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[JaggedSac]

If you want to swap between apps, you have to make a convoluted mouse gesture - move the mouse to the top left of the screen, and then down to select the window. You can’t minimise the app, and there’s no on-screen preview of what’s running to help you quickly switch between programs.

This series of statements....ugh. Moving to the corner of the screen and then moving the mouse afterwards again is soooo convoluted. Please bring back the start button so I don't have to do those exact same convoluted steps anymore.

Therefore, there’s no easy way to switch between them using on-screen controls. You have to engage in unfamiliar mouse movements to swap between them.

More nonsense. Oh no, I have to move my mouse to the edge of the screen to swap apps, so much different than I do now...ugh.

But the search function rarely finds what you want - it will only search within Metro apps, and you have to specify the app you want to search in separately. The share button only works in Metro apps, as well - you can’t share from within any desktop apps. So it's entirely pointless.

Search provides the same functionality as Win 7 search, just seperated into 3 sections. And then on top of that, it has the ability to also search within any application that implements the search contract. Having to specify an app to search seems like a better idea than to always search through every single app installed.

If you’re using Metro apps, there is no clock

I understand this complaint, but just bring up the charms bar, it displays a clock.

It took me nearly half an hour to work out how to turn off my PC.

Ah, I see, it all makes sense now, this person is an idiot.

 

[toddhunter]

I've been using windows 8 for a while now.

Guess what? Yes metro is shit, but I never use it. The "smart menu" in 7 and xp was also shit. I launch things from the task bar, 99% of the time a browser.

If you ignore it, it is just windows 7. I don't see a big issue at all.

People give microsoft way too much credit about what they might do in the future. Their new o/s basically has a new ugly hat you can take off. Other than that it is just as you were.

 

[Omikaru]

Metro would be so much better if it was an application that you ran from the desktop, or acted as an interactive lock screen/screensaver of sorts, to allow you to glance at information when you return to your desktop. Instead it's too invasive, creates a clunky user experience and doesn't work at all well with keyboard and mouse.

Things like notifications and such should've been integrated onto the desktop, instead of abstracted away to a tablet UI thrust on the keyboard and mouse user. It wouldn't be hard to do. Heck, Apple did a good job with OS X Mountain Lion, and demonstrated how the always connected features of smartphones can integrate well with a robust desktop interface.

 

[Doc Holliday]

This series of statements....ugh. Moving to the corner of the screen and then moving the mouse afterwards again is soooo convoluted. Please bring back the start button so I don't have to do those exact same convoluted steps anymore.



More nonsense. Oh no, I have to move my mouse to the edge of the screen to swap apps, so much different than I do now...ugh.



Search provides the same functionality as Win 7 search, just seperated into 3 sections. And then on top of that, it has the ability to also search within any application that implements the search contract. Having to specify an app to search seems like a better idea than to always search through every single app installed.



I understand this complaint, but just bring up the charms bar, it displays a clock.



Ah, I see, it all makes sense now, this person is an idiot.

It took me a while to figure out how to trun my pc off as well. I've been using computers since the apple IIe It's just not intuitive !

 

[AgentP]

I
If you ignore it, it is just windows 7. I don't see a big issue at all.

So no reason to upgrade, perfect!

 

[Face it Tiger..]

Instead of this:

Do you abstain from using either adblock or iReader?

In either case.. you're doing it wrong.

 

[K.Sabot]

For example, on a 24" monitor, I'd rather read this:

Instead of this:

Look at the options you have on the first pic, then look at the options you have on the second.

I spent some time with the beta, and I wouldn't give up what I have now ( I switched back, for clarification) even if I got paid to use it.

 

[toddhunter]

So no reason to upgrade, perfect!

Pretty much. It is a big non event in my opinion.

 

[ArjanN]

Generally you shouldn't get a new OS anyway until it's been out for like a year and other people have beta tested it for you.

 

[lowrider007]

I've been using windows 8 for a while now.

Guess what? Yes metro is shit, but I never use it. The "smart menu" in 7 and xp was also shit. I launch things from the task bar, 99% of the time a browser.

If you ignore it, it is just windows 7. I don't see a big issue at all.

People give microsoft way too much credit about what they might do in the future. Their new o/s basically has a new ugly hat you can take off. Other than that it is just as you were.

Can you do a quick search without brining on the metro interface?, in Win7 my pinky finger taps the windows key and I start typing and my search results are neatly displayed within the start menu which is only obscuring a small area of my screen.

 

[The Real Abed]

No, not really.

