Some of you love Windows 8 and some of you hate Windows 8. As the deadline approaches for the demise of Windows XP, we’re curious as to how many of you are planning to move to Windows 8. And if you’re using Vista or Windows 7, let us know if Windows 8 is in your future.
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I had to buy a new PC which came with Windows 8. I have not upgraded(huh???) to Win8.1 for fear that might be worse. Until Microsoft makes up its mind, guess I’m stuck with Win8. I so do miss WinXP and Outlook Express email. I’ve collected many gifs and midi through many years which I can’t use anymore but will keep, in hope that Microsoft will someday soon wake up and return customer favorites to us. What WERE they thinking?! 🙁
EB and Darcy, thank you for caring. I’ve been with you since the beginning and appreciate your integrity and knowledge and of course, EB, your humor. 🙂 May the Lord bless you abundantly!
How many years have you been using Windows? Have you ever used Google to search for your midi and gif problems? I suggest you should take a basic computer course at your local Seniors’ Centre. Windows 8.1 is far superior to any of the previous M$ OS and I have used most of them.
My brother has eight and believe you me one eight in the family is enough.
I needed a new computer and the one I bought had Windows 8.1. Before setting it up I read all I could find on Windows 8.1 . When I received it I setup everything before connecting to the internet. It made it easy to set it up with a regular logon and to boot to the desktop. I uninstalled all the apps that required a Windows sign-in and any others that I though I would probably never use. The start page would be so much better if the programs were listed first instead of the apps but it still is pretty straight forward and it is not difficult to find the program you want to open. I still have the icons on the desktop for the programs I frequently use and software I have installed. I am still getting used to it but don’t think it is as bad as some say it is. Things arefairly easy to find. Yes, somethings are very different from XP or Windows 7 but a little time spent getting acquainted with Windows 8.1 makes it a acceptable replacement for me.
I upgraded to Win 7, I really miss XP though. Thanks for caring and thank you EB and TC for all that you do for us.
I upgraded to Windows 8 when Microsoft was first releasing it and offered it for like $29.95 or something close. Because of Windows 8 (and now 8.1), my next machine will be a MacIntosh.
could only get win. 8 when i purchased my comp. i did not install 8.1. this win 8 is a rotten program.too much searching for tools.im stuck with this idiotic win 8
I bought a new computer with windows 8 and upgraded it to 8.1. At first I was lost (after using windows 7 for a long time), but I looked at it as a challenge and I love it now. I still stumble every now and then but just take a deep breathe and try to find the answer to my problem.
I had XP and recently purchased Windows 8.1. Must admit, I was pleasantly surprised after all the negative comments about Windows 8. I love it!
I’m with you Dianna. I was very much surprised. Oh, I certainly don’t know it all, but I have been able to keep on doing what I need to do.
Think I lost my win 7 today. Got the blue screen … Afraid to turn it on.. Been reading about chrome books vs iPad …don’t like the $$$ of the iPad air/mini .. Chrome sounds pretty good for playing on …think I’m done with Windows .. Like that u don’have to worry about virus etc..really would like to have one that actually lasts more than 1 1/2 yrs. Any input ????
I got a new computer quite a while back now so have Windows 7 on it which isn’t too bad. However, from all that I’ve heard about Windows 8, I don’t think I’ll be in a hurry to upgrade to that. What’s so frustrating is the fact that Microsoft just doesn’t seem to take into consideration what people want. I know that of all the programmes I’ve used over the years, I really liked Windows XP the most. Many people that I know feel the same way but I guess Microsoft feels earning a lot more money is more important than really satisfying their customers. I fully realize that progress is part of life but it’s not always the best answer and that’s when listening to consumers should be taken into consideration in my opinion.
Thank heavens we have people you EB and TC! I, like so many other people, have learned so much from you and feel that through all the ups and downs, we can not only trust you but learn from you too!
I’ve been with both of you since you first started and can’t tell you how thankful for all that you do and admire you for not putting the all mighty dollar first and foremost.
I would second what Barb has stated. I found Windows 8 was terrible after being so attached to XP. I downloaded 8.1 to see if it was improvement: it is, but one needs to use lots of the tutorials they offer free. What hurt most was the fact my printer would not work with the Windows 8 and I have had to buy a new one. God bless EB & TC for all the help they have given me from the start. Pat
All 6 of my computers and tablets are running Windows 8.1 and I love it. I really don’t see why so many people are having such issues with it. But that’s my two cents.
