Move from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1
 

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 I think that a non-touch screen is too out of date for anything being bought today.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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!

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

Touchscreen Laptop
 

I really don't want to recommend one over another.

It's up to you: what do you want to pay, what screen size do you want, do you want a DVD Drive, what amount of memory do you want, what size drive?
The prices start at around $400 for a 15" screen and DVD Drive.

I would choose a name brand to start with. Then I'd try the keyboards to see which ones were most comfortable. (Yes, I know you're buying a touchscreen, but keyboards are important too.)

You'll love the touchscreen!

Nancy
The Computer Tutor

Windows 8 and 8.1 was designed for touchscreen technology in mind. For computers without touchscreen capabilities, programs such as "Classic Start", "Star Dock" are available to rectify this minor inconvenience. We even have a blog on our home website which describes in detail about the Windows 8 star menu near the bottom of the page:

Category: Business Computing - Central Florida Geek- Computer Repair, Web-Design, Home Theater, iPhone repair, and More!

I solved my problem by getting an Acer laptop with Windows 7 from Wal-Mart online for $475. I loaded it up and it is working great.

No Windows 8 in my future ... yet.

Thanks for all of the replies.

z

Had win 8 , loved it until I went to 8.1 , lots of aggravation and problems kept happening,hired tech and he reset it back to 7. Someday, after my nerves calm down, I will go back to 8 .