Windows 8 or 8.1 - How do you like it?

[GeoGeo]

I guess I will have to get Windows 8.1 because they are going to stop supporting my version of Windows. Anyone out there have Windows 8 or 8.1 and care to comment on what you think of it. I hear it is totally different. I will be using it on my desktop.

[njbchbum]

Have windows 8 on a laptop purchased a year ago. Was intimidated at first but quickly learned that once the tiles appear to just click on the desktop tile and voila! all was well.

May I suggest that you do an internet search on windows 8 for dummies and you will find all sorts of sites to get you familiar with the OS before you have to jump into the pool!

You can always get a tutorial book @ Barnes & Noble if you prefer reading books!

[getdul981]

My wife's new laptop has Win 8.1 on it. Mine has Win 7. I prefer mine, and she is struggling with hers. If you have another computer with Win 7 or XP, you can watch tutorials from Microsoft on it and follow them using the new one. You can pause the tutorials as you try the techniques on the new one.

It's like everything else. Nobody likes change, but in time you will get used to it.

[doccrocker]

Win 8.1 is greatly preferable to Win 8.0. MS has made it better. I also prefer Win 7 because it's really more desktop (read keyboard) suitable. If the laptop has a touch screen, you can use it effectively/ Just a new learning curve.

[wendyquat]

I hated it so much I went out and got an iPad! There are still some things I have to do on my laptop and I dread turning it on!

[JourneyOfLife]

I haven't used it yet. Still using Win 7.

Each major release of windows has evolved the interface... sometime more, sometimes less.

I am not concerned about adapting to it.

[JP]

I needed new computers at my office and my tech guy said to buy Windows 7. We have had really no problems with it and I think it is easy to use.

I would suggest getting a windows 7 machine on line like thru Dell or HP.

At home I use Apple. I just got a Macbook air with retina display that is amazing.

[Villager Audio Video]

I'm a new 8.1 Windows user and like everyone else had no idea how to navigate the operating system.

Then I found Classic Shell. It's a program that replicates old school Windows. It has a start button just like Windows 7. If you like the classic Windows layout or Vista, it can do that too.

Http://Classicshell.net

Simple download and now I'm back in action. Best thing you can do for your 8 or 8.1 machine

[Carla B]

My new computer is touchscreen, Windows 8.1 version . Haven't learned to deal with the touchscreen yet, but there is a "Desktop" tile that leads to a normal Windows 7 screen. No problem at all using that.

[justjim]

Still have old windows but now use my I-Pad or I-phone for almost everything. "They" make life complicated for us mature adults, yes!

[BobnBev]

I have a new Dell laptop with 8.1....I love it....very easy to use.

[2BNTV]

look at the rec news on Thursday as I beleive the Villages Computer Club will meet this Friday, 3/21 at 1 PM, at the Hacienda Rec center.

Most of the presentations are Win 8 or 8.1, (they have said that 8.1, is much better). You can get there early as they allow questions. Usually, two hours long, as the question session starts after the presentation.

It's worthwhile in my opinion. They solved a couple of computer problems for me. :smiley:

Thay also have the website The Villages Computer Club (http://www.thevillagescomputerclub.com) where they post presentations, they have given.

I hope this helps you.

[Lauren Sweeny]

I have windows 8 , I like it. For me it seems easier, I compare it to baking, instead of gathering all the ingredients, you just open a box. The 8 seems to let you skip steps to get you right where you need to be. I took classes at the LearningCollege with Seibert. They go slow and she has a helper who comes over to you if you don' t get it. If you ever cruise on a Holland American ship, microsoft has free classes daily on board all their ships. I took 9 classes that way.

[Gunner46]

I have Windows 8 and upgraded to Windows 8.1. My wireless mouse stopped working, so I had to get a new one just for Windows 8. I went back to Windows 8. Don't like 8.1

[youngretiree]

Be very afraid.

[Computer Corner]

Most of our staff still prefers 7. If you do go with 8, definitely go with 8.1. You can download third party software to make it look more like the older versions of windows, but its kinda silly to get a new computer and have to download software to make it look like an older version. My advise is to get your hands on a windows 8.1 and test it before making a decision. If you can grasp it, go for the 8.1. Otherwise, it would be better to stick with 7. Remember, it's better to buy something you love, rather that be stuck with something that is new and annoys the dickens out of ya!

[grannymaggie]

When we moved to The Villages we needed to get a new computer so we bought one at Sam's, an HP with Windows 8. I kept it for about two days and hated it more each time I used it. Windows 8 is not a minor change. It is DRASTICALLY different from Windows 7. I am no novice with computers, I was a computer trainer for many years. I took back the computer with Windows 8 and went on Amazon.com and got a fantastic HP computer with Windows 7 and could not be happier. That would be my suggestion. Hope that helps.

[Cathy H]

Just bought dell w/win 8, & could not X-fer several programs from my old laptop to the new one, & it has too many apps provided that you must clean out to avoid the screen clutter.

[Villager Audio Video]

Http://classicshell.net makes 8 and 8.1 look and feel just like Windows 7

[Indydealmaker]

My new laptop came with 8.0. Big changes, but you can work your way through. As already pointed out, you can use "classic shell" and you will likely never notice a difference from windows 7.

I did the upgrade to 8.1 and within two hours of use my laptop locked up and would not do a complete reboot. After a safe mode boot, I uninstalled 8.1 and went back to 8.0. No problems now for the last three weeks.

For the most part you will not see any reason to go to 8.0 or 8.1 unless you have a touch screen. You can still buy 7 everywhere. You can even buy new a new pc with 7 if you like.