I would very much like to know what you like about Windows 8 (or 8.1). What do you see as the positives about it and negatives (with regard to Windows 7, if that is what you had before). Thank you very much. I don’t hear too much positive about that operating system so I welcome your observations since you have it on many computers.
My wonderful old Windows XP Pro computer died and I was forced to upgrade to Windows 8. When 8.1 came out I downloaded it. I have had you good CloudEight folk on twice to install my start button and e-mail program (Thank you , Darcy!).
I am using 8.1, but I hate it. It seems to make everything more complicated to use, and I honestly feel that I am not getting the best out of the program, due to the difficulty in figuring it out. I would be overjoyed to see an improved version of XP come out, or any program that was as intuitive friendly as XP was.
Why in the world couldn’t Microsoft upgrade windows XP. I still have it on one of my PC’s and love it. Was so easy to use and I still use outlook express. I’m 85 years young and do all my banking and pay all my bills on PC. I just saved a bundle when I couldn’t even get a new one from BEST BUY unless it was 8. They were not allowed to install 7. Where does Microsoft come off telling stores what they can or cannot do?
I so miss Windows XP. Haven’t found any mail programs as good as Outlook Express. It did so much more than any of the others. If Windows 8 is so great, why did Microsoft agree to let consumers have WIn 7 again?
No matter how good Windows 8 actually is, it’s not selling. In business, success is measured by the almighty dollar. It’s better to have more than less. Microsoft has to have something to sell, so until they can rush out Windows 9, they’ll be scrambling. Right now, Windows 8.1 Update 1 includes a start button with an actual start menu and it gives users the choice to use the so-called “modern” start screen or the “old fashioned” desktop. And, before a bunch of people tell me to right-click on my taskbar and select navigation and click some choices there to boot to the desktop, I mean Windows 8.1, Update 1, will have a GUI for setting up your computer in desktop mode. But it’s a little late, the horses have already left the barn.
Hi Y’all,
Yes, I am using a fully up to date W 8.1 Pro, BUT I detest the Metro Start Screen with a passion and the Tiles even more. I was so sure I would stick with W 7 SP 1 but Patching W 7 SP 1 became a nightmare. I setup a 3x Multiboot system last summer and started with W 8.0 Pro which I had bought on MS’s intro offer, cheap. What shone for me was the incredibly comprehensive Patching system with the Trusted Modular Installer and the exceptional cleanup and verification using the DISM and SFC combo Command Prompt Utilities, alternately. The recovery capabilities of TI are something that one could ONLY be dreamed of, in W 7. I went on to test W 8.1 Preview and Enterprise and became increasingly impressed with them, in the most vulnerable area in Windows, Patching, in my opinion. Are there other problems in the current build of W 8.1.9600 Pro, SURE, but at least I have been able to work through them, AND MAKE PROGRESS! I have never seen my Event Diagnoses quantity SO FEW IN NUMBER, it is absolutely amazing.
So last fall when W 7 Patching became so narly, that I needed to refresh the image from a backup or do a complete reinstall of W 7 SP 1, I am not sure which it would have been, in the end, I pulled the trigger and installed an up to date image of W 8.0 Pro on my primary partition INSTEAD! I have never looked back!!!
As for Metro, it can take a flying leap…… I never was a huge start menu user anyway. I have used a custom toolbar that has a list of varying location where my programs are, for sometime on W 7 and then on W 8. I can start them even easier there, so I never have missed the start menu. I have really fallen in love with Hyper-V in W 8 too, but there is still a place for MultiBoot on my Workstation.
Just thought I would but share a more middle of the road offering out there….
Best Regards,
Crysta
I got a new custom built computer less than a year ago when my Windows XP updated from Windows 98 computer died so I could install Windows 7 Professional, 64 bit and never have to deal with Windows 8. I am thankful I did.
I upgraded to Windows 8 and 8.1 last week. I had Windows 7 installed and the upgrade was flawless. I can’t believe I waited over 6 months after purchasing 8 for fear the upgrade would mess everything up.
I still have all my programs and data. A couple of days getting used to it and I’m very happy.
Yes, it’s an adjustment, but so are many things in life. By the way, I’m 77 years old.
