since the very beginning, I have a few ideas about what the problems are with Windows 8. They aren’t as dire as analysts, bloggers and the press make them out to be. In fact, in my opinion, they are pretty small and simple to fix. My mother always told me to never bring up problems without bringing up corresponding solutions. I agree with that so without further ado: here are the 4 things that you can fix immediately to positively change public perception about Windows 8.
Treat Windows 8 as a transitional Operating System
Much to their credit, Microsoft understood that in order to respond to the ascendancy of mobile devices, they needed to make BIG changes to Windows and fast. The fact that they acted so fast should be applauded but I respectfully submit that you all were a little too hasty. As you obviously know, Windows is a big deal. [caption id="attachment_30747" align="alignleft" width="340"]
Too much change[/caption]
It’s used by over a billion (with a B) people on this earth. Changes to this Operating System needed to be very carefully planned out and carefully phased in.
In my view, you guys moved a little too fast, slamming in a new paradigm, Operating System and ecosystem all at once and expecting the public to understand and accept it.
You all made the Modern UI the new Windows and said that the desktop was now just another application.
Now while a statement like that must have sounded nice in a project conference room in Redmond, when announced to billions of people, it had a tangible and negative impact.
There was too much change too soon.
Don’t take my word for it – go to the local Best Buy and watch consumers around the Windows 8 devices. Their nervous demeanor makes you want to shout “you can touch it – it doesn’t bite!“.
Too much change too soon.
In my humble opinion, Windows 9 should have been the full transition point from traditional Windows to a full mobile ecosystem.
This would have given users time to adapt to changes that would have been foreshadowed in Windows 8.
I understand (from my reporting) that senior leadership thought there wasn’t time for more transition points, that they wanted to be more aggressive.
It should be clear now that it was a mistake. It was well intentioned, but a mistake none the less.
The good news is, it’s a mistake that can still be fixed today and I think the next 3 practical changes will help.
Bring back the Start Menu
[caption id="attachment_30751" align="alignleft" width="346"]
Pokki Start Menu[/caption]
No need to go into excessive detail here. Just bring it back.
Actually, the Microsoft development team has now had a chance to learn from Pokki, RetroUI, Stardock and a plethora of companies who are trying to make money off this mess.
Check out what they have done that works, “borrow” those features, make the Start Menu better than ever, and then just bring it back.
I don’t care what Microsoft reporting stats say about the usage (or lack thereof) of the Start Menu, just bring it back.
Trust me.
It’s a big bang for your buck thing – a Tim Cook “I hear you, our maps suck” moment.
A small change that can take the pressure off and make the company seem responsive to the concerns of consumers and businesses.
Next,
Give consumers and businesses the option to log right in to the desktop
[caption id="attachment_30757" align="alignnone" width="640"]
choices[/caption]
I never understood this “enhancement”.
Back when it was announced, I called it what it was – an act of insecurity and I was right.
If you’re afraid that people won’t use Metro or Modern UI, then maybe you need to take a second look at Metro or the Modern UI.
I personally think that the Modern UI has tremendous value but you cannot ram it down people’s throats. I said it best back in May of this year:
Well said. Fix this and give developers time to experiment with Modern UI, to kick the tires a little and get familiar with coding for this new system. Once they fall in love with it and the Windows Store starts to fill up, people will make the change and want to log into Modern UI as their default. Sometimes these things need a little time. Ask the X-box team. 🙂 It should be obvious by now that taking away choices from consumers and businesses never ends well. It’s not rocket science. And finally,Seventh – Metro will have to earn it’s place as part of Windows
I’m an American and we say here “Nothing for free in America“. This is really important. You can’t force Metro down our throats. Ultimately Metro will have to earn its place in the hearts of the Windows community. It will rise or fall based on the apps that are developed for it and the enthusiasm of the Microsoft community about the app store. Metro can not be forced on anyone – it has to win by influence. Non-Metro users have to see the value and gladly switch over to it. I believe that this should be a governing principle to the roll out – Metro should be so good, it grabs users by the lapel and says ” I’m going to make you love me“. Ultimately it is the value that Metro will offer to Windows 8 users that will probably drive this adoption – or not.
Fix the jolting interactions between the Modern UI and the desktop
[caption id="attachment_30759" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Where did the desktop just go?[/caption]
This is minor but becoming very irritating very fast.
It’s really simple.
- Run QA testing throughout Windows 8 and anywhere a user is sent unexpectedly to the desktop from the Modern UI, fix it.
- Run QA testing throughout Windows 8 and anywhere a user is sent unexpectedly to the Modern UI from the desktop, fix it.
Article Tags:
Julie Larson-Green · Microsoft · News · Steve Ballmer · Steven Sinofsky · Tami Reller · User Experience · User Interface · Windows 8 · Windows 8 analysis · Windows 8 article · Windows 8 Editorial · Windows 8 News · Windows 8 User Interface
All Comments
I couldn’t agree more!
Well said. I’m glad someone has had the balls to point this out…
I’m glad you agree.
Thanks for the comment.
Oh i think there are a hell of a lot more problems with Windows 8.
Those are a good start though…
Thanks for the comment.
They never listen. They will wait until this one fails and then fix all this stuff in Windows 9.
I’m not sure they’ll wait that long.
Thanks for the comment.
I agree.
Thanks…
I abso-fucking-lutely agree 100%
Thanks for having the balls to go there!!
I try Nick. It try 🙂
Thanks for the comment.
i agree 100% anuora those 4 you mentioned i among countless others im sure and firmly believe are a must for windows 8 and if ms is smart they should not waste any time in doing this the sooner the better myself included and all my colleges and all the people i know said the same thing i was in future shop and the salesman sain you would not belive the amount of people that have said the same.
