The problem with Win8/8.1 is this

[flexy]

Yes this is another Win8/8.1 thread but I am trying to bring something else up.

(By the way as a former Win8 "hater" I am now entirely convinced that 8/8.1 is actually pretty good after running it a few days)

The problem I have is....the APPALLING DESIGN. I am very glad that I now have a 8.1 PC which is really pretty much as I had it in Win7, I don't need to deal with touch, Metro or whatsoever.

But the desktop windows are incredibly ugly, boring and bland. Even with the appearance options you can change the colors etc...but I can't help that ANY window just looks "flat" and butt-ugly. (Didn't we even back in Win95 times have the option to set multiple colors/fading for example for window title bars?)

NOTHING like that in Win8.

For example, MS left out an option to do something as vital as changing the default fonts for Windows, unless you hack the registry or get a 3rd party tool.

In terms of visual appearance (and this includes Metro OF COURSE) it's the worst looking OS imho.

It starts already with the hideous logo, install/boot screen etc.

It looks like MS wanted to copy a "chic", minimalistic design like Apple has but totally failed...starting with that butt-ugly logo...and the glorious idea of the changing colors on the screen (while you update to 8.1)......just...seriously what got into those people who designed this?

Don't get me wrong..I start to like this OS but I wish it would "look" cooler.

 

[zerogear]

This is a personal aesthetics preference, and there is nothing "wrong" with it. Plently of people like flat UI elements, including myself. I wish they got rid of the faux 3D/faux glass interface a long time ago.

Loved the Whistler (XP) Beta theme.

Flattening of UI elements has been an on-going process, ever since WP7, it has nothing to do with Apple, it's just a design choice. If anything Apple is copying from Microsoft on iOS7 -- see the various Windows Phone elements, as well as Aero Glass elements in the iOS7.

 

[Hugo Drax]

Windows 8.1 grew on me. They fixed a bunch of the issues with 8.0 and now my start screen only has tiles that are Applications I use. everything else got chucked.

Also it is faster than windows 7.

 

[Berryracer]

Windows 8.1 grew on me. They fixed a bunch of the issues with 8.0 and now my start screen only has tiles that are Applications I use. everything else got chucked.

Also it is faster than windows 7.

it isn't faster, I've used both and every benchmark I ran like CrystalDiskMark or 3DMark Windows 7's scores were 10% higher.

It may boot faster, but the time until you can actually launch a program remains the same, and the overall OS in Windows 7 once its loaded is much snappier

add to that, the ability to disable UAC without breaking half the OS functionalities in Windows 7 is gold for meh

 

[R0H1T]

it isn't faster, I've used both and every benchmark I ran like CrystalDiskMark or 3DMark Windows 7's scores were 10% higher.

It may boot faster, but the time until you can actually launch a program remains the same, and the overall OS in Windows 7 once its loaded is much snappier

add to that, the ability to disable UAC without breaking half the OS functionalities in Windows 7 is gold for meh

It is faster than win7, whether you choose to accept this fact or not is upto you but if you search the web you'll find enough material to back this claim & the reasons behind it.

 

[Berryracer]

It is faster than win7, whether you choose to accept this fact or not is upto you but if you search the web you'll find enough material to back this claim & the reasons behind it.

it's not, I don't need you or any website to tell me that, I am a professional system tweaker and I installed the same drivers and benchmarked both and Win 7 is faster. Period

you like 8? good for you, you use that and I'll use what I like got it? MWUAHAHAH

R0H1T =

 

[Mem]

it's not, I don't need you or any website to tell me that, I am a professional system tweaker and I installed the same drivers and benchmarked both and Win 7 is faster. Period

you like 8? good for you, you use that and I'll use what I like got it? MWUAHAHAH

Did not take long for this thread to go downhill,point is Win8.1 is faster,better DX optimisation for games ie have a long a BF4 thread here http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2351574 , removal of Aero also puts less resources on OS,its basically been optimised better,Win7 users would have you believe otherwise,get over it.

