[zcaveman]

If I was to buy a new PC with Windows 8.1, how much of a learning curve is there?

My wife's laptop died (motherboard fried) and instead of paying $400 for a new MB I was thinking about a new laptop. BUT most of them come with W8 or W8.1. From my reading I understand that W8.1 is close to W7.

I do not want to put my wife through a learning curve if the basics - Windows Explorer, Internet Explorer and Office 10 function as before.

Any insight?

Z

[happy employee]

Either version of Windows can be configured to boot into the desktop instead of what passes for a start screen now. Windows is doing all it can to alienate their customer base.

[njbchbum]

I managed to do it without much ado, tears or gnashing of teeth! Check out this website Windows 8.1 For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet - For Dummies before purchasing the new laptop.

I also went to B&N and bought the soft cover windows8 for senirs for dummies to keep next to me when on the 'puter; and I read it/scanned it when I felt like reading.

Check to see if any of the villages computer groups are still offering info sessions on windows8, too.

[alanmcdonald]

To make Windows 8.1 act like windows 7, download the free program "Classic Shell". You can then boot to the desktop just like old times.

[fndrbndr]

Originally Posted by alanmcdonald

To make Windows 8.1 act like windows 7, download the free program "Classic Shell". You can then boot to the desktop just like old times.

I did just that and it works fine!

[janmcn]

Dell will substitute Windows 7 for Windows 8 on a desk top for an additional $40, so maybe they would do that on a laptop if you buy direct from them.

[buzzy]

Just bought a Windows 8.1 laptop to replace my wife's vista machine. We don't want to fool around with the tiled interface right now, but maybe try it later. Anyway, I have set it to boot up the the desktop for her.

However, I do like the touch screen. I think that a non-touch screen is too out of date for anything being bought today.

[GeoGeo]

Originally Posted by janmcn

Dell will substitute Windows 7 for Windows 8 on a desk top for an additional $40, so maybe they would do that on a laptop if you buy direct from them.

They substituted Windows 7 for free for me. Mine is a desktop and Windows 8 did not play nice with my computer. That has been a couple of months ago.

[nhelleks]

I recommend that my clients get a touchscreen laptop. (very reasonable at Walmart ) Then Windows 8.1 is much easier to use.
Nancy - The Computer Tutor

[2BNTV]

Another suggestion would be for to attend The Villages Computer Club presentations given with win 8 or 8.1.

She can view some presentations: http://thevillagescomputerclub.com/presentations.php

Good luck!

[Computer Corner]

We offer a "windows 8 fix" that will set your pc to look just like windows 7. You will still have the regular looking start button and everything.

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by nhelleks

I recommend that my clients get a touchscreen laptop. (very reasonable at Walmart ) Then Windows 8.1 is much easier to use.
Nancy - The Computer Tutor

My thoughts are that a touchscreen where I have to reach and touch the screen to do anything would by very bad on my worn-out shoulders. I have lots of problems reaching out and doing simple things for a period of time - 5-10 minutes.

That is why I think I will stick to the keyboard and mouse.

Can anyone with shoulder problems back me up on this?

Z

[zcaveman]

Thanks for the responses. Hopefully, I am going to go looking this week and see what is out there at a reasonable price.

Z

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

My thoughts are that a touchscreen where I have to reach and touch the screen to do anything would by very bad on my worn-out shoulders. I have lots of problems reaching out and doing simple things for a period of time - 5-10 minutes.

That is why I think I will stick to the keyboard and mouse.

Can anyone with shoulder problems back me up on this?

Z

I am right there with you! I sometimes even use a stationary mouse depending on how my arm/shoulder/wrist are feeling on any given day! My buddy with Parkinson's would never be able to handle a touch screen!

[ken747pilot]

What touchscreen laptop at Walmart would you recommend? I have had bad experience with HP and the Dell and Toshiba's seem to start at about $400.
We are moving to TV soon and will downsize from desktop to laptop for more space.
Thank you in advance, Ken