Windows 8 sucks

[Mark of Zorro]

I had to get a new computer as the one I was using was 10 years old and becoming a mess of errors and failures.

So my new comp uses Windows 8 and I am quickly finding out what a piece of crap it is.

I cannot even choose when to shut down my computer. Its not even a part of the power settings. I mean what! I can choose when it goes into sleep mode but not when to shut down or even not to? Ridiculous.

Some "certain" apps do not even let you close them. They just hog memory in the background. Hell, I could not even get back to the desktop using the available buttons on some media player which I don't even know what it is. Freaking insane! Worse than those damn pop up ads, but this is MY computer, not some random net site!

I was using ALT+TAB at first to get back to the desktop. I think even then I could not close the program from the right click menu. But I did a search on the net and found you can close a program by using ALT-F4. Its still crazy that I have to resort to a hot key for such a basic point of control of my own damned computer. But ALT-F4 has been a great relief.

I would happily ditch Windows if not for compatibility issues with other people's docs and files and the general inconvenience of tinkering with every little thing to get it to work because of those compatibility issues. Then there is just the hassle of trying to get the right drivers for all the stuff on a comp with a new OS. I definitely had enough frustration with that in my life. (sigh)

I also had a hell of a time locating disk drives and control panel and other basics on Windows 8. But once done, I put a bunch of shortcuts on the desktop for ease of location.

And I am still not sure how to open Word or Excel without first opening a document. (Grrrrr!)

I cannot play some simple mpeg videos except to use a bundled program which for some reason I cannot make the prefered media player. I have to select that program each time I want to see an mpeg made by my video camera. (might be able to fix that by installing the software for that camera, but still, they are mpegs. I expect trouble with HD videos, but not freaking mpegs!).

About the only good things I have to say about Windows 8 is that its up to date whereas XP was out of date and could not run many things. But 8 being up to date is hardly a pleasant surprise. Its natural and expected. The only surprises from 8 have been purely unpleasant.



Do you have anything to say about Windows 8?

Anyone know how to do a file search?

Any tips about how to get control back?

 

[Hezam]

I have to say the same, It's a piece of crap.
XP is 100 times better and easier than Windows 8...

 

[thomas]

Sorry to hear about your experiences!

They seem to confirm what I've heard from others. I had my home network (3 PCs and a laptop) set up by a friend who strongly recommended to stick with W7. I have used XP for over a decade and skipped Vista, Longhorn and all other related contrivances. So far, I'm quite satisfied with W7, guess it's going to be M$'s workhorse for the next decade.

Did you have any choice of OS when you acquired your computer?

 

[Mark of Zorro]

Did you have any choice of OS when you acquired your computer?

I did not even think to ask.

Interestingly, in a bout of stupidity, I bought Windows 7, have it on disc and never used it. I had planned to fix up a used computer but found it was messed up beyond repair, at least beyond my ability. I should see if I can get the appropriate drivers from the store I bought this thing and install Windows 7 maybe.

 

[Hezam]

Two stupid things Microsoft did, XBox One name and shape + Windows 8 theme.

 

[deadlyfox]

Well this windows 8 thing is exactly not the best in the world I wiped my pc of windows 8 and went back to 7 which is a lot better we used our disc for windows 8 as a shooting target

 

[Lespaul1216]

Sry for the lateness of response but windows sucks. I'm an Apple but, android is better than Iphone.

 

[Lestat84]

I don't mean to start a flame war here, but ALL Apple products, are horrible in comparison to other devices. I'd sooner use a Blackberry than an Iphone. Even a flip phone over an Iphone. The ONLY good product Apple makes are its iPods. Windows stomps all over Mac OS. Honestly, I even prefer Linux to MAC OS (Loving my Xubuntu). I use xubuntu on my laptop, and windows 8 on my desktop and i love both. Windows 8, once you get used to the interface feels great. the OS feels so seamless, and it's smart of microsoft to integrate all their products. I don't have an XBox (PS3 all the way), and i use a Galaxy S3, but i see where Microsoft is going. I love what they've done with it, I love that they've optimized it for touch with things like the Surface (even if it's a complete rip-off). Microsoft is innovating, and most importantly they're improving Windows' gaming ability. As long as they cater to PC builders and Gaming enthusiasts I will be happy with Windows. End of story.

 

[Mark of Zorro]

So Lestat, you just sidestep all the complaints, diss Apple, but offer nothing specific. Nice.

No, I don't think I will ever get used to having to hit ALT-F4 just to exit an application I did not even really want to use in the first place.

Windows 8 has been less of a problem since getting the settings in order. But that process has been harder than with previous Windows versions. Further, there are still some videos I have that I cannot just click and watch, which is a total surprise because they are just M-pegs. I still need to find a separate program for them.

I suppose I have gotten used to not being able to instantly shut down Windows without resorting to the power button. Funny thing is, that is the way it should have been in the first place with 98. But it wasn't. So I got used to another way. Now I cannot see why I cannot have it BOTH WAYS.