Look at what Apple did; they designed a iOS specifically for portable devices and only started integrating a few of its features in OS X after the former had proved itself on its intended platform. Those additions are always optional and are never get in the way of the desktop experience. Newcomers from iOS feel right at home while power users are happy.

On the other hand, Microsoft took an unproven interface clearly aimed at tablets and forced it upon a userbase that is already comfortable with the simplicity of previous Windows versions.

You really don't see why people are pissed?

I wish this was Twitter so I could retweet this.

 

[Durante]

In addition to the humor inherent in the message, this is a graphical travesty. How could they make the basic window/button/everything style so ugly?

Ah, of course. To get people to use metro in favor of (now fuglified) "legacy" desktop applications.

 

[BocoDragon]

Do you abstain from using either adblock or iReader?

In either case.. you're doing it wrong.

Admitting to Adblock?

GAF.. You're doing it wrong.

 

[Osiris]

Admitting to Adblock?

GAF.. You're doing it wrong.

Whitelisting, such an alien concept...

 

[dLMN8R]

Do you abstain from using either adblock or iReader?

In either case.. you're doing it wrong.

I'm describing the baseline, un-modified experience. The thing that 99% of people will see. The vast majority of people don't use ad blockers, and certainly don't use plug-ins to change how web sites flow and are read.

Look at the options you have on the first pic, then look at the options you have on the second.

I spent some time with the beta, and I wouldn't give up what I have now ( I switched back, for clarification) even if I got paid to use it.

Why do I need "options"? I just want to read an article. Once I'm done reading the article, I can go back and do whatever I wanted to. If I wanted options, I still have them - I can open a web browser.

 

[Tomat]

I've been using windows 8 for a while now.

Guess what? Yes metro is shit, but I never use it. The "smart menu" in 7 and xp was also shit. I launch things from the task bar, 99% of the time a browser.

If you ignore it, it is just windows 7. I don't see a big issue at all.

People give microsoft way too much credit about what they might do in the future. Their new o/s basically has a new ugly hat you can take off. Other than that it is just as you were.

Basically. I've been using Windows 8 for about a week now and I've had no issues installing or playing anything (just like with Windows 7). The boot time is faster, and I have to admit I don't mind metro all that much save for when you need to look at Windows 8's version of Program List (which is a cluster fuck).

My desktop is the same as is was in Windows 7 for the most part. I keep a few shortcuts on there.

My start menu has the things I use often pinned on there. All stuff to the right of my pinned programs is just stuff that's there by default that I was playing around with. You can remove and uninstall all of it if you don't like it.

I think a lot of the Windows 8 criticism is really exaggerated so far. I will say though Windows 8 is more of a sidegrade than an upgrade. I got it for free through school so that's why I grabbed it, but in general I can't come up with any reasons why anyone must install it.

 

[DopeyFish]

People are acting like they need to learn command line Unix. It takes 3 minutes to learn how to navigate the new Start Menu.

Wha?

The biggest issue isn't that it's learning something new. The issue is that they are attempting to make the OS more usable and accessible at the cost of usability and accessibility.

As a desktop operating system, it is among the worst windows operating systems ever interface wise , regardless of how well refined the run-time environment is.

It's a bastardization. It makes the OS intrusive instead of complimentary. It's not intuitive as it hides primary interface functions. It has excessive bloat while at the same time condensing functionality.

Can't wait for dlmn8r to jump in and try to throw me down, sry dude. Too big of an MS fan to not show my unending anger at the stupidity shown at every point in the design. Wowee. Better task manager! Better multi-monitor support! More refined kernel and minimized memory and CPU utilization foot-print. Wake me up when you make an interface that isn't laughable or isn't disruptive in every possible way.

Yes, I'm sure it will be a fine tablet operating system. But as a desktop operating system, specifically for those who have heavy workflows- it's an atrocity.

 

[kvn]

Yeah I don't like that either. I guess it could be argued that the taskbar is supposed to kind of blend in with the wallpaper... But I think I prefer how it is now on the Release Preview, with transparent windows too.

A perfect solution would have been: "Window transparency: Yes - No - Maybe".

I guess I will at least try it later this year, I got a free license from university. Things like the improved task manager, file explorer and the rumored improved performance are enough reasons for me to switch over. I think I could also get used to the new "start" menu if I just ignore/uninstall all the useless metro apps (they are useless for desktop users imho). I mean after pinning the favorites it's basically the same, just fullscreen, if you don't use them.

Not having options is the main reason for this whole controversy.

 

[BocoDragon]

Whitelisting, such an alien concept...

