I’ve got a Windows 8 computer. I loaded Classic Shell and did some research on the internet to find out how to automatically log on without typing in my password every time I start my home computer. Windows 8, with modifications, is bearable.
So...why should I need to do that crap? Windows 7 already works fine for me, without modifications. In what sense did MS not take a good interface and make it worse?
As for slow ass Windows 7: many of us don’t do games. For surfing the Internet, typing reports or reviewing documents, 7 is more than fast enough.
Would it really have been that hard for MS to figure out than a lot of folks were HAPPY with XP & 7, and to at least give them a choice on initial startup on which interface they wanted? They could even have a section in the start menu - and getting rid of that was REALLY stupid - that allowed those who wanted no start button to choose THAT as an option.
You don't. Learn the interface. That's your alternative.
Windows 7 already works fine for me, without modifications.
Then keep using it, no one's stopping you or forcing you to change.
In what sense did MS not take a good interface and make it worse?
No one's arguing that point.
As for slow ass Windows 7: many of us don’t do games. For surfing the Internet, typing reports or reviewing documents, 7 is more than fast enough.
Then keep using it, no one's forcing you to change, Windows 7 is still fully supported by MS. I simply pointed out that Windows 8 is MUCH faster and MUCH more efficient in its use of resources than Windows 7. I've benchmarked both, as have other online reputable websites which have confirmed my own findings. For me and how I use my computer, that speed and efficient use of resources is important. Not just for gaming, also for Virtualization, home automation, and some of the amateur radio programs I run to control my equipment as well as other tasks I use my computer for.
Unlike others on here who've never looked at it or tried Windows 8 for themselves who sit on here and whine all day that their FIFTEEN YEAR OLD OS is going unsupported, the rest of the world has moved on to Windows 7 or Windows 8. (Some have moved on to Ubuntu or Linux Mint too, fine OS' in their own right which I also use.) Every time I read about someone complaining about Windows 8's UI as being the reason they won't upgrade I have to laugh. They're either woefully ignorant of the options that are out there to either modify Windows 8 quickly and easily to make it look like Windows 7 or even XP! or they're simply unwilling to change under any circumstance.
Windows XP has become the Model-T of Operating Systems. It's fifteen years old (or older, for those of us that ran the Beta..) and requires constant patching because of its security holes. How long must Microsoft keep patching a 15 year old OS? That's like forcing Ford, GM, etc.. to warranty their drive trains for 15 years and perform all repairs free of charge. Simply ridiculous.
Would it really have been that hard for MS to figure out than a lot of folks were HAPPY with XP & 7, and to at least give them a choice on initial startup on which interface they wanted? They could even have a section in the start menu - and getting rid of that was REALLY stupid - that allowed those who wanted no start button to choose THAT as an option.
Not a point I think alot of folks are arguing. I was among the first on FR to post about MS making a huge mistake mixing and matching UI metaphors and eliminating the Start Button from the Desktop. Microsoft however thinks "One interface across all devices" is a key to their ongoing success. Personally I think that's a stupid direction -- trying to make a desktop look/act like a tablet. If I'm on my desktop I'm doing WORK. I don't want to take my hands off my keyboard to touch a computer screen to perform an action. That's just silly, and it makes a mess of my computer screen.
Alternatively, if I'm on my tablet (iOS, Droid or MS) I want the interface to be touch centric without having to use an onscreen or separate/bluetooth keyboard as input. Since NONE of the tablets (iOS, Droid or MS) eliminate the need to type input (try sending email on one without using the onscreen keyboard....) my tablets are limited to consuming content or doing workflow based approvals for my job. Fine for viewing and pressing an "approve" button, not fine for composing emails beyond a sentence or two, tops.
In closing, I think there's a reason Apple kept its desktop and tablet OS' separate - they knew the limitations of the two different OS' and the use cases for both. Microsoft clearly hasn't learned that lesson.
I suspect they'll figure it out in Windows 9.
One last comment specific to the above: I know a fair number of folks who moved to Ubuntu or Linux Mint (more "Mint" than Ubuntu because of the similarity to the XP interface.)
They installed Linux Mint along with Libre Office and are able to easily work and communicate with others who use the MS Office Suite and MS Office document formats.
Linux Mint installs easily, I'd say easier than Windows XP. It's quite fast, efficient in resources and a good FREE alternative to Windows XP.
My mother and father in law had Windows XP on their computer. I changed them over to Linux Mint and installed Remote Desktop on it so I could support them as they live 350 miles away.
I've not had a single complaint or question from them since moving them to Linux Mint. They're both in their mid 70's. I spent less than 30 minutes when they were here showing them how to start up, shut down and do the basic tasks like you've outlined above. They took to it quite easily and again, not a single complaint or question since.
I figure if my mid 70 year old in-laws can do it, ANYONE can. Keep in mind, their first experience with computers was when they moved away some 15 years ago in their early 60's.
IMO there's just no excuse for people to get on here and whine about a fifteen year old OS finally being sunset and having to change - even just a little. I point to my in-laws as to why there's no excuse. If they can do it ... and they did quite easily ... anyone can.