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[tipoo]

Went back to Windows 7 because my uninstall and power options magically disappeared in 8.1, and plus AMD doesn't have an official Catalyst out for it yet and I was using some hacked drivers that had some wonkiness.
I thought it would still feel like an upgrade, but surprisingly I'm already missing 8.1. I think the single biggest thing is lack of the Synaptics Windows 8 trackpad driver, really accurate and near-60fps smooth scrolling is really worth a lot which you realize when it's gone. If I could get that driver working in 7 that would be great, but I don't think it supports that level of scrolling smoothness at an OS level (am I wrong?).

I'm using an older multitouch driver that HP had out for Synaptics (on my Dell, heh), the official 7/8 driver won't install.

I also miss the much hated start screen actually. Being able to pin big tiles to it helped you remember what was installed. Plus lots of other tweaks throughout Explorer, and animations were smoother on it too, 7 is fairly smooth but on 8 most UI animations were near perfect.

Grumble grumble. I'll probably go back forward in a few months.

 

[BLACKLAC]

The negative feedback had me worried but I'm loving 8.1(still lovin' my win 7 machine too).

 

[terrisus]

So, basically, Windows 8 is better than Windows 7 if you use a laptop's touchpad (and it doesn't have current drivers for 7), and have a bad memory/bad organizational skills?

 

[tipoo]

So, basically, Windows 8 is better than Windows 7 if you use a laptop's touchpad (and it doesn't have current drivers for 7), and have a bad memory/bad organizational skills?

The bad memory isn`t a necessity to benefit from it. It`s just easier to hit the tiles without thought than start menu items I find, and yes you can just type and hit enter on either but it`s easier if it`s all there visually.

Also, native ISOs, file copy pausing and more detail...Lots of little things.

 

[Dead Man]

The bad memory isn`t a necessity to benefit from it. It`s just easier to hit the tiles without thought than start menu items I find, and yes you can just type and hit enter on either but it`s easier if it`s all there visually.

Also, native ISOs, file copy pausing and more detail...Lots of little things.

Or you could place shortcuts on your desktop.

 

[terrisus]

I guess, seeing as many people's pre-Windows 8 desktops were just a fancy image devoid of any icons, whereas I have icons and folders all over my desktop, I just don't see any advantage at all to the "new start screen," especially as far as that goes. I mean, I have all the icons I want sitting right there anyway.

And, I've been using VirtualCD for virtual drives for years. Although I suppose "native support" allows people who weren't using something like that easier access to it, but, again, not something I would benefit from.

 

[Onion_Relish]

Windows 8 now has a desktop. It's perfectly fine now.

 

[tipoo]

Or you could place shortcuts on your desktop.

I hate having stuff on my desktop. Sure you could fill your screen with them to replicate the start menu, but that seems ugly. Just my preference.

 

[Dead Man]

I hate having stuff on my desktop. Sure you could fill your screen with them to replicate the start menu, but that seems ugly.

Love tiles, hate small shortcuts? Sorry, can't get on board with that I have no or minimal shortcuts on my desktop, but your issue seems to be one of not being able to have visual guides about what you have installed. So... shortcuts.

 

[terrisus]

I hate having stuff on my desktop. Sure you could fill your screen with them to replicate the start menu, but that seems ugly. Just my preference.

Love tiles, hate small shortcuts? Sorry, can't get on board with that I have no or minimal shortcuts on my desktop, but your issue seems to be one of not being able to have visual guides about what you have installed. So... shortcuts.

Yeah, seriously. In this particular instance the start screen is doing nothing that previous versions of Windows' traditional desktop wouldn't be doing.

If it's so horrible to have icons on a desktop, just create a folder on your desktop and tuck it away in a corner, and have that folder have all your shortcuts.

 

[terrisus]

Windows 8 now has a desktop. It's perfectly fine now.

Windows 8 has always had a desktop. That doesn't hide all of its other problems though.

ClassicShell is the only way I've been able to deal with Windows 8 until I'm able to reload Windows 7 onto an SSD.

 

[Cerity]

I hate accessing things on desktop, especially whenever I have any number of windows open. You can pop in and out of the start menu/screen without ruining how your workspace is currently setup.