Thanks for the response.
Nice to know it’s not just me.
🙂
Thanks for the comment.
Well said. I am going to just keep my current Vista and will not go to the new system.
Why should I have to go through hoops and jump hurdles just to figure out how to use it, and on top of that, I’d have to most likely buy another computer.
I love my keyboard and keep the touch screens to tablets, phones, and laptops.
I am 65 and it took me a couple years to search out how to use vista, so I do agree MS is going in the right direction, they should not stuff something new down people’s throats that have spent grest deals of money keeping their own Windows products.
Before I ever consider windows 8, I have to see how people like it, and what SP’s microsoft will push on those that buy the new windows.
Maybe it’s time to go to MAC even tho it is overly priced.
Let’s not rush out and get Macs yet.
I think there’s still hope. It just needs a little tweaking..
Thanks for the comment.
John, as one also in his 60’s, I appreciate many of your comments. My adoption trend has probably been slower than many because of previous burns (especially ME) and learning curves. When I am satisfied after much research that a new OS is working well, something I can handle with fair effort, then I will contemplate buying new hardware with that new OS installed (upgrading OS’s is above my pay grade and skill level at this point, especially because the hardware of the ‘on-sale’ laptops I typically purchase is always just on the go-no go line for a solid upgrade).
The kids are long gone but we still have three laptops around that we are happy with currently. I have two (one W7, one XP), my sweetheart has a Vista.
I am hesitant about W8, seems to be too many issues for us OG’s, though not contemplating any Apple products at this point.
Onuora, thanks for all your efforts. Your open letter is an outstanding idea.
Happy Holidays to All.
Thank you.
Happy Holidays to you as well.
🙂
Well I think that I am age qualified to comment to you and Danbo…. but I confess up front to probably having the edge over both of you since I am a very old developer going way back.
You do have to continually embrace change – it’s the way of the world – and sometimes that actually means jumping in at the deep end. I actually disagree with Onuora for a number of reasons:
(1) As a developer I would think that all the changes you have suggested have been fully considered and evaluated and there are good reasons why they have not been done… usually its the conflict of priority, resource, money and most significant time.
(2) MS were significantly concerned about the advances Apple and others were making and the risk and impact on their revenue streams and their markets making MS less and less competitive. They needed to get this to market QUICKLY, even with a lot not right. It re-establishes their dominance.
(3) MS are changing significant chunks of their business model to SaaS and have a huge array of ongoing developments releases etc etc. Majority of these services need a brand new infrastructure – Windows 8.
Given this mix, the early release warts and all is understandable. I have for many years intensely disliked MS and a lot of their releases have left much to be desired with bugs taking a long time to fix. This time around I have to admire what they have done, the significant support structure resolving problems (I had a support engineer remotely connect to my desktop to figure out what a recent bug was) and I am sure you will see the improvements very quickly being delivered. I love the metro interface, the link to the legacy desktop is clunky but probably the best you can achieve (you really dont know how tough these interfaces can be to build… unless you have been there).
I have bought an iPad, I loved it… great consumer device for watching movies, reading a book, playing games… but that is all… Apple desktops and OS are far too restrictive for me, and I dislike how someone like Jobs could have decided to restrict technologies like Flash. and… Apple to me think their a must have fashion statement… and to me are arrogant, unhelpful and expensive..
I have dabbled with a number of other OS including variants of Linux and Android and found different things I liked about them but at the end of the day… MS keeps delivering significant improvements incorporating the best of what I have seen elsewhere.
So I have W8 on this pc. my workhorse, I have W7 on my wife’s pc which I will upgrade next week to W8 (Danbo.. upgrading is no big deal and surprisingly easy and seamless – I recommended this to a number of friends.. and it’s cheap). I also use a Surface RT with both types of keyboards…. man this product is soooo cooool … both keyboards are terrific AND keyboard-less is great too. When the Pro becomes available I’m going to buy that too….
Do you think you wouldn’t have to jump through hoops and hurdles to get used to using a Mac then?
If they listen to the suggestions outlined above they would be very wise. That nicely sums up my reservations as well. From what I hear they are talking about putting the start menu back in a future update. So maybe some hope after all. Other than that I am quite pleased with Windows 8 they have seen that need a cross platform OS but for gods sake. When Im on my PC I want that freakin’ start menu. Also I do love metro but not so much that I need it in my way of using the desktop interface. And that’s what it is. In the way. However, yes, there is need for it to be accessible from desktop.
Thanks Jason.
I appreciate the feedback…
Very well said!! Microsoft left the start button out because they thought it wasn’t being used?!?!? I utilize my start button more often than not because having to close what ever I’m working in to open another window from the desktop takes longer. Thank you for such a well written and to the point letter – let’s hope it makes it to the right eyes reading it.
I know.
I love my start button as well. I never really got that…
I don’t think the start menu is necessary. The new windows does have one it just looks a little different. Access the start menu by moving the pointer to the left lower corner. For the other Items on the start menu like control panel just set the pointer to any right corner and use the search menu. You can also shut down the computer from the settings button at the bottom of the search menu.
So far I have no complaints with Windows 8. Yes change is difficult be we must all accept it good or bad.
That’s great feedback.
Glad to see someone likes it as is.
Thanks for the comment.
I agree. It always takes some time to move on to a new Windows. You ppl who started with Windows 3.0 like me should know this very well. 🙂
I don’t get where that resist comes.. many ppl don’t seem to like learning new tricks.. is ppl becoming more stupid like on the WALL-E animation?
