Windows 8 Preview users can upgrade to final version for $39.99

if metro and/or lack for start button pisses you off, you can use www.google.com to find guide and regedit hacks to restore win7 style(not metro) start button and disable metro interface.

You forgot the option of bypassing 'Windows 8' all together. What the hell is the point of installing a new operating system if one's main goal is to make it "look" and "behave" like the OS that is already installed?

Here's my question: If someone is content/happy with Windows 7, why should they upgrade to Windows 8, "other than", its shiny and new, like a virgin(but not)?
 
@lawfer & Rick

Its been years since I've stopped using 'start' button, it is just a relic from the ancient times at bottom of my notebook/pc screen, so I can see where you are going. TBH having tried W8x64 preview releases, I am pretty certain of one thing, it is damn fast to find and launch a program in W8 compared to windows 7, so for me, change of UI doesn't present any 'learning challenge' and I may well a) switch to W8, b) buy my first ever tablet I.e. Surface ;)
 
@lawfer & Rick

Its been years since I've stopped using 'start' button, it is just a relic from the ancient times at bottom of my notebook/pc screen, so I can see where you are going. TBH having tried W8x64 preview releases, I am pretty certain of one thing, it is damn fast to find an launch a program in W8 compared to windows 7, so for me, change of UI doesn't present any 'learning challenge' and I may well a) switch to W8, b) buy my first ever tablet I.e. Surface ;)

Your kidding right? Your telling everybody who reads this thread that the overriding reason you "may" switch to Windows 8 is because it's faster to launch a program in Windows 8 than when compared to Windows 7? How long exactly does it take you to double-click a shortcut on a Windows 7 desktop??? How much memory does your current computer have...how many services are you running at startup?? What speed is your hard disk? What CPU you are running?? How much faster is it? Does launching an app in 500 milliseconds versus 600 milliseconds really have that big an impact on your life? Are these posts for real or has Microsoft realized what deep trouble its in thereby having their own employees go make posts on websites like this? This post is hilarious.

And on another note, yeah, lets just rip anything out of the Operating System that isn't used on a daily basis by at least 99% of users on Windows based PCs. Because if it isn't used on a daily basis, who needs it. To hell with it. RIP IT OUT!!!!!!!

Hell, in fact, as long as I can watch YouTube videos and download my MP3s that's all the functionality I need in 'Windows 8'. RIP EVERYTHING ELSE OUT!!!. That way the Operating System will boot 2 seconds faster so it's a win-win for everybody!!!


Your gonna have to start ripping out more than just a 'Start' button.
 
if metro and/or lack for start button pisses you off, you can use www.google.com to find guide and regedit hacks to restore win7 style(not metro) start button and disable metro interface.

You forgot the option of bypassing 'Windows 8' all together. What the hell is the point of installing a new operating system if one's main goal is to make it "look" and "behave" like the OS that is already installed?

Here's my question: If someone is content/happy with Windows 7, why should they upgrade to Windows 8, "other than", its shiny and new, like a virgin(but not)?

Because it's faster. They have managed to cut out a huge chunk of processes making the OS faster and more efficient.
 
Response to "ThatGuy":
You can't be serious right...Did you ever think of maybe upgrading your CPU, or your memory, or you hard disk(maybe get an SSD), or you graphics card, or your motherboard, or your monitor, defragging the hard disk, trimming down the startup programs and running services, if all you wanted was a faster OS?

I am assuming that you are using 'Windows 7' now and its not fast enough for you, am I right? Maybe you are okay with Windows 7 booting up in less than 3 minutes but, DAMMIT Already!!!, a 2 1/2 minute bootup time is what life is all about. And all that's required to get there is installing an operating system that was built with a cellphone/tablet interface in mind. Well hell yeah. Where do I sign? Show me the dotted line. Im sold!!!!
 
to the guy saying to say nothing about windows 8. If people don't voice their concerns over something then how in the world would Microsoft know about it? They will say "ah no one's saying anything about it so it's all good" you do not have the right to ask people to shut up. That's just like how Microsoft in a couple of years forcing everyone to upgrade to windows 8 just cus they think it's a good move. I'm sure there will be some attempt to do something like that in the future. such as cutting off updates and security patches. It will be a sad day indeed if people shut up about it
 
You're wrong. It isn't faster, they haven't cut out any "chunk of processes" - where do you get this garbage? Your employer perchance?