Hmm.. A good point

 

[Guri]

I thought I would hate it. But then I installed this weekend. And it has been great! For example, Chrome used more than 200 MB while running on Windows 7. Now, it rarely go above 100 (YouTube, GMail, TwetDeck and Facebook opened!). About the UI, which I consider really important and didn't like the Start Screen and Metro apps, as well as taking more steps to do some things, it hasn't been a problem for me until now. I've uninstalled many metro apps and I only use some times. I still don't like that they open only fullscreen, but I use more desktop apps, so it's not bothering me. Also, about Aero transparency, I also liked it, but it's not a problem. Also, it consumed a lot of memory!

 

[Haunted]

Admitting to Adblock?

GAF.. You're doing it wrong.

Using Adblock is fine, just don't do it on GAF.

 

[JaggedSac]

It has excessive bloat

That is a first for Metro criticisms I believe.


And no one mentions security when they talk about Windows 8. It has several very nice enhancements in that regard, and I am not just talking about Metro sandboxing.

 

[BocoDragon]

Using Adblock is fine, just don't do it on GAF.

Fair enough. And I don't like "gotcha"-ing people. Just the irony of calling someone out for not using Adblock I'm a forum where Adblock use is banned stuck out to me

 

[FLEABttn]

Their new o/s basically has a new ugly hat you can take off.

Temporarily. The hat puts itself back on.

 

[jaypah]

I like W8. Got used to it in about 3 minutes. The only computer I use is hooked up to a 73 inch screen that I view from the couch so I don't mind the look. That's not to say that I had any major problems with W7, just that I also don't have a problem with W8.

I'll just say that I don't want to see any of you complaining when Windows 9 goes "you can only install apps from our store, fisher price's my first computer UI only, desktop is unsupported legacy, pay hundreds of dollars for a SDK", because sadly that's where everything is pointing right now. I cannot wait for Gabe to give MS the middle finger and manage to merge Steam for Linux with Wine.

K. I'll just get a mac or learn to use Linux or something. Whatevz, I can't even see any of that happening. And if it does, I'll live. It's a computer. I'll adjust and get my fix however I get it. Still don't have a problem with W8.

 

[BocoDragon]

I like W8. Got used to it in about 3 minutes. The only computer I use is hooked up to a 73 inch screen that I view from the couch so I don't mind the look. That's not to say that I had any major problems with W7, just that I also don't have a problem with W8.

Yeah it's really nice on a big screen.

 

[B.O.O.M]

The way MS saw it most people don't even touch the Start menu outside of the pinned apps, if at all. Now they cut out the junk most apps throw into their folders and made the whole Start menu large, organizable icons.

Then they were wrong

 

[Razek]

Love the Aero Glass theme, very disappointed they took it out of Win8.

I want nothing to do with Win 8 ever, I refuse to use an OS where the desktop is a secondary concern and on top of that sits an xbox dash.

Transparency was the best visual thing that happened to Windows. I won't be touching 8 either then.

 

[DopeyFish]

That is a first for Metro criticisms I believe.


And no one mentions security when they talk about Windows 8. It has several very nice enhancements in that regard, and I am not just talking about Metro sandboxing.

It's not bloat in the sense of optimization, it's more bloat in the sense of there's no unity so there's so many different interface paradigms working against each other.

In terms of operational efficiency (backend) -windows 8 is best in class. I will give credit where it's due.

But everything else? Ughhhhh

 

[NZNova]

the Reader app is terrible

Can't do fixed page per screen, can't do facing pages, can't do anything other than zoom in and out and scroll up and down.

Pretty much all of the built-in metro apps are useless, IMO. Maybe when other people make better apps it will be better. Tweetro seems OK, although it's annoying that you can't scroll your timeline with keyboard arrows.

 

[dLMN8R]

Then they were wrong

Where did you get this data?

 

[JaggedSac]

Then they were wrong

Wish I had an "Analytics, how do they work?" gif.

It's not bloat in the sense of optimization, it's more bloat in the sense of there's no unity so there's so many different interface paradigms working against each other.

In terms of operational efficiency (backend) -windows 8 is best in class. I will give credit where it's due.

But everything else? Ughhhhh

I wasn't even referring to optimizations. Just the fact that the design philosophy is all about minimalism, only showing things when they are needed.

 

[DopeyFish]

Wish I had an "Analytics, how do they work?" gif.



I wasn't even referring to optimizations. Just the fact that the design philosophy is minimalism, only show things when they are needed.

It's not minimalism, though. In the context of a program, sure. In the context of an operating system (having to go to point A to B), there's excessive bloat. More walls, steps, and critical functions staying out of context.

