The Conservative Cave

The Help Desk => Computer Related Discussions & Questions => Topic started by: rich_t on December 29, 2012, 08:11:05 PM

Title: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on December 29, 2012, 08:11:05 PM
I went out last Friday and bought a new ASUS laptop for work related stuff.

I came with Windows 8 on it.

Widows 8 sucks IMO.

Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on December 29, 2012, 08:11:22 PM
No argument here. :p

Does your Asus have that chicklet keyboard?  A coworker bought one and it came with these ATM-style keys on the keyboard.  It sucks for typing.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on December 29, 2012, 08:16:42 PM
No argument here. :p

Does your Asus have that chicklet keyboard?  A coworker bought one and it came with these ATM-style keys on the keyboard.  It sucks for typing.

I'm not sure what you mean by chicklet keyboard.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on December 29, 2012, 08:23:40 PM
It's like a Mac keyboard, but the buttons are very hard to push.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on December 29, 2012, 09:28:38 PM
I'm not sure what you mean by chicklet keyboard.

Basically it's the kind of keyboard whose keys don't have the little impressions in 'em for your fingertips. It makes even touch typing very iffy. My Toshiba laptop has that kind of keyboard and while I like the full keyboard with the 10-key on the side, I hate the chicklet style.

Another way of thinking about those types of keyboards is the tiles with Scrabble. Butt 'em up together and that's what you get.

Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: thundley4 on December 29, 2012, 09:40:33 PM
I think I figured out Microsoft's marketing strategy.

Develop an OS that people like, say Win XP.  Then come out with one that people don't like, sort of like Vista, but force it on them through new computer sales then make money off of people buy XP to replace Vista on those machines.

Repeat the process .  Win 7 seems perfectly good and functional, now they are foisting Win 8 on us, and people will be buying Win 7 while they still can.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Maxiest on December 29, 2012, 09:44:46 PM
Win 8 is more of a Tablet OS, I am not sure what Microsoft is trying to accomplish with pushing it out to consumer PC's.  Most of Microsoft's money comes from the business side an as an IT guy Win 8 will never be used in business.  I guess it is like ME to 98 or Vista to XP.  ME and Vista were both horrible business products but fared decently on the consumer side just because it is what came pre-installed.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on December 29, 2012, 09:48:25 PM
Win 8 is more of a Tablet OS, I am not sure what Microsoft is trying to accomplish with pushing it out to consumer PC's.  Most of Microsoft's money comes from the business side an as an IT guy Win 8 will never be used in business.  I guess it is like ME to 98 or Vista to XP.  ME and Vista were both horrible business products but fared decently on the consumer side just because it is what came pre-installed.

I made the mistake of buying ME. Holy shit, Batman, what a loser of an OS. Never could get it to run.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on December 29, 2012, 09:48:53 PM
Yeah, I'm trying to figure out what 8 is designed for... it's more of a replacement for Windows CE.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on December 29, 2012, 09:50:50 PM
Basically it's the kind of keyboard whose keys don't have the little impressions in 'em for your fingertips. It makes even touch typing very iffy. My Toshiba laptop has that kind of keyboard and while I like the full keyboard with the 10-key on the side, I hate the chicklet style.

Another way of thinking about those types of keyboards is the tiles with Scrabble. Butt 'em up together and that's what you get.



Ahh.. I see.  My keyboard ain't like that.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on December 29, 2012, 09:52:02 PM
I think I figured out Microsoft's marketing strategy.

Develop an OS that people like, say Win XP.  Then come out with one that people don't like, sort of like Vista, but force it on them through new computer sales then make money off of people buy XP to replace Vista on those machines.

Repeat the process .  Win 7 seems perfectly good and functional, now they are foisting Win 8 on us, and people will be buying Win 7 while they still can.

Uh huh...  And they made it very hard to down grade to windows 7.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Maxiest on December 29, 2012, 09:53:31 PM
Uh huh...  And they made it very hard to down grade to windows 7.

Well the only real way to downgrade is to wipe and re-install.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on December 29, 2012, 09:55:01 PM
Well the only real way to downgrade is to wipe and re-install.

I am seriously considering that option.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on December 29, 2012, 09:57:49 PM
As long as you have the hardware to support it, Windows 7 is relatively stable.

