Microsoft Windows 8 (32 & 64-bit) Review on ActiveWin

[tweakboy]

http://activewin.com/reviews/software/operating-sys/windows8/


:thumbsdown::wub:

 

[Mem]

Win8 got a decent rating

How It Grades

Installation: 90%
Interface: 87%
Features: 90%
Documentation: 90%
Improvements: 90%
Options: 90%
Ease of Use: 87%
Price/Value: 95%
Overall: 89.5%

Personally I think its fine ,especially if you use something like Start8 as a desktop user.

Lets see how long it takes for FUD to appear.

 

[Rhonda the Sly]

I skimmed a few pages and felt that even that was too much. Long review...

I just went back and started rereading some bits and I'm wondering how he got those numbers. It's generally a positive review but those values seem completely arbitrary (and a bit high, given the subdued language). At any rate, it'll be interesting to see the opinions roll in.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

That article is so long that I am not even going to bother reading it.

Fail

I was going to get Windows 8 to tinker with but it looks like the Desktop experience sucks. I think having to install an add on to give you a more Windows 7 like expedience is retarded. Mostly because the new OS should already give you a good experience. Pathetic.

Well, Dell also lost a sale. Good job Microsoft!

 

[dlock13]

Not only is that a long, long article, but that site is just complete trash. It's horrid to look at and the tiny 6 pt. font link he uses to go onto the next page of the article... just wow.

I noticed that he was able to do a custom install with the Windows 8 Pro disc. That's extremely exciting news for me!

 

[daveybrat]

I actually like the look and speed of Windows 8......but i would only use it with Start8 from Stardock. So factor in another $4.99 for the program.

 

[dlock13]

I actually like the look and speed of Windows 8......but i would only use it with Start8 from Stardock. So factor in another $4.99 for the program.

You should try Pokki then. I thought it was a very well organized start menu replacement with a great UI. I didn't mention... it's free!


I will stick with my start screen however.

 

[blurredvision]

That article is so long that I am not even going to bother reading it.

Fail

I was going to get Windows 8 to tinker with but it looks like the Desktop experience sucks. I think having to install an add on to give you a more Windows 7 like expedience is retarded. Mostly because the new OS should already give you a good experience. Pathetic.

Well, Dell also lost a sale. Good job Microsoft!

If you want the Windows 7 experience, then stick with Windows 7. I don't understand why this is so hard to understand for people.

 

[cboath]

I actually like the look and speed of Windows 8......but i would only use it with Start8 from Stardock. So factor in another $4.99 for the program.

I don't get the obsession with the start button being gone.

Everything that was in the start button can still be accessed by right clicking in the lower left corner of the screen - the lone exception being the all programs list. The all programs list is the start screen which works better than the all programs list frankly.

 

[Mem]

If you want the Windows 7 experience, then stick with Windows 7. I don't understand why this is so hard to understand for people.

Some people don't see the advantages Win8 has ie faster bootup and shut down,better battery life for laptop/notebook users,improved security,tablet support,longer life span then Win7.....I could go on listing more but I think you see my point,nothing wrong with Win7(its a fine OS) and yes I'm lucky to own both Win8 Pro and Win7 Ultimate and even I can see the advantages Win8 has,I'm not a fan of Metro however.

End of the day any new OS will always get mixed feedback.

 

[Mem]

That article is so long that I am not even going to bother reading it.

Fail

I was going to get Windows 8 to tinker with but it looks like the Desktop experience sucks. I think having to install an add on to give you a more Windows 7 like expedience is retarded. Mostly because the new OS should already give you a good experience. Pathetic.

Well, Dell also lost a sale. Good job Microsoft!

Try Classic Shell or Start8 with Win8,you can even boot straight to desktop with either of those installed, you might fine your opinion may change over time with either of those installed.

Remember Classic Shell is free so really no excuse not to try it.

 

[Farang]

I love the hate on the positive reviews.. it doesn't even make sense. The person actually used the product in depth and offered their opinion.

I recommend checking out the "Windows 8 Survival Guide" on Youtube. It starts off with a scathing first look, then later videos they are generally rating the entire OS positively (aside from not having the classic start menu). It's actually what convinced me to switch.

 

[gizbug]

That article is so long that I am not even going to bother reading it.

Fail

I was going to get Windows 8 to tinker with but it looks like the Desktop experience sucks. I think having to install an add on to give you a more Windows 7 like expedience is retarded. Mostly because the new OS should already give you a good experience. Pathetic.

Well, Dell also lost a sale. Good job Microsoft!

You crack me up....

Been running 8 for over a month, the "desktop experience" is the same as Windows 7. I never use metro, always desktop, and if you know windows 7, you know windows 8.

 

[JimmiG]

If you want the Windows 7 experience, then stick with Windows 7. I don't understand why this is so hard to understand for people.

What people fail to see, because of the huge UI changes, is that there are also improvements in Win8 such as a Storage Spaces, memory optimizations, improved support for hyperthreading and Bulldozer-style assymetric cores, faster boot time, security improvements, easier installation from USB sticks etc. etc. It's not just about the "experience". Windows 8 is a better OS, period.

It's a shame you can't have that without the horrible desktop user experience (yes, I've tried to use Win8). Start8 will be the first step, but then replacements will have to be found for many other applications that are now Metro-only. This means many more applications to re-install after a format, and probably some money spent on Shareware licenses.

 

[jsedlak]

You crack me up....

Been running 8 for over a month, the "desktop experience" is the same as Windows 7. I never use metro, always desktop, and if you know windows 7, you know windows 8.

Seriously.

The start screen is just a big start menu.

Plus the multi-monitor taskbar (finally) is sweet.

 

[Gunslinger08]

I've been using it since RTM. I like the optimization and some of the smaller features (new file copy dialog, task manager), but I've basically reverted the UI back to XP/2003, like I always do. I despise pinning things to my task bar and grouping windows, and I re-added quick launch - like I had to in 7/2008 R2. The start screen gets a lot of complaints, but I really don't see it as being much more than a larger start menu. The lack of folders is kind of annoying and the inability to drag and drop shortcuts between quick launch and the start screen gets old.

 

[rgallant]

seems like all the win8 desktop pic's have the task bar on the bottom , any one know if it can be still moved to the left ? as I value the left over neffed vertical screen space ,only have a 27" wide screen monitor.

 

[Gunslinger08]

seems like all the win8 desktop pic's have the task bar on the bottom , any one know if it can be still moved to the left ? as I value the left over neffed vertical screen space ,only have a 27" wide screen monitor.

Yes.

 

[kmmatney]

I'm using classic shell, with the task bar docked on the left to give more vertical real estate. Just like Win 7 to me so far.

I kind of miss the Aero interface though. The Taskbar is still aero, but normal windows no longer have it, so it feels like I'm running Win 7 basic at times. The best thing I like about Win8 so far is the price ($39 for Retail Pro version at Microcenter).