 

[Auto_aim1]

There are some minor annoyances (Metro apps) and simple things have been made unnecessarily complicated, but it's a very fast and snappy OS, and for some people that makes all the difference. You just get used to it after a while, but one thing is for sure, it's not a major improvement over Windows 7 for desktop users.

As an MSDN/Technet subscriber I've been too lazy to download the final version. Need to check it out. I like the fast kernel so I'm going to stick with Windows 8.

 

[B.O.O.M]

Where did you get this data?

Wish I had an "Analytics, how do they work?" gif.

It's just personal observations. No need to get so defensive.

I know many, including myself who use it frequently. It's fast and easy to use.

Anywho at least my personal observations would have lead to a better reception than this than the 'pro' analysts work over at MS Maybe they should rethink their approach to things as many have already pointed out.

 

[Cipherr]

It's so cool to hate on what's cool to hate.

Yeah, its not that people actually have legitimate concern, or after trying it, just don't like it. They are just all haters.

Am I the only one who actually liked Aero Glass and is annoyed by the downgrade in window style?

Definitely not alone there. I really like it.

If you ignore it, it is just windows 7. I don't see a big issue at all.

Thats all good and fine. But I have paid for and own a copy of Windows 7. I dont think its a good deal at all for me to go out and PAY for 'Windows 7 as long as I ignore all the bad stuff'.

So no reason to upgrade, perfect!

I mean.... this....

 

[patsu]

It's not minimalism, though. In the context of a program, sure. In the context of an operating system (having to go to point A to B), there's excessive bloat. More walls, steps, and critical functions staying out of context.

Yes, I also uninstalled Win 8.

They added too much weight to the marketing concept. The actual flow becomes more complex/confusing as I stradle between the 2 worlds. After a while, I just gave up and went back to Win 7.

I don't need the speed increase, my laptop is already fast enough for my general use.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

I tried it for 2 months, uninstalled it as well. I think it'll be good for mobile devices/tablets and what have you, but for a desktop PC I think it's a bit dumb. Ah well.

 

[Zabka]

It's not minimalism, though. In the context of a program, sure. In the context of an operating system (having to go to point A to B), there's excessive bloat. More walls, steps, and critical functions staying out of context.

Which option are you looking for that's so difficult to get to?

It's just personal observations. No need to get so defensive.

I know many, including myself who use it frequently. It's fast and easy to use.

Anywho at least my personal observations would have lead to a better reception than this than the 'pro' analysts work over at MS Maybe they should rethink their approach to things as many have already pointed out.

Most people launch from apps pinned to the taskbar or the desktop in Win7 according to MS' data collection.

 

[Bogus]

Personally, I love the flexibility I'm offered in the Windows 8 preview. I'm very pleasantly surprised with how much more efficient my workflow has become in Win8, both from a hobbyist home user's perspective (digital art, music production, the assorted typical tasks such as web-surfing/gaming/etc.) as well as from a business user's perspective. I actually don't mind the mouse gestures, but the real bread and butter, so far as I'm concerned anyway, lie in the myriad of hotkeys:

http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/30-new-hotkeys-for-windows-8/

Honestly, they're so useful! It boggles my mind to hear so many complaints about Win8 being little more than a "tablet OS" when it fluidly offers so many practical keyboard tools. It's a desktop OS with added tablet functionality, not the other way around. That list doesn't even encompass all of the hotkeys on tap - such as Win + D to go straight to desktop from whatever program you're in, or Win + L to lock your computer. It's a godsend to be able to instantly search and filter by system settings and files by using Win + W and Win + F, respectively (and Win + Q is nice to have as a global search key as well).

I can understand disliking the trimmings and I can understand disliking change for the sake of change, but I honestly believe that most people would enjoy the utility this OS offers if they only gave it a chance and tried incorporating the interface and hotkeys into their daily use. Otherwise, complaints such as the ones listed in the article sound petty at best and like vitriolic FUD at worst, especially considering some of the most important ones are factually wrong (you have to launch the desktop before you can Steam, you can't switch apps without mouse gestures, there's no clock in Metro apps, etc.). You don't even have to use the metro-style apps if you don't want to!

It isn't a perfect OS, but it's a great one, and I'll be happy to use it come release. Give it a shot, you might actually like it.

And as for shutting down the PC - just hit ALT+F4 while on the desktop. Awesome.

 

[Odrion]

Nice to see that after months of dealing with fanboys and corporate cheerleaders Windows 8 reaches the verdict we knew all along.

 

[dLMN8R]

It's just personal observations. No need to get so defensive.

I know many, including myself who use it frequently. It's fast and easy to use.

