Windows 8.0 and 8.1

glb613 · ‎03-09-2010

I bought a small (11") Dell computer with Windows 8 to run Quicken. The Mac version of Quicken is so lame. It doesn't do what I need and it's not worth using. Since I still had my Windows version of Quicken, I decided to buy a small computer for that purpose.

I started the computer for the first time yesterday and all I can say is wow. If you aren't computer savvy, (I had no problems with Windows when I was using it full time) I can understand the complaints. Trying to get where I wanted to go was not easy. When I was able to find where I needed to be, I was able to connect to my wireless network, install the network printer and pair a Bluetooth mouse without any problems. In fact, the process was easier than I remember with my previous Windows machines. The tiles aren't bad but didn't get me where I wanted to go. I had the salesman show me some things before I left the store and I did a lot of Google searches once I got home.

Finding the Windows 8.1 update almost made me pull my hair out. I went to the Windows store and it wasn't listed. I did all of the Windows updates including the one needed to upgrade to 8.1 and it still wasn't listed in the Windows store. I have no idea how I finally found it (thank you Google) but I did, installed it and it does make the operating system easier to use. I plan to get more familiar with Windows 8.1. A friend bought a new computer, has been using it for 2 months and she really likes it. She told me once you get use to it and learn how to customize it, it's a good operating system.

Using the Windows key for more functions is a good idea. With that being said, I'm sure most users have never pressed the key before now. A short tutorial when the computer firsts starts would have been a simple thing for the programmers to do. It could have explained the changes you'll encounter navigating through the operating system and would have made the whole experience much easier for everyone. If I remember, there was a "lets get started" tutorial with Windows 98 and Windows XP.

If Microsoft wants to stay competitive with Apple, they have to make their operating more user friendly. I don't know who is in charge but they need to be replaced. I've never had trouble using a Windows computers or changing from one operating system to the next until now. The changes with Windows 8 are so significant, it made the whole experience of setting up a new computer very frustrating for me. I'm sure I'll be fine as I use Windows 8.1 more.

surprise_sometime · ‎08-19-2010

Sadly, Windows 8 is the reason I got a touch-screen laptop, so it'd be a bit easier. It was, but I still have trouble finding what I'm looking for sometimes, and I've had it since July.

glb613 · ‎03-09-2010

My new Dell is touch screen but I still like using a mouse. I'm sure I'll get use to it although I won't be using it much.

okBlonde · ‎09-23-2013

There is a Windows 8 tutorial somewhere in those tiles, but I've never viewed it. What annoys me sometimes is the stuff swooping in from the right when I accidentally hover my mouse over there.

Brooklynny · ‎07-08-2010

I just learned today that Microsoft is going to announce Windows 9 in April 2014 to replace Windows 8. It's supposed to be released to the public in April 2015. It's enough to make your head spin...

JavaQueen · ‎03-09-2010

On 1/15/2014 brooklynny said:
I just learned today that Microsoft is going to announce Windows 9 in April 2014 to replace Windows 8. It's supposed to be released to the public in April 2015. It's enough to make your head spin...

Well, they almost have to. Windows 8 is not loved by a lot of people. It's nice for tablets and phones and if you have a touchscreen laptop. It's not good for work and like or not, a lot of pcs are meant for work. Very few people really love it. It's a clunker. Apple is the gold standard now. Not an Apple fanatic by any means.

Gourmet2go · ‎01-17-2014

I am not a PC novice at all, and it has been SO frustrating trying to use this Windows 8 HP Pavilion laptop; so much so that I plan to purchase the whole Apple line.