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The thing is that while there are a lot of people that don't like the Start Screen, there are plenty of people that are fine with it or don't really care one way or the other. I think the Start Screen works well as an app launcher and I do use a number of apps with live tiles, so I get a lot of information from the Start Screen. I have a button assigned on my mouse to open up the Start Screen and it's actually a pretty fast way to launch commonly used apps for me, especially on a multiple monitor system.
But yes, Microsoft has no choice but to bring back the Start Menu for the many that are demanding it. Even so, the capabilities of Start Screen still need to be there as an option even for KBM users that who will want to go with the Start Screen.
Try reading the comments from the general public on non-Microsoft loving sites. Pretty funny stuff. An overwhelming majority of the public absolutely hates it. 90+% from what I've seen, I'd say.
No, the overwhelming majority are those who like to get on the bandwagon as steeple. After all, with most of the misinformation spread about, that is not surprising.
Agreed. Microsoft has a good design, but apparently people can't grasp it.
Windows 8 = Windows ME
No, that wasn't what people raged about, and the "rage" was pretty minimal as I remember it.People RAGED about windows XP and their beloved start menu changing from windows 98/2000.
Even if that was true about people, then it would be a bad design.
People don't want to grasp it. They developed 'muscle memory' around a start menu. The Start Screen brought nothing, nada, zero other than it if you learned it, you might buy a windows phone or tablet. And being manipulated into buying something is not considered a plus by most users.
Exactly what features did they take away in Windows 8?
This. Is it really that hard to just start typing from the start screen? If Apple made the start screen, it would be genius.
I really only use the start menu for the "run" command. Funny thing is I use Windows 8.1 and all previous versions(7, XP, 2000, 98) like I've used Windows 3.1. I put my most used programs on the desktop (maybe 10 icons) and put lesser used shortcuts in a folder(like the 3.1 Program Manager) on the desktop. Also use quick launch but again those are almost like desktop icons to me.
Exactly. It's not so much that it's a bad interface, simply no one asked for it.
2. The removal of frequently used items list.
Yup. Microsoft had this grand idea that by forcing the start screen on everyone they would all run out and buy more Windows devices. Then they then ignored tons of feedback, removed the start menu, and tried to force the idea even more, which obviously did not end well.
Additionally, the XBOX version is entirely filled with ads and I'm sure Microsoft plans on doing the exact same thing to every other device with the metro interface in time. Bing is already built into Windows search, sending every search query back to the mothership and spying on users. Who the hell wants web search results when they are trying to find a program or file? No one does but Microsoft will force this and more ads on users as well.
Off the top of my head, auxiliary error codes on crashes, the ability to share wifi info on a flash drive, chkdsk only displays a progress bar (some of us like to know what's going on), backup/restore is neutered now and shadow copy has gone.
Also, when I tried 8, it didn't have a unified search function, I had to click whether I wanted a file or an 'app'(ugh). That makes 2 seconds of super->type->enter into 4 seconds of super->type->click(takes time moving my hand from the keyboard to mouse). I suppose I could have gotten used to that one, but no shadow copy is a big frown from me.
Wow..the fact that people are still defending this after the market has spoke and even MS has admitted it was a failure blows my mind. Let It Go...
I interact with a lot of people when it comes to PC's, this is my job after all. Honestly the number of people I have ever ran into outside of these forums who actually like Win 8's UI? Zero. I have Never once run into a single person in thousands of people who actually liked it. Plenty who were indifferent or tolerated it, but never one who actually said they Prefer it. Only ones I have ever seen praising Win 8's UI are the half dozen or so on this forum. Either way it is looking more and more likely that we will get what we want in Win 9, Choice. The choice to choose the Start screen for those who like it, and the choice to choose Aero and a normal start menu for those who do not. So long as that happens, I really don't see any reason to continue this stupid argument. Win 8's UI Was a Failure..Period. There is no arguing that fact. If it wasn't a complete and utter failure MS sure as hell wouldn't be doing a complete 180.
