[Stockholm]

Here are two guides for anyone who hasn't installed a OS on a Virtual Machine before. The other guide from Hexus is for installing Windows 8 from a USB flash drive.

Configuring a Windows 8 Virtual Machine - TechSpot Guides

How to install Windows 8 from a USB drive - Software - Tech Explained - HEXUS.net

[TheNameIsJambo]

Originally Posted by Tall_Paul

Take a wild guess and say you work in banking/finance/financial services, that sort of area?

Closest yet - We're a PLC.. But we don't trade in shares! Which.. Doesn't make us a PLC, I believe.

Windows 8 free for a year doesn't sound too bad

[Grangey.]

i tired the beta a few weeks back and HATED it, i removed it after 45 minutes.

I think this is just another vista and its a pointless upgrade unless you have a touchscreen imo

[TheNameIsJambo]

Originally Posted by Grangey.

i tired the beta a few weeks back and HATED it, i removed it after 45 minutes.

I think this is just another vista and its a pointless upgrade unless you have a touchscreen imo

My mate said it was brutal to try and find programs. He said you just had to scroll screens and screens of icons to find anything... So the interface is counter-intuitive for a 'standard' user (like us, who use KB&M), but it will probably be easier for 'multimedia' users who use those noobified touch-screen units.

I want to install it, just to see what it's like. Plus, I love playing around with VMs.

Otherwise, I'll stick to W7. I know where my bread is buttered!

[wolvers]

There's a lot more to it than just UI changes. There's a good list here;

Windows 8 Features

[Grangey.]

Originally Posted by TheNameIsJambo

My mate said it was brutal to try and find programs. He said you just had to scroll screens and screens of icons to find anything... So the interface is counter-intuitive for a 'standard' user (like us, who use KB&M), but it will probably be easier for 'multimedia' users who use those noobified touch-screen units.

I want to install it, just to see what it's like. Plus, I love playing around with VMs.

Otherwise, I'll stick to W7. I know where my bread is buttered!

yeah but its more than just that like the fact you dont even have a start menu any more it made everything aweful.

I didnt like the way IE10 worked but again saw how it would for touch screen, and everything just seemed god aweful.

As for boot times I cant see ive noticed anything quicker about it, just everything seemed so much harder to do even down to have two modes for IE10!.

For me, windows seems to release a good version every 2nd efford, 98 Good, 2000 Bad, XP Good, Vista bad, 7 Good, 8.....

Honestly there was nothing at all about it that attracted me to it, and yeah im sure theres probably a small psycological part of me rejecting it for being "new" but it just didnt work for me as a normal kb&m.

It can keep Metro, il stick with xbmc and good old windows 7 until someone can REALLY convince me I need to go to 8, i personally think id run in to more problems using it that solutions.

Plus you can get themes for windows 7 that look like 8 anyway so if its just looks then you could do that lol

Install Windows 8 Theme on Windows 7 - YouTube

[Kwman]

Originally Posted by wolvers

There's a lot more to it than just UI changes. There's a good list here;

Windows 8 Features

After reading that, i'm looking forward to Win8

[Marc]

can someone who's got it, upload the new task manager exe somewhere please? I wonder if it'll work on Windows 7..

[TheNameIsJambo]

Why are they designing an operating system, for a PC, that is designed for touch-screens? I'm assuming you can switch between, but I've heard they've abolished the Start Menu - Which has been a staple of the Windows OS!

Will they separate the Windows OS into two, down the line? One for 'standard' desktops and one for 'touchscreen' - I'd rather not have the extra software overheads of hosting 2 graphical styles; one of which, I would never use!

If I was a complete technophobe, I'd be all over touch screens.. But I'm not.. And I prefer using a KB&M. I hate using a touchscreen on my phone, mainly for texting - Also, some games work with a touch screen and some really don't.

If the W8 interface isn't geared towards a 'classic' style of interaction, I think I'll wait until Windows 9 before adapting anything new - Unless they give us a Windows 7 style interface for Windows 8.

Heh, and I have been known to skip operating systems! I didn't even get Windows Vista! Any experience I've had with that has been on other people's computers.

EDIT:
Is it just me, or are they making these operating systems more and more 'beginner' friendly? I don't like it when they hide the 'Advanced' options, and tone down the Control Panel.. The UAC thing drove me bonkers, the 'streamline' Start Menu drove me bonkers - Maybe I'm hard to please, or maybe I like the bright colours of DOS.

I prefer the 'Classic' Windows 95/98/2K/XP style of Start Menu, Desktop and Explorer, with the graphical flair of Windows 7.

Everything they do makes it more inconvenient for us to go around doing tasks, that don't involve online shopping or watching videos.