As usual these threads turn into a BS thread.

http://www.techspot.com/review/561-windows8-vs-windows7/page2.html old Win8 v 7 benchmark with early drivers.

Looking beyond benchmarks, Windows 8 appears more polished than Windows 7, even if you plan to live on the desktop and aren't too fond of the Start screen, general usage is smoother and appears to be faster on Windows 8, which I found most noticeable on our somewhat underpowered Athlon II X4 system. If anything, it's a great start, now the Metro/Modern style will have to prove itself as a cross-platform OS that marries desktop, laptop and tablet PCs.

 

[RandomFool]

it's not, I don't need you or any website to tell me that, I am a professional system tweaker and I installed the same drivers and benchmarked both and Win 7 is faster. Period

you like 8? good for you, you use that and I'll use what I like got it? MWUAHAHAH

Professional System Tweaker, that's one hell of a job title.

 

[R0H1T]

it's not, I don't need you or any website to tell me that, I am a professional system tweaker and I installed the same drivers and benchmarked both and Win 7 is faster. Period

you like 8? good for you, you use that and I'll use what I like got it? MWUAHAHAH

That's your usual chest thumping, I'm always right no matter what, attitude & know what get over this GOD complex you have cause it's nearly impossible to be objective with you around

 

[Berryracer]

Professional System Tweaker, that's one hell of a job title.

lol, I know you were being sarcastic but thanks you made meh laugh

cheers man

 

[Tsavo]

Professional System Tweaker, that's one hell of a job title.

AKA person who breaks things.

 

[Berryracer]

That's your usual chest thumping, I'm always right no matter what, attitude & know what get over this GOD complex you have cause it's nearly impossible to be objective with you around

it's not being stubborn bro, it's my benchmarks, would else would you think I would downgrade to Windows 7? I can get Windows 8.1 to look and feel exactly like 7 but he benchmarks were not on par

just my 2 cents nothing personal

 

[flexy]

Ugh..now this turned into a general Win7 vs. Win8 debate again.

THAT BEING SAID...it's my subjective impression that Win8.1 is "snappier" and more responsive. ("Subjective" since I didn't measure anything but it feels a tad more responsive working with certain applications)

 

[HeXen]

Professional System Tweaker, that's one hell of a job title.

lmao. My other favorite is those that mention they don't need AV because they are professional security expert.

Windows 8.1 grew on me. They fixed a bunch of the issues with 8.0 and now my start screen only has tiles that are Applications I use. everything else got chucked.

Also it is faster than windows 7.

And soon, all the haters will begin to conform as you have. Welcome home my son.

 

[flexy]

I had to look several minutes today to even KNOW how to get back to the start screen . I don't ever see it, neither at boot nor ever, UNLESS I try to deliberately get to it by moving to the side of the screen and then click on the icon. It's also not helpful whatsoever, the apps I want/need are on my desktop or startmenu (classic shell). too much useless crap on the "start screen" (weather? maps? calendar? news?) and a random collection of my appLICATIONS. WTF would I even need this? I don't and now with 8.1 I don't have a problem with it since I never see it anyway. So the argument AGAINST 8/8.1 because of the ugly start-screen doesn't count (anymore) for me.

The only indication I am on a new OS now is...the tiny window symbol instead of the start-menu button, the "flatter" looking windows (because aero is gone). Otherwise it's pretty much indistinguishable from Win7, also from the handling. I STILL start my "apps" from the desktop or start-menu as I always did. All the anti-arguments for 8.1 are not valid any more for me.

 

[HeXen]

I had to look several minutes today to even KNOW how to get back to the start screen . I don't ever see it, neither at boot nor ever, UNLESS I try to deliberately get to it by moving to the side of the screen and then click on the icon. It's also not helpful whatsoever, the apps I want/need are on my desktop or startmenu (classic shell). too much useless crap on the "start screen" (weather? maps? calendar? news?) and a random collection of my appLICATIONS. WTF would I even need this? I don't and now with 8.1 I don't have a problem with it since I never see it anyway. So the argument AGAINST 8/8.1 because of the ugly start-screen doesn't count (anymore) for me.

