Windows 8 is a mess. How has your experience been?

So to test out Windows 8 before writing it off I downloaded the preview build to get a taste for how it is, I was more than just a little surprised when it finally finished installing.

It is a mess, I don't know what they were trying to do with this revision but it really makes very little sense for someone who uses their PC primarily for gaming. There are lots of features built in for tablets and touch screen pc's but the core experience for a regular windows is poor at best.

Say goodbye to the windows orb at the bottom right, now clicking there takes you to a "Start" page that looks as if it were designed with tablets in mind. The best part? This start page does not feature a single thing from the original function of the windows orb that was consistent from windows xp-7. You wont find "Computer" or "Control Panel" options here. Instead it seems to be filled with a random selection of everything that is installed on your computer along with a couple of selections for media like music and pictures.

After screwing around for 15 minutes I am un-able to find how to find my hard drive so that I can locate something I am looking for, and dont get me started about the bar that pops up on the right hand side after touching the top or bottom right hand corners of the screen.

In general this OS revision seems clustered and un-organized. I see how they wanted to make their OS more dynamic across other device but whats the point if it creates a more bulky experience with people like me. Keep in mind I am a windows power user and never had any difficulties with XP, Vista, or Windows 7.

What do you guys think about windows 8?

Windows 8 doesn't serve "my" purpose as a computer/gamer user. I'm sorry but I don't know the FULL details on how it will make gaming better than what Windows 7 can already do. So for now, I'll stick with Windows 7, and skip Windows 8 altogether.Elann2008

This should have been my choice as well. As for what it can do to make the gaming experience better, windows 8 is less resource heavy than Windows 7, so this may be a good option for some.

Windows 8 is designed with tablets in mind, not for desktop PC gamers like us. We aren't the target market and have no reason to buy it. Just because it's not suited to you're needs dosen't make it a mess.

Windows 8 is designed with tablets in mind, not for desktop PC gamers like us. We aren't the target market and have no reason to buy it. Just because it's not suited to you're needs dosen't make it a mess.

HyperWarlock

Which is fair, but MS essentially forces the use of new operating systems. You must understand that eventually we will all have to use it. And yes, it is a mess. Why should designing it with tablets in mind mean that you have to make it so hard to use with a mouse and keyboard? They should of designed it so it works well both ways.

I have been using it since the developer preview and I have a few thoughts. The way it is set up for me, every time I re-log in or restart my computer it automatically bypasses metro and goes straight to the desktop. I don't know if something is messed up(I am using a roughly 5 year old Dell Insipron 1525 laptop) but I rarely deal with metro or even see it. I am not a power user. I surf the net, use word and open office at work (it's my personal computer I use at work), and run miscellaneous programs like Skype, etc. Out of the box I have had only a few problems. I will say that W8 runs much faster than Vista and OSX leopard (yes this laptop I'm typing on nowwas a hackintosh at one point too). Printer drivers (I print to a large Xerox company printer and a smaller laser printer) has been easier to set-up than Vista and the same as OSX with a one click sort of endeavor. Some of the new features like the added info on file transfers (which are sped up and more accurate thank god!) are palpably better. As I use it I "pin" my top three programs to the task bar and pretty much run it like normal windows 7 that I have on my home PC. When I need a program I don't use often I go to metro which doesn't take much longer than using a start menu. Occasionally I have to find something (like in control panel from Win7 or Vista) and I use the search which works surprisingly well. The metro store is similar to Google Play or Apple App store and you all have used those enough to know what I'm talking about. I don't see myself using it a lot. Metro is like steam (in that I can add non-MS store app tiles like I can add launchers for non steam games) so I can make tiles (and hide them!) for anything I need which has been pretty easy to be honest. You have to relearn some things but once you do it's not really drastically different than the first time you fired up Windows or OSX. I think they needed to bridge the gap between home PC and Tablet and they took a slightly heavier handed approach than they needed too but the core underlying portion (minus the UI) is even better than Windows 7. My 5 year old laptop with 3GB of ram (32 bit OS lol) is pretty darn fast. In fact it's the fastest I have ever seen this laptop run.

EDIT: I forgot - it boots up,updates, and shuts down extremely fast. This one one of the most impressive things I noticed. It is twice as fast as OSX and about 6 times faster than Vista lol

Having no problems with it right now. Some games don't work with it which is understandable and the drivers are poop right now but they will only improve over time. I do like the new task manager which kind of gives a little more in depth explanation of the processes and if if has a child process. Metro..meh I'm indifferent on that now, at first it was strange but I got over it fast.