I guess, seeing as many people's pre-Windows 8 desktops were just a fancy image devoid of any icons, whereas I have icons and folders all over my desktop, I just don't see any advantage at all to the "new start screen," especially as far as that goes. I mean, I have all the icons I want sitting right there anyway.

And, I've been using VirtualCD for virtual drives for years. Although I suppose "native support" allows people who weren't using something like that easier access to it, but, again, not something I would benefit from.

It's just one less thing to install the first time around really.

 

[-Deimos]

Screw 8.1, stick with 8. Also, there's this magical program called start8. Look it up.

 

[tipoo]

Love tiles, hate small shortcuts? Sorry, can't get on board with that I have no or minimal shortcuts on my desktop, but your issue seems to be one of not being able to have visual guides about what you have installed. So... shortcuts.

It's more having them there all the time uglying things up, vs having them there at a button press and gone when I don't want them, so that the desktop can be mostly empty but for whatever I'm working on at the moment. And it doens't mean heaving to minimize your programs to get to something on the desktop, it pops over what you're doing, then is gone.

I'm aware third party apps like Fences can hide icons, but I just like the built in implementation.

Plus, shortcuts don't have live updates.

 

[javac]

One thing I really like about Windows 8 over previous iterations is the improved Task Manager. Am I weird?

 

[Steelyuhas]

Screw 8.1, stick with 8.

Huh?

 

[tipoo]

One thing I really like about Windows 8 over previous iterations is the improved Task Manager. Am I weird?

No, it's very nice too.

 

[terrisus]

It's more having them there all the time uglying things up, vs having them there at a button press and gone when I don't want them, so that the desktop can be mostly empty but for whatever I'm working on at the moment. And it doens't mean heaving to minimize your programs to get to something on the desktop, it pops over what you're doing, then is gone.

I'm aware third party apps like Fences can hide icons, but I just like the built in implementation.

Plus, shortcuts don't have live updates.

I've really never gotten people's obsession with having an empty desktop.
If you really hate looking at it, set a screensaver with a 1-minute wait time before running or something, I don't know.

I mean, I have the same clouds.bmp desktop background I've had since Windows 95, and it's covered with icons. My desktop's there to use, not to look at.
To each their own I suppose. But, I just want my computer to be functionally convenient, I don't care how it looks.

 

[Cheetos is Pretty Awesome]

Screw 8.1, stick with 8.

Wait, what? Why

 

[Gintoki313]

At first I hated the metro screen, but I got used to it after all the updates. They added a ton of ways to customize it to preferences. Apps can be sorted into groups, can increase or make smaller the # of apps displayed in each row, and even change the background to the destop wallpaper.

I also discovered an app for Steam games which helps out a ton for quick plays. So I was uneasy at first, but grew to like it after the updates.

 

[javac]

No, it's very nice too.

I like how it has the msconfig functions built into it so you can sort out which apps start at launch and it's impact on boot time. The actual task management functionality is also really in depth.

Also like how they removed all that faux glass aero stuff. When vista was released it looked cool and it's still ok but I prefer the Windows 8 aesthetics.

 

[-Deimos]

Wait, what? Why

I've heard too many bad things about 8.1. I'll wait a few months until all the bugs and incompatibilities are worked out to update.

 

[terrisus]

Also like how they removed all that faux glass aero stuff. When vista was released it looked cool and it's still ok but I prefer the Windows 8 aesthetics.

The Aero stuff always looked horrible. Removing it was always one of the first things that I did with a new computer.

Just for an example, this is a picture of my Windows 7 laptop from a couple of months ago

And, that's much less covered than my desktop usually is too. Didn't take a new one of my current laptop since it's just a temporary setup until I can get a SSD and a couple of new hard drives and reload this with Windows 7.

 

[Steelyuhas]

I've heard too many bad things about 8.1. I'll wait a few months until all the bugs and incompatibilities are worked out to update.

My experience with 8.1 is that every corner of the OS is better than 8.0.

 

[demon]

The Aero stuff always looked horrible. Removing it was always one of the first things that I did with a new computer.