Wow so aggressive, did mummy take away your favourite toy? go look at speed tests and compare the lists of processes running in win 8 and win 7 oh and whilst your at it go compare it to xp, that is if you know how to do that seeing as from your writing you seem about 8. Here's a speed test for you - http://lifehacker.com/5841702/windows-8-speed-tests-its-faster-at-pretty-much-everything it's the first one I found because quite honestly I'm not wasting more time on you after that immature response (and yes I know my response here was immature but its 2 am and he/she gets what he dished out).

Response to "ThatGuy":
You can't be serious right...Did you ever think of maybe upgrading your CPU, or your memory, or you hard disk(maybe get an SSD), or you graphics card, or your motherboard, or your monitor, defragging the hard disk, trimming down the startup programs and running services, if all you wanted was a faster OS?

I am assuming that you are using 'Windows 7' now and its not fast enough for you, am I right? Maybe you are okay with Windows 7 booting up in less than 3 minutes but, DAMMIT Already!!!, a 2 1/2 minute bootup time is what life is all about. And all that's required to get there is installing an operating system that was built with a cellphone/tablet interface in mind. Well hell yeah. Where do I sign? Show me the dotted line. Im sold!!!!

Hem bringing hardware into a debate that's purely focused on the OS what a great argument there. Of course those things make a bigger difference however this debate is focused on the merits of Win 8 compared to Win 7 where the difference in speed and RAM requirements happen to be some of those merits discussed. I'm sure you are capable of spending the two seconds needed to download a great 3rd party start menu. Windows 8 was not built with a cellphone/tablet in mind, otherwise there wouldn't be a special tablet version. The metro interface is great, it takes some getting used to but I personally find it useful and I basically never touched my start menu for anything other then search and the vast majority of people in the world probably use the start menu a similarly small amount or Microsoft would not do this ( they do undertake market research you know). Heck most people just pin the programs to either the taskbar or the desktop and when they need them press show desktop and select the needed program from the tiles there (kind of similar to metro)? Just because it does not suit you is no need to call it crap when a lot of people will find it great.
 
With windows 7 users didn't need to wait for the service pack to upgrade, but I'm afraid that many will wait for the service pack for windows 8. I'm still hoping they will manage to make the start screen NOT ALWAYS FULLSCREEN. If they gave users the option to change between fullscreen and a window then 75% of the people that are complaining now would have loved the new OS.
I know they that need to force us to use metro so that developers actually have a user base to tap into, but I just don't like it.
I'm using the Start8 application so that I can have a start button and I also made a custom toolbar with my most used programs for quicker access.
 
So whats the big deal about a touch screen GUI its the kernel that matters, everything else is just fluff.. You can set up an APP in Windows 7 to do the same touch screen thing.. You can also make your screen emulate Windows 7 in Windows 8.. Says it will let you go from XP x 32 to Windows 8 x 64 for $40 BUCKS !!! I say COOL BEANS !!! Seems to slightly out perform 7 and use slightly less system resources.. Had a 3 ghz 64 bit work station running 32 bit Windows 7 and slapped this on it in the 64 bit flavor.. Big boost to be sure................
 
I tried Win8RP and the debate of better or worse is a mute point in my book. The real problem I saw was PRIVACY issues during the install. Tell me why I should have to give MS two e-mail addresses and phone numbers to install an OS that will then track and report to MS everything I do on my system up to and including key logging. Yes some of these can be opted out of but some can't and those that can will be turned back on the first time the OS updates.
The majority of users will get this OS preinstalled on a new system and won't have a clue that they have just given their soul to MS and even less of a clue as to how to stop it.
I am very surprised more people have not complained about this issue.
Dark times indeed.
 
The thing that bothers me the most about the Metro UI, is the back and forth between it and the classic desktop, which makes the Metro UI seem like a 3rd party add on.

ie: if you want to view the task manager, it needs to open in the classic desktop to view it.
 
Well, I finally got a copy installed. I put the DVD into the drive, set the install drive and let it go, did the whole thing by itself without any additional prompting from me.

