After getting used to it, does anyone actually LIKE Windows 8?

10 years ago

My subject line says it all.

Anyone like it?

We bought a new touch screen hybrid, running Windows 8. I like having the touch screen but not Windows 8 itself. I admit, I have hardly used it. Maybe if I use it more I will grow to like some things about it. So far, it was a waste of money. I've tried to do the upgrade to Win 8.1, hoping it will be better, but so far it has failed every time. Tests say that I have all the required fixes on the PC, and that my hardware is compatible. I can download the upgrade, but then I run the step to upgrade and it fails :-( Will have to go back to work on that one of these days.

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Comments (20)

monica_pa Grieves
10 years ago
In a word - No. I do not like windows 8.
rob333 (zone 7b)
10 years ago
Hated it! Glitch-filled. I'm not interested in putting it on anything I own only to get it ready for other users. Nope. No way. Back to Windows 7. Not a lot better, but enough to get by. Same with IE10 and IE11. I'm using IE9. Rolled back.
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ghoghunter
10 years ago
Not me!
Lily316
10 years ago
I have windows 8.1 and I hate windows mail now. I cannot sent pictures thru email, and I have had windows mail since the 90 's with no problems. I even have a windows smart phone now. I like the tiles.
phyllis__mn
10 years ago
I got a new PC in November, and was lucky enough to get it with Windows 7. It's OK, but I don't like it as well as the XP I had.
jel48
Original Author
10 years ago
Sure doesn't sound very promising. Gary and I had decided to pool our resources and buy this PC as a joint Christmas gift for each other. And other than installing my AV and trying (unsuccessfully) to upgrade to Win 8.1, I've hardly touched it. He's played one game on it one time. It's that unappealing to us. Total waste, I'm thinking.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
I think it takes a lot of getting used to which requires a lot of time spent learning the system. I don't have it but I have used it for a while. I have tried to help several people get it set up and understand it. I have a great article from Windows secrets newsletter about the failure to 8.1 and things to try to make it take. I will have to look for it and post a link. If you don't have 8.1 then installing classic Shell might help you, I know it has really helped several people I suggested it to. It makes it a little more familiar looking.
I think possibly people who are used to using tablets and other touch screens and apps will probably be a little more familiar with windows 8.
Here's a link to classic Shell.

I also highly recommend going to the windows 8 forum and reading and going through their many great tutorials. And don't forget that you tube is a great resource there's a you tube explaining just about anything.
http://www.eightforums.com/
Just go there and see how much great information is available. Spend some time there and I bet you are soon able to get a grip on it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Classic Shell
jel48
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Raven. I'll take a look. We are used to tablets/touch screens. We both have Kindle Fire tablets and I have used a Android smart phone for several years now. That was why we liked the idea of a hybrid PC. I do know that I have to spend time on it in order to get used to it and get the hang of it. I guess that's why I asked whether anyone who had actually gotten used to it liked it. That article about failure to update to 8.1 might be the thing I need to get me kick started. I work in software support myself, and spend all day debugging other peoples problems with this and that. I guess I just dread having to do more of it on my own time when we bought the PC to enjoy, rather than to cause more work. I will give it more of a chance though, at least once things calm down around here. Thanks!
chloecat
10 years ago
I have it and hate it beyond all hate. I've had it since July (when all our electronics were stolen in a house burglary).

I installed Classic Shell, but occasionally something makes it open Windows 8 apps and it makes me CRAZY.
Lily316
10 years ago
I'm glad I'm not alone. I got it when my Dell crashed and burned in July. The Staples guys installed Windows 8.1 and it took them 23 hours. We had to leave it overnight. At first they said come back in three hours and then...the next day. I'll have to read a manual. I loved Windows XP, hated Vista, liked Windows 7, and now hate this one.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
here are a few links that those having problems with adjusting might find helpful.
Windows 8 or 8.1

jel48 check this link to Susan Bradley's article about 8.1
there are a few of them here.
A rocky start for the Windows 8.1 launch

Think twice about installing Windows 8.1 Preview

Moving up to Windows 8.1 without an MS account

How to spend your first hour with Windows 8.1

there have been several really good articles on windows secrets about 8 and 8.1 so check through the archives for more. I find the newsletter definitely worth the $5 a year I pay for it.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
by the way I just recently got a costco flyer and they had windows 7 professional computers for sale. Interesting. I guess they are getting a lot of requests. There are still plenty of the 7 pcs and laptops available just have to look for them.
But eventually we must move forward.
chloecat
10 years ago
Yes, we do have to "move forward" but Micro$oft has a history of producing shittastic operating systems every-other release.

