longblock454
2[H]4U
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I stopped using Windows here, don't see that changing in the foreseeable future.
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Get Ready for the Next Windows Operating System
- Thread starter CommanderFrank
- Start date
I stopped using Windows here, don't see that changing in the foreseeable future.
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Sorry but, I do not need an IPad wannabe.
Megalith
24-bit/48kHz
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Seems like a tough sell. I'm a sucker who will upgrade even if Microsoft only changes the skin, but I have no idea how they will convince everyone else to keep upgrading at this pace.
Same as any other release. you wait till they buy new computers. To be honest, I really don't think Windows 8 is doing as bad as people make it out to sound. The jump to Vista or windows 8 would have been people replacing XP based machines when it came time do replace them. Now they have those new computers it isn't time for them to replace them again just yet. Most places that are on rotations probably have like a 4 or 5 year plan, home users from my experience use a laptop or desktop till they run it into the ground, then continue to use it for another few years as long as it turns on when plugged in and they can at least somewhat see the screen they still consider it good. so I think you have people that just haven't came into need of a new machine just yet. There is nothing that you can do that will convince people that they should upgrade to the newest version of an OS other than killing off all their programs. I looked up some numbers a few months back. Looking at OS X vs Windows. Percentage wise they were about equal for their users and how many where at different generations of their OSs. Current release (looking at 8 & 8.1 as the same verison) has 11% or so if I recall, most were on the previous release with a still large chunk on a few releases back.
Businesses aren't going to spend money on upgrading no matter how great you make it as they just look at it as being a wasted cost. Home users don't care and will stick with whatever their $200 black Friday deal pc is running as they don't want to spend the money on upgrading, don't know how to upgrade, or don't know that you even can upgrade the OS and think that you have to buy a new computer.
So no matter what they (or any other developer does) you will never see a majority of your customers leave the current version of the OS and jump over to the newest one (outside of maybe Linux) short of going the subscription route where your computer is just kept at the newest version and when Windows x+1 comes out your pc just auto updates to that OS. Which would never fly with people.
That is a solution for the 1% that hate Microsoft to the point that they will make their life more difficult to be "Microsoft free".
For those that merely dislike Windows 8, there is a much better solution than Linux. It is called Windows 7. Excellent Desktop OS, that is rock solid, and has the richest ecosystem in the world.
Makaveli@BETA
2[H]4U
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- Mar 24, 2004
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The other issue with list is MS office.
Office and windows are the two biggest money makers they would be hella stupid to include office with windows. And if they did you would be paying $700+ for a new os.
MrCaffeineX
[H]ard|Gawd
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- Aug 22, 2011
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Hasn't one of the selling points of Windows in the past been that they do not provide you with everything, but rather give third-party developers the opportunity to provide you with custom software tailored to your needs? The last thing Microsoft needs to do is to try and take an Apple approach and give you everything you need right out of the box because I highly doubt they could pull it off given their track record of not even getting the OS itself right on launch every other time...
No...starting with Internet Explorer they wanted you to have to use their programs and it only got worse from there. They wish they were Apple that controlled both the hardware and software, i.e., the whole ecosystem. The only thing that has prevented then from doing that was being labeled a monopoly and forced to allow 3rd party software that competed with theirs like IE, media player, antivirus software, etc...
Ashbringer
Supreme [H]ardness
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You are right, but keep in mind that Windows 7 won't last forever. I use Windows 7 in my gaming rig, but Linux on my laptop. Windows 7 will go the way of Windows XP eventually, so you have to upgrade at some point.
I don't use Linux right now because it's superior to Windows, I use it to help make it superior. Once Linux reaches a point where I feel comfortable enough to game on it, even my gaming PC will replace Windows for it. Right now graphics performance and stability is a major issue still on Linux, as much as fanatic Linux enthusiasts want to disagree. Laptops with Hybrid graphics are a problem, cause Linux currently doesn't have a dynamic way to switch between two GPUs, and UI's aren't GPU friendly, like cinnamon or Gnome.
BIG$pender
Weaksauce
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- Sep 12, 2007
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- 98
They just stopped distributing new windows 7 keys like what? a week ago? Maybe they should stick to an OS for more than a year or two, And give people what they want instead of forcing a bunch of iphone looking crap onto pc people. I hope the real start menu makes a comeback, not the new one from what I've seen just sends you to the start screen, which is just a confusing jumble of tiles. blah!
D
Deleted member 88227
Guest
I refused to adopt XP until after SP1. I stopped using 98 after I got a copy of Win 2k Pro.
Some are speculating that Windows 9, will undo nearly everything that alienated desktop users. So it might be a tolerable choice again.
Drawmonster
2[H]4U
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Here's hoping.
Megalith
24-bit/48kHz
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My guess is that they will bring back the traditional Start menu and integrate Metro into it somehow. My thinking is that there will be an "Apps" category under "Programs" that will contain your Metro apps, and the live tile associated with an app will appear when you hover over it.
