Switching to Windows 8 Made Easier

I tried several "Start" buttons for Win 8, and my favorite is "StartIsBack"

http://startisback.com .

It is not free, costing $3 for use on two separate computers, which is very reasonable.

Using it is just like using Windows 7 with the benefits of Windows 8. I am not affiliated with the software or it's creator in any way and have no stake in it's success or lack of success.

Of course, with the announcement by Microsoft that the start button will be back in Win 8.1, due to arrive in September (?), the software will no longer be need at that time. I assume by this that Microsoft will allow present users of Win 8 to upgrade to 8.1 at no cost, treating 8.1 as a service pack.

Apart from the absolutely useless mail app, Windows 8 is the next best thing to sliced bread. I cannot understand why some people are so negative about it. It is faster, more secure and far more stable than anything that's come before it.

I had no choice to upgrade to W8. Kicking and screaming, I had to buy a new laptop as my W7 Asus died and the extended warranty bought it out rather than fixing it. At first I hated the switch to W8, but after reading a lot, and following a few work arounds, I can at least use it. It does boot faster though. Too true about the 2 versions of IE 10. Why?? I downloaded Fire Fox and all is well. Someone talked about not being able to close apps. MS thinks that a computer never needs to be shut down, and all apps can remain open. Are they willing to contribute to my electrical bill? To close any app, simply press ALT + F4. Somewhere, I found a way to make a shortcut on the desktop for shutting down the computer by simply double clicking it. I wish I knew where I saw it, or what it contains to help others, but alas, I don't. I am sure if one Googled "shortcut to shut down Win 8", one could find it. After a few days, and these 2 simple work arounds, I am OK with W8

The hard drive in my old laptop crashed at the same time the video display developed a problem. It was only 2 years old, but decided it would be easier to replace than to fix.

After a month of fighting with Windows 8, I returned that computer and had the old laptop fixed. I'm hoping it lasts until Windows 9 is out, and that Windows 9 is easier to use!

I have been working with 2 elderly ladies with new Windows 8 notebooks. Windows 8 is not intuitive, requires understanding two access systems (start screen & desktop) and gives us only basic functions in some of the more used apps. Now I'm finding that these apps have even stopped working correctly or a particular advised shortcut doesn't work on a particular system. So I'm starting to think it is unreliable. Otherwise, speed etc is great.

Just got a new Dell laptop to replace a faltering Dell laptop. The new machine came with Windows 8. I've done pretty well in the past making the transition to new versions of Windows, but this may be more work than I want to do. I was delighted to hear that I can get my start button back and appreciate your posting that news. We'll see....
Thanks, Bob.

Very happy to read this posting. I had no idea that I could get a start button or a close button for my apps. Many of the other postings were also very helpful. Thanks, Rick

After reading all the negative reports about Windows 8, I almost passed on it. But I don't like Win 7. It can't be personalized as well as XP could. Then, I began reading How To articles about personalizing the Start Page and even adding a Shutdown shortcut. Since I knew the new UI was going to be the norm not too far in the future, I decided to go for the low price and give Win 8 a test drive.

The first thing I did was get rid of all the default apps that I wouldn't use; uninstalling those I would never use, and unpinning those I may want some time later. Then I pinned the programs I do use to the Start Page, and rearranged everything the way I wanted it. That made the Start Page a glorified Start Menu that was actually easier to use than the old one. Then I added a Shutdown shortcut to both the Desktop and new Start Menu. Using the free app Tile A File (found in the Store) I can even pin documents to the Start Menu - something I had to use a workaround to accomplish with Win 7. Now my computer boots to the Start Menu where I can, with one click, open whatever program I want to use first. Frequently, I just start typing the name of the program or document I want and select it from the resulting search. Much more efficient than what I had to do with either XP or Win 7.

Right-clicking anywhere on my Start Menu (Page) and selecting All Apps, I have access to all the programs loaded on my computer plus all the Administrative Tools and utilities. I used to have to try and remember which folder contained each of various tools and utilities I sometimes use.

My Win 8 UI now works for me the way I want to use the computer - and without any third party add-ons. All it took was a little research and about 15 minutes work.

