Getting used to Windows 8.1. It's weird.

[Audio Advent]

To be honest, I think I'll get used to it and end up liking it. I used to have the same reaction to OSX too - everything seemed to be dumbed down cos my computer brain thinks in terms of technical processes rather than pretty pictures. I guess that comes from starting with DOS (and BBC B of course)

[Tim]

Windows 8.0 and 8.1 are clearly not designed with static desktop PCs in mind.

Hmmm, don't agree with that at all - the O/S caters for both desktops and mobile devices, it's just different and new users aren't attempting to discover what those differences are, or use the interface to it's best ability.

Reverting back to what they know by installing a third party shell and tying to make it look and perform like what it has replaced is hardly progress? Ho hum, each to their own, but it kind of defeats the object.

[struth]

think as Tim says, it is what you make it. i jumped from vista to win 8. once i got rid of the tiles opening then its pretty much the same bar some routes to get to things which are quickly learned. You have to sign in to microsoft account everytime you switch on and although initially irritating it was just because it wad new. does make sense and only takes a second and increases security. the syst is faster and more stable...whats not to like

[Audio Advent]

All about the touchscreen though really....

My new secondhand laptop is a convertible (touchscreen where the screen can flip to a tablet) and was only £220 and in great nick, 3/4 years old but plent fast enough as an i5, Win 8.1 installed and licenced. So don't have to spend much at all to use it as it's meant to be used.

As an aside, Microsoft have just clamped down on the sharing of their source code.... for Windows NT 4.0 ! Haha..

http://torrentfreak.com/microsoft-ta...ffline-150415/

[walpurgis]

Hmmm, don't agree with that at all - the O/S caters for both desktops and mobile devices, it's just different and new users aren't attempting to discover what those differences are, or use the interface to it's best ability.

Reverting back to what they know by installing a third party shell and tying to make it look and perform like what it has replaced is hardly progress? Ho hum, each to their own, but it kind of defeats the object.

So what is it you're trying to say?

I don't know what "progress" you mean. It's alternative certainly. That's because Microsoft cocked up when predicting the popularity of touch screen devices which have NOT become universal. I mean who in their right mind with a desktop PC would want the repeated awkwardness of leaning forward to use a static touch screen monitor. Not to mention all the resulting dirty smudges on it. They're a pain in the arse!!

My using an app to adapt Windows 8.1 to a format suitable for normal mouse use is logical, sensible and makes life a bloody site easier and is quicker. It also does not defeat any "object", as there wasn't one for desktops.

[Audio Advent]

You have to sign in to microsoft account everytime you switch on and although initially irritating it was just because it wad new. does make sense and only takes a second and increases security. the syst is faster and more stable...whats not to like

Gah! Got rid of that idea as soon as I could!

I want the ability to switch user accounts without having to set up a different Microsoft account with different email address etc etc. I don't want to buy anything and don't want to have apps updated on my PC without it being my idea after checking full compatability with third-party drivers etc etc. It's fine on a tablet where the hardware is fixed, but this is my main PC and I want everything to work and remain working and to remain the same so it's second-nature to use and stable forever.

Doesn't it also flip out if it you try to log on and it can't connect to the internet? Can't remember..

[Audio Advent]

So what is you're trying to say?

I don't know what "progress" you mean. It's alternative certainly. That's because Microsoft cocked up when predicting the popularity of touch screen devices which have NOT become universal. I mean who in their right mind with a desktop PC would want the repeated awkwardness of leaning forward to use a static touch screen monitor. Not to mention all the dirty smudges on it. They're a pain in the arse!!

Agree there.. Just doesn't work, stupid idea. Only works with something like a laptop. If the touchscreen for a desktop PC was flat like a book, it would make more sense.