Onuora, i agree with you 100% it was a bad decision on microsofts part to force this new ui onto dedicated windows users. Windows 7 is perfect and i will not upgrade to 8 unless they fix the 4 problems you listed.. Im glad some one reconizes this and is tryin to get microsoft to fix it!
They will fix eventually.
They’re good that way.
🙂
blind optimism or insider info?
Not holding my breath over that. Microsoft has consistently failed to address several problems with Windows that date back to 1995. One thing Windows has long needed is a built in software component tracking system that will purge 100% of a program’s files, registry changes and other debris when it’s uninstalled. Back in the 9x years there was a program called Rosenthal Uninstall which could do exactly that. Unfortunately not compatible with NT series Windows.
Another is the hardware installation idiot, which Microsoft continues to call a “Wizard”. Windows has various places in the Registry that store the Most Recently Used paths but the Idiot only uses the MRU for the drop list when it should navigate them all when installing software and drivers. Nothing makes one mumble curses at Microsoft’s programmers like having to repeatedly lead the Idiot by it’s digital hand amongst several file paths, back and forth, back and forth because it can only remember a single path at a time even though all the data it needs to do it automatically is right there in the MRU data.
Yet another long standing problem with that is one cannot skip directly to the “have disk” option. Windows’ Idiot forces the user to waste time on its futile search for drivers it doesn’t have before it will allow you to feed it the drivers from the device manufacturer. Question #1 should be “Do you have drivers provided by the device manufacturer?” Click Yes and go directly to Have Disk and stop wasting people’s time.
One more thing, I don’t know if this is fixed in Win 8 but it still isn’t in Win 7. When the user wants to safely remove a removable storage device, most of the time Windows will pop up a “I’m sorry Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.” sort of warning because it refuses to let go. What *should* happen is Windows should check to see if any files on the storage are actually open. If not, just let go of the file handles and ‘eject’ the device without bitching about it. If a file is found to actually be open, *tell the user exactly what running program or process has the file(s) open and which file(s) are open* so the user may take action to exit those programs. None of that happens. Windows just sits there like a two year old child saying NO! You can’t have that flash drive! Mine!
Yet another thing. When Windows doesn’t have a driver for a device, show the device info it has in Device Manager instead of hiding it behind a generic label. The info is there, it can be dug out with a program like Halfdone’s Unknown Devices or by digging around in advanced properties. It would simply be much easier if the exact name of the device that Windows already knows was shown in Device Manager. That’s why among us nerds it’s called Device Mangler.
Still another thing that slows the WinBox down happens with a computer that has multiple hard drives. When the user goes to open or save a file and the drives have gone to sleep, Windows spins up ALL the drives and until they’re all revved up, even external USB/firewire/esata ones, you can’t do squat. What *should* happen is Windows should wait until the user selects the drive to access then spin up *only that drive*. This will become less of an issue as the SSD takes over, but spinny storage will have the lion’s share of the market for many years yet. I’d love to see a fix for this made for XP, there are Windows hackers out there talented enough to do it, heck, they’re modifying the Windows 98SE kernel to run Windows XP programs on a lighter, faster platform without the extra ‘baggage’ from XP.
I’ve been a computer user and fixer for 30 years. I’ve seen just about every flat out stupid thing that can be done in software. Sometimes the programmers are open to constructive criticism and will thank people and actually fix their goofs, sometimes they ignore many thousands of complaints because they think their dumb idea is a good one – the second type are usually the ones getting paid the big bucks.
I agree!
2 of these are also fixed by getting the Start8 program: it has a starmenu and lets you log into the desktop.
Let’s hope MS brings this back with a free update.
I hope they will…
I agree 100% I’m so close to dropping windows 8 it’s not funny and as to why well you said it,the loss of the desktop. Also it should not take five mins to locate the power off button,let alone the loss of all my programs. Not a good idea Microsoft,really what were you thinking.
It gets better.
Wait and see…
They found that most users either don’t shut down their computers or just hit the power button. And 8 doesn’t shut down anyways it just goes into a hybrid sleep mode.
Can’t turn the computer off? What is this? Max Headroom where people could get jail time for installing an off switch on their televisions?
you are finally getting it right man! Start8 is free and is good for the start menu but for me i prefer the start screen.
I think everyone wants the Start Menu back…
I like the new Start Screen, in my opinion it is better than the old Start Menu…
I needed time to get used to it, but now, once I got used to it I started hating the old Start Menu and it is started to irritate me when I’m working in an old version of Windows.
That’s great feedback.
In the minority for sure but great to hear…
i think you are crazy. not everyone. only some
LOL
I feel if Microsoft is hell bent to create an operating system so that it can enter the tablet market, then maybe there should be 2 versions of W8 – one for tablets and another for desktops and laptops with the conventional start menu. The problem I also see when using a touch screen is you must be within arms reach of the screen, and most people sit further back than that. So every time you want to do something on a desktop machine, you must move your chair to get close enough to touch the screen – let alone needing a good supply of windex
Great point.
As I type this response, my arms can’t reach my monitor.
Good job … Let’s hope Microsoft is open to your comments and stops trying to emulate the “father knows best” ideology of Apple.
Thanks for your contribtuions. Charles
Thanks Charles.
Microsoft do listen much to their credit.
I’ve had a bit of a different experience with Windows 8 than many others. As an enthusiast I enjoy tinkering with my OS and have installed a wide variety on my computers including various Linux distros and I ran the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. I figured it out quickly but the real test was when I installed the full version on our laptop at release. My wife had not seen it and was completely lost and frustrated trying to do the most mundane tasks. She just didn’t know how to navigate the new start screen and move between traditional desktop and the new “apps”. Sounds like a common reaction of new users.