EDIT2:
The new features look sweet though, hard-coded ISO support and hard-linked files (Finally!! No more copying of files, everywhere!).

Windows is definitely taking a step in the right direction - In regards to their features.. But the GUI needs to be brought back to Earth.

[Tall_Paul]

Originally Posted by TheNameIsJambo

Why are they designing an operating system, for a PC, that is designed for touch-screens? I'm assuming you can switch between, but I've heard they've abolished the Start Menu - Which has been a staple of the Windows OS!

If I was a complete technophobe, I'd be all over touch screens.. But I'm not.. And I prefer using a KB&M. I hate using a touchscreen on my phone, mainly for texting - Also, some games work with a touch screen and some really don't.

If the W8 interface isn't geared towards a 'classic' style of interaction, I think I'll wait until Windows 9 before adapting anything new - Unless they give us a Windows 7 style interface for Windows 8.

Heh, I didn't even get Windows Vista! Any experience I've had with that has been on other people's computers.

EDIT:
Is it just me, or are they making these operating systems more and more 'beginner' friendly?

The UAC thing drove me bonkers, the 'streamline' Start Menu drove me bonkers - Maybe I'm hard to please, or maybe I like the bright colours of DOS.

I prefer the 'Classic' Windows 95/98/2K/XP style of Start Menu, Desktop and Explorer, with the graphical flair of Windows 7.

I don't like it when they hide the 'Advanced' options, and tone down the Control Panel..

Everything they do makes it more inconvenient for us to go around doing tasks, that don't involve online shopping or watching videos.

Windows 8 will be running on PC's as well as tablets, slates etc so the main thing is it means they don't have to design a new OS for tablets (like IOS and OSx for apple), one OS covers all devices. W8 is obviously geared towards "normal" users, who aren't interested in advanced options, and for these normal users it is a lot more user friendly.

Also its much more suited to HTPC's connected to a big tv.

MS are just developing for the future, touchscreens, the kids now who will be the main users in 2/3/4 years time etc etc.

Windows 9 will probably do away with the traditional desktop altogether

I actually quite like it, tbh I use the start menu about 1% of the time anyway, so it's not much difference.

[KhalJimbo]

Its the Drive Pool that had me hooked from the beginning! It sucked piles when they removed it from WHS2011.

[Stockholm]

Surely MS will release a UI that is better suited to traditional users of Windows operating systems. It would be an unnecessary oversight to remove functionality that people rely on to use their OS efficiently. I understand the need for progress, but when people are complaining about the interface before it has even been released then surely Microsoft will attempt to rectify that before its launch.

I'll be sticking with Windows 7 if they disallow the implementation of a user interface we've become accustomed to. That assumes, of course, that the UI released with the Gold Edition of the OS is unsuitable for people using a keyboard and mouse to navigate on their desktop.

Edit - Can someone tell me what happens when you click My Computer or Computer on the desktop. Does it show you a list or icons of the folders available on your storage media? Is it easy to access folders like Program Files (x86)?

[TheNameIsJambo]

Originally Posted by Tall_Paul

Windows 8 will be running on PC's as well as tablets, slates etc so the main thing is it means they don't have to design a new OS for tablets (like IOS and OSx for apple), one OS covers all devices. W8 is obviously geared towards "normal" users, who aren't interested in advanced options, and for these normal users it is a lot more user friendly.

Apple gots it right.

Also its much more suited to HTPC's connected to a big tv.

I have a 23" and a 22" monitor, not a TV or projector.

MS are just developing for the future, touchscreens, the kids now who will be the main users in 2/3/4 years time etc etc.

I couldn't imagine anything worse than a touch screen computer.

Windows 9 will probably do away with the traditional desktop altogether

Is when I'll migrate to Linux, permanently.

I actually quite like it, tbh I use the start menu about 1% of the time anyway, so it's not much difference.

My desktop is like my house at Christmas - bare. I access all of my programs through the Start Menu....

It looks like the GUI designers for Windows 8 have done everything in their power to make me not want to use it....

[Apsilon]

I've installed it on a VM and am just finding my way around. First thoughts are it's not bad. Some nice touches and some shockers but I think given time I'll get used to it. I'll have to too.

The interface is "okay". Very geared towards touchpads but is very responsive with a mouse. Tbh, the layout is fine and it's only because I am so used to a Start button that I'm still finding things awkward. It's hard to break from routine.

[Marc]

i can see both sides of the "metro" menu argument. On one side, having it take up the whole screen could be a good idea because it's not like you're accessing anything else while in the menu, and the current menu has an annoying habit of closing or going into wrong submenus if you're not accurate enough with the mouse, and it can be pretty small on a high resolution.

