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Windows 8 and 8.1


Pic0o

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I'm working on a Windows 8 PC for someone and was curious when the Windows 8.1 update is expected out. That will be http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/windows-blue-update-to-build-on-and-improve-windows-8-1131737]October 17th, around 4am PST.[/url]

 

I'm not a huge Windows 8 fan by any means, but since the OEM market isn't giving anyone a choice in the matter anymore, not much I can do about that. Gotta learn new stuff to stay relevant. Part of my ethos in effect. :)

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I've been using 8 for about a year, when I bought my laptop and it was pre-installed.

 

Under the hood I think win8 is great. The only thing I don't really like is the metro front stuff. I think it's much more useful for touch devices... not a regular laptop/desktop. But whatever. So I used some mod that basically gives me back my win7 start button, and directs me right to desktop, so I never deal with metro unless I specifically decide to go there.

 

I've heard 8.1 does some stuff that makes it a bit more friendlier to people who prefer working in the style of win7, though.

 

I love its performance and stability. Just not a fan of metro for non-touch devices.

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I agree on the metro stuff being completely dumb for a desktop or laptop. Also not so much a fan of programs not Windows 8 based running in a fixed window size, smaller than full screen. Apparently ModernMethod will fix that, but even $5 to spend isn't what I'm looking to do since this is a budget migration I am working on.

Ahh. If I edit a shortcut and set it to 'Maximize', program will be full screen. However the normal maximize option in the program remains greyed out.

 

I really hope the Windows 8.1 patch fixes UI stuff like this. I also dislike the following boot process to login: Time and background, Username Prompt, Tiles, then application.

Adding a program into the Startup group is useless, as you must go to "desktop mode" before that actually happens. I'm installing this for someone who had XP previously. This will seem mildly insane versus what they are used to. User Talk. :p

 

Oh cool. Free is my price range. This guide says StartMenu8 will by default load into desktop mode and give a start button back. Thank the Gods for that. I want this guy to boot his PC up with minimal 'WTF'. Speaking of such, not having a quick means to click for a Shutdown or Restart option is equally bad. Have to switch to Metro mode, then logout for such options, in a default Windows 8 setup. Wow to that part, glad StartMenu8 fixes that a la Windows 7 options.

Edited by Pic0o
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I've been using http://www.classicshell.net/ for about a year -- this is what I was talking about when I say I basically have a PC that looks and acts like win7 unless I specifically go to metro.

 

I have my classic start menu and go right to desktop, etc. Have everything like it was in 7, with the enhancements of win8 in places. I enjoy it and use this and win7 at work and smoothly transition without any workflow differences.

 

BTW that is basically the default install option too. You can do crazy amounts of customizing, but the only thing I think I did was select which start menu look I wanted. If I want xp, win7, etc.

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That (classic shell) is really nice. That is some mad Win 7 level compatibility and display.

 

Windows 8 (non-Pro) will not give you access to group policy editors, even for local machine settings. That will make disabling the Lock screen / time display a Reghack, I'm guessing. Grr and yup, Reghacking.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsPersonalization
Then add a DWORD of 'NoLockScreen' and set it to a value of 1.
Edited by Pic0o
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  • 1 month later...

The initial release for Windows 8.1 (just for RT devices apparently) got pulled due to hardware issues and breaking people's installs or failing to properly complete. Link here. Ah, PC users were getting PC install issues too. http://www.infoworld.com/t/microsoft-windows/users-hit-blue-screen-0xc1900101-0x40017-error-windows-81-update-229058]BSOD loops[/url]

 

I sound like a Luddite, but Windows 7 and my Ubuntu dual boot are doing fine for my main PC. Old ones in the pad are getting Windows 98 SE installs. My Grandpa will love the Nix and Win 98 dual-boot options. :)

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