Crazy Eights? Come on, Microsoft! - Comments Page 1

Windows 8 looks like something geared toward small children. Lots of little colored geometrical shapes. I'll stcik with real windows (7).

Why doesn't MS just admit they screwed up with the Windows 8 interface and put out a update to allow users to select a Windows 7 interface?

At this point I can safely say that the best single decision I've made about Windows computers since 1992 is NOT to have anything to do with Windows 8 or any of its "children". My god, what a mess MS has made of this. If any of the top management that dreamed this up and ok'd it are still standing they should all be chopped down with one quick blow. For better or, apparently, worse, Windows has become a standard of American and even global life, and to see it become such a morass is a tragedy.

8, 8.1, 8.1 update, Update update, etc. Phooey. Confusion reigneth. All the more reason for me to avoid going beyond Windows 7. If I can find a computer that will run Ubuntu, etc., when/if my present Windows 7 computer "dies," then I'll be switching. Microsoft: Windows 8 and beyond appears to be a royal mess. (Not using the words I'm really thinking!)

I have a desktop with Win 8 Pro and a Yoga tablet with 8.1. I have not been able to install the update due to drivers errors from the messages it spits out. Only minor problem is which driver and why do I really care?
As I understand MS's statements that Win 8 will be supported until 2016 and 8.1 is the version that must have the update installed to receive future enhancements. (I think)
Thanks for your vigilance!

So in essence, one can rollback Windows 8 whatever to Windows 7. Great going, Microsoft! Can't wait for Windows 9 (she says facetiously).

EDITOR'S NOTE: To be fair, there are some compelling features in Windows 8. File History, Refresh & Reset, improved security, faster boot times.

Does this mean that plain windows 8 (the one that came with my new machine last year) will not be supported without being upgraded to 8.1? It has been getting updated, about two weeks ago the last time. I installed 8.1 months ago and then spent a couple of days reverting to plain 8. I may discuss this further in a separate comment.

EDITOR'S NOTE: As I said: "Microsoft warns that Windows 8.1 Update is “compulsory;” if you don’t install it, you won’t be able to install any future FEATURE updates, although you will continue to get security-related “critical” updates." But I can't think of a good reason to remain at 8.0...

I am very happy with Windows 7 and consider myself as a silver surfer pretty ok with it. Having moved up the Windows interface over the years from Windows 3.1 up to Vista and now Win 7. I just get used to an interface and then another one comes along and to be honest I cannot keep up. I am losing the will to live with Microsoft. :-(

I wasn't happy with MS...from the day I bought my "new" WinMe computer....and have only had newer versions with the "new" PC's I've gotten since. I have a laptop...with Vista...and this PC with Win7. I'd LIKE to update but with upgrades costing almost as much as a new computer ...and not having the $$ to spend(especially on 2 PC's to be upgraded)...what can I do to become more "current"?

Amen to the confusion Microsoft creates with all their name changes and you have only provided a sample of the common ones. You have piqued my frustration level again.

For what it is worth According to leaked internal documents from the German Federal Office for Security in Information Technology (BSI) that Die Zeit obtained, IT experts figured out that Windows 8, the touch-screen enabled Microsoft operating system is dangerous for data security. It allows Microsoft to control the computer remotely through a built-in backdoor. Keys to that backdoor are likely accessible to the NSA?
The backdoor is called “Trusted Computing,” developed and promoted by the Trusted Computing Group, founded a decade ago by AMD, Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and Wave Systems.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Not True. See http://www.zdnet.com/german-government-refutes-windows-backdoor-claims-7000019739/

It's amazing. Every time I read any article about Windows 8 or 8.1 out come all the belly aching nay-sayers. At 75 I have installed Windows 8 on 5 desktops and 2 laptops, updated them to the latest Window Update without any problems. My 75 year old wife who is not computer savvy has no trouble using a mix of programs on her laptop and I honestly fail to understand how something being a bit different from its predecessor creates such hostility. Learning something new is good for your brain and this one's not all that difficult.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Not True. See http://www.zdnet.com/german-government-refutes-windows-backdoor-claims-7000019739/ Perhaps.

However, not to belabor the point, According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua (May 20) -- China has announced that it will forbid the use of the Windows 8 operating system (OS) in new government computers, a move to ensure computer security after the shutdown of Windows XP? see http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-05/20/c_133347210.htm for the full story.

Who knows for sure. Me, the only person I trust when it comes to computers is Uncle Bob Rankin :)

Im glad I stayed with windows 7 after all this mess.

Outlook? I spoke to a lady today who said that she had a POPUP or something on her new laptop which said download an email address from Outlook for $160AU. What? You paid for an email address after I set you up with Gmail? I'm a volunteer who teaches computer to 'oldies'. I'd never heard of anyone being charged for an email address before. Someone else (never listen to amateurs) had told her that Gmail was no good. Amazing and WHAT A RIPOFF.

Does microsoft ever get the message , They just do not seem to care that a lot of users regard the win 8 as a load of rubbish.Microsoft dont seem to care one bit !!!!!!!!

Thank you for the Classic Shell link. MS should suggest this as an upgrade to their Windows 8.x product as it could help them to restore some consumer confidence. Maybe Classic Shell can improve Server 2012 for them as well.

I am growing weary of Microsoft. Every time they come out with a new version of software, it is more complicated. I went from DOS, 3.1, 95, 98, 2000, XP, Vista, & Windows 7, but that is where I stop. If I buy another computer, it won't software created by Microsoft. Apparently a lot of people feel the same way I do.

Well said Chris, I am also 75. And I have no trouble with Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8.1 and I am waiting for the next Update.

I have tried any number of times to click on the update and it always says that it cannot update at this time. So I have quit trying. A friend of mine did go to 8.1 and it locked up his computer. He had to uninstall the update and go back to 8. They don't make it easy.