It's time for a new computer. This computer has XP, it retires the beginning of April. Does anyone have Windows 8? Do you like it?
I'm going to purchase a Dell. I wonder how much learning curve there is to this. Will definitely have to buy a book.
I don't have Windows 8, but I do have Windows 7 and XP and Vista.
When Windows 8 first came out, I didn't like the reviews and apparently it was initially reported in the techy forums that unlike prior windows platforms that Win 8 presents challenges in using alternative browsers to internet explorer.
I have a Dell desktop and am very pleased with it. Unfortunately it is XP platform. My understanding is that XP will still work, but they will be stopping future Windows updates.
I think a local friend may be using Win 8. I will ask them on Sunday when we go to church and if he is using Win 8, the pros and cons from his experience.
Here's a windows 8 forum I found on search engine that might be helpful: http://www.forumswindows8.com/archive/f-1.html
An article May 2013 on fixing common Windows 8 problems: http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/computers/how-to-fix-common-windows-8-problems-20130508-2j6h0.html
An article Jan 2013: http://www.zdnet.com/windows-8s-problem-its-the-hardware-7000009385/
Basically, every single time Windows comes out with a new O/S, there are bugs in the beginning that eventually they work out via updates. This has been the case every time they come out with a new Windows version.
That's why I am hanging on to my Win 7 for as long as Microsoft provides update for it.
An alternative to a new computer if you're not comfortable with Win 8, would be to check around locally to computer repair shops (local not chain) who often rebuild and sell refurbished (less costly, but typically no warranty either. That would be one workaround to get either a Vista or Win 7 operating system.
For now, microsoft is continuing to provide updates for Vista and Win 7. Personally I prefer Win 7 to Vista and XP.
They differ from XP and it is a bit of a learning curve, but not too much of one.
an alternative to a new computer if you like your current one:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-from-windows-vista-xp-tutorial
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compare
I am thinking about upgrading my Dell to windows 8. Mine is 32-bit, xp. But for $120 USD roughly, it's a less costly option than buying a whole new system.
I have a MacBook Pro. I love it. I didn't like the software for word processing and spread sheets, so I installed Microsoft Office for Mac. Now it is perfect, and it is a laptop. Sitting with it on my lap as I text this.
Hugs, elaine
PS before that I had Dell after Dell desk top. I liked them, and there's one upstairs now. I NEVER use it. This lap top is my 'brain' and my heart and my soul I think some times.
e.
A friend of mine who is VERY computer-savvy had to return her Windows 8 device and get one with both 7 and 8 so that she could climb the learning curve on Windows 8. I second the idea of getting a used one from a computer repair store with Vista or 7. Or see if you can get them to install on your new Windows 8 device.
We wait a couple of years for new OS upgrades and fixes.
Sharon
I bought a touch screen Windows 8.1 laptop for my mother-in-law and have been helping her learn (she's 90--and her old desktop computer was Vista). I have all Windows 7 computers (no touch screens), so it's been a big learning experience for both of us.
Windows 8 and many websites are designed for touch screen, so that's the future. BUT...new computers are really doing both--you can use them and view them similar to the "old way"--or choose to learn and use all the W8 features: charms, etc. They don't make this "old mode" way obvious, but it can be done without loading Windows 7.
My MIL hasn't really adjusted to the touch screen very well. Her fingers are stiff and touch gestures are hard for her. She holds too long, releases too quickly, and doesn't hit the "touch spots" accurately. So she went back to using a mouse. Fine motor-control for selecting is too difficult for her in touch mode.
I found Win8 easy to learn, but not any faster, and kind of a pain in the a$$, but one has to keep up with the times. Win8 is not much of an advantage unless you have a touch screen.
I do "learning and fixing" sessions for MIL using TeamViewer, a free remote connection software you can download (on both computers). This is great if you have a friend to help you. The experienced user logs on remotely to your computer, and can see what you're doing, and then while you're talking on the phone, can help you fix problems and learn Win8.
There are good YouTube video series to help you get started with all the new Win8 features. I like this guy's site -- Windows 8.1 for Beginners : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XMB-S3ihQE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XMB-S3ihQE)
Go for the the New and Have Fun!
