# Anybody Here Use Windows 8 Yet? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 15, 2012, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878 "2012-03-15T17:48:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![TonySinclair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/21 "2012-03-15T22:42:59Z")
I just hope it has built-in games, like in Windows 7. My favorite is the balloon that pops up and tells you that you need updates or something, and to click on it. It stays there, annoying you, until you give up and move your mouse to click on it, but then it disappears before you can. Seriously, I think Windows8 is going to be their biggest fiasco since WindowsME. Way, way worse than Vista. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/22 "2012-03-15T22:57:35Z")
> [@Canadjun](#): > > Ask her if she’ll marry me. I still hate the stupid ribbons in Office. Even if I am not sure where something is I can scan through menus a lot faster than figuring out how to do what I want on ribbons. When Office 2007 came out, I screamed as loud as anyone who was used to things being where they were – because obviously it’s frustrating if you know how to do something without a second thought and then suddenly you don’t. That said, “We’ve always done it this way” doesn’t really argue that you’re doing it the best way – and if you don’t already know Office 2003, it doesn’t compare favourably with 2007 or 2010 in the logic and intuition departments. Everything is buried in nested menus, and it’s not always obvious (and sometimes entirely counter-intuiitive) which top menu you should start with. Once you have the [migration guides](” [Excel help & learning](http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/learn-where-menu-and-toolbar-commands-are-in-office-2010-and-related-products-HA101794130.aspx?CTT=5&origin=HA101982272%E2%80%9D)) handy, any frustration you have with trying to find something you _used_ to know how to do pretty much evaporates – and if it’s a new product to you, everything is laid out much more logically and visibly. Hell, it’s customizable, you can put the things you want quick access to somewhere that makes sense to _you_. Sure, I was used to going **Tools -\> Macro -\> Macro** fifteen times for each report I produced each month, - but now I just click “Macro,” because it’s right there – and same with anything else that I want just a click away instead of scattered all over the place. > [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > No doubt it was clear to all the other users from your attitude that nothing would be done about their complaints (except that you would label them complainers), so they didn’t bother to complain to you. Huh? Where do you get that? I am the only IT support for fifty people - they are certainly not shy about complaining about anything that gets in the way of doing their job. They didn’t complain, because I made sure up front they had instructional tools that made the transition very painless, so they didn’t have to waste much time flailing around with the unfamiliar interface - it takes only a few seconds to find the 2010 equivalent, using the familiar 2003 interface instead of fruitless web searches or looking something up in an index. As for the cranky old lady who complains about everything, I actually do my best to accommodate her by allowing her to cling to the familiar until it just stops working because the world has moved on. She only moved away from IE6 this year, when the bank website refused to support it any longer - and she had hysterics until I set it to never use tabs under any circumstances and showed her how to make it more closely resemble the ancient version in a number of other ways. The move to Office 2010 was partly in response to complaints from new hires that 2003 was completely baffling, given that they’d learned on Office 2007, which was already a few years old by then. ---
**Author:** ![xnylder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/bbce88/32.png) [@xnylder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xnylder)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/23 "2012-03-15T22:59:33Z")
As a technical writer, I have no idea why they’ve decided to hide critical parts of the interface. In a manual, it’s reasonably straightforward to write, “Click the Windows icon at lower left and then select ‘Control Panel’.” Now what are we going to write, “Move your mouse to the empty lower left corner of the screen and wait for the invisible button to appear…” :smack: ---
**Author:** ![phreesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@phreesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phreesh)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/24 "2012-03-16T19:08:51Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > And no, I am not confused by the additions of accessories to cars. The question doesn’t even make sense in this context. I suppose you think it’s a clever analogy, but it’s not. A better analogy would be if they switched the positions of the accelerator and the brake and put the steering wheel in the back seat. > > Why is it necessary to make desktops and phones / pads identical? They’re different tools with different uses. Phones and pads have a limited number of apps and limited screen space. Desktops (and laptops) are more general purpose and can have large numbers of apps and lots of screen space. > > If the ribbon is neither better nor worse, then what’s the point of it? If it adds nothing then all it does is make people waste time learning something new that wasn’t even necessary. 1. No. A better analogy is that they added AC, put a more powerful engine in, made it more fuel efficient and made it easier to park. Does a bigger engine mean it’s also easier to get into accidents? Sure, but there’s a whole bunch of advantages too. Nearly all the time, the benefits outweigh the negatives. 2. I know I move from my phone to iPad to my computer all the time. A consistent interface would make things more consistent and familiar. I could have a record player, a CD player and a cassette player and all have there own advantages and disadvantages, but why not just use MP3s for everything? Because consistency is very useful 3. The ribbon was was not better or worse FOR ME. I expect that the vast majority of users found it more useful. I don’t know what the average opinion was. Maybe it was dumb, but they haven’t changed it, so it must be better for most people. Like I said, I’m indifferent. Also, as a tech support person, you must realize that your experience and needs are MUCH different from the vast majority of users. You might prefer Linux to all over operating systems, but I don’t imagine you’d complain that not everyone is using it. Windows has to meet the needs of many kinds of users. It will never satisfy those at the ends of the spectrum. But I think it does a pretty decent job at meeting the needs of most people. ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/25 "2012-03-16T20:12:36Z")
> [@md2000](#): > > We sent him the you-tube video where the old guy spends 4 minutes being taunted by his son while tryng to find the Start button. I just checked out that video, that is pretty damn funny. ---