Anywho at least my personal observations would have lead to a better reception than this than the 'pro' analysts work over at MS Maybe they should rethink their approach to things as many have already pointed out.

Who's getting defensive? I was simply curious. Just as I am curious why you think your anecdotes should be held to a higher standard than the data that Microsoft has from literally hundreds of millions of PCs.

 

[Silas Lang]

Haven't tried Windows 8 myself so I don't really have an opinion on it. However I'm pretty satisfied with Win7 and don't feel the need to upgrade... at all.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

And as for shutting down the PC - just hit ALT+F4 while on the desktop. Awesome.

so to shut down you have to open up the desktop app and then press alt + f4. Genius.

 

[RooMHM]

I think a lot of the Windows 8 criticism is really exaggerated so far. I will say though Windows 8 is more of a sidegrade than an upgrade. I got it for free through school so that's why I grabbed it, but in general I can't come up with any reasons why anyone must install it.

DX12 exclusivity probably ... and unfortunately

 

[DopeyFish]

Which option are you looking for that's so difficult to get to?



Most people launch from apps pinned to the taskbar or the desktop in Win7 according MS' data collection.

I don't find anything difficult to get to, it's more annoying and time consuming and incredibly inefficient. But for a casual user, they will only find constant frustration.

Can't wait to see the hilarity that ensues when people want to close a metro app or shut down the PC from windows.

You can shut down windows by pressing alt+F4 in the desktop? Lolol yeah I'm avoiding this windows like the plague. What stupidity

 

[dLMN8R]

so to shut down you have to open up the desktop app and then press alt + f4. Genius.

There is a single, solitary way to shut down your computer no matter what you're doing. Settings Charm, Power, Shut Down.

There are all sorts of keyboard shortcuts and such you can do too. But Settings Charm, Power, Shutdown is the main way.


Why? So that you do the same thing, no matter what you're doing on the PC. Whether you're using the Desktop, or you're in the Start Screen, or you're in a full screen app. Whether you're on a desktop PC without touch, or a laptop, or a tablet.

No matter what you're doing, and no matter what device or form factor you're using, the instructions stay the same:

Settings charm, Power, Shut Down.

 

[Parl]

pressing the window key switches? Oh okay

I consider it best not to view Metro as a new mode but simply a full screen start menu, difference being that when you boot up you boot straight into your full screen start menu.

What do you do when you land on the desktop on Windows traditionally anyway? Boot up your browser/other application/file explorer/etc. Instead of clicking your quick launch (which you still have anyway) you click on your big Firefox tile (or File Explorer/any other tiles you create for your new start menu) from Metro and it immediately then boots up Firefox in so-called "desktop mode" which to my mind is simply my start menu closing and Firefox loading which is the same as what happens when you load an app from the traditional start menu. From here you're in the desktop as you know and love it and it behaves the exact same as in 7 and Metro won't come back until you tell it to, just like all Windows start menus (which is exactly what Metro is to me ).

I personally ignore the Metro apps for now after briefly flirting with them and I found their 3-way interaction with Metro and the desktop quite unintuitive, but they literally take nothing away as you uninstall/rearrange what you don't care about in a matter of seconds after a fresh install if you like.

There's no start button which is odd (though having a start button is now odd for me when I'm using other Windows) but opening your start menu works the same anyway, just going to the bottom-left and clicking, except now instead of a fairly archaic menu system, you have them all laid out how you like in a tile layout. Control Panel and what not can be put on there too, otherwise, these are accessed via right-clicking the bottom left corner.

There are some niggles like the less accessible shut down/restart/sleep buttons (which you can actually create Metro tiles for) which are in the Charms Bar accessed by going to the bottom or top-right corners and I have a general dislike for the Charms Bar in general really, but otherwise I quite like Windows 8.

I see it as Windows 7 but cleaner, faster (especially the much, much improved boot times over 7), with improved start menu, but with a couple of negatives compared to 7, but overall, clearly better in my eyes. The improvement from Vista to 7 is much, much bigger, but 8 is an improvement further still.

 

[Windu]

I have windows 8 installed on my asus slate...Besides the better keyboard and touch it's fucking terrible.

- Shutting down, restarting is a lot more difficult than it should be
- Good luck finding the classic Control Panel
-Touch is still wonky in none metro apps
-Lack of overall cohesion , everything just feels weird

move your mouse to the lower right click settings, click power. or ctr alt delete, click power. and learn to search for stuff. To find the control panel, type in "co" and hit enter. Come on dude.

 

[Odrion]

At least it's $40 though. A good choice for people who're still with Vista.