More Windows 8.1 screenshots leak, reveal power button and smarter context menus

[Burty117]

I can respect @Burty117, he has various gripes about his experience, some of them I can relate to, others, not so much, but has he reported his experience and dissatisfaction to Microsoft? I cant tell you that, only he can. If he didn't, then he has no right to complain about what Microsoft does with Windows. If he did, and Microsoft did nothing, then he would clearly be in the minority and would be more than entitled to make known his complaints to anyone who will listen, because he actually did something about it. Well, that's my opinion anyways. I cant force you to see it my way, but for those who refuse to use Windows 8, great for you. Those who do use it and cant see what the fuss is about, great for you too. Windows 8 without touch works very well.

I was there day one of the Beta, Since I work for an IT support company and we're Microsoft certified Gold Partner blah blah blah we got Windows 8 pretty early on, I reported everything I didn't like and things that needed working on but I got nothing back for my efforts, not even acknowledgement of my feedback, Then the day came, when it was released properly, nothing had changed, I knew from the beta it was not going to be a hit success and I knew it wouldn't be a hit for enterprises as it just isn't easy to work with, hell WSUS is still unable to push out 8.1 update to 8 computers instead, it had to be manually downloaded on each machine, when you have 50 computers tying to download that 2 odd gig update it kills internet lines.

There are many issues with 8 and 8.1, from the looks of the updates they have been releasing, they are making it more and more desktop friendly, I can definitely see Microsoft returning to form for Windows 9, but 8 and 8.1, well most our clients hate it and most just try to avoid it, Only a few clients really use Windows 8 and they use Samsung tablets so it makes sense.

opinions like "if you don't have a touchscreen it's not worth it to update to W8". That is false in so many ways.

I would like you to explain this part please, Because I have used Windows 8 extensively on touch and desktop environments and as much as you don't want to admit it, that statement actually stands, It works relatively well when interfacing using touch, but not very well when using a mouse, sure not as hard as some people make it out to be, but it is a step backwards compared to using a mouse in Windows 7. Also, don't go into the whole "using keyboard shortcuts" argument, even Microsoft's own exams try to avoid using those.

Overall I thinks Sales are saying everything, I'm pretty sure they touted similar sales numbers for Vista about this far into it's life cycle, while Windows 7 on the other hand, was way ahead.

 

[Guest]

@ Almighty Programmer Guest (you don't mind being called that, do you?): As I said before, if you prefer Windows 8 over 7 it doesn't mean it's actually better (and vice versa). While I can agree with some of the things that that Clown guy says, I do not approve of mindless software bashing when it isn't backed up by any arguments.

BTW, I'm not the Guest who called you this way first.

You are being narrow minded not because of your OS preferences but because of the way you express yourself and your opinions like "if you don't have a touchscreen it's not worth it to update to W8". That is false in so many ways.

So you're still insisting that I'm narrow-minded? Or is it just because you're reluctant to take your words back? Because it's starting to sound like a plain insult. It seems, I need to quote myself yet again: "IMO, if you have a desktop PC and your monitor isn't touch-enabled, then probably there is no rhyme or reason in "upgrading" to Windows 8". I hope there is no need to explain the emphasized words?

The moral of the story? If you see people bashing or fanboying about something without any proper reason ("I like/dislike it" is not a proper reason, despite the popular belief), don't even try to save them from their own ignorance. It just will make you look as infantile as them.

 

[mailpup]

Let's put the brakes on the personal comments and name calling. Can we stick to the issues and leave personal digs and insults out of it? Thank you.

 

[Kibaruk]

Though I feel the older (W7 and earlier) menu popup was much more user friendly. It operates on the principle that "less is more" -- you only expand single folders to get what you want. Whereas Metro seems to be "more is less" -- it tries to show everything ever installed and expects the user to either scroll to what they are looking for or manually remove everything until it has a more usable number of items displayed.

For example, when I install software that creates 14 links (safe mode, support websites, uninstall, etc) on W7 they are all hidden in one folder. No clutter. But on Metro I've now got 14 massive tiles where I only really need 1. So now I have to delete the ones I don't use so it's clean again. But what if I later need one of those links? Oops.

You don't actually erase them, you just remove it from the main start menu. If you go down to the small arrow pointed downwards at the end of the metro ui it will show you all the aplications installed on the machine the same way as if you clicked in "All programs" in the classic windows menu.

If, for example you installed... I don't know, call it APP, and it comes with APP safe mode, APP support, APP uninstall, APP whatever, if you only leave the APP Main in the metro ui and want to quickly access the other option for example safe mode, you get into metro using the windows button and type "APP" as soon as you start typing it will be written into a search text field, without you having to do anything else and it will show whatever APP files are indexed in your computer, aplications from start menu are indexed by default so that shouldn't take longer than a second.