 

[Lespaul1216]

Every one has a right to an opinion. My opinion:
First and foremost, I am a musician and composer (jazz guitar and piano ).I work at a studio and sell jingles now. The Mac is perfect for my type of work. Also, I've had a Mac book since 09. And I've NEVER caught a virus. Btw I luv to download. I've had so many windows based computers, I hate them..... ALWAYS crashing or getting bad virus attacks....
I love iPad, Mac, and iPod. However, I prefer android cellphones. I am looking into the galaxy s4.

 

[Lespaul1216]

And also, windows stole many ideas from Apple. When I took MIDI technology I learned the history between Apple and Microsoft. Many of the early programs came from Apple. But Microsoft progressed.Later on in life when Apple was at it's downfall, Steve Jobs asked Bill Gates for help. Since then, Apple has taged with Microsoft.

People should learn not to dog Apple too quickly. Apple is a fantastic corporation. The pioneering of the iPhone and iPad changed technology. On top of that, Apple OS is very user friendly. The average joe only cares about texting, not routing a signal. In addition, speaking as an artist, Apple is the best system for recording. Hands down. Even Hollywood studios use Apple.


Don't be too harsh on Apple.

 

[Mark of Zorro]

As someone who is totally logic based and not artistic, and therefore right there with Dos V and lost with Apple, I too have to agree that its a mistake to diss Apple, even as one who is not a user. Other people are using Apple products to great effect and prefer Apple.

But yeah, some people think they are the center of universe, and whatever displeases them must be murder on the rest of the world.

 

[nahadef]

I don't mean to start a flame war here, but ALL Apple products, are horrible in comparison to other devices.

This is just ridiculous hyperbole. I use a Mac daily at home, and also Windows at work, and I greatly prefer Mac. Depends what you use your devices for.

As long as they cater to PC builders and Gaming enthusiasts I will be happy with Windows. End of story.

If you are a PC builder and a gamer, yeah, PCs are much better. This is entirely fair to say. I'm not either (at least, I don't use my computer for games), so I don't hold PCs up as the better machine the way you do.

When you start your post with "I'm not trying to flame," and then flame with your post, well... Step back a bit, and see that your reasons for loving PCs are not universal truths, then you may see how silly a claim like "ALL Apple products, are horrible in comparison to other devices," is.

You're 16 (according to your avatar) so you have a long time to get some perspective on things.

 

[Mark of Zorro]

You're 16 (according to your avatar) so you have a long time to get some perspective on things.

IMHO, to write such at 16, its already too late to hope for a person with perspective. That ship sailed a few years ago.

 

[BrianLewis]

I have never used 8, since I have not run into any compatibility problems with XP yet. Alt + Tab does not work anymore in 8? What about Ctrl + Alt + Del? It won't give you a task manager to kill programs? I like to be the one in charge of my machine, so I really don't plan on upgrading to another Windows system.

I am sure Macs are great, but I don't consider paying 10x the price for a computer because it's trendy to be enough of an incentive to buy one. Furthermore, I don't think it's wise to buy a computer that you have to scrap when something like a power supply goes out. I do understand the need for stability when recording music or extensive video editing. However, I do just fine recording with XP as a hobbyist.

Computer viruses are prevalent from porn and warez sites and using Microsoft email applications. I have no problem avoiding them on a PC.

I have tried Linux based OSes, however none of them seem to understand that I have no interest in becoming a programmer. I refuse to use any OS that thinks it's "cool" to use text coding to install a driver.

 

[nahadef]

I am sure Macs are great, but I don't consider paying 10x the price for a computer because it's trendy to be enough of an incentive to buy one. Furthermore, I don't think it's wise to buy a computer that you have to scrap when something like a power supply goes out. I do understand the need for stability when recording music or extensive video editing. However, I do just fine recording with XP as a hobbyist.

What the heck are you talking about? Ten times the cost? Did you seriously buy a top line computer for $100-150? Why would you scrap it if a power supply goes out? It's perfectly fine to swap parts on a Mac. I used my last one for five years.

What's with this culture of PC users who make up ridiculous arguments to prove...what exactly? It's like a Chevy driver trying to craft arguments about why Japanese and German cars are crap for fools to make them feel better about their purchase. People buy them only because they are 'trendy'? Dumb dumb dumb.

I'm not a Windows fan, though the current system feels a lot better than the older system. I've never had to make stuff up to justify my preference of one over the other, nor patronise the people who use the other. (Apple has with their advertising in the past, but that's not something you should hold against the user base.)

 

[BrianLewis]

Yeah, I built a new PC last year for about $200. If there are not $2000 macs out there, then I apologize for my ignorance. When I talk about scrapping a system for a blown power supply, I happen to be speaking from experience, in fact I have witnessed 2 such cases over the life of my 1 PC.