I will agree, though, that most of the default apps (and some from the Store) are not suited for desktops. But we need to recognize they are first-generation. Microsoft (and some of their app suppliers) are working hard to make them more desktop friendly. Consider them a work-in-progress.

Why did MS go the route the did? The answer is simple. They wanted to provide a common across-all-device UI. That's where the other players are headed. Microsoft made the mistake of going too far too fast to get ahead of the competition. Unfortunately, they also got ahead of most OEMs, software developers, and (most importantly) their PC users.

As I've posted elsewhere, Microsoft provides backwards compatibility with hardware and software. Maybe the next version of Windows will also provide backwards compatibility with the users.

Im stayin with 7 for the long haul.windows 8 offers nothing compelling for me to upgrade.

Microsoft has forgotten the Golden Rule of software developement - The software must be easy to use, easy to learn and provide a useful function at a reasonable price. They have decided this is what you need and you'll get used to it with time. Bad buisness decisions will result in unnecessary resistance for Win8 and the laptops that have it installed. I and many others will wait for a better offering.

I got a new HP PC, Win 8. Still having problems,
(1) Can't set clock and date, it stays 1 day ahead and time incorrect.
(2) Got a new HP deskjet printer scanner, can't open the link for a download so can't see the scanned item.

I am very interested in the various comments on Windows 8. Having XP and used it for a long tme I find very little reason to change as I am retired and don't use a laptop, Iphone, cell phone (emergency only)only my desktop. "Swiping" the screen is not an option I will put up with. I know that I will need to replace my system in the next 2 years and will absorb all the information that I can on products and systems. Your views and readears comments are very helpful in this endevor. Hopefully Microsoft will realise their "faux pas" and come out with a revised system that will accomadate the needs of older users.

I was forced to switch to windows 8 when I bought a new laptop. At first it was really hard but now I am used to it. I tried classic shell for a while and I kept getting messages that "my libraries were no longer working". That stunk. What the heck is a "library"? I had to go online and figure that whole mess out. Easy fix when you know what it is. Anyway, I got rid of classic shell because the whole libraries thing started after I downloaded it. I don't really know if it had anything to do with the problem, but it hasn't happened again since. I don't think it was classics fault, it probably would have happened on some other download according to what others have said. That seems to be a common problem to have the "libraries" quit working. I was not able to access any documents or save any new ones. It was pretty scary till I found the fix. Microsoft reeeeeally needs to fix that train wreck. They need to fix the "recovery disk full" problem also. Maybe you could put in a good word Bob!

Add Shutdown Sleep Hibernate and Restart Shortcuts To Windows 8

www.pctechbytes.com/windows-8/add-shutdown-sleep-hibernate-and-restart-shortcuts-to-windows-8/

It's an interesting read and perspective.

A couple reader feedback comments about how Windows 8 is more stable and secure than other versions - that's not true. Windows 8 is Windows 7 under the hood with slight improvements, the same as Windows 7 is Windows Vista with improvements. The service packs for Vista have basically added most of the features and efficiency upgrades of Windows 7. The file structure that was promised and supposed to be delivered with Vista, never happened. It's still good old NTFS. Windows 8 is no more secure than Windows 7 or Vista - or Windows XP/2000 on NTFS. The user interface has changed drastically, but under the hood the improvements are much more subtle.

That's the big disappointment for system builders and enthusiasts such as myself - each new offering from Microsoft is 90% eye candy and only 10% improvements. Until the file structure is revamped from top to bottom, all Microsoft operating systems will be vulnerable to an extent. Nothing that they've provided in Windows 7 or Windows 8 couldn't have been done with service packs on Vista. Nothing!

I don't believe claims that it "only" takes them 15 minutes and a bit of research to setup Windows 8 similarly to Windows 7. I spent a couple weeks researching and setting up Windows 8 the first time (I don't use a smart phone and immediately found it difficult to navigate). It was months before I was satisfied with it. It still felt "clunky" and required constant awareness of the new OS to do anything. It would still take me weeks to do again. Old habits die hard. Windows 8 slows me down.