After I sat down with her for about 10 min and showed her how to move to the corners to access most actions she saw how easy it really is to use. After a few days and a few questions she now says she wouldn’t want to go back to XP.
It seems to me that if Microsoft had just done a better job of introducing new users to the new interface paradigm it would have eliminated much of the confusion. If they had invested some of the reported 1 Billion+ dollars of marketing money in a slick, well produced tutorial “App” that new users could view AND refer to most would have no trouble navigating Windows 8.
This is the biggest change Windows has had since Windows 95. Despite the issues it has it is a fast, secure, and powerful OS that I believe will improve most users experience if given a chance.
Well said.
Thanks for the comment.
yes its terrible that they have no tutorials……….absolutely ridiculous
I’ve got to be honest and disagree with some of the letter above. I’ve been reading both Onuora’s posts and a lot of others in the lead up to; during and post release of Windows 8 and the one thing that seems to come up the most is the lack of an old school start menu, so in line with public opinion I do think Microsoft should provide everyone with the ability to switch it on I suppose a bit like changing win XP’s theme to win 2000, but should it be there as standard definitely not, the new interface is quicker and far more fluid for use on all machines I’ve tested it on & my own belief is that you should tile up your most used apps/programs and remove all others which will minimise how many tiles you have on the home screen which in turn cuts down the need to use a touch screen monitor if one is not available to you. The metro interface falls into the same rules as a standard desktop maintain it and don’t clog it up and it will be easier for you to use, that’s basic IT 101. Users today are coming from generations which have never known life without the internet or mobile phones and these users are used to using the touch screen styles provided by smart phones, PC sales have dropped around the world as more users move to tablet based technologies so shouldn’t a company that is famous for providing computing software move in the same direction as the market it provides for is pointing. If Microsoft brings back the start menu, removes the metro home screen and forces people to go straight in to the desktop then aren’t they just re-releasing windows 7?
Well thanks for your feedback.
I never said force anyone to do anything. I just said give users the options.
I agree 100% I really hope Microsoft listens even though I love Windows 8 as is. Please listen Microsoft!!! Don’t let this awesome OS go to waste!!!
right on point man. Right on point!
Onoura, I been following Windows 8 hard, and am a regular subscriber….I believe so much in Windows 8 that I bought stock before the surface released, and I have become a Microsoft evangelist to all my friends….I wanted Windows 8 to work so bad that I even got denial when my wife complained about the way it switches and the lack of a start menu. I get what MSFT did with Modern UI and Desktop app….I get how it functions, its just that it needs to be improved.
My issue though is from early out when developers preview released, you were mentioning the start menu and obviously they wernt listening. History has shown that when you arrogantly ignore the masses of your loyal customers requests, they go to the competition. you pointed out TIMCOOK response, and again, I think this is why AAPL has done better with consumers…that human relatibility….MSFT just seems to have a different leadership culture. Its time to be humble and learn from Romney who thought he could buy ppl out with the same amount MSFT is throwing at advertising
Darren,
Thanks for the comment. I’m not sure about the Mitt Romney piece but I think the culture at Microsoft is changing.
Stay tuned and thanks for following my work…
Best article you’ve written so far; I mostly agree wholeheartedly. I personally think Windows 8 is great once you have done some major tweaking & modifications. The thing I like most about Microsoft is that there is always much that can be done to improve it. Out of the box installation {or new computer} SUCKS!
Yeah, it will only get better…
Thanks for the comments..
I agree with your statement. I am still running the windows 8 Consumer Preview because I am not able to revert back to windows 7. I am patiently waiting for the preview to expire and return to win 7. I am not able to use my HP laser printer because I do not have access to any win8 updates. I am simply told when I try and do it that I need to upgrade to win 8. To restart for me, means having to log out first. slide the metro up before I can get to the shutdown button which is hidden away so far. Man that is one hell of a pain to live with..
Thanks again for creating the win 8 forum to air our views.
You’re very welcome.
Thanks for your comment…
Hello Onoura,
I read your post, in part I agree in part I do not agree. One thing comes constantly to mind.
If these minor changes ( as you call them) should be taken in consideration to tie shall we say the old with the new, what would be the point of having a new interface?…just leave the old and then we would not need the new. I think they did ok with introducing a new way of relating to pc’s, customers, simply have to adapt ( if they want) or just go apple…or android or other. It is a new way of living alongside with pc’s with one key word in mind ” TOUCH”…That’s what it is all about “TOUCH”….by introducing the start button for example I think it would kill the first rule of a ” NEW” product with which we all have been bombed with commercials with in the last year or so…..sorry if I seemed too forward…
Cheers from Italy…
P.s. me personally did have a few adapting problems at the beginning, but once installed on a ” TOUCH” pc it all came so simple to live with…
That’s great feedback too.
Thanks…
This is a strange one because in earlier posts you have commented on how Microsoft need to be strong and stand their ground on the new operating system but here now you are going back on it.
I read a lot of blogs and reviews about windows 8 yours included and have followed your blog for quite some time now and I have to say overall most people are doing the usual thing and condemning Microsoft for doing or not doing whatever. I held back with Windows 8 especially because of the loss of the start menu but what actually captivated me to buy was the cost. As I have noted in an earlier blog of yours I believe that Microsoft intentionally left the loop hole open to allow the usual suspects who would normally have cracked copies to buy for £14.99 and even though they have closed that it is still only £25. For that price one could be enticed to try I think. I Beta tested Vista and 7 and although Vista was clunky and was a bit slow it was still better than XP for me. So going back to Windows 8 I disagree with you on the start menu. Microsoft quite rightly have finally chosen to lead from the front and the start menu is old. It has taken me a couple of days to get used to the new system and I have gotten rid of most of the Metro icons and added my own. I like the fact that you can click on your personal picture and wham you are into the screen that we all know and love minus the start menu.
