We have often noticed that Microsoft releases an operating system before it’s really ready. This was true of Windows ME and Windows Vista, which we consider to be two of the worst Windows ever.
Intel’s chief says Windows 8 is not ready but he agrees with Microsoft’s releasing it before it’s ready due to competitive pressures (read APPLE). He says they can finish it after they release it. But where does that leave you, the consumer?
We’ve been testing the pre-release versions for a few months, and one thing I can’t understand is why Microsoft didn’t allow users to choose the familiar desktop with the start button or the Metro-style tiled desktop. If you are used to using a mouse and keyboard — and most desktop and laptop users are — the tiled “Metro” desktop doesn’t make much sense. I added a start button to the traditional desktop (there are several free programs you can download to get the start button back) because the tiled Metro desktop, while convenient for touchscreens, makes no sense for those using mouse and keyboard. That’s my opinion anyway.
Here’s the story from Bloomberg news regarding Intel’s CEO saying Windows 8 isn’t ready….
Intel chief: Windows 8 is not ready for release
Bloomberg News
2:44 p.m. CDT, September 26, 2012
“Intel Corp. Chief Executive Paul Otellini told employees in Taiwan that Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system is being released before it’s fully ready, a person who attended the company event said.
Improvements still need to be made to the software, Otellini told employees at a company meeting in Taipei Tuesday, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the meeting was private.
Microsoft is eager to get Windows 8, the first version of its flagship software designed for touch tablets, into computers next month to help it vie with Apple’s iPad during the holiday shopping season. Releasing the operating system before it’s fully baked is the right move, and Microsoft can make improvements after it ships, Otellini told staffers…”
I will not buy the new version of Windows 8 because it is not available in the familiar desktop format with the start button. I have a desktop PC and use a mouse and keyboard. Forcing me to use a tiled Metro format just doesn’t get it. I will continue using Windows 7 until MS does something about this.
I agree with Don and Robert!
I agree Don. I have it from some very knowledgeable sources (TC & EB) that Microsoft will be offering support for Windows 7 until the year 2020. By that time, Microsoft will have gotten their act together or me and Apple will become friends! LOL
I firmly believe that Windows XP was the very best that MS came up with but, of course, they had to change to make money. When my ‘puter was wrecked during an earthquake I had to go to Windows 7 but never, never, NEVER will I change to Windows 8.
It makes no sense to go to windows 8.I’ll stay with windows 7.MS would be better if they would come up with some way to make older programs and games work with windows 7.I used to pklay the original “diablo”on xp and vista,but now they don’t work on windows 7,although diablo II and III work.why do we have to get new programs when a new system comes out instead of using the old ones,just to line MS pockets.
History has proved that it would be crazy to switch to a new OS before it has been thoroughly field tested – Also, although the Windows 8 appears to be a faster system, is it worth the change unless you particularly want a touch screen?
I loved XP – didn’t we all? It worked well and it was fairly simple. Now I have a new computer with Windows 7 – hate it – still struggling to find things that I need to use every day at my job – to no avail – or “not supported by W. 7” rediculous. Perhaps they could smarten up and leave the better programs in place, wiht support, until forever and let those who have lots of time on their hands get the new programs to fuddle with. It looks really like I will be going to Apple for my next computer. MS – had a lot of respect for you – not much any more.
Afraid I agree with you! I think we need two separate systems…one for desktops with keyboards and mice…the other for traveling folk with their computers in their pockets!!
They forget..some of us are just highly knowledgeable amateurs and have some serious mental stress every time they change things.
The need to get serious and set some solid standards of technology….or is that impossible?
It will just drive more consumers to a Mac and defeat the purpose of the premature release.
I am fortunate to still have Windows XP and will hang unto to it right to the bitter end. Then most likely it will Apple for me. Not excited with anything I have read about Microsoft and Windows.
Are they trying to wipe out the older generation of buyers who perhaps don’t use all the fancy gadgets on a smart phone? Or maybe they don’t even have a smart phone (which I don’t). I was brought up on a mouse and keyboard and tiles etc. don’t really appeal to me at all. I’m happy with Windows 7.
oh my goodness–microsoft at it again–do they think we are stupid–willNOT do windows 8–don`t have laptop or those other gadgets–just like my desktop computor–keyboard and wireless mouse–why oh why can`t they leave it alone—all about–MONEY we seniors need our buckaroos to survive>>>>>
Amen! Who is serving who?
Is technology serving us…..0r
are we serving technology.
There are business computers and equipment
then there are home organizers and pleasure equipment!!
And then, as you say, WE SENIOURS NEED OUR BUCKAROOS JUST TO SURVIVE! There are quite a few of us you know!!
Windows 8 lets me easily switch between the new tiled desktop and the traditional desktop – I have not had any problems at all.