**Author:** ![Craz3d117](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c4cdca/32.png) [@Craz3d117](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Craz3d117)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/26 "2012-03-16T21:05:57Z")
> [@xnylder](#): > > As a technical writer, I have no idea why they’ve decided to hide critical parts of the interface. In a manual, it’s reasonably straightforward to write, “Click the Windows icon at lower left and then select ‘Control Panel’.” Now what are we going to write, “Move your mouse to the empty lower left corner of the screen and wait for the invisible button to appear…” :smack: Or just “Move mouse to lowest left corner. Click.” All criticism about Windows 8 that I have heard involves the tablet-friendly Metro UI, which can be solved by simply clicking the Desktop App immediately after booting up. Hell, I’m sure there will be a setting to boot directly to the Desktop. So tablet users get a major advancement, and Desktop or Laptop users can choose to use the UI or not. Assuming those who choose to use it think it is better, it is a net gain overall. The people who have a hard time figuring out new features most likely never understood all the features of the last installment either. Some people aren’t willing to learn, and progress can’t be stopped having to wait for these people. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/27 "2012-03-16T21:08:54Z")
I’m still waiting for the bugs to be worked out of XP. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/28 "2012-03-16T21:20:15Z")
[Perhaps MS doesn’t really care if Win8 is successful.](http://tech.slashdot.org/story/12/03/13/0335237/can-microsoft-afford-to-lose-with-windows-8?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed) ---
**Author:** ![benp87](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@benp87](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/benp87)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/29 "2012-03-16T21:34:21Z")
Well I have tried Windows 8 on my computer, It has some nice things but still, Microsoft has a lot to work on it… it looks like an OS for tablets ^^ * * * ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/30 "2012-03-16T23:22:51Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > I’m still waiting for the bugs to be worked out of XP. XP is in “extended support” phase, so only critical security patches will be issued. XP is 11 years old. It’s had its day. > [@zoid](#): > > Perhaps MS doesn’t really care if Win8 is successful. there might be something to that… I guess the fairest way to look at Windows 8 is that it’s a “transitional” release. Maybe it can be considered their “OS X 10.0,” in that they’re trying to dump as much legacy stuff as possible and trying to make the pain as brief as possible. _shrug_ I don’t see the fuss. I figured out the big changes (hot corners, start screen) within a minute, and with another minute of reading I had pretty much everything else figured out (docked apps, etc.) If they put together a friendly guide, that might help people ease into the transition. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/31 "2012-03-16T23:42:47Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > XP is in “extended support” phase, so only critical security patches will be issued. XP is 11 years old. It’s had its day. Humor. It is a difficult concept. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/32 "2012-03-16T23:46:18Z")
I’ll have to check for when I’m scheduled for a new laptop. I assume I’ll have no choice except 8 if I stick with Windows. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/33 "2012-03-16T23:50:01Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Humor. > It is a difficult concept. we learn by doing. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/34 "2012-03-17T00:00:06Z")
I believe XP was perfect. 7 gives me no problems, but I see no advantages over XP. How many folks think that coming out with new versions of Windows is an effort for Microsoft to make more money? ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/35 "2012-03-17T00:02:26Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I believe XP was perfect. 7 gives me no problems, but I see no advantages over XP. > How many folks think that coming out with new versions of Windows is an effort for Microsoft to make more money? As opposed to what? They don’t pretend to be a charity, I’m pretty sure everything Microsoft comes out with is an effort to make more money. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/36 "2012-03-17T00:14:26Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > As opposed to what? They don’t pretend to be a charity, I’m pretty sure everything Microsoft comes out with is an effort to make more money. Of course, but you can still by parts and folks still work on Pontiacs. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/37 "2012-03-17T00:19:55Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Of course, but you can still by parts and folks still work on Pontiacs. > 🙂 Buy parts ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/38 "2012-03-17T00:24:58Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I believe XP was perfect. 7 gives me no problems, but I see no advantages over XP. > How many folks think that coming out with new versions of Windows is an effort for Microsoft to make more money? anyone with a functioning brain. they’re a for-profit public corporation. their **job** is to find ways to make more money. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/39 "2012-03-17T00:29:35Z")
From a business users viewpoint I think Win 8 will be a massive failure. Ever since Win 2000 it seems like Microsoft has abandoned the Corporate World. I just don’t understand it. We buy Volume licensing. We can be audited under the Vol licensing program. There’s almost no piracy of Windows in the Corporate and University worlds. Yet they’ve turned their backs on us. All Microsoft cares about is multimedia, tablets and all this crap that is useless in a Corporate world. We have payroll, accounting, human resourse applications to run. The Corporate world needs to find a Stable, no frills desktop solution. I know we’re looking more and more at Linux. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2012, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878/40 "2012-03-17T00:40:30Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > From a business users viewpoint I think Win 8 will be a massive failure. Ever since Win 2000 it seems like Microsoft has abandoned the Corporate World. yet Windows maintains its grip on enterprise computing. > [@](#): > > Yet they’ve turned their backs on us. All Microsoft cares about is multimedia, tablets and all this crap that is useless in a Corporate world. We have payroll, accounting, human resourse applications to run. explain to me how these will stop working on Windows 8. No, don’t bother, 'cos they won’t. > [@](#): > > The Corporate world needs to find a Stable, no frills desktop solution. I know we’re looking more and more at Linux. Yeah. _Sure you are._ All those "payroll, accounting, human resourse (_sic_) applications won’t run on Linux, but they will run on Windows 8, yet you’re looking at switching to Linux? Tell me another one. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-use-windows-8-yet/615878.md?page=3)