So far I'm not super impressed out of the box. Still tinkering with it, probably going to check out a few web sites now to see some tips and tricks. But the whole first impression thing is not that great. With Vista and 7 I liked what I saw from the start. Seemed like an improvement over the old, this, not so much.

I can see it scaring off older users who don't like too many changes. But have to admit, pretty much did everything by itself as far as installation is concerned. Once I get the system customized a bit more, I'll see how useful it is compared to before. I did not install it on my main system but my backup one, which I pretty much use for downloading, burning and multimedia.
 
I think it's a really nice offer, install the RP get full OS for $40, It will come in handy for a HTPC build I have planned.
 
I take it you don't like win8 then...

I'm just glad MS is not listening to anyone and just doing what they want. I'm also glad they are trying something different, that's how progress is made.
 
I take it you don't like win8 then...

I'm just glad MS is not listening to anyone and just doing what they want. I'm also glad they are trying something different, that's how progress is made.

Oh, I am glad too. Because that's exactly the kind of philosophy you wanna put into practice when your a company trying to sell a product to the public. Don't listen to the people buying your product. Piss on them. I couldn't agree with some of you guys more. These Windows 8 haters. They can all kiss my ***!

Hell, as long its "different" and something "new" I'll buy it. Even if it's a polished turd. Hey its new, right?
 
There are so many holes with all of your arguments, it would simply take me hours to prove you all wrong, and quite frankly, you are not all worth my time...

They way I see it is this: there IS a learning curve to the Start Screen. I disliked it for the better part of a week. But now I "get it." It's a generational shift, and a abrupt one at that, but it works better.

The only real issue I have so far with Windows 8, is the multitasking with the mouse. Hot Corners for multitasking? Retarded idea.

Start Screen? Abrupt, but necessary. (Analysts predict tablets and ultrabook/tablet hybrids will overtake desktop PCs by the end of 2013.)

Don't like it? Fine with me. There are many both telemetric and mathematical data used for many of the decisions surrounding the changes. Most of you, on the other hand, seem to generalize the future reception of Windows 8 by contrasting it with your own experiences. That is moronic. Windows powers 1.3 billion computers; that's a little over 20% of the world's 7+ billion population. Thinking that what you think, what your friends think, or what your friends' friends think is indicative of the overall reaction is shortsighted at best.

Just understand that--gasp--there ARE power users who can embrace the change. It has nothing to do with being a fanboy. I am personally a critic of everything, even of the things I own. Understand their pros and cons and I make an educated decision. If you happen not to be able to see value in Windows 8, that's fine, just please keep it to yourself. Having an opinion is fine, but complaining for the sake of complaining achieves nothing, and like it or not one thing for sure is going to happen:

Windows 8 will be released. And it turns out you are not being forced to buy it.
 
Oh, I am glad too...
As has been ably demonstrated in the thread, the reasons for buying/not buying W8 are many and varied. A lot depends on the circumstance of the individual user. A couple of points to consider:
1. The overwhelming bulk of W8 licenses will be purchased by OEM's, and as such, W8's viability largely rests in their hands. Good sales = yes, Bad sales = no. Same as it ever was. The vast number of their customer base wouldn't know a tech forum if it appeared as a pop-up during their hourly fix of facebook.
2. Of the very small number of DIY retail/oem licenses that remain, a large percentage will be already have a view one way or the other (possibly swayed by pricing and hw/sw compatibility). Now, do you think that a frothing at the mouth diatribe littered with excessive use of capslock, question marks, exclamation marks, and suspect grammar is going to sway even the smallest of viewers to jettison W8?
 
