Windows 8

[JBHuskers]

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/08/15/Windows_8_RTM_1_Start_screen_620x433.png

Anyone getting it? I had a coupon, so I'm going to get it for around $50, and after looking into it...definitely seems like it's going to have a ton of cool stuff.

[gschwendt]

No thank you. It's not friendly to gamers and Steam is actually looking at alternatives to it (including heavily supporting Linux). Besides, Windows has had a continuous pattern of every other release being good. ME sucked, 2000/XP was good. Vista sucked, 7 was excellent. Added the overhauled interface that I really don't like and I'll stay away until they allow you to actually turn it off instead of hack it off.

[bdoughty]

No, but when I feel in the mood to experience Windows 8 I will play with my old Rubik cube while staring at the 360 Dashboard.

[JBHuskers]

No, but when I feel in the mood to experience Windows 8 I will play with my old Rubik cube while staring at the 360 Dashboard.

That's actually just the new start menu. The desktop still exists.

[morsdraconis]

I wouldn't touch that operating system if it was given to me for free. It's atrocious looking and not being able to turn the dumb ass windows phone shit off makes it that much worse. My PC isn't a media center and, if it was, I still wouldn't use their shitty interface. Micro$oft has no idea how to make something good.

[gschwendt]

That's actually just the new start menu. The desktop still exists.
Actually that is the default desktop. However, you can run the old desktop as an "app", but you still have to launch into the Metro UI crap.

[ram29jackson]

i'm only interested that it helped me find this LOL

interesting/funny look and feel for the band



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHY1xCl4Qak

[gschwendt]

For anyone that does decide to get it, Amazon has it for $70 plus $30 credit.
Microsoft Windows 8 Pro (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008H3SW4I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008H3SW4I&linkCode=as2&tag=thegamtai-20)

[JBHuskers]

For anyone that does decide to get it, Amazon has it for $70 plus $30 credit.
Microsoft Windows 8 Pro (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008H3SW4I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008H3SW4I&linkCode=as2&tag=thegamtai-20)

I better get on chat and make sure I'm getting the credit. That's where I got it from.

[gschwendt]

I'm considering getting it (essentially $40) and using it as a HTPC OS.

[JBHuskers]

Always have to double check to make sure. I'm good to go on the $30 credit. That was a nice surprise today.

[CLW]

So.... what's the big deal with Windows 8? Touch screen? I presume you need a monitor that allows the touch screen function to work so unless I'm missing something 8 is pretty pointless unless you are wanting to shell out big bucks for a monitor as well?

[gschwendt]

So.... what's the big deal with Windows 8? Touch screen? I presume you need a monitor that allows the touch screen function to work so unless I'm missing something 8 is pretty pointless unless you are wanting to shell out big bucks for a monitor as well?
Mostly MS is trying to push that as the next big accessory I think... to get people to want touchscreen monitors but I don't see that working out too well. That said, they can push it to be in other devices such as phones, tablets (announced pricing on Surface today) and other in-home devices. I don't think it takes off too well as a PC interface but I can see the functionality of a HTPC where you only need to launch a handful of programs.

[SmoothPancakes]

My laptop came with Windows Vista. While it has had it minor issues once in a while, I haven't minded it. If I ever upgrade my OS, I'm going to Windows 7, screw that Windows 8 shit. Next time I buy a new computer (if I don't build one myself), I'm doing whatever the fuck it takes to get Windows 7 (or 9 if that has already released and the dumbasses at MS pulled their heads out of their asses and went back to a normal OS) instead of this Windows 8 shit coming automatically installed on it.

[JBHuskers]

I thought the same way at first, but after looking into it more, the more I was interested in getting it.

[CLW]

Mostly MS is trying to push that as the next big accessory I think... to get people to want touchscreen monitors but I don't see that working out too well. That said, they can push it to be in other devices such as phones, tablets (announced pricing on Surface today) and other in-home devices. I don't think it takes off too well as a PC interface but I can see the functionality of a HTPC where you only need to launch a handful of programs.

Meh I'll pass.

[Escobar]

Definitely will pass. I hate that interface, and I just got my laptop last christmas and it's been working fine for the few things I use it for.

[JeffHCross]

Anyone getting it?Not a chance in hell. Unless the new laptop I purchase in the next couple months is required to use it versus 7.


So.... what's the big deal with Windows 8? Touch screen? I presume you need a monitor that allows the touch screen function to work so unless I'm missing something 8 is pretty pointless unless you are wanting to shell out big bucks for a monitor as well?The "standard" interface for a mouse/keyboard (e.g. the Start button) is still available, it's just no longer the default layout.

There are a few back-end features that are worthwhile, but overall I don't see any real game-changers.

[SmoothPancakes]

Couldn't possibly care less. My laptop that I bought back in May 2009 came with Vista installed and Vista has done just fine for me. Whenever I get a new laptop years down the road, or build a new PC, I'm installing Windows 7. Even if Windows 8 comes pre-installed on something, I'm installing Windows 7 and uninstalling Windows 8.