But you had to set it up that way. Linux fondlers have similar arguments in OS debates but here it's much less involved of course. Some people really have no mindset to set up an OS, they just turn it on and install the most commercial of things like Itunes and go with it.
My wife is a perfect example but I suspect her beef will be the logon screen but would never bother to educate herself on how to disable it.

 

[flexy]

Hexen,

no question you're correct!

Had I done a fresh install (or had I used 8 instead of 8.1) or had I not known about 3rd party tools like classic shell..it would be a different story. Very well aware that for others it may well be a problem.

 

[MTDEW]

I know it may sound kinda stupid, but since 8.1 allowed the desktop wallpaper to be used on the start screen, it now seems less jarring switching to it from the desktop.
Now my apps seem to just pop-up instead of seemingly taking me to an entirely different screen.
I know its just visual, but it really makes the two interfaces seem to blend better in my mind...LOL

Only thing I HATE ,that I cannot figure out is, how to decide what gets added to my APP screen....I don't need readme files and crap on my app screen!
example: I install Winrar and it adds the manual and help to the APP screen also, which clutters it up more than needed.......It would be a lot nicer and cleaner if those were added as right click options when choosing the winrar app instead.

The way it is now, the APP screens gets un-necessarily cluttered very quickly with un-needed icons which are not actual apps.
No wonder everyone prefers start menu replacements...they are more organized.

Also, I believe it was Maximum Pc mag where I read a rumor that an "insider" unofficially mentioned that Microsoft will bring back the old Aero interface, just not as we know it.
LINK
So those that hate the flat windows and colors may have some hope.

 

[HeXen]

I know it may sound kinda stupid, but since 8.1 allowed the desktop wallpaper to be used on the start screen, it now seems less jarring switching to it from the desktop.
Now my apps seem to just pop-up instead of seemingly taking me to an entirely different screen.
I know its just visual, but it really makes the two interfaces seem to blend better in my mind...LOL

Only thing I HATE ,that I cannot figure out is, how to decide what gets added to my APP screen....I don't need readme files and crap on my app screen!
example: I install Winrar and it adds the manual and help to the APP screen also, which clutters it up more than needed.......It would be a lot nicer and cleaner if those were added as right click options when choosing the winrar app instead.

The way it is now, the APP screens gets un-necessarily cluttered very quickly with un-needed icons which are not actual apps.
No wonder everyone prefers start menu replacements...they are more organized.

Also, I believe it was Maximum Pc mag where I read a rumor that an "insider" unofficially mentioned that Microsoft will bring back the old Aero interface, just not as we know it.
LINK
So those that hate the flat windows and colors may have some hope.

I think it's up to the devs. They have always been allowed to do willy nilly whatever they please. Some apps I install don't even put anything in my start menu, I have to manually add it. I suppose help files and such may be needed by new users to the app, especially if it's complicated.

I just hate apps that throw folders and files all over the hard drive...like Origin, it's in program data, program files, the hidden user appdata folder...it throws files all over the freaking place. wtf? Just put it all under one folder, lots of devs do that with far more complicated apps than Origin.

 

[bbhaag]

Snip...

Only thing I HATE ,that I cannot figure out is, how to decide what gets added to my APP screen....I don't need readme files and crap on my app screen!
example: I install Winrar and it adds the manual and help to the APP screen also, which clutters it up more than needed.......It would be a lot nicer and cleaner if those were added as right click options when choosing the winrar app instead.

The way it is now, the APP screens gets un-necessarily cluttered very quickly with un-needed icons which are not actual apps.
No wonder everyone prefers start menu replacements...they are more organized.