Don't forget the early NT releases:
Windows NT 3.1
Windows NT 3.5
Windows NT 3.51
Windows NT 4.0
Windows 2000 = Win NT 5.0
Windows XP = Win NT 5.1
Windows XP Pro x64 (based on Server 2003) = Win NT 5.2
Windows Vista = Win NT 6.0
Windows 7 = Win NT 6.1
Windows 8 = Win NT 6.2
Windows 8.1 = Win NT 6.3
I thought that the build numbers are the numbers that appear after the version number. For example, Windows 7 = 6.1.7600.
I took Cerulean's post as sarcasm.
I prefer Windows 7 myself, but it's getting annoying installing all of the updates whenever I do a reinstall (I have a Windows 7 + SP1 disc). I really wish that MS would release SP2 for Windows 7, but it sounds like that won't happen.
Drawmonster
2[H]4U
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Windows 7 is far and away the best OS we've ever gotten. Not sure why people are always jonesing to switch to something else. Since Windows 7 was released, I've NEVER had a crash. Ever. It's fast, stable, and the most supported OS in existence. Why use anything else? We can still get YEARS out of it. Look at XP.
I've tried Linux, and it's probably never going to be widely used. Think about it, when you boot it up, all your hoping for is Windows 7 level awesomeness in something that isn't made by Microsoft. And it's far from awesome. Passable at best for people who want to go through the hassle of learning Linux and all that goes along with it.
I for one don't care if the next Windows is like Windows 7, because I already have Windows 7.
I've tried Linux, and it's probably never going to be widely used. Think about it, when you boot it up, all your hoping for is Windows 7 level awesomeness in something that isn't made by Microsoft. And it's far from awesome. Passable at best for people who want to go through the hassle of learning Linux and all that goes along with it.
I for one don't care if the next Windows is like Windows 7, because I already have Windows 7.
Who is this a concern for? I installed Windows 7 exactly once on my computer.
It doesn't need weekly/monthly or even annual re-installs.
IT departments will create an image with all updates and roll that out.
D
Deleted member 88227
Guest
Yeah I am still rocking the same W7 install from when I put my computer together back in 2010. That's even replacing the GTX 470 w/ GTX 570, then running both at the same time, then removing the GTX 570 and returning the GTX 470 as the primary card. Right now it's down as the GTX 470 was sent off for an RMA since it failed recently. Waiting to see what they do with that. Wont be reinstalling shit though.
Ashbringer
Supreme [H]ardness
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Hopefully it will, but the direction that most companies are moving is to control customers computing environments. This even include Android devices. Windows is just too up and down. Windows XP is good then Vista is a nightmare. Windows 7 is good then Windows 8 is bad. Back and forth this goes on with Windows OS's. Every OS upgrade will always make older hardware incompatible, and applications will go bonkers. And you're committed to this OS for a few years, but you have to go out and buy the next OS.
Linux is far more friendlier about it. You don't have to upgrade the OS to gain the benefits of a new kernel or new UI. Hardware doesn't just become incompatible, or even software. But those damn graphic drivers.
Adidas4275
Supreme [H]ardness
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- Mar 11, 2006
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- 5,986
isn't that what is good about windows? That you can install basically any program/utility you want? why do you need them to do it?
Krenum
Fully [H]
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- Apr 29, 2005
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- 19,194
They should call it,
"Window Pane"
"Window Pane"
HardUp4HardWare
Supreme [H]ardness
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- Aug 30, 2005
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- 4,274
LOL!
rene mauricio
Gawd
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- Jun 27, 2004
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- 648
So what happened to Windows 8.2? Am I ever lost and confused...
yelsewshane
Limp Gawd
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- Nov 26, 2012
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The only reason to upgrade from windows 7 would be if they came out with a new dx & d3d for games again like they did with xp to force gamers to update the os. For now windows is fine but I still only use it to play games and debian for everything else.
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I am glad Windows 8 works great and great for me. I find it only takes 5 minutes of training and letting the user know that Metro Apps are additional option, not a replacement. The original start menu is gone for good. Now, a start menu like thing would be coming in my opinion.
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Two years from now, people will be praising Windows 9 like it is the second coming. Thing is, it will just be an improved Windows 8.
Possibly.
If it is improved by returning the desktop, to a pure desktop UI. IOW if it undoes what critics (nearly everyone) have been saying was wrong with Windows 8 all along.
Microsoft created an epic blunder that alienated users at exactly the wrong time.
Right now even Microsoft, and most of the Microsoft fan sites, recognize what a disaster Windows 8 has been.
We are just left with a few blind zealots tilting against reality, and defending this mess.
The brain dead part, is that there was absolutely no sane reason to alienate the current user base. That brain dead course of action is likely what helped end the Microsoft careers of both Steven Sinofsky and Steve Ballmer.