They are not doing a complete 180 but you go ahead and keep painting it they way you want. Aero glass from what I can tell is gone for good. However, the Aero desktop has not gone anywhere at all, it is still there in Windows 8 / 8.1. The start menu exactly as it was in most likely not coming back either.
Why should I follow the sheeple? When something works well, I say as much regardless of your opinion. I basically let customers know that it is easy to use and after 5 minutes of showing them, they are surprised it is not a big of deal as they were lead to believe. The market follows what others think for the most part.
I think that the need for a Start Menu is mostly because people are very traditional and don't cope well with change.
I find it interesting that users are always to blame. Never the designer or those who try to force change.(versus giving users the choice) In the end there was little reason not to make metro optional in windows 8. It would allow users to transition at their own pace. Add a few fun metro games and people would use the new ui, but it would be their choice when...(I strongly suggested a tablet or phone emulator) It would also allow users to use their computers how they personally see fit.
Personally I do not dislike metro, but I see little reason for it to be a forced change for desktop users.
I use Stardock Start8 (never tried freeware start menu replacement tools). The only time I go into Metro is for Netflix and Skype.
Personally, I prefer the start menu because I have to move my mouse a smaller distance to click on the program I want.
Is there any reason M$ can't just have the start menu (which only takes up like 15% of modern HD screens) and the start SCREEN appear at the same time? Like, the start screen has a lower-left-hand menu resembling the old start menu that can be set minimised like a window if the user wants more tile space. I don't think anyone would have complained about that... Because you press start, the screen blurs and the tiles swipe from the right, the start menu swipes from the lower-left. Press start again to go back to desktop.
I do think that Metro has plenty of valid merits as an interface
The thing is that the start menu isn't designed for you to point/click your way to a program (though I did that with Vista, because I didn't know any better). You're just supposed to type what you want. Same thing with Control Panel. if you're clicking on icons, you're probably doing it wrong (or at in a less efficient way).
That is a valid point. Microsoft actually did continue including Program Manager with Windows for many years after introducing the Start Menu.
Windows doesn't need a start menu. Microsoft screwed the pooch with the introduction of windows 8, and not even including something as necessary as a simple tutorial. That's why even through 8.1, which addresses virtually all of the initial gripes of 8, reception still suffers.
The Start Screen is fine for me. People hate change and to that effect, people will bitch about the new start menu because it looks different than in Win 7.
And you don't have to press Win + S, the Win key brings up the start screen from which any typing becomes a search.
This.
In 7, I use the Window key and start typing what I'm looking for all the time. Slightly annoying that I have to use Win+S in Windows 8 to do the same thing.
I haven't used the start menu since XP and I will continue to not use it come windows 9.
I find it interesting that users are always to blame. Never the designer or those who try to force change.(versus giving users the choice) In the end there was little reason not to make metro optional in windows 8. It would allow users to transition at their own pace. Add a few fun metro games and people would use the new ui, but it would be their choice when...(I strongly suggested a tablet or phone emulator) It would also allow users to use their computers how they personally see fit.
Personally I do not dislike metro, but I see little reason for it to be a forced change for desktop users.
They are not doing a complete 180 but you go ahead and keep painting it they way you want. Aero glass from what I can tell is gone for good. However, the Aero desktop has not gone anywhere at all, it is still there in Windows 8 / 8.1. The start menu exactly as it was in most likely not coming back either.
Why should I follow the sheeple? When something works well, I say as much regardless of your opinion. I basically let customers know that it is easy to use and after 5 minutes of showing them, they are surprised it is not a big of deal as they were lead to believe. The market follows what others think for the most part.
Basically, I do not force my opinion of something down the customers throat like some here clearly seem to do. If they want to use 7, that is what they use. If they have no issues with 8, that is what they use. It is the way things are.