If you preffer clicking you go down and press the downward arrow on the bottom of the metro ui and you will see the aplications you have installed in their corresponding program groups.

hell WSUS is still unable to push out 8.1 update to 8 computers instead, it had to be manually downloaded on each machine, when you have 50 computers tying to download that 2 odd gig update it kills internet lines.

I would like you to explain this part please, Because I have used Windows 8 extensively on touch and desktop environments and as much as you don't want to admit it, that statement actually stands, It works relatively well when interfacing using touch, but not very well when using a mouse, sure not as hard as some people make it out to be, but it is a step backwards compared to using a mouse in Windows 7. Also, don't go into the whole "using keyboard shortcuts" argument, even Microsoft's own exams try to avoid using those.

Overall I thinks Sales are saying everything, I'm pretty sure they touted similar sales numbers for Vista about this far into it's life cycle, while Windows 7 on the other hand, was way ahead.

To your first point I can't argue, haven't tried it.

I've been using windows 8 with keyboard and mouse just fine, I haven't felt the need to use a touchscreen nor I feel slower than when I used windows 7, if this were the case I would've never migrated my desktop. The indexer works way better than before so if I want to open... to say something Steam, I press start button then "st" and enter and voila, steam is opening, didnt use the mouse nor a touchscreen interface. As long as you don't have it cluttered with things you don't use the ui is pretty much as simple as scrolling through the Windows 7 start menu. If you leave whatever you use regularly close to the first icon in metro ui you just use the arrows to get there, again, pretty much the same way in windows 7 start menu.

Both replying your second and last thoughts, it hasn't sold nor it's been as widely accepted because people are afraid and resilient to changes, specially those who are not tech-savy, they just want whatever they were using because they already know how to use it. When you tell them something new to use even if it's the bomb or windows 9 or whatever you think it will "fix" the "problems" of current interface, they won't even bother trying it out.

@Guest: I'm using windows 8.1 without a touchscreen interface, loving it ever since I installed it, boot times are shorter, indexer is faster, keyboard shortcuts are better, hell I barely enter metro and when I do is to search something, or quickly get into control panel. IMO W8 is faster in every way to W7, with or without touchscreen. Since I've tried both and am actually using it... fill the blanks.

 

[Capaill]

Thanks Kibaruk.
Maybe what W8 is really missing is a good tutorial

 

[EClyde]

Leaked? Ha Ha HA. Released

 

[tipstir]

I was on Windows 8.1 for a few weeks, I removed and went back to 7, reasons below:

- Windows Updates were much slower and even caused the OS to hang a lot when shutting down.
- Hovering at the bottom right of the screen in the hope for a settings menu was incredibly tedious.
- And per @abysal post, the changes to the networking and sharing center are very annoying.
- Logging off and shutting down take a few more clicks making it overall slower to log off and shut down compared to Windows 7.
- Windows 8 booted up faster the first couple of times but after some updates it is just as fast as 7.
- Isn't compatible with my entire games library.
- Start Menu seems to be a waste of space, I have a desktop and laptop I tried this on, filling my screen with a few giant squares is definitely not the best use of screen real estate.
- Full screen apps are a waste of time and actually removes the ability to easily multitask.
- searching requires filling the whole screen up with search results, again, why?
- Logging into new profiles takes much longer, so long in fact it sits there telling you about "new features".
- Can't install 8 to 8.1 under the built-in Local administrator account.
- Creating Local Users requires a full screen menu, Seriously, what is with things taking the whole screen?

There are many more things I could probably go on for a long time, instead I'll weigh up the things I liked:

- Better details when copying files from explorer.exe.
- Task Manager has more detail.
- search I personally thought worked fine and usually came up with what I want (at least in 8.1, didn't use it too much in 8)
- Customizable in regards to having different backgrounds on different screens and a few other nice touches.

That was about it though, everything else Windows 8.1 "offered" was either annoying or already existed in Windows 7.

Out of the box the 8.1 needs help. I have tweaked so I can use it. GUI at boot-up gone. Disabled goes from the start boot to 8.1 quick. Next you have to keep the system clean just won't do it itself. MS need to make a Smart-Clean but I guess they won't because of Symantec might sue them for doing that.

Thing is most of old school tech masters just don't like too much change. MS made 8.1 more simple to use. There is a lot out there couldn't do what we can tweak and tune on systems. So now 8.1 covers all those old ways and has a new clean easy to use UI. Using the mouse instead of TS Monitor can climb up your spine, but using rolling mouse with a dial to zip along scrolls does make it easier to zip around the 8.1. I should have go more of these kensington type of roller mouse, not the price is like $30 each nope not going to happen.

