a frustrating experience. After 1 1/2 hours we still didn’t have Skype working on his computer and to make matters worse, I couldn’t figure out what we were doing wrong. I couldn’t even figure out if the download had completed. We never got an icon or a new “tile” that we could run it from. It told us we already had Skype and allowed us to access his account info but not actually use Skype to make a call or find his contacts etc. So, after that experience I can honestly say I absolutely HATE windows 8 – I don’t want to spend hours trying to relearn windows- If I wanted to learn a whole new operating system I would have bought a MAC…

By: Cheryl A. Robinson

Cheryl A. Robinson — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:27:00 +0000

Very interesting article, looks like a lot of neat features!

By: Chuck

Chuck — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:41:00 +0000

I used win8 beta for weeks. Hated it. I will be sticking with 7 for a while. However, I can see the benifits of using it on a touch screen tablet. Windows phone 8 does look good and hope it takes a run at android and iOS.

By: Neighbourhood_Nerd

Neighbourhood_Nerd — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 23:58:00 +0000

I’ve been using it for over a month on my desktop. There is a learning curve involved in getting to know the new interface, but once you’ve got it figured out (just watch a tutorial on youtube!), anything else feels outdated and clunky.