On the other hand, having it take up the entire screen and then wasting it by having massive widgets and advertisements and needing to click 10 times to find what you want seems stupid to me.


I would be happy if you opened it and it had a Programs, System Tools, Games button etc, and if you clicked the games button, it had each game you have installed as icons in the menu, perhaps with some info about your current level in the game, percentage complete etc.

[Grangey.]

Originally Posted by Marc

I would be happy if you opened it and it had a Programs, System Tools, Games button etc, and if you clicked the games button, it had each game you have installed as icons in the menu, perhaps with some info about your current level in the game, percentage complete etc.

soooo almost...

etc

[TheNameIsJambo]

XBMC > W8 Metro.

http://xbmc.org/skins/

I don't run a media centre, so XBMC isn't a necessity for me. But, being fair, that is where Metro has to be - in terms of looks, usability and 'sexiness'.

For someone in my position, Microsoft need to pull Metro's socks up, to make someone like me use it as my main GUI for a HTPC!

[Marc]

lol, yeah like that, only tiles not menus. I have thought about installing xbmc before but i want something that just pops up when i need it, not takes over the system..

[wolvers]

Originally Posted by Tall_Paul

Windows 8 will be running on PC's as well as tablets, slates etc so the main thing is it means they don't have to design a new OS for tablets (like IOS and OSx for apple), one OS covers all devices. W8 is obviously geared towards "normal" users, who aren't interested in advanced options, and for these normal users it is a lot more user friendly.

There's two versions of Win8. One for PC's (ie x86) and one for ARM based devices (ie phones, tabs etc).

[Grangey.]

Originally Posted by Marc

lol, yeah like that, only tiles not menus. I have thought about installing xbmc before but i want something that just pops up when i need it, not takes over the system..

Yeah I know what you mean, but actually its funny because although I dont have windows booting directly into XBMC, once Im in XBMC I really dont have any need to be out of it- I can launch my games from it, backup my movies, launch applications like spotify etc... so I can see the reason Microsoft went down this route, the problem is though it sucks and theyve focused waaaay too much on saving money and making it the same as all their touchscreen devices- and therefore optomising it for touch screen. A XBMC style complete operating system with would have a far more integrated way of installing programs etc (such as games) would be the way forward for me, but Metro isnt that at all, its just a wierd looking shortcut front end.

[Stockholm]

I watched a video of the lead developer showing off the explorer ribbon, which is similar the what you see at the top of MS Office products, and he had a normal take bar and windows button at the bottom left. Release it like that Microsoft!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zauNrG2k6o

Just keep it nice and simple, MS, please!

Edit - I like the idea of a ribbon being available at the top of windows in explorer.

[WildeKarde]

Having read the stuff here it sounds ok but then I use a windows phone that I find great to use.

They said you can go to a normal desktop via the windows key so is that not in this preview? Everyone seems to be about the metro side of it.

[shuzzbutt]

i would have loved to try this as I did enjoy my wp7 when I had it- sadly I'm going to be selling all my kit and leaving pc land for a bit

[Sniper Ash6]

Originally Posted by Stockholm

Here are two guides for anyone who hasn't installed a OS on a Virtual Machine before. The other guide from Hexus is for installing Windows 8 from a USB flash drive.

Configuring a Windows 8 Virtual Machine - TechSpot Guides

How to install Windows 8 from a USB drive - Software - Tech Explained - HEXUS.net

The guide honestly isn't needed, the setup with Virtual Box walks you through it all and leaves you in no doubt as to what you are doing or need to do. It's a great bit of software!

Originally Posted by Stockholm

Surely MS will release a UI that is better suited to traditional users of Windows operating systems. It would be an unnecessary oversight to remove functionality that people rely on to use their OS efficiently. I understand the need for progress, but when people are complaining about the interface before it has even been released then surely Microsoft will attempt to rectify that before its launch.

I'll be sticking with Windows 7 if they disallow the implementation of a user interface we've become accustomed to. That assumes, of course, that the UI released with the Gold Edition of the OS is unsuitable for people using a keyboard and mouse to navigate on their desktop.

Edit - Can someone tell me what happens when you click My Computer or Computer on the desktop. Does it show you a list or icons of the folders available on your storage media? Is it easy to access folders like Program Files (x86)?

Screenies:

Originally Posted by Marc

i can see both sides of the "metro" menu argument. On one side, having it take up the whole screen could be a good idea because it's not like you're accessing anything else while in the menu, and the current menu has an annoying habit of closing or going into wrong submenus if you're not accurate enough with the mouse, and it can be pretty small on a high resolution.