Wise360 Free / Window Tuner Free and Uncleaner v1.7 can keep 8.1 clean enough to run with. As you know in time everything slows down. I haven't run my JASPER yet for TCP/IP changes.

MS needs to hire me and you to get 8.1 or 9 or 10 better otherwise no one going to want to make the huge move from 7 to 8 to 9 to 10 etc.

 

[cliffordcooley]

For the record it is not the user of Windows 8 or Windows 7 that should be called narrow-minded. It is the ones that insist lack of choices in a digital world should be a norm, that are narrow-minded. All this bickering we do is from lack of choice. In a digital world that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Kibaruk]

Now I can say I'm happy, give it a chance, it's the blast

 

[lipe123]

Just give me an option "this is not a toy its a real computer" at the setup screen.

If that is selected take out all the "apps" and the app store and the metro UI and put the blinking start menu back and leave it just the way windows 7 worked.
Then add PROPER multi monitor support with a start button and notification area for each monitor's start bar and show the time on both screens.

Done, thats all we ask for, why can't MS just listen to use users instead of going "we know better you need to listen to us"

 

[Railman]

I had a look at a IT supplier site to see how much the Windows OS costs. The default order is by demand. W7 is at the top, which seems to demonstrate that MS have failed to convince the majority of system builders to adopt W8.

I also noticed that there is little difference between the cost of W8 and W7. I am very surprised that MS are trying to regain their position by going to W9 considering they are in the process of replacing their MD.

 

[Raoul Duke]

There is nothing handicapped visually or otherwise, about Windows 8.1 It's narrow minded people who are stuck in the past and wont give it a chance.

If you haven't tried don't knock it. I for one wouldn't go back to Windows 7, the info, and news Apps are invaluable in my life.

I've tried it, I'm knocking it. I am an 'early adopter' as they say of Microsoft OS. Installed Win 8 Pro/media centre and ran Win 8.1 from the day of general availability until late Dec 2013 when I went back to Win 7 which I greatly prefer. I'm tired of this (lack of) argument that if you don't like it you either haven't used it or have some kind of mental handicap. I don't like it, get used to it. From data on sales, usage and public reaction, if you think it's great you are in the minority. If you like it, buy it, it's your money after all, but quit insulting those that think otherwise

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

There is nothing handicapped visually or otherwise, about Windows 8.1 It's narrow minded people who are stuck in the past and wont give it a chance.

If you haven't tried don't knock it. I for one wouldn't go back to Windows 7, the info, and news Apps are invaluable in my life.

Have you got anymore compelling reasons why we should all switch to Win 8? The 2 you listed just don't cut it.

 

[tipstir]

I've it on 3 systems now. Of course a lot of tweaking the subsystem as MS hasn't done enough tweaking. Store app needs more apps for touch. Right now still have use static apps with mouse and some touch apps.

Nice Free MS Office 2013 replacement is Kingsoft Office 2013 Free.

Windows 7 systems I holding those still because I see some glitches in 8.1 still. Boot-up to the log in screen is quicker than Windows 7 w/out animated GUI. Other than some improvements. GodMode from 7 works on 8 stick that on desktop to access some features you have to dig deep on 8.1.

Windows Media Center I use here. I have one Windows 7 laptop running with Networked HDHomeRun 4 HD Tuners. But getting tablet to see the shared folder for RecordTV from this Windows 7 to Windows 8 still not seeing it. First it found it then it tells can't find anything recorded. It does show up the programs like example McCloud from 70's. Touch select to watch I get and error saying it can find it. I'll keep at it. Fixed it unlike 7 everything sync. Not with 8.1 and 7 don't sync or just doesn't remember. Got it working now!

Netflix app in MC works no issue there on 8.1. Movies play just fine.

 

[Camikazi]

There is nothing handicapped visually or otherwise, about Windows 8.1

You mean to tell me Windows 8.1 includes Windows Aero Glass? Or are you telling me, Windows Aero Glass was not a visual effect in Windows 7? Please explain, because I want to know your exact meaning for calling me narrow minded. The only narrow minded people I know of as far as this topic is concerned, are the ones that think everyone will have the same desires for themes.

Visually different and visually handicapped do not mean the same thing, Windows 8 is visually different but it can use and take advantage of every bit of power that a GPU has, more so actually, than WIndows 7. Don't start assuming that because you liked Aero and because it is gone now that anything is handicapped, they just changed and happened to change what you liked.

 

[Camikazi]

There is nothing handicapped visually or otherwise, about Windows 8.1 It's narrow minded people who are stuck in the past and wont give it a chance.

If you haven't tried don't knock it. I for one wouldn't go back to Windows 7, the info, and news Apps are invaluable in my life.