I think another point to be made in the market is that perhaps Windows previously was made for adults and work. The Windows 8 is now going to capture the younger market as has Apple and I think that it will be a force to reckon with over time.
My criticism to Microsoft only would be that they could have marketed it better to show people myself included that they don’t need the start menu and this could have turned around a lot of people much quicker but having said that it is not too late.
I would be very disappointed if they went back to the start menu. I would consider then using Windows 7 again. I love it is my conclusion to this and I am sure others will if only they would try it and for £25 for an upgrade why not?
I still agree with my earlier blog post.
I was saying that they should be strong and not buckle and revert the whole thing back to a Windows 7 type interface.
However, the things that are missing are still missing.
I and my gradkids love the new Windows 8. Got to admit at first I didn”t but now I don’t go back to Window 7
Awesome!
Great to hear…
One more thing the speed of Windows 8 is awsome, start up and the apps. no more waiting
No question about that.
That’s a brilliant unselfish letter with good intention to help windows 8 popularity. Thanks for the hard work researching and contributing your very agreeable ideas.
Thank you.
Please,please, please,bring back the START BUTTON!!!
Amen.
🙂
Change can be a good thing, and has to be implemented to
allow future growth in many instances.
The problem with Windows 8 is not the technology, but the way it is implemented
at the marketing level and also with management decisions. When the largest
consumer base is industry and the devices they own, then listening to that base
of customers becomes a priority. Otherwise it doesn’t matter what new features
you can devise, it just won’t sell. Windows 8 will have a hard time in the corporate
environment. This will be because of issues such hardware rollovers/upgrades to
support the new os, licensing costs so soon after windows 7, and primarily
because of high training costs associated with this os release. Onoura you are dead right, this os was pushed too
fast. The issue is that Microsoft is in a hurry, whether that is because upper
management is trying to create a win scenario at this point, to offset other
issues, such as the apparent lack of supplying a browser chose in windows
mandated by the EU, or other issues. The
point is MS is not listening!!!! This lack of sound judgment on the part of MS
will result in Windows 8 being passed over, to wait to another version of the
OS.
I think they are listening.
Time will tell…
Looks like I’m gonna wait to see what happens with Win9, w/o desktop & ‘Start’ I’m not enthused
Oh no!
A windows 9 adopter already LOL.
Thanks for the comment.
First off, I’m a high school Comp Tech teacher. I spent most of my 20 year career in the private sector doing IT work for small businesses.
I’ve been secretly doing social experiments on faculty members and students at my school that won’t touch anything that isn’t a Mac. No, I don’t use chemicals, that would be too easy! I simply force them to use the Windows 8 LAN Party box I have set up in my computer lab to do their presentations. Once more, I provide no explanation on how to use Windows 8. The results have been enlightening! Mac people love Windows 8! Windows 8 speaks to them! It’s like when Worf’s foster parents finally learned he loves prune juice!
What I’m on about is, the plan worked! An OS X-like Windows. Microsoft actually did it! All the turtleneck wearing, latte sipping, iCattle, frowning their way up a to computer I just told them is running Windows… a few clicks and swipes later… frowns turn upside down every time! It’s uncanny! Seriously, Oprah even likes it! She may have tweeted it on her iPad, but hey I would expect any Apple lover to do the same thing. Also, not even Microsoft could buy off Oprah. She’s her own thriving economy. I digress…
The change is good! Windows 8’s changes are not that dramatic for one major reason. Regular computer users need no explanation to use Windows 8. If they needed a manual, it’s a fail.
8 is great! Change is good! I’m gonna find a breakfast burrito! PEACE!
Not even Microsoft can buy off Oprah?
Hmmm…..
LOL
Sounds good.
Nice to get a contrarian point of view…
i agree except of the point about the startscreen
What point specifically?
i mean the startbutton discussion… 😉
i don’t think a startbutton is necessary in win8.
i have got win8 since the consumer preview. the first time i opened the Desktop i was surprised for one moment not having a startbutton. i thought it would be a bug or sth 😀 but then – one day later – i don’t miss it anymore. win8 is a completely new concept. and i think it is really great and intuitive (no, i don’t have a touch pc! 😉 i ‘just’ work with mouse and Keyboard and it works fantastic). i needed less than a week to explore allt the new Features … to make it short: i really like win8.
anyway, there are still some minor thinks Microsoft should change with the next update / next version … basically correct all bugs (e.g. ie10: sometimes it happens that the appbar pops away again and again when i do right click… or sometimes xbox Music has some bugs) and please make some changes to the design (especially concerning the startscreen) … i want to be able to set the number of rows on my startscreen. i want to be able to set any Color combination for the design. i want to be able to set a custom wallpaper as startscreen background. i want to have folder-tiles (i mean a folder for a few tiles, not a tile leading to a folder in Explorer)… maybe some more tile sizes would be nice (especially for those of us who work at big screens)
looking forward to the next version of Windows 😉
Forget trying to shove Metro Style Apps and and an interface without a Start Menu down people’s throats. Some of us still use the Desktop and don’t treat it as an App. For that matter, I know a person who is still using XP professional. (it was not me by the way). I guess her philosophy is “If it works fine for me and aint broke, don’t fix it” When everyone (personal & business) users accept as their sole interface the tablet and touch screen interface for both personal and business use, that will be another story. For me I like the enhancements of Win7 mainly because it leaves room for the time tested and proven keyboard & mouse interface. I dont see why the room cannot be made for the old interface under the new interface.