Really I do right now is login, go straight to the desktop, launch STEAM and play Skyrim.

On all Window OS's wait at least 3yrs. or more so all the bugs and SP's have been released.

I wouldn't even want it included on new buys till at least 3yrs.

From Win 95 on wait to use - saves money and time this way.

no ..m using Windows 7

So to test out Windows 8 before writing it off I downloaded the preview build to get a taste for how it is, I was more than just a little surprised when it finally finished installing.

It is a mess, I don't know what they were trying to do with this revision but it really makes very little sense for someone who uses their PC primarily for gaming. There are lots of features built in for tablets and touch screen pc's but the core experience for a regular windows is poor at best.

Say goodbye to the windows orb at the bottom right, now clicking there takes you to a "Start" page that looks as if it were designed with tablets in mind. The best part? This start page does not feature a single thing from the original function of the windows orb that was consistent from windows xp-7. You wont find "Computer" or "Control Panel" options here. Instead it seems to be filled with a random selection of everything that is installed on your computer along with a couple of selections for media like music and pictures.

After screwing around for 15 minutes I am un-able to find how to find my hard drive so that I can locate something I am looking for, and dont get me started about the bar that pops up on the right hand side after touching the top or bottom right hand corners of the screen.

In general this OS revision seems clustered and un-organized. I see how they wanted to make their OS more dynamic across other device but whats the point if it creates a more bulky experience with people like me. Keep in mind I am a windows power user and never had any difficulties with XP, Vista, or Windows 7.

What do you guys think about windows 8?

Crypt_mx

The metro works perfectly with keyboards and mice, very easy to scroll through apps that you are in, very easy to customize your metro to how you want. So you could have a link that goes straight into this forum with Win8 if you wanted. Also, you CAN find "Computer" or "Control" panel in the "start page"...hell you can customize it so you can go into all the administrative tools faster than you could in 7.

Windows 8 also runs games better than 7, especially with a difference you can notice with Steam. The multi-screen component of Win8 is finally refreshing since it is native inside the OS and runs very nicely and remembers where you want certain programs to open. This version of windows is a lot more friendly and easier for the average desktop user that doesn't game. I'm talking about people that will use it at home or at work to get their stuff done.

EDIT: I should also point out that you CAN pin things like "My Computer", "Control Panel", "Apps", "network" etc etc to the taskbar at the bottom of your desktop.

[QUOTE="HyperWarlock"]

Windows 8 is designed with tablets in mind, not for desktop PC gamers like us. We aren't the target market and have no reason to buy it. Just because it's not suited to you're needs dosen't make it a mess.

Crypt_mx

Which is fair, but MS essentially forces the use of new operating systems. You must understand that eventually we will all have to use it. And yes, it is a mess. Why should designing it with tablets in mind mean that you have to make it so hard to use with a mouse and keyboard? They should of designed it so it works well both ways.

[QUOTE="Crypt_mx"]

[QUOTE="HyperWarlock"]

Windows 8 is designed with tablets in mind, not for desktop PC gamers like us. We aren't the target market and have no reason to buy it. Just because it's not suited to you're needs dosen't make it a mess.

PurpleMan5000

Which is fair, but MS essentially forces the use of new operating systems. You must understand that eventually we will all have to use it. And yes, it is a mess. Why should designing it with tablets in mind mean that you have to make it so hard to use with a mouse and keyboard? They should of designed it so it works well both ways.

...I don't understand how people have so much trouble with Metro, it's either they don't know how to use a mouse or they just don't want to learn something new.FelipeInside

Yes, those are the only two possible reasons. :roll:

Do you own stock in Microsoft? I am honestly shocked at how vehemently you are defending an operating system. I understand a passion for games and fighting tooth and nail to champion a game or a developer you love, but an operating system?

Color me perplexed.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] ...I don't understand how people have so much trouble with Metro, it's either they don't know how to use a mouse or they just don't want to learn something new.-wildflower-

Yes, those are the only two possible reasons. :roll:

Do you own stock in Microsoft? I am honestly shocked at how vehemently you are defending an operating system. I understand a passion for games and fighting tooth and nail to champion a game or a developer you love, but an operating system?