I've tried it, I'm knocking it. I am an 'early adopter' as they say of Microsoft OS. Installed Win 8 Pro/media centre and ran Win 8.1 from the day of general availability until late Dec 2013 when I went back to Win 7 which I greatly prefer. I'm tired of this (lack of) argument that if you don't like it you either haven't used it or have some kind of mental handicap. I don't like it, get used to it. From data on sales, usage and public reaction, if you think it's great you are in the minority. If you like it, buy it, it's your money after all, but quit insulting those that think otherwise

I've been running Windows 8 and 8.1 since preview and prefer it over Windows 7. BTW I'm also tired of the arguments of people who haven't used it or were told by "friends" that Windows 8 is horrible. You can go tell those who don't like WIndows 8 the same thing you just said about those who like Windows 8, stop insulting everyone cause you guys do it a lot.

 

[captaincranky]

It's still butt ugly. How devoid of aesthetic sensibilities do you have to be, to be willing to stare at that nightmare on a daily basis?

 

[cliffordcooley]

Visually different and visually handicapped do not mean the same thing

Visually Different vs Visually Handicapped

Explain that again, your first attempt was pathetic. GPU performance has nothing to do with Windows 8 visual properties. In fact Windows 8 was not engineered to take advantage of GPU's potential. Windows 8 was engineered for the lack of GPU's potential. Your stance for GPU performance is in-game not in the OS. I'm arguing the OS Visual Handicap aspects not game aspects. Please stay focused!

 

[Camikazi]

Visually Different vs Visually Handicapped

Explain that again, your first attempt was pathetic. GPU performance has nothing to do with Windows 8 visual properties. In fact Windows 8 was not engineered to take advantage of GPU's potential. Windows 8 was engineered for the lack of GPU's potential. Your stance for GPU performance is in-game not in the OS. I'm arguing the OS Visual Handicap aspects not game aspects. Please stay focused!

To me visual handicapping means what it says not allowing the program (OS in this case) to run at full performance visually and WIndows 8 is not handicapped. Windows 89 can do everything Windows 7 can and more so, hell people have even turned on Aero effects and it runs it just fine. MS just decided to not add Aero just like they decided to change from XP look to Vista look to Windows 7 look. Changing the design and style of an OS is not handicapping, it is changing it and they are not the same. You just seem upset that they changed something you liked and are throwing around words for no reason.

 

[Camikazi]

It's still butt ugly. How devoid of aesthetic sensibilities do you have to be, to be willing to stare at that nightmare on a daily basis?

I don't really like the shiny, glossy look, most of the time I have programs open and am doing things so I don't look at the desktop or the borders.

 

[cliffordcooley]

To me visual handicapping means what it says not allowing the program (OS in this case) to run at full performance visually and WIndows 8 is not handicapped.

And to me visually handicapped means visually lacking. And when you start talking about performance, you are no longer talking about visual aspects. And just to be clear, Windows 8 does have the capability to run Windows Aero, it doesn't therefor it is handicapped. Restricting an OS is handicapping the OS.

If someone tied your hands behind your back, restricting your capabilities, you would be handicapped. Removing capabilities is a form of handicap, just as if your hands were tied.

 

[captaincranky]

I don't really like the shiny, glossy look, most of the time I have programs open and am doing things so I don't look at the desktop or the borders.

Science fiction has shown us many possible evolutions of the human-computer interface. For example, a "clapper" (*), style interface that changes the wall from a scene in downtown Cleveland, to that of a beach in Hawaii. Or perhaps a 3D hologram of someone's ideal significant other.

Using the current Windows 7 interface, I can have a steady stream of changing environments. Beauty queens, or perhaps my own photographic artwork, can transport me to another time and place.

But Metro, really? That's like being punched in the face with a fistful of Fischer-Price blocks. One small step backward for the computer, one giant step ... backward, for mankind.

Is M$, or you for that matter, trying to pass "Metro" off as a step forward? Because to me, it just seems like a bunch of dolts, imploding further into Facebook, cell phones, and cyberspace..

(*), OK, that was a joke. Read it as, "voice command".

 

[Phr3d]

@cap'n - much as butt-ugly makes me laugh, your obvious intention, I respectfully submit FUgly as being more accurate - butts Can be cute.

FU, stolen from FUBAR, not the later EFF YOU abbreviation popularized by people that couldn't say piss, lol.

metro reminds me of playing an original-res mario side-scroller on a HD screen, sitting Real close.
Win8, now with the improved artifact-ed graphics.
Hard to leave stunningly gorgeous, perfect for me (shiny) desktop to favor the 8-bit legos of Win 2.1
(insert your favorite CGA 1-of-15-colors square with-white-text-naming-the-program icon here)