Just remember to back up your User folder and other files on a regular basis.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: thundley4 on December 29, 2012, 10:00:33 PM
As long as you have the hardware to support it, Windows 7 is relatively stable.

Just remember to back up your User folder and other files on a regular basis.
I try and keep everything that's important on a separate hard drive from where Windows is installed.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Maxiest on December 29, 2012, 10:02:26 PM
I try and keep everything that's important on a separate hard drive from where Windows is installed.

Windows 7 is the best thing since sliced XP IMO.

What we do in most IT deparments is re-route the USER folder to an external source, IE an external HD.  I use several other methods such as Dropbox and of course and external drive for my backups.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on December 29, 2012, 10:11:43 PM
I try and keep everything that's important on a separate hard drive from where Windows is installed.
The drives I get from Lenovo are garbage... constant failures that are either Windows or hardware related.  I've replaced nearly 30 hard drives this month.

If I knew how to repair a read verification error on a SATA drive, I could probably double my salary. :-)
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on December 29, 2012, 10:16:04 PM
Windows 7 is the best thing since sliced XP IMO.

What we do in most IT deparments is re-route the USER folder to an external source, IE an external HD.  I use several other methods such as Dropbox and of course and external drive for my backups.
Agreed on Win7.  It's extremely reliable as long as you have the hardware for it.  We experimented with a network backup but I don't think it went anywhere.  They used the IT department in a pilot program for an automated network backup but I don't think it's gone anywhere... that stuff costs money. 

As long as there isn't physical damage to the drive, a DriveMate adapter is worth its weight in gold.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on December 29, 2012, 10:22:10 PM
Things I've Been Told This Month, Part 1: "I only dropped my laptop once.  What do you mean it doesn't work?"
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on December 29, 2012, 10:27:18 PM
Thor built me a computer about 6 months ago. It's pretty beefy and I maxed out the MB with physical memory at 16 gigs and Win7, 64 bit.

I don't do a lot of video and such, but when I do, I don't like a lot of problems.

Now, if I could only get truly fast Internet I'd be happy.  :argh:
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on December 29, 2012, 10:30:31 PM
What are you going to do with a 64-bit computer?  Make Facebook load faster?

We have these 64-bit workstations... the drives on them run constantly even when they're doing nothing.  Makes me cringe.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on December 29, 2012, 10:38:51 PM
What are you going to do with a 64-bit computer?  Make Facebook load faster?

We have these 64-bit workstations... the drives on them run constantly even when they're doing nothing.  Makes me cringe.

I like horsepower. Lots of horsepower.  :-)
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on December 29, 2012, 10:42:35 PM
I like horsepower. Lots of horsepower.  :-)
Doesn't really help unless you're running 64-bit apps.  Whatchoo got for a web browser?
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: thundley4 on December 29, 2012, 10:52:13 PM
What are you going to do with a 64-bit computer?  Make Facebook load faster?

We have these 64-bit workstations... the drives on them run constantly even when they're doing nothing.  Makes me cringe.

This computer came with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit on it with 6 gigs of RAM.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: EagleKeeper on December 29, 2012, 10:53:45 PM
I'm posting from a 64 bit laptop running the 64 bit version of fedora and the 64 bit version of firefox.

Not really impressed, even now, it's been awhile.

Might be different if I were running some infrastructure like vmware.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on December 29, 2012, 10:57:28 PM
Doesn't really help unless you're running 64-bit apps.  Whatchoo got for a web browser?

Now, don't go all IT-techie guru on me. Lemme load the Win7 64-bit version if that's what I wanna do.

99% of the time I'm running Chrome.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: EagleKeeper on December 29, 2012, 11:15:13 PM
Oh, I almost forgot.

If you run some sort of gadget to track memory usage.

Fogetaboutit, windows stores alot of future potentially useful information.

Probably won't ever need it but I guess it's good it's got it.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Thor on December 31, 2012, 02:52:39 AM
Yeah, I'm trying to figure out what 8 is designed for... it's more of a replacement for Windows CE.