Color me perplexed.

why would I even consider Windows 8 when Windows 7 is near perfection.

why would I even consider Windows 8 when Windows 7 is near perfection.

jakes456

Windows 8 doesn't serve "my" purpose as a computer/gamer user. I'm sorry but I don't know the FULL details on how it will make gaming better than what Windows 7 can already do. So for now, I'll stick with Windows 7, and skip Windows 8 altogether.Elann2008

This^^
Ill skip Windows 8 altogether...for me is another Windows ME...

[QUOTE="jakes456"]

why would I even consider Windows 8 when Windows 7 is near perfection.

Stream_Beta

Windows 95 - garbage.

Windows 98 - better.

Windows 98 SE - good

Windows ME - garbage.

Windows 2000 - good.

Windows XP SP1 - trash. people fail to realize how bad XP was when it came out. I did not switch for a long time.

Windows XP SP/SP3 - excellent.

Windows Vista - trash.

Windows 7 - the best yet.

Looks like if history is right we're in for a trash OS. amirite?

Just installed it onto my main rig, replacing Windows 7. Metro takes some adjusting to, but it works. Plus, my computer boots up more quickly now and feels much snappier.

dont like the UI...seems to be a bit slimmer though. not enough to warrant an upgrade on my part so i shall wait for windows 9 and see what happens.osan0

With the route MS has been going down lately, I'd expect Kinect motion controls to be the exclusive input method for Windows 9.

Looks like if history is right we're in for a trash OS. amirite?

Masenkoe

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] ...I don't understand how people have so much trouble with Metro, it's either they don't know how to use a mouse or they just don't want to learn something new.-wildflower-

Yes, those are the only two possible reasons. :roll:

Do you own stock in Microsoft? I am honestly shocked at how vehemently you are defending an operating system. I understand a passion for games and fighting tooth and nail to champion a game or a developer you love, but an operating system?

Color me perplexed.

I like it so far. Desktop mode is just improved W7, much faster and snappier. I don't mind the little changes to UI, I never used start menu extensively anyway.

Plus it finally works good on my convertible tablet.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a pretty damn great update

skip Windows 8 altogether.Elann2008

^^

I agree with this.

[QUOTE="Masenkoe"]

Looks like if history is right we're in for a trash OS. amirite?

FPSfan1985

Well it was a joke, but I will most likely be skipping 8 anyways, personally.

[QUOTE="Elann2008"] skip Windows 8 altogether.topsemag55

^^

I agree with this.

I read a few reviews about it around the 'net and in a few magazines and I fail to see what it offers to a user more inclined to use a mouse and keyboard on a desktop computer. Windows 8 is optimal for tablets, so feel free to skip it unless you have a knack for over-simplified interfaces and bright colors because anything it offers, W7 does better.

[QUOTE="-wildflower-"]

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"] ...I don't understand how people have so much trouble with Metro, it's either they don't know how to use a mouse or they just don't want to learn something new.FelipeInside

Yes, those are the only two possible reasons. :roll:

Do you own stock in Microsoft? I am honestly shocked at how vehemently you are defending an operating system. I understand a passion for games and fighting tooth and nail to champion a game or a developer you love, but an operating system?

Color me perplexed.

No, you don't just "talk" about it, you rave about it and there is a huge difference. You also dodged my question which makes me even more skeptical about your motivations. If this was the only thread you created about this topic I wouldn't think anything of it, BUT any time there is even the tiniest iota of information released about Windows 8 you are here going all caps-lock and exclamation points.

I also knew you would show up in this thread defending the OS, it seems suspicious.

Personally, and I've said this before so it's nothing new, I don't see how or why these threads about Windows 8 even belong on this board. They should be locked. Windows 8 has NOTHING to do with PC gaming.

[QUOTE="HyperWarlock"]

Windows 8 is designed with tablets in mind, not for desktop PC gamers like us. We aren't the target market and have no reason to buy it. Just because it's not suited to you're needs dosen't make it a mess.

Crypt_mx

Which is fair, but MS essentially forces the use of new operating systems. You must understand that eventually we will all have to use it. And yes, it is a mess. Why should designing it with tablets in mind mean that you have to make it so hard to use with a mouse and keyboard? They should of designed it so it works well both ways.

I read a few reviews about it around the 'net and in a few magazines and I fail to see what it offers to a user more inclined to use a mouse and keyboard on a desktop computer. Windows 8 is optimal for tablets, so feel free to skip it unless you have a knack for over-simplified interfaces and bright colors because anything it offers, W7 does better.