On the other hand, having it take up the entire screen and then wasting it by having massive widgets and advertisements and needing to click 10 times to find what you want seems stupid to me.


I would be happy if you opened it and it had a Programs, System Tools, Games button etc, and if you clicked the games button, it had each game you have installed as icons in the menu, perhaps with some info about your current level in the game, percentage complete etc.

Although I really don't like the Metro UI, this is how I prefer it to its standard:

Originally Posted by WildeKarde

Having read the stuff here it sounds ok but then I use a windows phone that I find great to use.

They said you can go to a normal desktop via the windows key so is that not in this preview? Everyone seems to be about the metro side of it.

The Metro UI is the Start menu replacement.

Originally Posted by shuzzbutt

i would have loved to try this as I did enjoy my wp7 when I had it- sadly I'm going to be selling all my kit and leaving pc land for a bit

How come mate?

[drinkturps]

Hmmm, very interesting this. I'm downloading it now although I won't get a chance to play with for a few days. For the record I played with the Win 7 Beta when it came out and got offered a chance to hold a launch party and bagged a free copy of Windows 7 Ultimate in 64bit and 32bit flavours with loads of other windows related goodies junk.

I would have thought that Microsoft will do the same as and when a release date gets closer.

To be topical, with the ARM support does that mean it will run on Raspberry Pi?!

[Stockholm]

Thanks Ash for making that informative post. Now that I've seen your screenshots I'm beginning to warm to Windows 8, and if it improves the performance of games, browsing, streaming and is smoother and more responsive than Windows 7 (which is already very good in that respect) then I'd definitely buy it. I'm sure there will be ways of customising the UI and I like the way you've set it up over some of the configurations I've seen elsewhere.

Edit - One last question re. the Oracle VM: Will installing or running it with Windows 8 reduce the performance of Windows 7 in any way, or does it stop using system resources as soon as you exit it?

I actually did find the guide useful as I've never ran or configured a virtual machine before. It was informative and explained the steps quite well. I'm glad it was available to me.

[Oggie]

When is this meant to be released ?

[TheNameIsJambo]

Originally Posted by Stockholm

Thanks Ash for making that informative post. Now that I've seen your screenshots I'm beginning to warm to Windows 8, and if it improves the performance of games, browsing, streaming and is smoother and more responsive than Windows 7 (which is already very good in that respect) then I'd definitely buy it. I'm sure there will be ways of customising the UI and I like the way you've set it up over some of the configurations I've seen elsewhere.

Edit - One last question re. the Oracle VM: Will installing or running it with Windows 8 reduce the performance of Windows 7 in any way, or does it stop using system resources as soon as you exit it?

I've never used VirtualBox, but I'm downloading it right now, so I'm just about to find out how awesome it is. I've always used VMWare - Free or otherwise.

VMWare usually has some services that reside within Windows, constantly - They don't have heavy footprints, but they're always there, unless you kill them or uninstall VMWare.

I can't see any of that with VirtualBox!

[CrucialM500]

I do not like this Metro UI and certainly can't find myself installing on any of my machines.

Ran the developer version originally and first thought the UI must be tablet specific, now the consumer version is out I just hate it.

I'll keep it running through VMware and see if I warm to it, can't see it though.

[Stockholm]

Thanks Jambo. I'm hoping for some confirmation that it doesn't use system resources when not in use. If it doesn't then I'm looking forward to trying out Win8.

Here are some keyboard shortcuts to try out...

Win key brings up the start(metro) view
Win+X will bring up a quick launch style window in place of the traditional start bar.
Win+A brings up the apps (aka - start) quickly.
Win+E brings up explorer (like before)
Win+R brings up run
Win+T brings up the tabs for the current running process
Win+I brings up the settings pane (right side)
Win+P brings up projector settings
Win+D brings up desktop
Win+F brings up files/search
Win+H brings up Share
Win+K brings up devices
Win+L locks the box
Win+M minimizes all windows (dektop)
Win+TAB brings up the sidebar view of all running apps (cycle through)
Win+# brings up the process running in that space (same as 7)
Win+W brings up settings
Win+C brings up the quick sidebar (the name escapes me at the moment)
Ctrl+shift+esc brings up the new Task Manager
Alt+tab cycles through apps horz.

These came from an employee of MS who posted on another forum.

Edit - He also mentions that the Metro UI hasn't really been designed to be used with a mouse and that using keyboard shortcuts is faster and the system is more responsive to them. I have no problems personally with keyboard shortcuts, but a lot of people don't use them because they forget the specific commands for different functions and tasks. Perhaps it would be better for MS to have a menu that lists all of the keyboard shortcuts via an easy click of your mouse.