Crazy Eights? Come on, 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.

I'll ignore Windows 8 until Microsoft upgrades it to run Office 2003 and Access 2007.

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...

For the way I use my computer, I can't think of a good reason for not remaining at XP. Whatever "FEATURE" updates are, I probably don't want or need them. The most surprising thing about 8.l, and what compelled me to revert to 8.0 was when I tried to play a hand of FreeCell, I was directed to a store where I was asked for a fee. I was afraid I would be asked for fees to use any MS software. So, I backed off.

I may have it wrong, but I have read that if you have updated to 8.1, then you have to instal Update 1 to continue to get security updates. I take it that if you are still only on 8.0 then you are OK. I have read too many horror stories about the 8.1 update bricking the computer during the install, and have avoided it. I find 8.0 runs fine, I have learned how to use it and have no desire to risk an update to 8.1 that may or may not install properly. being a senior, I am not competent enough to deal with a pile of problems should they happen while updating to 8.1.

EDITOR'S NOTE: That's not correct. You'll need Windows 8.1 Update as a baseline for future Win8 service and support. I think that problems like the one you mentioned are rare, and shouldn't prevent you from moving forward to the latest Win8 updates.

Bob, I read your email articles each and every time they come in. I trust your insight and as mentioned in my original post, am not that confident that I can correct a problem during the update to Win 8.1 should it occur. Having said that, I shall try, on your advice, the 8.1 update and hope for the best. I regularly backup using Acronis, and will do a full system image before downloading the 8.1 update to be sure that I can revert back to where I am now. My other concern is that I have become comfortable with 8.0 and am now going to have to learn how to navigate the OS after the update as it is, I am told, different than 8.0. This whole thing is a pain in the back side, but I guess change is for the better, right? Thanks again for your comments to my original post, and getting me to move forward, albeit reluctantly. Cheers, and keep doing what you do for us less than tech competent computer users.

I'm extremely frustrated by 8.1 After I loaded it, my keyboard quit recognizing my typing, and my sound (original on this 15 month-old laptop) is disabled. Microsoft could avoid much of these complaints and frustrations among their customers...if they wanted to. They don't...

Bob, Just FYI, I finally upgraded to Win 8.1, and with no problems, at least not yet. I do find in the week since the upgrade, that my computer is slower, however, I am able to find my way around, with the help of a Google search to fix an annoying need to log on with a password. Just want to say thanks for convincing me to get it done.

I tried updating to 8.1 but after waiting what seemed like hours, it said upgrade failed.
I'm unsure how to proceed now.

Like a number of other people I was unable to upgrade from Windows 8 Pro to 8.1....because Windows store won't recognise me as system administrator---I have tried a few suggestions off the web, including trying to download from another site manually, but none have worked so far.
Does anyone know of a fix?