Are iPhones not popular because they are trendy? Did Steve Jobs make a name for himself because Apple was doing so well before he made the brand popular? From what I know about history, they were on the verge of bankruptcy. In fact, I am old enough to remember the dwindling Mac section at CompUSA. Practically every time I went in there for something - not frequently, I mind you - it shrunk a foot or two. So yeah, they are popular (now) because they are trendy. Why else would people keep buying these iPhones that crack so easily, when there are good, durable, Korean phones available for a fraction of the cost?

I do see a certain benefit to having a more stable OS, however I don't see why I would spend 5-10x the price for such a thing, unless I was into the arts at a professional level.

 

[nahadef]

Yeah, I built a new PC last year for about $200. If there are not $2000 macs out there, then I apologize for my ignorance. When I talk about scrapping a system for a blown power supply, I happen to be speaking from experience, in fact I have witnessed 2 such cases over the life of my 1 PC.
Are iPhones not popular because they are trendy? Did Steve Jobs make a name for himself because Apple was doing so well before he made the brand popular? From what I know about history, they were on the verge of bankruptcy. In fact, I am old enough to remember the dwindling Mac section at CompUSA. Practically every time I went in there for something - not frequently, I mind you - it shrunk a foot or two. So yeah, they are popular (now) because they are trendy. Why else would people keep buying these iPhones that crack so easily, when there are good, durable, Korean phones available for a fraction of the cost?
I do see a certain benefit to having a more stable OS, however I don't see why I would spend 5-10x the price for such a thing, unless I was into the arts at a professional level.

Do you know how much my iPhone cost? Nothing. It was free with a two year contract. Should I have got a cheaper Korean one?
Did the $200 computer you made come with a 27 inch monitor? Do most people want to assemble their own computer? I suppose not wanting to assemble your own computer is a form of trendiness, but most humans would call it convenience.
When Apple was dying, they had a crap product line. Then Jobs came back and drastically increased the quality of the design. Design. Did the computer you built yourself look awesome? You might think it shallow, but people like the aesthetics of things. Otherwise, we would all be driving Pintos. Price is not the only factor when buying things. If it is for you, great, but no need to patronize people who aren't as cheap as you.
You have a chip on your shoulder and sound bitter, and the crazy thing is, it's over a computer. Sony sells computers at a comparable price, pre-assembled desktops and notebooks, and I have never once seen a bullshit rant about people buying them being trendy (ie. stupid). Not once. Is it because they are on Windows? Get some self-esteem, and talk about stuff you actually know, rather than make digs at the people doing something different than you. There are people out there with brains who consciously make different choices than you. Or start insulting people who buy Sony computers as well.

 

[Mark of Zorro]

Yeah, I built a new PC last year for about $200. If there are not $2000 macs out there, then I apologize for my ignorance.

Like...umm....you cannot compare prices of do-it-yourself kits directly with pre-assembled models. I find it curious that on the one hand you complain about not wanting to be a programmer, but on the other hand, you take the time to assemble your own computer, which will of course require installations.

In this world, there are people who cannot program a tv show recorder. So yeah, they don't even attempt to assemble computers.

When I talk about scrapping a system for a blown power supply, I happen to be speaking from experience, in fact I have witnessed 2 such cases over the life of my 1 PC.

So...like...um...did they attempt to replace the power supply?

Anyway, since Apple pretty much does everything from head to toe, and its all "in-house" its easier for certain things to go under the radar. But since DosV based systems use parts from a multitude of manufacturers, everyone is checking everyone else's work. But the flip side is, where you might get more reliable hardware from DosV, you most probably get better integration with software from Apple, although I cannot see where the difference would be huge. (I don't actually know much about Apple advantages and disadvantages though, as I am not a user). I just see a trade-off. Further, I don't think Apple has been constantly plagued with power supply problems. If it happened to a line of products, it happened. Does not mean all Apple products suffer that.

But even with DosV systems, things still go wrong.

From what I know about history, they were on the verge of bankruptcy.

That proves nothing. Many times in history the superior product lost out to the cheaper one. A famous example is VCR vs Beta. Beta was much better quality over all, even with smaller cassettes. My father used one to record shows for something like 25 years before he died. In the end he had to record over old shows though, as he could not find cassettes. But 25 years! And I bet that ****** still works where ever it is. A VCR that old without significant issues at the very least? Forget about it!

 

[alecgraham]

I don't have Windows 8, Zorro, but I have heard that most of the people who like it are coming to it from something other than older versions of Windows (and I can't imagine that there are many people in that group). Most of my info comes from listening to the Leo Laporte show each week and reading through the companion site, techguylabs. You might find some useful info there.

Looks like there's a bit of a learning curve there, and once you get used to it you might like Windows 8. Of course there's a way to launch apps without opening an associated doc. I've heard them talk about it on air. You can get the classic Start button back-- it still exists. You can use that to type in the (beginning of) the name of an application to run it, as on a Mac.

Again, I'm going by what I've read & heard, not from first-hand experience, as my last Windows machine ran XP.