Indeed DBZ, there is also another dimension which many of these 'power users' seems never to have done, I.e. use a DOS computer, which I did for many years, hence, the habit of not relying on 'start' or many other menus. By the way I 'suspect' DOS was designed to 'test' memory + typing skills of users as well ;)
 
As has been ably demonstrated in the thread, the reasons for buying/not buying W8 are many and varied. A lot depends on the circumstance of the individual user. A couple of points to consider:
1. The overwhelming bulk of W8 licenses will be purchased by OEM's, and as such, W8's viability largely rests in their hands. Good sales = yes, Bad sales = no. Same as it ever was. The vast number of their customer base wouldn't know a tech forum if it appeared as a pop-up during their hourly fix of facebook.
2. Of the very small number of DIY retail/oem licenses that remain, a large percentage will be already have a view one way or the other (possibly swayed by pricing and hw/sw compatibility). Now, do you think that a frothing at the mouth diatribe littered with excessive use of capslock, question marks, exclamation marks, and suspect grammar is going to sway even the smallest of viewers to jettison W8?
Attacking my grammar is your defense for 'Windows 8'? LOL. With friends like you, Microsoft probably doesn't even need any enemies.All I ever did was respond to some of the more ridiculous statements about 'Windows 8'.
Ridiculous Statement #1 - "Windows 8 is by far the best and most stable OS I've used." - Okay, compared to what? If Windows 7 Ultimate has ever crashed on me I can't remember it.
Ridiculous Statement #2 - " I am pretty certain of one thing, it is damn fast to find an launch a program in W8 compared to windows 7" - Really? How much faster is it to click a tile versus clicking a shortcut on the desktop? Measured in milliseconds Im sure.
Ridiculous Statement #3 - "Windows 8 was not built with a cellphone/tablet in mind, otherwise there wouldn't be a special tablet version." - One of my personal favorites, btw.
I don't mind it that there are people out there that like shiny and new. I don't mind it that some peoples lives are so boring they have nothing better to look forward to than the installation of a "new" and "different" operating system. Just come out and say that. "I want Windows 8 because its new and different". Stop making ridiculous statements that are clearly lies, or technically correct but in practice just plain silly.

I do have one good thing to say about 'Windows 8' and I will swallow my pride and say it. The one thing I love about 'Windows 8' is that there is no government mandate that will force me to buy this piece of **** software. Thanks to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid for allowing me to choose my own operating system, at least for the time being!
 
It's not clear to me how Microsoft will test that the computer had another Windows installation before the Win 8 preview was installed. Because from the response that's still a condition, having had an older OS installed.
 
Attacking my grammar is your defense for 'Windows 8'? LOL.
Nope. Attacking your grammar is just for the lulz. BTW, if you think my post is "defence" of Win8 then Comprehension...you're doing it wrong.
All I ever did was respond to some of the more ridiculous statements about 'Windows 8'
So I see;
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Piss on them....They can all kiss my ***!...Even if it's a polished turd.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]You'll see their "ridiculous statements" and raise them "unresolved issues".[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][/FONT]
Ridiculous Statement #1 - "Windows 8 is by far the best and most stable OS I've used."
That should read "Ridiculous made up quote that doesn't appear anywhere except in ig-88's post...and then goes off on a tangent attempting to argue that made-up quote".
[FONT=Arial][/FONT]
Ridiculous Statement #2 [snip] Really? How much faster is it to click a tile versus clicking a shortcut on the desktop? Measured in milliseconds Im sure.
Hey, faster is faster. Can't see the downside there. You're arguing about milliseconds. -BTW, quite a number of apps I'm running are a hell of lot faster/faster loading than a few milliseconds (dual boot Win7 x64 Pro / Win8 x64 -both clean installs). Crysis 2 loading is a good 5-6 seconds faster with W8.
As for the third statement...who cares if the OS was built for desktop, tablet, cellphone or etch-a-sketch? So long as it works in the way that users want it to -and from my (and more than a few others) viewpoint it does just that. Is it a worthwhile upgrade for W7 -probably not. Is it worth adding to a new build, I really don't see why not. It took me a whole hour to get conversant with the UI, personalize it and make sure the keyboard shortcuts did what they should...imagine what a "power user" could achieve!
[FONT=Arial][/FONT]
The one thing I love about 'Windows 8' is that there is no government mandate that will force me to buy this piece of **** software.
Another scatological reference. Quite the orator.
____________________________________________________________

It's not clear to me how Microsoft will test that the computer had another Windows installation before the Win 8 preview was installed. Because from the response that's still a condition, having had an older OS installed.
I'm not entirely sure MS can determine what (if any) previous copy of Windows a user had- unless users are expected to furnish MS with their previous serial. I could see a run on some seriously outdated OS's in the resell market if that is the criteria.
 
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