As far as I can tell, W8 is a GUI like the smartphone users have. At least that's what it reminded me of. With a touchscreen monitor, it might be more "fun". With a regular monitor & keyboard, I didn't like it.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 02, 2013, 03:49:43 PM
I installed my copy of Windows 8 Pro on my computer.  I messed around with it for a few minutes... other than the fancy new Start screen, the Desktop looks and functions exactly like Windows 7.  It's just an extra step to get to it.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on February 02, 2013, 03:52:29 PM
I installed my copy of Windows 8 Pro on my computer.  I messed around with it for a few minutes... other than the fancy new Start screen, the Desktop looks and functions exactly like Windows 7.  It's just an extra step to get to it.

Hardware drivers for Win 8 is still spotty at best.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 02, 2013, 03:55:37 PM
I have to find one for my wireless NIC.  Everything else looked okay.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on February 02, 2013, 03:59:47 PM
I have to find one for my wireless NIC.  Everything else looked okay.

It took me a while to find a Win 8 driver for my old HP combo printer.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 02, 2013, 04:11:32 PM
Just as I thought... my Windows 7 drivers work with Windows 8.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on February 02, 2013, 04:13:03 PM
Just as I thought... my Windows 7 drivers work with Windows 8.

LOL...  My other machine is a Vista 32 bit box.  No windows 7 drivers in my house.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 02, 2013, 04:14:50 PM
I haven't used Vista since it came out.  We're using 7 Enterprise at work and I'm pretty comfortable with it.

I'm not seeing a lot of differences so far... it does run a lot smoother than the XP install I was using.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on February 02, 2013, 04:17:31 PM
I haven't used Vista since it came out.  We're using 7 Enterprise at work and I'm pretty comfortable with it.

I'm not seeing a lot of differences so far... it does run a lot smoother than the XP install I was using.

I am getting more used to Win 8.  My biggest issue is lack of driver support.  I use it for work and we have some work related programs that don't work smoothly with Win 8.  I'm getting the kinks worked out, but it's a slow process.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 02, 2013, 11:53:42 PM
I replaced the 32-bit version with the 64-bit version.  Very nice.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 03, 2013, 12:02:23 AM
Hm.  Task Manager says it's only running 2 cores out of the 4 I have available.  It is reading the full 8GB I have installed.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: BattleHymn on February 03, 2013, 01:07:52 AM
I fiddled around with Win 8 about a month ago.  Did not like.  I have Win 7 on my laptop, and when I replace the desktop unit, I'll be putting Win 7 on it as well.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x6tlyueBTY8/UBKjl7498CI/AAAAAAAAyCs/wGRmxbHQDas/w497-h373/picdump-12-07-27-013.jpg)
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 03, 2013, 01:13:17 AM
:rofl:

Other than the goofy touchscreen-oriented Start screen, it's exactly the same OS as Windows 7.

Also, the version I bought came with both 32- and 64-bit installation discs.  No documentation though -- just a small box with two discs and a product key.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 03, 2013, 01:29:59 AM
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/Startscreen_zps14c6f230.png)

This is my Start screen.  Can't get much simpler than that.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on February 03, 2013, 10:10:26 AM
I replaced the 32-bit version with the 64-bit version.  Very nice.

So which software were you able to run with the 64-bit that you couldn't run with the 32-bit?

 :fuelfire:    :tongue:
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Maxiest on February 03, 2013, 11:00:39 AM
So which software were you able to run with the 64-bit that you couldn't run with the 32-bit?

 :fuelfire:    :tongue:

Doesn't matter, the whole OS...  32 Bit can only utilize 4GB of memory, while 64 Bit can utilize up to 128GB.  Not saying any one would ever need 128GB in a personal machine, but there is a big difference.  Especially with the memory intensive OS, programs, and games now a days.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 03, 2013, 12:17:49 PM
I paid for 8GB of RAM, I better be able to use 8GB of RAM. :rant:

I didn't do it to take advantage of any special software, but the engineering workstations we have at work are 64-bit and run AutoCAD Mechanical/Engineering.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: CG6468 on February 03, 2013, 12:59:37 PM
Thor built mine with 12G of RAM.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on February 03, 2013, 01:16:08 PM
Doesn't matter, the whole OS...  32 Bit can only utilize 4GB of memory, while 64 Bit can utilize up to 128GB.  Not saying any one would ever need 128GB in a personal machine, but there is a big difference.  Especially with the memory intensive OS, programs, and games now a days.