I usually highlight the unnecessary icons and then select show in folder. Then I manually delete the unnecessary shortcuts. Most of the time it's utter crap that you won't use anyway so why have it clutter up the app screen.

I love the app screen though. I set up Win8.1 to go directly to that instead of Metro when I click start or hit the win key. It's so much easier to navigate and use imo.

 

[MTDEW]

I usually highlight the unnecessary icons and then select show in folder. Then I manually delete the unnecessary shortcuts. Most of the time it's utter crap that you won't use anyway so why have it clutter up the app screen.

I love the app screen though. I set up Win8.1 to go directly to that instead of Metro when I click start or hit the win key. It's so much easier to navigate and use imo.

Ok, that helps....got it cleaned up...Thanks.

Now I want the option to right click a program and select "pin to app menu"... instead of only being able to pin to taskbar or start.
That way I can choose "don't create a start menu folder" when installing an app and the just pin the apps exe to the app screen myself and avoid all that.

And I want the ability to adjust the icon background colors so I can do stuff like make all music associated apps blue, all video related apps red, all system apps orange , etc...etc..
I guess I want a lot don't I? :\

For now I'll mostly just stick with my custom quick launch toolbar for my most important , most used apps. like I did in Win7 anyway.

 

[glugglug]

For now I'll mostly just stick with my custom quick launch toolbar for my most important , most used apps. like I did in Win7 anyway.

By quick-launch toolbar do you really mean quick launch or do you mean pinned applications?

When I first started using 7 I was upset about the loss of quick launch (until I found it is really effectively still there, just not on the task bar right click menu). Then I figured out pinning applications, but there was one important drawback: With quick launch, your icons have a constant location on the screen, so it works nicely with spatial memory. With pinned apps and the default horizontal taskbar, the icons move when you launch applications, especially if you like to have the labels shown.

My solution to this is to have a vertical taskbar, docked to the left side of the screen. This way pinned apps have a constant position on the taskbar, even when they are running (and with the labels always shown it is very obvious what is currently running).

 

[MTDEW]

By quick-launch toolbar do you really mean quick launch or do you mean pinned applications?

When I first started using 7 I was upset about the loss of quick launch (until I found it is really effectively still there, just not on the task bar right click menu). Then I figured out pinning applications, but there was one important drawback: With quick launch, your icons have a constant location on the screen, so it works nicely with spatial memory. With pinned apps and the default horizontal taskbar, the icons move when you launch applications, especially if you like to have the labels shown.

My solution to this is to have a vertical taskbar, docked to the left side of the screen. This way pinned apps have a constant position on the taskbar, even when they are running (and with the labels always shown it is very obvious what is currently running).

I mean an actual quick launch toobar.
This works on both Win7 and Win8/8.1.

1. Right click on a empty space on the taskbar, then select Toolbars - New Toobar...and a window will open.


2. In the Folder line box, type or copy the location below.
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
And click Select Folder.

Now that you have the quick-launch toolbar back.
To decide if you want the text or title displayed by the quick launch icons, just unlock the taskbar, then right click on the quick launch divider that appears and select/un-select what you want to be displayed....I use just the icons with no text at all selected.

EDIT: I still pin stuff to the taskbar too, but I prefer the quick launch toolbar more, so I'll keep adding it as long as MS lets me.

 

[Berryracer]

Only thing I HATE ,that I cannot figure out is, how to decide what gets added to my APP screen....I don't need readme files and crap on my app screen!

Very easy and I never have to deal with this issue anymore

Everytime you uninstall an app and it adds a bunch of useless links to your Metro Start, just right click on each icon then from the bottom choose unpin from Start MEnu and only keep the apps you want after you organize them

If you are like me an use an MS account to sign in, then even if you format those icons you unhid will never reappear

 

[techtechie]

i absolutely love my 8.1 the problem is the concept of judging a book by its cover and that simply is the case with windows 8/8.1