[JBHuskers]

For me it's costing not much after a credit, plus Amazon is giving a $30 credit.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[CLW]

My wife was worried about 8 when I told her about it so we go to our "show room" (Best Buy) and sure enough she HATED windows 8 so we went ahead and bought her a new Windows 7 ultrabook before it was too late. Wanted to wait until Christmas but didn't want to take the chance so got a nice Samsung that she really liked via Amazon.

[gschwendt]

I decided to buy it from Amazon... for the price, and as an HTPC, it's a good option. I won't be putting it on my personal desktop anytime soon but as a toy it's at least intriguing.

[psuexv]

Not sure how much other OS get tested but this seems high.


"This is the best release of Windows ever," Microsoft Windows chief Steven Sinofsky said at the Windows 8 launch event in New York today. He noted that Windows 8 has been heavily road-tested, with 1.24 billion hours of pre-release testing across 190 countries.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57540241-75/after-1.2-billion-hours-of-user-testing-windows-8-is-good-to-go/

[gschwendt]

I'm pairing Windows 8 up with this... hard to pass up since it includes a free 64GB SSD making it an excellent HTPC.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856173027

[JeffHCross]

For me it's costing not much after a credit, plus Amazon is giving a $30 credit. True, but anything > $0 if you're not actually wanting to use it.

[morsdraconis]

I can't believe people actually PAY for operating systems. Talk about a giant fuckin' scam.

[gschwendt]

I can't believe people actually PAY for operating systems. Talk about a giant fuckin' scam.
I prefer paying for what I use... particularly if it's something I use with any regularity. I'll download the occasional album or something but even then if I like it enough, I'll turn around and buy it to support the artist.

[morsdraconis]

I prefer paying for what I use... particularly if it's something I use with any regularity. I'll download the occasional album or something but even then if I like it enough, I'll turn around and buy it to support the artist.

Operating systems shouldn't cost money. I'd use nothing but Linux if I could, but sadly, their support still isn't up to snuff.

Microsoft charging $100+ for their operating system is utterly ridiculous. 9 times out of 10, they make money from their operating system by having it pre-installed on PCs and laptops that people purchase (sometimes for more than they charge for it separately). The amount of money they make from people actually buying it outside of that is minuscule.

[I OU a Beatn]

Who wants a code to get Windows 8 Pro for $14.99+tax?

[JBHuskers]

One thing that is driving me nuts is the screen resolution can't go higher than 1280x1024. I had it much higher than that with this new 23" monitor.

[gschwendt]

One thing that is driving me nuts is the screen resolution can't go higher than 1280x1024. I had it much higher than that with this new 23" monitor.
Not even widescreen? You absolutely have to be able to go 1920x1080 on a widescreen.

[JBHuskers]

Not even widescreen? You absolutely have to be able to go 1920x1080 on a widescreen.

Yeah I'm stuck on 1280 x 1024 as the highest and 1024 x 768 as recommended. I'm trying to see if I can get the right updates and drivers install to fix that.

[gschwendt]

Yeah I'm stuck on 1280 x 1024 as the highest and 1024 x 768 as recommended. I'm trying to see if I can get the right updates and drivers install to fix that.
Can you go 720p? If not, I'd almost wonder if A) your monitor is identified wrong or B) you can now choose between 4:3 vs 16:9 or something. I haven't looked but I would almost bet someone has come across something similar.

[JBHuskers]

Can you go 720p? If not, I'd almost wonder if A) your monitor is identified wrong or B) you can now choose between 4:3 vs 16:9 or something. I haven't looked but I would almost bet someone has come across something similar.

Yeah I've been digging with no luck as of now. Still trying some things.

[JeffHCross]

I'd practically guarantee that you've got a bad driver (or no driver), JB. Out of the box, with the Plug n Play driver, Windows 7 has the same resolutions you mentioned.

[JBHuskers]

I'd practically guarantee that you've got a bad driver (or no driver), JB. Out of the box, with the Plug n Play driver, Windows 7 has the same resolutions you mentioned.

Hmmmmm. Right from the get go when I got 1900 x 1200 or close to when I got my new monitor. Can't get close to that now after trying to install and update drivers.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[morsdraconis]

Most definitely a driver issue. Do you have a Nvidia card or an ATI card? Try installing beta Windows 8 drivers for them.

[JBHuskers]

Most definitely a driver issue. Do you have a Nvidia card or an ATI card? Try installing beta Windows 8 drivers for them.

I've tried a couple of ATI downloads. I did a search for "ATI beta driver windows 8", so I'll try this next download that I found.

[JBHuskers]

Using a different version of AMD Catalyst Install Manager. We'll see if this finally gets it working.

[JBHuskers]

Success. I guess I wasn't pointing to the right .inf file. Thanks for the help guys!

[skipwondah33]

Who wants a code to get Windows 8 Pro for $14.99+tax?

Well damn I missed this

[JBHuskers]

Well now that I have the resolution thing figured out, I'm definitely digging it a lot better. Just need to dig into everything to see what is all available.

[I OU a Beatn]

Well damn I missed this

Still have it if you want it.

[gschwendt]

Still have it if you want it.

If not, hell I'll take it. Maybe one day I put it on my primary or tinker with it on my netbook.

