General Chat

You might like to look here:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/03/21/scaling-to-different-screens.aspx
which gives an idea as to where the Windows8 development team think screen sizes are going and consider that compared to your own IT kit.

I quite liked Windows 7. I cannot see any point at all in running a user interface (Metro) meant for smart phones and tablets on a laptop or desktop. Mad. Everybody I know who is using Win8 on a desktop/laptop are running it as a Win7 clone and ignoring the Metro apps etc.

I mostly use linux so don't have to worry overmuch about MS upgrades.
My OH uses Apple as she likes things to just work.

In business Microsoft still have to somehow overcome stubborn resistance to using Windows 8 - there are still a lot of people in biz and UKGov on XP, even IE6.
The main problem is not the kit and license fee but the massive costs of training, altering network configs and updating custom software.

I posted about this a while back pointing out that in February XP users could buy a Win8 Pro license for £ 25. I don't suppose many bothered. I wonder how many took the chance to get a cheap new WIndows7 box while they were still around.

Thank you Sue,

I'll just switch it off, and see what happens tomorrow - thanks again.

Tec

Tecwyn - shouldn't take that long. Sometimes there is a conflict with something going on internally like backup or virus checker which slows down other things.

Can actually cause the system to freeze.
It is so annoying.

You may just have to turn it off, let it rest and reboot.

Windows 8. So very different from previous versions.
Not as easy as they make out - takes a bit of getting use to

Bought a new laptop for my friend. Set him up with a gmail email account.
Showed him how to plug the laptop into the TV so he can watch YouTube videos on big screen.
Installed Skype free version.

Took me ages to tweak it so it was nearer to what he knew.

Never in my wildest dreams thought he would understand all my notes on how to do what.

Must have been practising for hours because slowly by surely he got it.
Now he can Skype me everyday, what he says it saves him money.
Can also check his own lottery.

Just a query,

When turning off my new laptop today, the message came up "Do not turn off your machine as installing updates 2 of 12"

This was three hours ago, and nothing has changed so far, is this normal?
It's still showing 2 of 12, and the little circle is still spinning.

Never known updates to take so long before.
Would appreciate advice - thanks

Tec :-)

I was told that W8 is targetted at businesses

I agree, Microsoft shot themselves in the foot, they have forgotten (or don't care) about home users.

:-(

The Microsoft guy who was in charge of developing W8 has recently retired/resigned. Funny about that :-D

Errol

Thanks I was thinking of going for Windows 8 and will look out for the extended warranties.
I hate buying anything I don't know about so I will read all I can on Windows 8.


Elizabeth

That is certainly what I need a "Windows 8 for Dummies" book..

Thanks all.
Sue <3 <3 <3

I haven't checked but I am sure by now there is a "Windows 8 for Dummies" book out. I have found the "for Dummies" books very helpful, started self-teaching with "Word 2000"! "Windows 7" starts off very understandingly with some chapters called "Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know"

Don't be fooled by extended warranties.
Under EC legislation you actually have far more (free) protection than you think.
I would be inclined, in your position, to go for a new laptop with Windows 8 and then customise it accordingly.

Yes it's extended warranty.

Yes looking for a full size lappy.


Well you irritate some people but surely not when you giving good advise about PC's.



Terryj..
I have looked at PC World and found quite a few but needed Errol and Rollo's advise forst.

Thanks
Sue

look on pc world refurbished page lots of won 7 on there
i use windows 8 and soon got used to it easy to switch to desktop view if you prefer to work that way

When you say insurance do you mean extended warranty?

As for your kind words, I think I often irritate a lot of people lol

Will you be looking for a full size laptop?

Errol.

I can find Windows 7 laptops but the cheapest is £600 to £1,500 and then on top of that is insurance.

Sue

Errol They are true as a lot of people will verify.

Sue thank you for your kind words.

I ended up having to buy a new laptop, and thus got landed with Windows 8.

I'm a complete technoplonker and absolutely hate change, but so far am not finding Windows 8 problematic.

I had Windows Vista before.

I do admit to ignoring that fancy start screen /metro interface, and heading straight for the good old fashioned desktop set up I'm used to ( you just click on the desktop tile on the start up page).

I just pin the the things I use most, google chrome, IE10, skype, word, file explorer etc to the task bar for easy access.

If I do get stuck, I hit the windows key which takes me back to the Start up page, I click on the desk top tile, and I'm back in business again.

I think what I'm trying to say is that I was totally panicked because everyone kept saying windows 8 is so different, but I was able to get going with it straight away, and although I did buy an idiot's guide to it, have scarcely needed to consult it.

So if a numbskull like me can use it, I imagine just about anyone can.

As for switching it off, control, alt and delete still works, you just have to click on the power button(bottom right hand corner of the page that comes up, to find the shut down option). Or you use the charm bar, but that's too novel for me, so I don't bother with it at the moment.

Have not had any trouble with email access (googlemail for work, but I check it from home, and hotmail for my personal use)

Rollo and Errol.

Thanks for the advise about waituing until summer as I am just having a good look and need to understand all the workings before I buy.

Errol Your always Helpful where advice is needed.

Thanks

Sue <3 <3

Rollo do you think, like me, that Microsoft shot themselves in the foot somewhat?
Very out of touch with a large number of their users.

If you can, wait until the summer.

Microsoft are releasing " WIndows 8.1" aka Blue - a free public beta release is due soon.

8.1 will have
(a) some kind of start button
(b) the ability to start in trad desktop mode
(c) the option to use "apps" as and when you wish.
Otherwise there are third part programs which will do the same thing.

Win8 can be great on a mobile or tablet or (very expensive) surface table but is a flop on desktop machines and laptops (unless they have touch sensitive screens).

Hence the changes.

You may find it a little tricky to buy a system with Windows 7 now - they can be found but you really have to track them down