Windows 8 is a turkey, and they know it.

Windows 9 (or whatever they'll deem it) will likely be MUCH better.
Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
Microsoft made poor choices (that they now realize and regret) with the new user interface. That's what has most people perturbed. Classic Shell seems to provide an acceptable solution for most people. (On the other hand, some prefer the tablet like/touch screen interface. An elderly family member for whom I'm the "IT Department" likes launching programs by touching the "big buttons", as he calls them)

Otherwise, I think most assessments of how it's working under the hood are very positive. Speed, operating stability, memory management, etc., are all much improved.

I'll always prefer even a botched release Windows version to any Apple OS machine any day.
eccentric
10 years ago
Hate it. Had to get it last March after XP computer toasted itself. Just this past weekend I received an e-mail from HP asking if I wanted to extend the warranty - with the ability to call a tech for assistance. I took it. I called them a lot during the early days since Best Buy sold me a printer and a flash drive for factory back-up that were compatible only with Windows 7 and the key card for Word 2013 - and I hate it - could only be used once and of course it didn't work the first time. Best Buy was useless and there is no way I should have had to pay the Geek Squad to hook up a basic printer - I didn't, I called the printer manufacturer and HP. HP had already sent me a warning re making sure my computer could handle Win 8.1 - I decided to just not even try it. The tech I spoke with when I bought the extended warranty suggested I not do it. Our Internet provider does not support Win 8 or Internet 10 so that is another problem. And if your problem is anything other than the Internet connection failing they transfer you to a "specialist" and charge you. Cdns. already pay a lot for basic services. Then there is the e-mail issue. My husband's office is going to stick with Win 7 and Word 2010. I can't pay to switch back to Win 7 because I never had it. But the difference between Win 7 and Win 8 is great - same with Word 2010 and Word 2013. All I use the computer for is Word, Internet and e-mail. I don't shop or belong to Facebook etc. I use a keyboard - and HP added a few keys so I am making mistakes that I never did before despite typing 120 wpm! I helped a friend book an air ticket using her tablet - I don't want a tablet - I need a real mouse. The future is looking grim computer wise. Then there is the cell phone issue. I don't have one - did for 2 years. I don't text. I would just like to have a plain cell phone that functions only as a phone. I have the phone that I used for the 2 years but it won't accommodate a pay as you go card. I don't understand how people can watch TV on a tiny little screen while driving yet need a 60 inch screen at home. I guess I am just too old!
katclaws_mo
10 years ago
Have it & HATE it.

When DH & I were getting me a new laptop, I didn't know enough about how it worked or how user friendly it would be.
I just ASSuMEd it would be like my WindowXP.
I'm stuck with it now & learning to try & cope.
Why, oh Why did "they" have to fix what wasn't broken. JMHO
Lily316
10 years ago
Someone should send this whole thread to Microsoft. Almost 20 people posted and no one liked Windows 8.
LuAnn_in_PA
10 years ago
Then I will be the first one!

New HP computer (Christmas present) running Win 8.1.
I have zero problems with it (upgrade for me from Vista). All my old programs work just as well with it as they did with Vista, even Quicken, which surprised me.

I have an iPad, iPod and iPhone, so the touch screen isn't new for me. Touch screens will be the future, so I figured I'd jump in now, with both feet.
Lily316
10 years ago
I had a touch screen 24 inch Dell two years ago and never used it.(I mean touching the screen). It was way easier to move the wireless mouse than reach over and touch the screen leaving fingerprints. When the Dell crashed , we decided against the touch screen for the new desktop. I use the touch screen on the iPad, iPod and Windows phone, but don't want it on my desktop.
kayjones
10 years ago
I had win 8 on my new computer and didn't like it, so took it back and had win 7 professional put on it - works good for me now.

After getting used to it, does anyone actually LIKE Windows 8?

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After getting used to it, does anyone actually LIKE Windows 8?

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