Been on Windows 8 for a few months now, and I don’t have any trouble with it. Must download 8.1 to give it a go, but I am happy with Windows 8. Like a lot of new products people don’t like to change, but hey, we all drive automatic vehicle now days, who would want to go back to the old three on the column shift?
I am not very tecky, and only move to a new update when my current computer goes to the big cloud in the sky. Had xp computer died and new one have 7 will keep with that, use a computer mostly personal fun use.
I am using 8.1, you get used to the idiocyncracies of it.
All in all is not as bad as it’s made out to be.
I know a lot of you will disagree, ?
Ingo
I don’t know why consumers are getting so up tight with XP, not supported anymore? I know people who still use W98, and are not bothered by hackers! There are just too many consumers, using XP, to have to stop using the operating system! I’m still going to continue, using XP, and wait to see what happens if the hackers get me? If they do, I’ll switch to W7. I also run Linux Xubuntu, on a 2nd hard drive, although currently, it has no sound? I also have 4 Amazon Fire tablets, I can use! I’m thinking about building up my own new computer, and install XP on it! I can put anything I darn well please on it!! Newly built computers, have too many restrictions from Microsoft, built-in to them! So, I don’t buy store bought new computers, ever!
I have been using WinXP for some years now and will continue to use it as I have all the programs on it that I need. If I really have to I will buy a Win 7 laptop and keep my WinXP desktop box for everything except Internet and email. I have been helping a pensioner friend with setting up a new Win 7 desktop and am horrified at the lousy Win Live Mail email program. He has a Canon LiDE scanner, and to get WLM to accept and send scanned attachments is hair-raising. We had to devise a roundabout way to attach the scans. So count me out of Win 8 and all its variants, none of my existing software will work on it.
I am a Windows XP user & I’ve never been one to shy away from changes, but after observing Windows 8.1 on my husband’s new laptop, I think I will only upgrade to Windows 7. In my opinion, the way Windows 8.1 is set up seems very disorganized for my liking. I don’t care for how the Apps and Programs appear on the screen all over the place. In addition, it seems like you’re playing hide and seek trying to figure out where and how to find things in order to change it to your liking. And yes, I do understand that you can customize the screen the way you want, but to me that’s counter-productive. I think this change to Windows 8/8.1 was just too much and perhaps too soon.
Last month I finally bought a new computer with Windows 8, after having a Compac w/Windows XP. I used this for 7 years. It will probably take awhile to get use to the new programs. I am hoping to get to the Sr Center where I live and get some pointers to make it easier. I know I will also get some help from CloudEight.
Thank you,
Darcy and TC
Several years ago I ‘migrated’ to Linux Mint, a superb ‘replacement for XP! Mint has the feel and look of an XP GUI and with the installation of Wine, the machine can run all of the ‘Windows’ apps that I use. I still have a laptop running W7… I cannot fathom ANY reason to UPGRADE TO W8 or 8.1!
Depending on what W9 ‘brings to the table’, I may upgrade the laptop… unsure!?! This past December I bought a Chromebook and have thoroughly enjoyed the speed and OS features; this may very well be the computer for EVERYONE to migrate to if Microsoft keeps producing such bloated software.
I have used computers since the DOS days, nowI have two desktop computers with Win8.1, I did not upgrade but wiped the drives and did a clean install. I never use anything on the ‘metro/modern’ screen and wish there was a way to delete all the app shortcuts but it would take forever. I still prefer XP Pro because I could organize the hard drive and programs the way which I preferred. It is not convenient to find programs in Win 7 or Win 8. I don’t like cluttering up my desktop or taskbar with a bunch of shortcuts and/or pinned programs.
I do, however, appreciate the stability and some of the changes in the actual build of Win 8. 1 and am looking forward to seeing Windows 9 or whatever they call it. Just for the record, I am in my 70’s do not have or need a cell phone and use a cheap Android tablet for weather and pictures. I also have a laptop which I hardly ever use as it means I have to sit at a desk the same as using the desktop computers.
I love your articles and ‘rants’ and I know you have helped hundreds of people over the years and yes, I have been a member for more years than I want to admit to.
Best wishes
Janice
Last May, my old computer with XP SP3 just quit. Forever. So for the 1st time in my 15 yrs of computing, I got a brand new out-of-the-box computer with W8 installed. When you told us about 8.1, I upgraded a few days later. Frankly, I like the start screen, and use the HP Quick Start. Now I have lots of RAM, lots of room, everything backed up on my external HD, and it just takes exploration and research to find what I need to know. The only thing really bugging me is Folder Options & Admin. Privileges, but I’ll get there. Thanks TC & EB – we think you’re pretty cool, too!