Calli
Quote from: litliwlowa on March 07, 2014, 07:49:22 PM
I don't have Windows 8, but I do have Windows 7 and XP and Vista.
When Windows 8 first came out, I didn't like the reviews and apparently it was initially reported in the techy forums that unlike prior windows platforms that Win 8 presents challenges in using alternative browsers to internet explorer.
I have a Dell desktop and am very pleased with it. Unfortunately it is XP platform. My understanding is that XP will still work, but they will be stopping future Windows updates.
I think a local friend may be using Win 8. I will ask them on Sunday when we go to church and if he is using Win 8, the pros and cons from his experience.
Here's a windows 8 forum I found on search engine that might be helpful: http://www.forumswindows8.com/archive/f-1.html
An article May 2013 on fixing common Windows 8 problems: http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/computers/how-to-fix-common-windows-8-problems-20130508-2j6h0.html
An article Jan 2013: http://www.zdnet.com/windows-8s-problem-its-the-hardware-7000009385/
Basically, every single time Windows comes out with a new O/S, there are bugs in the beginning that eventually they work out via updates. This has been the case every time they come out with a new Windows version.
That's why I am hanging on to my Win 7 for as long as Microsoft provides update for it.
An alternative to a new computer if you're not comfortable with Win 8, would be to check around locally to computer repair shops (local not chain) who often rebuild and sell refurbished (less costly, but typically no warranty either. That would be one workaround to get either a Vista or Win 7 operating system.
For now, microsoft is continuing to provide updates for Vista and Win 7. Personally I prefer Win 7 to Vista and XP.
They differ from XP and it is a bit of a learning curve, but not too much of one.
Thank you so much for posting the links to the articles and the Windows 8 Forum. I have bookmarked them all and made hard copies of the articles.
Quote from: Calli66 on March 08, 2014, 12:08:56 PM
I bought a touch screen Windows 8.1 laptop for my mother-in-law and have been helping her learn (she's 90--and her old desktop computer was Vista). I have all Windows 7 computers (no touch screens), so it's been a big learning experience for both of us.
Windows 8 and many websites are designed for touch screen, so that's the future. BUT...new computers are really doing both--you can use them and view them similar to the "old way"--or choose to learn and use all the W8 features: charms, etc. They don't make this "old mode" way obvious, but it can be done without loading Windows 7.
My MIL hasn't really adjusted to the touch screen very well. Her fingers are stiff and touch gestures are hard for her. She holds too long, releases too quickly, and doesn't hit the "touch spots" accurately. So she went back to using a mouse. Fine motor-control for selecting is too difficult for her in touch mode.
I found Win8 easy to learn, but not any faster, and kind of a pain in the a$$, but one has to keep up with the times. Win8 is not much of an advantage unless you have a touch screen.
I do "learning and fixing" sessions for MIL using TeamViewer, a free remote connection software you can download (on both computers). This is great if you have a friend to help you. The experienced user logs on remotely to your computer, and can see what you're doing, and then while you're talking on the phone, can help you fix problems and learn Win8.
There are good YouTube video series to help you get started with all the new Win8 features. I like this guy's site -- Windows 8.1 for Beginners : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XMB-S3ihQE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XMB-S3ihQE)
Go for the the New and Have Fun!
Calli
Calli, Thank you for posting the link to the You Tube Windows 8.1 for Beginners. I have bookmarked it and it will definitely come in handy.
Here is what I purchased, a Dell Desktop that runs Wiindows 8.1. The witching hour, I mean set up, is to commence this afternoon at 1 PM. My computer tech guy sent me an e-mail yesterday to set up the time and he said "I bet you're like a kid on Christmas." I said, yes I am, but I'm a little apprehensive about learning the new software.
I did get a 23 inch Dell Touch Monitor.
Purchased the following books:
Step by Step Windows 8.1
Step by Step Microsoft Office Professional
And, a whole bunch of laminated pamphlets (who knew such things existed) on Windows 8.1 etc.
Wish me luck!
Windows 8 is the second generation of the vista virus.
Wow! Thanks for all the info on Windows 8. I have been wondering what to do myself since I have XP. Thank you!
Windows 9 may be out by Christmas. Businesses are using 7.