Thanks for your comment.
please get your friend to upgrade at least to windows 7 atleast…..its 2012 for crying outloud
Whats all this talk about a start button? I don’t have one on my Windows 3.1 machine and I’m getting along fine. Just put Netscape Navigator on and your good to go. Who needs a start button when you have DOSSHELL?
Even tho statistically the start menu hardly ever got used I personal believe that it was important. I’ve used windows 8 since i was available and I find almost everything has been improved on from windows 7 except the start menu/screen… which is not better in my opinion just different Potentially worse.
Another thing I think Windows 8 needs is an option at install to select weather or not you actually have a touch screen as to change the way windows operates.
Also an option to disable the login screen and save users passwords.
That’s a great point.
Thanks…
I still think the lack of acceptance in certain quarters will likely be resolved when the majority of the hardware used for Windows 8 is touch centric. I don’t think loading Windows 8 onto your old desktop or laptop, which does not have touch sensors, is really useful. Secondly, and more importantly, the software needs to catch up to Windows 8. Come on Photoshop, show us what you can do with a finger or a styulus.
Not sure gadgets or devices are the issue here.
Thanks for the comment though!
I also agree with Paul, so much so that I bought a used touch based windows tablet (Acer w500) so that I can install win8 and try to use it the way that seems to be its preferred way of working. If I hate it I can always use the restore disks and go back to win7 with only $40 for the win8 upgrade at a loss. I have played with win8 on a desktop and was confused, then I put it on my pen based tablet and it was easier to deal with but driver issues kept me from really giving it a full try. The w500 has win8 drivers and several users have made the upgrade before me so I’m sure it will be successful. I’ve been a Windows user since 3.1 (skipping Win98 and Vista for NT4.0 and win7) and have a couple of Android devices from 2.2 up through 4.0. I’ve also had several tablets from the win2000 Fujitsu Stylistic c500 up through the newest (to me) Fujitsu ST5112 on XP and win7. I’ve rolled out server 2008 and win7 on half my network at work, waiting to do the rest of the clients up to win7 when time permits. you could say I’m fairly comfortable with XP and win7.
In short I think they should have defaulted to the modern UI only for computers that had touch capabilities, and defaulted to the “old” win7 desktop for computers that lack touch. Just the option of decent touch control has already made several laptops and desktops come to market, it may only be time until everything (or majority) are touch based (or maybe non contact based gesture like in most science fiction movies or kinect based games).
Like suggested I think they jumped too far ahead too soon, but I think eventually it will get there and hopefully be done well. The marriage of kinect technology might be the next big thing for this OS and hopefully something they are working to make smaller and cheaper. No more fingerprints on the display!
This is not Windows’ fault, it’s us the consumers who are at fault.
We hate change. We hate to try new stuff. Unless it works, its ok. We’re too scared to learn new stuff.
People need to realize the benefits of using Windows 8 over Windows 7.
I don’t hate to try stuff, I hate to waste my time, and I hate to perform tasks with less efficiency than before. Oh, and I hate those big colourful buttons too.
despite the thing with the colourful buttons you should like win8 😉
Hi, there all. I would like to advise everybody one thing to do before
you decide if Windows eight is good or bad. I first installed it on a
virtual machine and tried it for a week. After this I installed it to a
old laptop and I am testing everything I can think of. I share this with
friends and they ask me to test games and software for them. When I’m
completly satisifed or completly pissed of. Then I will decide if its
good or bad and if it’s worth upgrading. Untill now I have only found
some minor problems. The start menu thing..Well while using I didn’t
notice it being gone. But I installed Classic Shell nevertheless and
that gave me a good feeling. But I could change it. So from this point
on as there is a soluition for it , I don’t complain about the start
menu any more.
Ok, it has been three days, and I doubt anyone is reading this, but just in case, here goes.
I would have to say, I emphatically disagree. No basic changes need to be made to Windows to be more like previous versions. Changes need to be made to educating the users how to use the news system.
The biggest issue is that I believe you are absolutely wrong about returning the start button/start menu. Here is the problem with that.
1.) it is not touch friendly. Something that needs to be used by both keyboard and touch absolutely needs to be. This is the reason the start screen was developed in the first place.
2.) The start screen is the glue that ties the desktop to the new apps. It sits above both and is the go to to get from one to the other. Putting in a start menu increases the divide, not reduces it.
3.) You say that you dont want it to revert to Windows 7. But returning the start button and start menu and booting directly to it is exactly just that. You have removed any point in having a metro at all.
4.) Metro may be kludgy, but it works. Reverting therefore sends the wrong signals. Instead of reverting, making adjustements in metro is the correct method.
5.) Windows was made this way to create a consistent feel across all platforms. Sorry, but a start button and start menu have no place in this new world. GOOD BYE, I dont miss you.
That may not be the sentiment of everyone now. But people do not necessarily need a connection to the past, just a clean easy to use system and invited to learn this new way without fear. This is the hurdle MS needs to overcome (and havent done well so far). And all the FUD ruckers out there know this as well. That is why they are out in force trying to make it sound so bad. Seriously, how hard is it to understand that a menu has been replaced by a screen of icons that can display information? How hard is to understand that a button has been replaced by moving your mouse to the corner? Everyone can and will come to grips with this. Rollback is not the correct action. Information is. Making Metro easy and inviting is the solution.
For that I have two suggestions for MS.
1.) Make tile organization templates. One of the biggest issues with the useability of Metro is its pure messiness. Requiring users to organize themselves without obvious ways to do so is a problem.