Just for an example, this is a picture of my Windows 7 laptop from a couple of months ago

And, that's much less covered than my desktop usually is too. Didn't take a new one of my current laptop since it's just a temporary setup until I can get a SSD and a couple of new hard drives and reload this with Windows 7.

What an attractive desktop, for 1998.

 

[kudoboi]

The Aero stuff always looked horrible. Removing it was always one of the first things that I did with a new computer.

Just for an example, this is a picture of my Windows 7 laptop from a couple of months ago

And, that's much less covered than my desktop usually is too. Didn't take a new one of my current laptop since it's just a temporary setup until I can get a SSD and a couple of new hard drives and reload this with Windows 7.

i really love the aero stuff. it looks too bland without it

 

[javac]

The Aero stuff always looked horrible. Removing it was always one of the first things that I did with a new computer.

Yeah I kept it on because I was lazy I guess but yeah never really cared for it. I think it had some extra functionality when enabled like the hotspot on the bottom right corner that hides your windows but nothing major.

On another note Windows 8 kinda fucked up my Wi-Fi every now and again. It would keep saying limited access or something. I sorted it out but 8.1 had a similar issue. I installed the Intel Wi-Fi utility app and uninstalled it and it worked again. I don't think my laptops Graphics card has drivers for 8.1 either. Still enjoy using it. To be fair I spend 99.99% of my time in my phone.

 

[yogloo]

Windows 8.1 is the better os. Faster and smoother.

 

[terrisus]

What an attractive desktop, for 1998.

That's my point with that issue though - I don't care about it being attractive, I care about it being functional for me. And it definitely is. I don't need "a new start screen" to do that when I can do that just fine in Windows 7 already.

 

[Agkel]

I hate accessing things on desktop, especially whenever I have any number of windows open. You can pop in and out of the start menu/screen without ruining how your workspace is currently setup.

windows key + D is your friend.

It's funny how a lot of the praise I hear day to day about windows 8/8.1 is "the accessibility" of it all when you could do EVERYTHING 8/8.1 does on previous windows and better too. And I'm ok with that, each one of us works differently. What pisses me off is that MS decided to group me with people that think the awful streamlining they did in win 8 is awesome and not give me the option to turn it off.

But if rumors are to be believed, they are working on giving the option to turn off the metro bullshit... well see

edit: I do want to say, metro is pretty good for tablet and phone experience but hot shit for desktop one

 

[Druz]

Windows 8.1 is the most enjoyable OS I've ever used. Its more annoying repairing computers whose OS is fucked, but thats because learning the new ways is actually effective.

I'm going to point out that the same people sticking with the older cause "its better" sound a lot fucking like the 50+ crowd terrified of change and learning something new and better. Older isn't better, sorry. Windows 7 was amazing but 8 is clean as shit.

 

[ralexand]

Can't imagine going back to where none of my settings are synced.

 

[GabDX]

The Aero stuff always looked horrible. Removing it was always one of the first things that I did with a new computer.

Just for an example, this is a picture of my Windows 7 laptop from a couple of months ago

And, that's much less covered than my desktop usually is too. Didn't take a new one of my current laptop since it's just a temporary setup until I can get a SSD and a couple of new hard drives and reload this with Windows 7.

I'm the same. Here's my awesome desktop. Yes, it's Windows 7

 

[javac]

Windows 8.1 is the better os. Faster and smoother.

Yeah my laptop boots up and shuts down in seconds. It doesn't even have an SSD :$

 

[terrisus]

Yeah my laptop boots up and shuts down in seconds. It doesn't even have an SSD :$

I must be missing it, or be too spoiled by actually having had an SSD, but, the laptop I'm currently using with Windows 8 is painfully slow on startup. Not only taking way too long to start up, but even once it does, when I first click on something, taking absolutely forever to realize I did something and load it. It's so painful.
Once it gets going it's alright, but the startup time and process is just awful.

 

[tokkun]

Biggest problem with Windows 8 is that it still feels like it is made of two clashing designs with Metro and Desktop, which do not have a logical separation.