People under 40 usually have enough interaction with technology to find new technology simple to understand. Most people over 40 have avoided the digital technology age, as much as possible. The majority of people don't care to learn computers. They want to use them for what they have to do and forget about them. What's interesting and easy for techies is unjustified work for others.

Microsoft force feeds OS's to us on new systems for 1 reason, and 1 reason only: Profit.

Consider that the sales for Windows 8 are currently worse than Vista was at the same time after release. Add the fact that many vendors (more Dell systems and brick and mortar retailers every day) have changed to offer a choice between Windows 7 and Windows 8. Then there's the success of all these 3rd party applications to change Windows 8 to Windows 7 appearance. It all speaks volumes about what people think of Windows 8 and the modern UI. (The every other operating system theory seems to hold true again - google it) :)

Our PCs are never shut down, making the boot times of Win 8 irrelevant for our use. Windows 8 doesn't play nicely with dual boot systems, which is a must in our line of work. We're used to diving deep into our PCs to troubleshoot problems for others, and Windows 8 makes that a chore.

Windows 7 just works for us. We don't have to think about what operating system we're running. We won't upgrade until once again forced to do so by those who care more about a profit margin than choices that their customers want.

One last thing that I feel is important: We test anti-virus and anti-malware applications every 6 months or so. Microsoft Security Essentials has been appealing because of it's simple interface and low resource usage. When we tested a few months ago, literally malware after malware was installed and went unnoticed. AV can't remove what it can't see. I feel that MS Security Essentials is comparable to having no protection at all. We still recommend Avast (free) and Malwarebytes Pro for security. I know there's been mention of problems with the new Avast 8 version (system restore causes blue screen or changes from free to unregistered Pro license -essentially turning off all protection), but we have not seen any of them (knock on wood). :)

Has hell frozen over yet? 'Cuz if not, I'm not switching to Win 8. I saw this coming from all the info on the net and bought 2 new Win 7 Desktops last year. And I have a new copy of Win 7 still in the box, just in case. I understand that Win 7 will be supported till (at least) 2020, so I'm all set till then.
And then, if MS doesn't come to their senses or even better, go bancrupt and have to reorganize, it's off to Mac-land for me (which I swore I'd never do either, but things change and you go with the lesser of two evils).
I know all the info you have given is a great help to anyone who is stuck with Win 8, but really, a brand new operation system and you have to install outside programs just to make it work? That's gotta be real efficient and not have any potential problems for sure!
My 2 new boxes have flash C drives, and they both boot in 30 seconds and fly! Good enough for me. If fast boot time is the only good thing in Win 8, why did they bother?

I got a new laptop preloaded with windows 8. My nightmare started when I Loaded OpenOffice.org and then I tried to load Linux Ubuntu on a separate partition. The boot mode did not even recognize the load disc. When I rebooted the computer it locked me out of windows, totally. With no reinstall disc, which does not come with a new computer now for Windows 8 because of the Secure Boot program MS installed with it, I called Dell. After trying several ways to get the computer to unlock the Dell tech said he would send me Windows 8 reinstall discs. He told me that they weren't included so they couldn't be copied and bootleg copies distributed. I got the discs withing two days. I reinstalled the Win8 programs. After several updates downloaded and installed, I tried to load the Linux Unbuntu along side Windows 8. It loaded and when the computer rebooted and I tried to log into Linux an error message came up that Windows could not load because there were some files missing. I rebooted again and chose the Windows 8 to log in and it worked fine. But, I still can't get Linux Ubuntu to work. It won't boot and run from the disc because Windows 8 does not recognize it as a MS program. So, going totally to Linux as an operating system is looking better all the time. I have it on my old computer with Windows 7 in a separate partition and it works fine. MS Windows 8 may have some neat features, one of which spies on you and keeps track of your computer use, but I don't like it.

Bob I thoroughly enjoy your inputs and pundits ... you are a light in the sea of disinformation out there. Keep up the great work.

I like the touch screen, but not much else. I have had to reinstall it three times. I am about to call Dell again because I can't open Word again. I think it came out before it was ready. It is not user friendly for someone used to XP. I have gone beyond the start screen problem, but the rest is bleep.

Windows 8 is just an app-store.