Wiondows 8

[Bren]

Have anyone on the forum changed to windows 8 recently and did you have a problem changing, my first computer was w. 95 and then XP no bother there but with this one O dear not doing very well,
Bren

[Ricard with an H]

Hi Bren.

I don't know anything about 'Windows' because I've always been a Apple user, what I do know is both systems introduce problems with older third-party software when those developers don't keep up or they cease to support their own older software.

Because my partner invested in a new laptop for business and study our home desktop computer won't talk to it. It's an age-thing.

So, I updated the desktop to the latest software. Now much of the installed software won't work because it's too-old. The joke is, her laptop is just two months old and now can't talk to the desktop because she hasn't updated her laptop.

You ok with this ?

In the case of Apple all the updaters are free but I still had to pay to upgrade various third-party applications.

She's an IT consultant, I'm a gardner, joiner, cabinet-maker, painter, roofer, chef and all around personal assistant. Guess who has to sort the IT problems out ?

[Stephen]

I confess that I don't like Windows 8 and have avoided it. Most of my clients have done too.
I think it may work better with a touchscreen.

[Motherwoman]

I had to buy a new laptop recently and my sons (who have 'the knowledge' on computers) sorted me out one and persuaded me that Windows 8 was the better option as far as updates and support goes but I didn't like the 'blocky' look and there is a way of making 8 look like 7 'cos they've done it to mine. So if you can find someone who can do that you might get on with it better.

I didn't have any problems accessing any of my normal links or programs with the exception of it talking to the printer, I had to get in son IT support. I write any problems on a post-it above my desk and when a son visits it gets sorted!

MW

[Cider Boys]

I have been struggling with Windows 8 for about 18 months. I find it frustrating and not at all intuitive and I found all the earlier Windows systems much easier to use. It has locked up on me several times and resulted in me having to reload the software. I did not choice to upgrade to Windows 8 it was because I needed a new laptop and Windows 8 was all that was available that I have it. Like many changes nowadays most do not seem to me to be of any benefit (maybe it's an age thing).

Barney

[Bren]

Thank you all I'm not on my own then, I had no choice about changing other than not having a computer as the one I had was 9 years old and needed a lot of updating and kept cutting off in the middle of whatever I was doing.
I am on borrowed time way past sell by date and I did begrudge paying so much for a new one but would miss it over the winter months.
Bren

[John]

Hi Bren
I have W8 and must say that I quite like it - and I can remember struggling with W1 and W2 a very long time ago not too mention msdos as well! On the 'blocky' main screen there is a block called Desktop. If you click on this you get to the more familiar icon type screen of W98.
I suspect your machine is creaking along because of its age and probably not much memory. This was the problem we had here. We stumped up for a new machine with bags of memory and solid state drives and the difference in performance is truly staggering. The slowest thing is our lousy broadband connection.
If you plan to get a new machine I hear that W10 is coming out soon in 2015 so it might be worth hanging on just a bit longer. Prices seem to coming down as well.
Not clear from your post if you have new machine designed for W8 or with W8 installed..
John

[Elaine]

Hi Bren. I got a new laptop a couple of months ago and it has Windows 8. My old one was Windows Vista.
I haven't had any problems at all with Windows 8, other than my own capability to take in new stuff technology wise. I'm more used to it now and quite like it.

[Bren]

Getting used to windows 8 but not quiet there yet.

John its a new one from PC World they set it up, when I first posted I had it only 3days so hadn't given myself a chance, I just assumed I would find everything as before, Just now I wanted to reply to an email from my sister but couldn't find the reply icon so had to compose a new one.

Thanks for all your help.
Bren


t

[Primrose]

I just hate Microsoft generally. They introduce new software without testing properly whether it is compatible with other software applicstions and take no account of the costs to businesses of having to update their applications

I have a great deal of sympathy with an older person who said very feelingly "why don't they wait until all their older users have died off before they introduce all these updates and changes?." I know they have to make their profits somehow but in my view, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it,".