2.) ensure tiles are made properly. Now tiles can be made that are all information which is appropriate for some applications such as clocks. But things such as news tiles have pictures that obsure what application the tile runs. This can create a confusing environment, and this needs to be fixed somehow.
Thanks for the awesome feedback.
It’s been 7 days but I’m ALWAYS watching. 🙂
To your points:
1) Not touch friendly – true but people in the desktop aren’t necessarily looking for touch. They have metro for that.
2) Emotional divide – true but the issue is building a bridge to a mobile OS not burning a bridge to the past. When you build a bridge and are on that bridge, you can still look back and see where you are coming from.
3) Not true. Having a start menu and having Metro are apples and oranges. They are both very compatible.
4) Not reverting. Apples and Oranges.
5) This is true but as I said, this should have been a transitional OS not the mobile one. Killing a start menu and watching third party companies fill the void for something that obviously has a ton of demand should tell Microsoft something.
Thanks again for the comments.
I’m an old tech. I’ve seen lots of changes over the years. I expect UI changes. There are things I wish didn’t happen with Windows 8, but I’m also not freaking out about them because Windows 8 works and appears to be faster. I only freak out with situations like Windows ME and 32 bit Vista because those were complete train wreck version of Windows, or rather, they were broken.
Basically, if all my applications still work, and it just requires me to make some changes to my lab technique, and I have the added benefit of going to a touch screen gracefully, then fine. Change happens.
Windows 7 is supported till 2020, The older gen that do have a hard time to adapt can still use windows 7, No one is forced to use windows 8, unless for gamers where DX 11.1 is exclusive to win8, from what I know most PC gamers no matter the age I find are more computer literate and shouldn’t have a problem to adapt. i usually never use the start button always use the button on keyboard and type straight away, its all about speed 😛 gosh I use mechanical keyboard for speed for typing and gaming response time. +1 for me, just my 2 cents thanks for the point of view.
I actually think the opposite will be true. I don’t think it’s the older generation that will be the problem. I think the main problem is people who’ve been using Windows since 95 or 98 and just can’t get their head wrapped around anything else. Like I said, even for me, there was some difficulty with Windows 8, the first day I sat down with it. But I think people just using a computer for a long time or who only have a little Windows experience, will be able to transition. It’s all new to them anyway. Now of course there will be people in both the new and old crowd who just can’t figure it out.
People who are crying about W8 are people who are not willing to move on to learn new things . The Desktop is right there…Stop crying like little girls and search, look, play with it and learn. W8 is the same thing but without a start button and a UI Style…People, move on, stop crying like little kids and get used to new things.
Good comment. Thanks for the feedback.
The part I agree with is the fact that Windows 8 is the transition from old ways to new ways and that Windows 8.5 or 9 depending on how fast software companies like Adobe, and developers change their desktop apps to modern UI apps that way everything will eventually be modern UI based apps and no more desktop apps except for legacy applications that can only run on Windows XP/7 which I propose using Hyper-V. My only complaint is that Hyper-V needs to come full cirlcle and allow all ports on the machine that’s connected to it.
They rammed the start button down peoples throat in 95′.
All these blog posts about Windows 8 being broken, and only really works for touch devices made me question upgrading. But I did anyway, because I wanted to give it a fair shake.
5 mins in, I loved the metro user interface.
1 month in, I don’t miss the start menu one bit.
I don’t have a touch capable screen on my laptop, and Windows 8 functions great.
It’s change people, not the end of the world.
Awesome!
Thanks or the comment.
How could you say the “start button” was rammed down people’s throats. With the click of a button everything that is needed is within plain easily-accessible view. Taking away something for a change is “ramming”, not adding to. Don’t get me wrong, I like the UI interface too, but this article isn’t directed to one or two views. This article is directed to the consumer in whole. The consumer in whole, I believe, knows and understands the start button and its functionality. So… Leave it…
I agree with the file association portion, but not the other three points. I do find it annoying to have to return to the desktop for certain things whey there’s no rhyme or reason to do so. I’m less annoyed by going the other way (I think a lot of problems with that are inherent issues people have with the OS. They don’t like it so they don’t like going there). The desktop is an app and that methodology works fine once you accept it. Going to the desktop, though feels disjointed.
I personally think a start BUTTON (not menu) and an option to visually link the start screen and the desktop would help. Having an option to have the start screen “tattoo” be the desktop background image/colors would have been nice. It would also be nice if it could work the other way. The fact that you can’t select your start screen background is stupid. There’s a line between ensuring a clean UI and hurting the openness of the platform.
IIRC in Windows 7 you can’t change the startup and shutdown sounds and quite a few other customizable things were ‘deprecated’, much like several things were taken away in Vista. Become one with the collective, resistance is futile. Any wallpaper image you want, as long as it’s the default. It’s like Microsoft is using the Harrison Bergeron short story as a role model for operating system design. Force everyone to leave everything as it comes out of the box.
OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR They can bring the start MENU as (Optional). Enable it if you want to stay behind lol!~ for those who think this happening too fast!~
I for one don’t want the Start Menu back. It sucked. If you do, don’t use Windows 8.
I like the windows 8 start menu.
Compare the Metro/Modern UI side by side with Windows 1.0. They both use non-overlapping tiles with active content. In the phone version there’s this bar running up the right side, rotate it 90 degrees clockwise and that resembles the Windows 1.0 command line across the bottom.
Another thematic link to the past is in screenshots in promotional images and videos, there’s been a heavy use of cyan, magenta, black and white, the colors of the most used palette from the old Color Graphics Adapter that was in common use during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
Is this homage to Windows 1.0 intentional? The only things Win 8 doesn’t crib from Win 1 are the rounded dialog buttons, which Microsoft had to dump as part of the settlement with Apple Computer.
