Discussion on:

Tour the first Windows 8 beta

Yuk!

At first look, I must admit I really don't like it, I will play with it a while though before I make my mind up fully. I really miss the start button!!

They need to build a modular kernel (aka Linux/Unix) for security, bring back some of the eye-candy, not kids building blocks, and make it fully voice activated, including a utility that takes less than a minute to train to the user's voice, and get rid of their crappy design R&D staff that dreamed up this poor excuse for an OS interface. I think Windows is quickly wearing out it's welcome. I keep it (WinXP) around on my Mac as a virtual machine just for access to some neat older paint programs, etc. that I really like. I quit using it on a regular basis over a year ago, because the constant fight to keep the viruses and trojans out of it took up more time and energy than it was worth. After all these years and versions, it's still not secure against most simple attacks. Working in the IT field for the last 15 years has taught me just how insecure it really is. If you want security on servers, use Linux. If you want a usable desktop OS with applications that are intuitive and pretty much always work, get a Mac Pro.

First look.. not impressed, Over simplification usually results in frustration.
What is with the lack of the start button? One tiny button, with access to everything was logical, I like a 'clean' desktop, not something that looks like a facebook collage?

I hope MS doesn't screw up Windows 8, it could (read should) be so much better.

Steve

Off the wall, perhaps, and since I have not been able to get a copy of the beta to install and test, this presentation leaves me perplexed in many ways.

For image 6 - what if you don't have a touch screen (ie, a desktop situation)? Will I have to replace my relatively new monitor with one that is touch sensitive to use Win 8?

Image 7 - I still don't like the idea of personal and/or proprietary documents floating around on someone else's servers where security of information is an unknown factor.

Image 12 - if the keyboard is now on the PC's monitor, does "pick and poke" now become "stretch and stab" to type? You really don't indicate one way or another if traditional keyboards can still be used.

Image 14 - secret identity? Like Captain Buffalo with a furry, horned helmet? What are you talking about? It would be very difficult to be any more cryptic than the caption here!

Image 17 - this information is the ONLY noticeable (from this slide show) improvement!

I really thought CNET had more collective intelligence than this anemic presentation provides in the way of confirmation.

I found the Consumer Review Version of Windows 8 exciting and workable. I am impressed by the speed and organization of this new OS. I found if you don't have touch, just click on the Desktop Icon and walla-win......there is your desktop. After setting up Facebook, and all items. There was absolutely no problem with drivers, internet connect, network, and well.........no problem as of yet. I found it interesting and as of now a welcome upgrade.

In installed the CP last Friday and took a few days to take a look around. It raised more concerns that it relieved any concerns. First, why does setting up a user account need so much Personally Identifying Information(PII) I would in an environment where security is a huge concern. Requiring this much information for a user account is alarming. Next, Please someone tell me there is an easier way to close one of these Metro apps. So far the only thing I have found is to "Launch" Desktop mode go into Task Manager and kill the task. Seriously? There is there a better method? And my final point, not wishing to create a huge diatribe, hiding shutdown under Settings? How does that even make sense? I am setting my Wallpaper to Waldo, I am setting my computer to shutdown. It dosen't make logical sense to me.

...
I mean, really...

Microsoft seem to be moving further & further away from those of us who use PCs primarily as an essential work tool, towards the self-absorbed and juvenile users. They don't even care what the huge numbers of corporate users most want: stability, speed on a standard PC, flexible levels of security and overall ease of use.

I think windows is going backwards it looks very aukward reminds me of my first windows experience, window for work groups.

I think the typical Windows user will be scared. They dont like changes, otherwise they would have already switched to Linux or Mac.

I have to agree with Robiisan, Carl.lee4 and JohnPh: For professional work environments that mass-deploy Windows PCs - based on this presentation - entering a "facebook-style" screen at log in is unwarranted. Have to select to show the desktop? Shouldn't that come up at boot?

This looks like a new smart-phone OS that they've bloated to try and work on a PC. Why? When PC's boot "at work" we just want to get to work, not be inundated with widgets and apps and "Cuteness"...