For instance, some settings are in the Settings app which is a Metro-style app, whereas some of them are in the Control Panel, which is a Desktop-style app, so when you are looking for a setting, you may need to frequently check both. They couldn't be designed any more differently. One is full screen/snap-split, whereas the other is a fully resizable window. One uses a huge font, text-centric look with lots of whitespace, whereas the other uses a dense, icon-driven approach.

 

[DarkFlow]

The Aero stuff always looked horrible. Removing it was always one of the first things that I did with a new computer.

Just for an example, this is a picture of my Windows 7 laptop from a couple of months ago

And, that's much less covered than my desktop usually is too. Didn't take a new one of my current laptop since it's just a temporary setup until I can get a SSD and a couple of new hard drives and reload this with Windows 7.

You really think that looks better then this? Windows 8.1

Mines kinda bland, but it's not Windows 2000 bland.

 

[javac]

I must be missing it, or be too spoiled by actually having had an SSD, but, the laptop I'm currently using with Windows 8 is painfully slow on startup. Not only taking way too long to start up, but even once it does, when I first click on something, taking absolutely forever to realize I did something and load it. It's so painful.
Once it gets going it's alright, but the startup time and process is just awful.

Wow that's really strange. I wouldn't call it instantaneous and I do have a password enabled so I don't get straight into the desktop but I get past the bios and login screen from cold boot in about 7 seconds? Once I type my password in I'm ready to roll. Anti-virus and whatnot obviously take time to start up but I can open Firefox straight away and start browsing. It's an ivy Bridge i5.

 

[Cerity]

windows key + D is your friend.

and then try using it to bring everything back up again when you've got applications that minimise to the task tray.

 

[royalan]

Biggest problem with Windows 8 is that it still feels like it is made of two clashing designs with Metro and Desktop, which do not have a logical separation.

For instance, some settings are in the Settings app which is a Metro-style app, whereas some of them are in the Control Panel, which is a Desktop-style app, so when you are looking for a setting, you may need to frequently check both. They couldn't be designed any more differently. One is full screen/snap-split, whereas the other is a fully resizable window. One uses a huge font, text-centric look with lots of whitespace, whereas the other uses a dense, icon-driven approach.

Yeah, I'm a huge fan of Windows 8.1 and even I'll agree with this. There really should be more contextual marrying of Metro and the desktop, depending on what kind of machine you're using. How Metro interacts with the desktop should be different if I'm on a PC or a Windows 8 tablet, and right now it does seem like Microsoft is trying to force a "tablet" experience on desktop PCs. They seem to be getting better about that with time, though.

That said, going back to 7 makes absolutely no sense. The net-hate of Windows 8 has always been INCREDIBLY overblown. Even ignoring Metro (which is really easy to do), Windows 8 is still a streamlined, all-around improvement over 7.

 

[Crimsonclaw111]

I used the $15 upgrade installation as a full install for my newly built desktop PC and upgraded to 8.1 very soon after.

I love 8.1, but I hate the tiles. Everything is so snappy, with an SSD the cold boot times are insane, and overall everything is fine tuned. A shame they made Metro the default.

 

[epmode]

I know you Windows 8 guys are drawn to threads like these but I just want to put this out there from the comparatively silent majority:

Windows 8 and/or 8.1 may be marginally better than 7 in a few minor ways but it is in no way worth the price of an upgrade. The UI confusion/split is the absolute worst. And if I'm to ignore Metro (which is harder than it sounds), then what's the point?

I'm forced to use a few Windows 8 machines at work and they still make me want to die. So many of the big changes are stupidly unnecessary. Because tablets? The OS reeks of desperation.

 

[DarkFlow]

I know you Windows 8 guys are drawn to threads like these but I just want to put this out there from the comparatively silent majority:

Windows 8 and/or 8.1 may be marginally better than 7 in a few minor ways but it is in no way worth the price of an upgrade. The UI confusion/split is the absolute worst. And if I'm to ignore Metro (which is harder than it sounds), then what's the point?

I'm forced to use a few Windows 8 machines at work and they still make me want to die. So many of the big changes are stupidly unnecessary. Because tablets? The OS reeks of desperation.