[skipwondah33]

Still have it if you want it.

Sure man

[JeffHCross]

Hmmmmm. Right from the get go when I got 1900 x 1200 or close to when I got my new monitor.I'd bet you were already running good enough drivers at the time. You probably just had some nVidia or ATI drivers available at the time. I can tell you that our systems at work don't support 1900x1200, even if the monitors did, because we're using built-in Plug n Play Windows drivers.

Glad you got it worked out. ATI drivers can be a bitch.

[souljahbill]

I don't like it. AT ALL.

[JBHuskers]

Interesting program for $5

http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[JeffHCross]

Oh, Stardock. :D

[JBHuskers]

Interesting program for $5

http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

This was definitely $5 well spent to get the Start Menu back. Overall I'm still happy with Win 8.

[jaymo76]

So I need to buy a new desktop in the new year. I like windows 7 but I haven't used windows 8. Now that people are more familiar with the system, do you Like it? I'm NOT planning on getting a touch screen desktop so for me I am looking for processing for work, family programming, and casual CPU gaming.

Also, I'm not much of a CPU expert so I was planning on getting a pre built Dell 8500 model.

[JeffHCross]

Jaymo, are you planning to continue to play games you already have, or new ones? What do you mean by "family programming"?

[jaymo76]

Jaymo, are you planning to continue to play games you already have, or new ones? What do you mean by "family programming"?

Q1. If possible I would like to play the games I have. I also have some STEAM games that I haave purchased that I don't want to leave. I suspect not all games will be compatable though. I also want to stay up-yo-date with newer games that I am interested in (city builders, simulations, etc.).

Q2. Family programming probably wasn't the best choice of words but really I mean things like games, educational games, etc. the wifes scrapbook programme, the wifes entire SIM 2 & 3 collection.

[JBHuskers]

All the Steam games I've purchased in the past work on Windows 8. I haven't had any problems.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[JeffHCross]

I haven't heard of compatibility problems with Windows 8, but that would be worth looking into and doing some research on. You can use Windows 8 without a touchscreen easily, especially with third-party Start Menu replacements (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33642_7-57496506-292/how-to-get-the-start-menu-back-in-windows-8/). There's something to be said for having the newest OS, if nothing else to avoid upgrading for a little longer in the future.

Personally, I was planning on getting Windows 7, but that last point has made me re-think that reasoning.

[JBHuskers]

And if it isn't compatible, you can run it in compatibility mode. Windows will search for the best version of Windows to run the program in. I had to do that for my video recording program.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[jaymo76]

And if it isn't compatible, you can run it in compatibility mode. Windows will search for the best version of Windows to run the program in. I had to do that for my video recording program.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

So JB, it seems like after the initial learning curve you have become a fan of WINDOWS 8??? I do agree with JeffH with regards to having the most up-to-date operating system. However, the last time I did that I got burned... cough, cough WINDOWS VISTA. I just hope that Windows 8 isn't as problematic as VISTA was because that wasn't a good experience (as I look across my dining room and see my dead Vista cpu :(. However, I have really liked Windows 7 (I have it at work and on my laptop) and from what I have seen of 8 it looks pretty interesting.

[JeffHCross]

Ironically, I actually don't mind Vista nearly as much now as I used to. But I do think M$ has learned from the Vista experience ... Windows 8 is really Windows 7 with a new UI. The backend changes aren't nearly as significant as XP to Vista was. Or even Vista to 7.

[jaymo76]

Ironically, I actually don't mind Vista nearly as much now as I used to. But I do think M$ has learned from the Vista experience ... Windows 8 is really Windows 7 with a new UI. The backend changes aren't nearly as significant as XP to Vista was. Or even Vista to 7.

Well that's good to hear. Puts my mind more at ease with regards to a costly purchase such as a cpu. Now I guess the big challenge... find the right time to buy in order to get the best deal.

[morsdraconis]

There is absolutely no reason to go to Windows 8 over Windows 7 besides the fact that 4 or 5 years down the road, you'll have to change. Windows 8 does nothing to improve the stability, security, or functionality of Windows 7, therefore, there's no reason to go to it and have to deal with it's dumb ass interface. Windows 8 doesn't introduce a new version of Direct X or anything like that, so, from a gameplaying standpoint, there's no reason to go to Windows 8. The only reason to go to Windows 8 is if price is an issue.

[gschwendt]

Windows 8 doesn't introduce a new version of Direct X or anything like that, so, from a gameplaying standpoint, there's no reason to go to Windows 8.
Actually Directx 11.1 is Windows 8 only...
http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/microsoft-warns-gamers-directx-11-1-is-windows-8-only/

[morsdraconis]

Actually Directx 11.1 is Windows 8 only...
http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/microsoft-warns-gamers-directx-11-1-is-windows-8-only/

Meh, it's just support for 3D bullshit. They can shove that up their asses. Windows 8 is Vista and Windows ME all over again.

[JeffHCross]

Windows 8 does nothing to improve the ... securityYes, it does, to an extent. Windows 8 has avoided a lot of the patches that Windows 7 has had the last few months. That may just be coincidence, but it's worthwhile to mention.