I don’t see any problems with Windows 8. It is a great operating system, fare better then all other previously released ones. You need 30 Minutes to change your old habits and when you’re going back to an old Windows machine you will be happy to return to Windows 8. I like the new starts screen very much and it is fare more better to use then any old start menu. The only thing which i find from time to disturbing is the charm bar, which is in my opinion useless on the Desktop screen. Will be better to have it only via shortcut instead of the disturbing blending. When you work in a excel sheet you get suddenly the charm bar…annoying. The only disadvantage i noticed. However, the advantages of the new system are great (speed, superior control over the Menus and lack of the silly glas and resource eating look, some very fine free apps as extra benefit for the system). By the way i was more on Linux on the last years but the new comfortable Windows 8 put me back on the Windows track!
I agree with you, but I do think they can make some tweaks to the Modern UI. I’m playing around with 8.1 now. I think maybe they should introduce some options to make MUI more easy to organize. Maybe the groups could be collapsible. I like being able to right-click on the start button in 8.1. They need to figure out how they will re-create that effect once they completely do away with the desktop. I think they could streamline the function/corner that shows you all the apps that are running. But this is exactly what we should be doing. Instead of everyone screaming and complaining they don’t like the new UI, they can’t do real work in 8, or they’ll never use an OS without a start menu, we should be having honest, intelligent discussions about improvements they could make going forward. I disagree with much of this article, but at least he tried to make some interesting points.
Amazing post sir!! Hopefully Microsoft takes a look at this!
Aaron, I completely agree with you.
That was terrible text, Onuora. I dissagree!
I like windows 8 functionality very much. I hardly used Start menu anymore and then Windows 8 came to save me.
And most ppl that I know place their software shortcuts to the desktop anyway.
❤ Windows 8 ❤
Very impressive article. I have read each and every point and found it very interesting. I really like Window 8 ‘s functions. They ‘re useful in my work! Thanks for writing!
Excellent article…as much as I like Windows 8 and recommend it, it is quite jolting to go from “Metro” to Desktop. Mind you, Alt-Tab still works great but sometimes, it is a chore to do something simple like “Copy/Paste” between “Metro” and Desktop apps.
I own a Surface Pro and love it but the whole Windows 8 experience is quite “Frankenstein” like…
I feel you. I was about to go crazy my first few days using 8 until someone reminded me that ALT-Tab still worked LOL. I noticed that on a laptop I can use the touchpad to swipe back(sometimes back accident). Maybe they should have done something like Windows + Left or Windows+Right to create a similar effect. I wonder if we will ever see an OS from anyone that operates much like a tabbed browser.
The start menu is not coming back, and the more and more people keep talking about it, the more I’m starting to disagree with them. I remember when I first heard about Metro and even up until days before the first downloadable release, I was in the crowd who said Metro should only be an option on top of what was an OS similar to Windows 8. But now after getting used to Windows 8, I think Microsoft just needs to go forward and not look back. First, to be perfectly honest on my Windows 7 machine at home at work, I rarely was using the start menu anyway. When I do I almost never go to All Programs. I might go to a user folder like Music. But for the most part I use it to pull up the search/command box, Windows update, or the recent applications list, so I can get to documents faster. I find most of my clients and friends use the start menu less as well.
Most people spend the majority of their clicks on the desktop or taskbar. Some people were going to complain no matter what. I think if MS would have made the start screen look basically like Windows XP or 98’s start menu but stretching across the entire screen, people would complain about that.
Second, the biggest problem with Windows 8 in my opinion is not that it’s not Windows 7 because we can still get 7 if we really want an OS exactly like Windows 7, and I think 8 can stand on it’s own. The main problem is they should have done a better job with the new interface itself. It should have been easier and less confusing, and people should have been able to find stuff they usually can do with less problems. When I first sat down with Windows 8, I didn’t like it. Like the average person or people who don’t have much IT background, I had a hard time figuring out how to do stuff. So, I did what most people are not willing to do, I just played around with it until I figured it out or look online for tips/manuals. Now I’m a big supporter of the idea that you shouldn’t have to dumb stuff down for people, but the reality is you have to sale products to make money. Computers are the one device that people will give up on quick if something is too hard or changes too much. Microsoft should have had the mindset that they were going to design it, so people could just sit down and in a few minutes at least figure out how to do the most simple thing. People should have been able to at least sit right down and know how to restart the computer or log off. Now I admit even in 7, the average person without an IT mind might not have thought to click on that arrow, but it’s right by the shut down button; they would have figured it out. Their main focus should have been make the OS more competitive in the mobile and touch world but also make it a smooth transition from the start menu. I should be able to sit down and say “this isn’t the start menu, but I can already see how I do this or that.” Seriously whose first thought is to click on their picture or go to the bottom right to log off or shut down? All Apps shouldn’t have been a right-click. There should have been less default tiles for less confusion and the ones that there were should have been the most basic and common functions or shortcuts. They should have had a tutorial or at least a tour like in previous versions of Windows. I still think a different tile layout and having a tile for things like shutdown options would have gone a long way. Windows Phones have a back button. I still fail to see why Windows tablets cant or least on PCs where you have no ability to swipe back. Not knowing how to minimize an app was probably a headache for some too. A down or close button would have been nice. But that’s nothing new. I’m sure many iPad users don’t know you can double-click the home button. But the point is Metro never needed to be scrapped or overhauled. MS just could have been smarter and made some small changes that made a big difference.
I do agree the start screen and desktop should interface better. You almost feel like you’re using two different OS. For example settings and control panel giving you two different things. There just needs to be more cooperation between the two.