Since the computer plays a big place in gaming. Either in posting pics, rules, e-biz, etc., etc. … I have a general question. MSN in a good example of capitalism gone bad, is dropping support for Windows XP … which has always been my Op System. And "forcing" us to replace it with 8 or 8.1 … Now I'm all for better tech, but I'm not for forcing us to buy a system like Windows 8, ... which I have heard nothing but bad things about. And is a least not User Friendly, so I've been told. So any input on this from those more Tech savvy ? Is Windows 8.1 as bad as everyone says ? Any other options ? Getting a new PC, I'd still have to get an op system … So give me some input/intel … Please ...

_________________
Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

I've heard it's good to stick to every other version. Yes to 2000, XP, 7, and whatever comes next. No to ME, Vista and 8. When I'm not on a Fedora machine now it's XP or 7. 7's grown on me since I started using it, once you disable all the fluff.

_________________
Dave

Blog

NetEA Tournament Pack Website

Squats 2019-10-17

For what it's worth, I happily use windows 7, and don't use MSN.

_________________
Mickey's Minis Painting Service: http://www.mickeysminis.com
Mickey's Minis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MickeysMinis
Mickey's Minis Blog: http://mickeysminis.blogspot.co.uk
My Personal Blog: http://mickeysminishome.blogspot.co.uk

I use windows 7 and windows 8.

The major difference is that windows 8 was originally intended for phones, tablets etc with touchscreens etc (and usually a more limited memory). As such it has a different initial screen with the various 'apps' presented in the more familiar touchscreen approach. However you can click on a Windows display 'app' to return to the more familiar windows style display.

Once you get over the learning curve of how to actually use the more familiar Windows applications (Office etc), things are not as different as all that - but there are still a number of more obscure issues that the more advanced user needs to get around. As such, I am not a huge fan of Windows 8 as it dumbs things down. To me it would seem to be a departure from the full Windows O/S path and definitely not an improvement on Windows 7.

I have no idea what Microsoft intend to do now, but "if I were going to Dublin, I wouldn't start from here" - there are a number of minor irritants that need to be fixed etc - though I am no expert on the subject and wiser heads than mine may well differ . . . .

I've used probably every version of windows since 3.1. Win 8 is a shift to merge in mobile and tablet spaces where the industry seems to be headed with a desktop OS so it's pretty necessary in the long run. It's a good OS and I think I spend about 90% of my time on the start screen using the "modern" apps. I've also got a touch screen which makes it pretty easy to use. It was also my first experience with Win8 which left a good impression. Not really much harder to figure out than the first time you used an ipad. Then I used it with a keyboard and mouse and nearly pulled out my hair. Simple touch gestures just don't translate to a mouse and keyboard intuitively.

Basically:
win 8+touch screen = great
win 8+ mouse = pretty frustrating.

8.1 fixes a good deal of the awkwardness of using a keyboard and mouse and there's supposed to be a new patch in the works that adds more accessible functionality to make keyboards and mice more usable without a touch screen.

What it comes down to is that there is a lot more bandwagon hate for win8 than there are problems with it which isn't to say the OS was perfect at launch. Just remember the start screen isn't the same as the start menu. The things on the start screen proper should be like your favorite apps and stuff you use a lot like mail or calendar. When you swipe down and it show a list of all apps, that's closer to the old start menu.

_________________
-Vaaish

I was forced into Windows 8 when I got a new computer recently. It's absolute ffucking shite.

I can't put it any better than that.

_________________
Clickable links for more Epic goodness:

Life of Die Channel including Epic Podcasts and Battle Reports

Epic 40K Players Page on Facebook
Net Epic Evolution Rules
Net Epic War! Campaign Rules

I can completely understand how any "average" PC user would have this opinion - very strange move by Microsoft... It's actually not that bad, but very difficult to get past the initial interface

You know what really bugs me about it? Sometimes when I'm am moving the cursor about it just flips out of the desktop on to say a PDF that I have open. And while we are on about PDFs I have to reopen them every time I want to flip between one and another. Like I say, ffucking shite.

Sorry Alf, this doesn't mean I don't respect your opinion. I'm pleased you don't find the experience as infuriating as I do!

_________________
Clickable links for more Epic goodness:

Life of Die Channel including Epic Podcasts and Battle Reports

Epic 40K Players Page on Facebook
Net Epic Evolution Rules
Net Epic War! Campaign Rules

I'm actually sort of agreeing with you!! I found it awful until someone who knew it better showed me a few shortcuts and tricks - then it was better. The problem, is in true Windoze style it doesn't really tell you what those tricks are. I should add that I work in IT and part of that sickness is spending longer than most people figuring out why a PC might not be doing what you want it to! You shouldn't need a manual to use a computer and it shouldn't do things you're not expecting - this is 2014 ffs! Given the choice I prefer macs anyway!

You can still buy windows 7 (in the UK at least). If you want 7 get 7, if the shop has 8 pre-installed on the machine then get them to install 7 for you. Forced? It's not like your XP install will explode after the date, just no more updates (though chrome is still getting support on xp for a bit from google).

8 seems fine on my girlfriend's touch screen laptop. I'm not so keen on it myself on the very low end machine i have it on at present, but i've not put much time in with it.

OS X is different but I would not say better (personally). Too many missing features and bugs that don't get resolved (just like windows!) 'written from a triple booting mac'

_________________
AFK with real life, still checking PMs

Hi!

I've migrated over to it and actually like it.

I suggest you get used to it. The integration with tablet type interfaces is the wave of the future. Windows 7 was the last OS, of that type.

Primarch

_________________
Primarch


The Primarchload
Magnetized Titans Tutorial
Net Epic Gold
Heresy Rules

I hate changing these interfaces (and computers). My plan is to stick with XP until my computer explodes with viruses or something.

I think my work computer which was updated a couple of weeks ago probably has 8, and not as bad as I thought it would be, but still lots seems like change for change sake rather than anything more.

_________________
http://hordesofthings.blogspot.co.nz/

I have 7 on my computer. I don't hate it, but I do prefer XP. Fortunately my work computer has XP.

_________________
"I don't believe in destiny or the guiding hand of fate." N. Peart

Many Thanks for the great intel Gents ! I don't use a mouse, my Lap Top has a finger pad ... so I don't if that will make much of a difference ... I also would like to go to newer verison of IE 8 or 9 ? Some sites require that. I say "forced" as without support, XP would certainly lag behind with updates, and hackers would be on XP like sharks I'd imagine ? Plus from MSN's POV, they spent $$$ on making 8/8.1 and still about 30% still want to use XP[like me !] ... Of course that is why the CEO and his crew are billionaires or millionaires ...

_________________
Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."