I think you might be the Vocal minority really.

 

[Cipherr]

I think you might be the Vocal minority really.

Yeah, you are right. There's been like.... no push back against Win8 at all. None. Its been the most widely vocally accepted, and least criticized Windows OS release in years.

 

[javac]

I know you Windows 8 guys are drawn to threads like these but I just want to put this out there from the comparatively silent majority:

Windows 8 and/or 8.1 may be marginally better than 7 in a few minor ways but it is in no way worth the price of an upgrade. The UI confusion/split is the absolute worst. And if I'm to ignore Metro (which is harder than it sounds), then what's the point?

I'm forced to use a few Windows 8 machines at work and they still make me want to die. So many of the big changes are stupidly unnecessary. Because tablets? The OS reeks of desperation.

I got mine for free from Dreamspark so I can't complain really. If I had to pay? Yeah I'd stick to Win 7 because it's still a great OS. Some people will feel differently and would happily pay for Win 8. It's all good.

 

[epmode]

I think you might be the Vocal minority really.

I find solace in articles like this: http://www.zdnet.com/windows-7-outpacing-windows-8-adoption-shows-latest-figures-7000021383/

 

[megarockexe]

The Aero stuff always looked horrible. Removing it was always one of the first things that I did with a new computer.

Just for an example, this is a picture of my Windows 7 laptop from a couple of months ago

And, that's much less covered than my desktop usually is too. Didn't take a new one of my current laptop since it's just a temporary setup until I can get a SSD and a couple of new hard drives and reload this with Windows 7.

Isn't that hideous old classic theme done using Direct Draw or by some other obsolete software drawing method that is actually slower than the hardware-accelerated newer themes? And also, isn't it functionally worse since the classic buttons would have extremely tight active regions to compensate for the low resolutions and slow mice of the day?

 

[Agkel]

Windows 8.1 is the most enjoyable OS I've ever used. Its more annoying repairing computers whose OS is fucked, but thats because learning the new ways is actually effective.

I'm going to point out that the same people sticking with the older cause "its better" sound a lot fucking like the 50+ crowd terrified of change and learning something new and better. Older isn't better, sorry. Windows 7 was amazing but 8 is clean as shit.

In terms of usability, 7 is better (from my point of view, someone who programs daily). I guess you could argue that if you heavily use social media, audio/visual media etc then perhaps metro suits you better. Since it gives you all of that right in your face. But I use my desktop to work. Win 8 affects my established workflow. I have tons of IDEs, editors etc I use and having the "start" menu just simply gets in the way. I didnt need, want or ask for the streamline the UI received. And many people feel the same way hence the crappy adoption rate.

I'm not arguing that the inner works are worse, bcs test have shown that win 8/8.1 performs better than win 7 and I assume the gap will probably get bigger w time. But the new UI just simply shits on my experience adding something (an extra layer) that it is completely unnecessary to me and that I really don't use or care for at all. I'm simply not interested in what Metro has to offer in the desktop space. And like I said before, I believe it is a good experience for tablets and phones but not for desktops.

 

[TheSeks]

You really think that looks better then this? Windows 8.1

Yes, easily. And I say this as a ClassicShell Win8.0 user. If I could make that taskbar smaller (something Win8 doesn't do nor 8.1 in either official/classicshell/start8) like that Win7/9x classic shot, I would for the sake of more screen real-estate.

I will give Metro props for being tablet-usable. I used a Win8 tablet this past weekend and was impressed with Windows responsiveness, but at the end of the day I still had to use that tablet in "Desktop" mode for applications that aren't Metro, so really... what is the point? Might as well just have made a tablet edition/desktop edition without that GUI bloat/difference for crazies like me and called it a day.

 

[javac]

Isn't that hideous old classic theme done using Direct Draw or by some other obsolete software drawing method that is actually slower than the hardware-accelerated newer themes? And also, isn't it functionally worse since the classic buttons would have extremely tight active regions to compensate for the low resolutions and slow mice of the day?

Yeah that's one of the things. I'm sure aero is a lot smoother and faster because the ui is all done by the GPU.