Sheppard212

[QUOTE="topsemag55"]

[QUOTE="Elann2008"] skip Windows 8 altogether.FelipeInside

^^

I agree with this.

This is where I fall, I will be building a new rig before Summer next year. Waiting on a few things, and my current almost 4 year old rig still does good.(vista 64)

I hope drivers will be worked out with 8 by then, and if it does just as good as 7 for what I want to do. (music, games) Then I will just go with 8.

I don't mind a new UI, I play many games, and new UIs don't take a whole hell of a lot to get use to. (as I also don't feel it will be changed to the point of utter confusion)

I just have to wait and see what the driver support will be like, on the gaming side, I don't really see it being an issue. On the Audio side, it will take longer to get wide support than it will for most modern gaming purposes.

But I have the luxury of time on my side. I can see someone building one right now. To be a little hesitant on a brand spanking new OS.

I like it so far. Desktop mode is just improved W7, much faster and snappier. I don't mind the little changes to UI, I never used start menu extensively anyway.

Plus it finally works good on my convertible tablet.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a pretty damn great update

AdrianWerner

This, while I don't like Metro, it's not really a deal breaker for me. I think they really have improved how Windows uses resources.

[QUOTE="HyperWarlock"]

Windows 8 is designed with tablets in mind, not for desktop PC gamers like us. We aren't the target market and have no reason to buy it. Just because it's not suited to you're needs dosen't make it a mess.

Crypt_mx

Which is fair, but MS essentially forces the use of new operating systems. You must understand that eventually we will all have to use it. And yes, it is a mess. Why should designing it with tablets in mind mean that you have to make it so hard to use with a mouse and keyboard? They should of designed it so it works well both ways.

[QUOTE="AdrianWerner"]

I like it so far. Desktop mode is just improved W7, much faster and snappier. I don't mind the little changes to UI, I never used start menu extensively anyway.

Plus it finally works good on my convertible tablet.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a pretty damn great update

menes777

This, while I don't like Metro, it's not really a deal breaker for me. I think they really have improved how Windows uses resources.

[QUOTE="menes777"]

[QUOTE="AdrianWerner"]

I like it so far. Desktop mode is just improved W7, much faster and snappier. I don't mind the little changes to UI, I never used start menu extensively anyway.

Plus it finally works good on my convertible tablet.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a pretty damn great update

Kh1ndjal

This, while I don't like Metro, it's not really a deal breaker for me. I think they really have improved how Windows uses resources.

[QUOTE="Crypt_mx"]

[QUOTE="HyperWarlock"]

Windows 8 is designed with tablets in mind, not for desktop PC gamers like us. We aren't the target market and have no reason to buy it. Just because it's not suited to you're needs dosen't make it a mess.

Jacanuk

Which is fair, but MS essentially forces the use of new operating systems. You must understand that eventually we will all have to use it. And yes, it is a mess. Why should designing it with tablets in mind mean that you have to make it so hard to use with a mouse and keyboard? They should of designed it so it works well both ways.

[QUOTE="Kh1ndjal"][QUOTE="menes777"]

This, while I don't like Metro, it's not really a deal breaker for me. I think they really have improved how Windows uses resources.

Stream_Beta

When people say that drivers are lacking, which specific drivers are we talking about?

Really want to give W8 a test in a "real enviroment" but can't be arsed with having to restore my rig, if some banal issue inhibits daily use or gaming.

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"][QUOTE="-wildflower-"]

Yes, those are the only two possible reasons. :roll:

Do you own stock in Microsoft? I am honestly shocked at how vehemently you are defending an operating system. I understand a passion for games and fighting tooth and nail to champion a game or a developer you love, but an operating system?

Color me perplexed.

-wildflower-

No, you don't just "talk" about it, you rave about it and there is a huge difference. You also dodged my question which makes me even more skeptical about your motivations. If this was the only thread you created about this topic I wouldn't think anything of it, BUT any time there is even the tiniest iota of information released about Windows 8 you are here going all caps-lock and exclamation points.

I also knew you would show up in this thread defending the OS, it seems suspicious.

Personally, and I've said this before so it's nothing new, I don't see how or why these threads about Windows 8 even belong on this board. They should be locked. Windows 8 has NOTHING to do with PC gaming.