Maybe the new leadership will start paying attention to users again, instead of arrogantly taking them for granted. If that happens then perhaps, we will be praising Windows again.
Was going to directly respond to MoG, but this post said effectively what I was going to say.
I fail to see the problem. All most of us wanted in the first place was the choice to switch between the touch and non touch environments. Not have a half baked UI shoved down our throats in a non touch environment. I know this whole "Choice" thing is new to some of you, but you really should try it out sometime.
The reality is, no matter how hard a handful of you continue to blindly defend it. The rest of the world and now MS recognize Win 8 for the massive blunder it is. It doesn't matter how good the underlying engine is, if the outside still looks like a clown car. Yes, I just used a car analogy..why? Because I could!
You youngsters seem to forget that before the time of XP we used to get a new MS OS every 18 months to two years. We didnt mind back then, always nice to try somethnig new and improved (mostly).
This is just MS getting back on track. If you buy them pre-release they usually cost next to nothing.
This is just MS getting back on track. If you buy them pre-release they usually cost next to nothing.
D
Deleted member 88227
Guest
The reason why we didn't mind back then was because Windows was far from the stable operating system we have that is Windows 7 now. Also they didn't change much of the UI between the operating systems.
Skripka
[H]F Junkie
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Apart from the damn Control Panel which they reinvented and relabeled every 18 months.
heatlesssun
Extremely [H]
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Was going to directly respond to MoG, but this post said effectively what I was going to say.
I fail to see the problem. All most of us wanted in the first place was the choice to switch between the touch and non touch environments. Not have a half baked UI shoved down our throats in a non touch environment. I know this whole "Choice" thing is new to some of you, but you really should try it out sometime.
The reality is, no matter how hard a handful of you continue to blindly defend it. The rest of the world and now MS recognize Win 8 for the massive blunder it is. It doesn't matter how good the underlying engine is, if the outside still looks like a clown car. Yes, I just used a car analogy..why? Because I could!
The situation surrounding Windows 8 is complicated. The biggest challenge facing Windows PCs is a contraction in demand for new devices as new devices are overwhelmingly the way Windows gets deployed. A Metro off switch might have been a short term solution to help with the controversy around Windows 8 but I really don't know how that off switch would have helped address the issue of new device sales. What would be the point of buying a new PC if only to turn off the new stuff and make it work just like what you already have?
The reasoning behind Windows 8 makes sense. Incorporate tablet and touch features into the OS to allow it to run on more kinds of devices. Of course the execution could be better especially with something this complex, but the new UI does work with keyboards and mice. Microsoft should improve the integration and interaction of the new UI with the desktop and keyboard and mouse input and ways to do that are already out there with 3rd party tools and a number of UI mockups that have been floating around the web for years now.
Ocellaris
Fully [H]
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As the official computer guy for damn near everyone I know, i feel saying "the execution could be better" is a tremendous understatement. I can think of 5 people using Windows 8 right now, none like it. All of them have tablets and/or smartphones, so they know how those work. They bought cheap laptops at Best Buy or I helped them build a PC. When they encountered Metro, they had no idea how it was supposed to work.
Someone in my family was so baffled they would reboot their PC when they accidentally opened something in a Metro app.
Krenum
Fully [H]
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- Apr 29, 2005
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- 19,194
Its typical Microsoft fashion,
Release an OS, the first one sucks (beta period) the next one after that is a clone of the previous but does not suck (Retail Version).
This doesn't surprise me the least bit.
Release an OS, the first one sucks (beta period) the next one after that is a clone of the previous but does not suck (Retail Version).
This doesn't surprise me the least bit.
heatlesssun
Extremely [H]
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- Nov 5, 2005
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I've said before a number of times that Microsoft didn't have enough training in the box to help educate users on the new UI with the release of Windows 8, the situation did improve a bit with 8.1 but is still not as comprehensive as I think it should be.
I've setup a number of friends and family with Windows 8 devices including both tablets and laptops. With a little guidance I've found that they were all able to pick it up and it wasn't a huge deal. My wife who is certainly not technically inclined has picked up 8 on both desktops and tablets and I think I spent 20 minutes tops over the last year helping her with it.
So obviously any change like 8 can be disruptive and Microsoft should have done a lot more to educate users but its far from an insurmountable problem.
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Your the computer guy, did you not show them how to use it? I find it takes 5 minutes to show somehow how to open a full screen app, close one, go to the desktop, restart or shutdown the computer and add things to the start screen. That is it and they are all good after that.
In my opinion, if you are not taking the time to do that, perhaps a new computer guy is in order?
Ocellaris
Fully [H]
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I don't walk with them into Best Buy holding hands and tell them to buy $349 laptops.
For the couple I built PCs for, I showed them a few things, not everyone wants to take notes. They both wanted to get rid of Metro so I left them with Classic Shell. Eventually they got stuck.