That was a bit of a dig to Chris, who had queried  me a month ago or so on my choice of Win7 64-bit. He asked me what kind of 64-bit software I was using. (Truth is, I don't have a clue.)  :rofl:

And yeah, Thor built a machine for me that has 16GB of memory.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 10, 2013, 02:57:33 PM
I found a small problem using the W7 driver for my wifi.  It drops my network connection once in a while and I have to go back and reinstall the driver for it, after which it works normally.

I switched access points to my router but it was doing it with both of them.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on February 10, 2013, 03:00:49 PM
Good animation on Windows 8.

IMO the guy nails it.

http://www.iclarified.com/26404/evaluation-finds-windows-8-to-be-unusable-and-even-userhostile-video
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 10, 2013, 04:30:27 PM
My network driver just caused my computer to crash.

I really don't want to spend more money on another wireless network adapter. :whatever:
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: LC EFA on February 10, 2013, 05:33:45 PM
Doesn't matter, the whole OS...  32 Bit can only utilize 4GB of memory, while 64 Bit can utilize up to 128GB.  Not saying any one would ever need 128GB in a personal machine, but there is a big difference.  Especially with the memory intensive OS, programs, and games now a days.

Didn't someone famous once suggest that no one would *ever* need more than 640K of memory as justification for their shitty segmented memory model ?
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Dacabeti on February 20, 2013, 04:50:50 PM
Windows 8 lasted on my machine as long as Vista and ME did; about 30 minutes.

I'll keep my 64bit version of Win7 thank you.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on February 20, 2013, 04:52:14 PM
Windows 8 lasted on my machine as long as Vista and ME did; about 30 minutes.

I'll keep my 64bit version of Win7 thank you.

I just ordered a new laptop from Newegg. It'll have Win8 on it.

Is there a process to replace it with Win7 32 bit right out of the box?
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 20, 2013, 04:56:14 PM
I just ordered a new laptop from Newegg. It'll have Win8 on it.

Is there a process to replace it with Win7 32 bit right out of the box?
You'll have to go through Microsoft.  It should be free or low-cost (like $15).
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: DefiantSix on February 20, 2013, 05:09:01 PM
You'll have to go through Microsoft.  It should be free or low-cost (like $15).

It's only free if your machine has the 'Professional' variant or above on it.  Below that, it's on your nickel. :thatsright:
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on February 20, 2013, 10:30:18 PM
It's only free if your machine has the 'Professional' variant or above on it.  Below that, it's on your nickel. :thatsright:

It's this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215874&nm_mc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-

Don't tell me -- let me guess. It ain't a 'professional' variant, whatever the hell that is.  :whatever:
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: DefiantSix on February 21, 2013, 12:28:25 AM
It's this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215874&nm_mc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-

Don't tell me -- let me guess. It ain't a 'professional' variant, whatever the hell that is.  :whatever:

Probably not. Windows 8 Professional would be something installed on more of a business oriented machine. That machine is most likely running on Windows 8 Standard, or Windows 8 Home version.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on February 21, 2013, 11:23:24 AM
Probably not. Windows 8 Professional would be something installed on more of a business oriented machine. That machine is most likely running on Windows 8 Standard, or Windows 8 Home version.


Yeah, I did some poking around on PC World and you're right -- in order to downgrade to Win7 and do it on Bill Gates' dime, ya gotta "upgrade" to Win8 Pro.  :whatever:

That might be a lower-cost option than having to pony up $95 for the full version of Win7, irrespective of 32/64 bit versions.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Chris_ on February 21, 2013, 11:26:13 AM
Check NewEgg or Tiger Direct.  They usually have decent prices on software.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: Eupher on March 01, 2013, 05:49:48 PM
Check NewEgg or Tiger Direct.  They usually have decent prices on software.

Nice, but no cigar.

This machine (arrived a few days ago, but I just now got it out of the box) doesn't have a disk drive on it. Gotta download everything.  :whatever:

I've putzed around just enough to know that Win8 is going away. **** this POS system. Can't access the Start button, which means you need a ******* road map to find Control Panel to unass all of that bullshit software they pack onto these machines you buy from Dell, or Acer, or Gateway.

COMPLETE AND TOTAL WIPE.

I'll start at the Acer web site and go from there.
Title: Re: Windows 8
Post by: rich_t on March 02, 2013, 04:33:48 PM
I tried to tell y'all that Win 8 sucks ass.