A few years ago I bought a laptop with Win 7. Had lots of trouble with the email and finally gave up and installed GMail, which I am not crazy about. I would love more speed in my old XP desktop, but don’t want to give up my Outlook Express mail. If I could upgrade to a newer, faster machine and keep Outlook Express, I’d be there in a minute…. but I plan to keep using this old computer until I find out what Microsoft is coming up with next. In my opinion, they dropped the ball with 7 and 8….if they can’t do any better with their next upgrade, I’ll have to go to Apple or Chromebook, I think.
Windows 8? No thanks. It’s far worse than Vista. Windows 7 is supported until January, 2020. That’s fine with me. If I’m still alive when that time arrives, I’ll probably go with Linux or Mac. I already have three Linux units, an iMac, and an iPad that work fine. Some of the comments make mention of the fact that Microsoft doesn’t listen to its clients. Right on target. They quit doing that a long time ago. Win 8 and the fact that they have killed Technet has put the nail in the coffin for me. I’ve been using Microsoft products, both personally and professionally, since MS-DOS first came along and that’s longer than I care to admit. Nothing lasts forever.
My first PC used DOS, and I remember how thrilled I was when windows was first introduced. Since that time I have used most of the windows operating systems (OS). Now I have Windows 8 and even upgraded to 8.1 and I really do like it!
EB (bless you EB) suggested many tips and tricks, and they were a great help to ease me through the initial learning curve. It seemed strange to me at first–even confusing, but I have found it to be a great OS. Though I missed the Start Menu at first, I got around it by simply using the WindowsKey+D to go directly to my Desktop. I have found the Charms bar to be quite handy, too. Recently I added the Classic Shell program to bring back a Start Menu. In fact, I think Windows 8 is the best OS that Microsoft has developed so far. It is very stable and does not freeze or hang up when i have several programs open at a time, and have experienced no compatibility issues so far. It also has a marvelous recovery/restore system built into it.
This OS makes it so easy to add new hardware and software or to use a camera’s sim card, blue-tooth devices, thumb drives, external drives, etc. Windows 8 was created to pave the way for our PC’s to integrate with the fast-changing technologies of today, including new Internet and Cloud programs, cell phones, tablets, electronics, etc. I don’t pretend to understand it all, but I am learning as I go.
I believe this much maligned OS has been the victim of excessive prejudice (and yes, I was one of them). Though I don’t like the Metro window nor have a need for it at this time, it’s easy to get past it and not a deal-breaker for me. Change is often inconvenient while we learn to adapt, but it keeps our brains sharp (I’m 67 now). I have found Windows 8 to be an excellent OS overall, and I’m glad I have it. I’m sure I’ll find more good things that this OS has to offer as I continue to use it and learn more about it.
Had to buy a new computer for my husband. 8 is all that was available. We hate it!!! Also had to buy a new computer for the office. The person using it and I both hate it!!
I have had a windows 3.0, 3.1, 95, 98, ME, XP, and now an 8 upgraded to 8.1. I have also used an 8088, Vista, and an Apple Mac. I still have and use my IBM 386 with windows 3.1 but it’s not able to surf today’s web. I can fumble through my new computer without too many problems but I will not be hesitating a moment to load the Windows 7 I ordered.
I bought a new computer with Windows 8.1 a few months ago and put off booting it up because of fear of all the bad publicity about Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. A couple of days ago I took the leap and got it going. I have found it not to be the big bad monster I was expecting. It’s definitely different but I’m enjoying the challenge of learning something new. If I can do it, I’m sure anyone can.
I just wanted to add that I use a desktop and a mouse and it works just fine. Also, I’m 70 years old. Not as old as some but definitely not a youngster! 🙂
I bought a windows 8 laptop recently to take on a cruise with me, I could not and have not been able to master it. I am not a dummy computer wise and had no problems with 98, XP my favourite, vista and windows 7 but windows 8 has beaten me and if my desktop ever dies that will be the end of my computing days sadly.
I have given the windows 8 to my granddaughter, at 21 she will no doubt figure it out. Thanks Microsoft for taking away the one pleasure I had in my daily life.