Discussion on:

The first 10 things you should do to a new Windows 8 desktop installation

What other configuration changes, tweaks, and tricks do you recommend for a fresh installation of Windows 8?

What are the 10 things that should be done to a new Wim8 install?

to be taken to the blog post.

Instead, what are or can be provided to make people use Win8 for seriously purposes?

1. Find old Windows 7 installation disk.
2. Install Windows 7.

hell id even conider going to windows 98 again over windows 8

Historically, similar comments always propose installing Linux.

.

.....buy a Macintosh.

Come on, Mac fanboys! This thread isn't scorching enough yet!

Ah, if only Jason Hiner had posted. THAT would have got people going (still don't get why Jason gets so much flak around here, but then again, I'm relatively new here).

then I'm a known nutcase.

nt

He's accused of shilling for more companies than Billy Mays.

Should we start a Jason Hiner appreciation thread? Maybe a 'best-of' blog?

Sorry, Jason. Just trying to lighten the mood.

HMFIC is reserved for military use.

Jason is the PWIC (Person What's In Charge).

nt

nt

.

Wouldn't recognize sarcasm if it kicked them in the meat & veg.

nt

Step 0. Wipe drive with DBANto ensure all traces of abomination are gone.

At least try and engage those you disagree with in a reasoned debate.

Edited for typo

How can you have a reasoned debate with people who make such absurd comments in the first place?

Rick

Have you tried Windows 8? Windows 8 and Windows 7 are practically the same operating system - one just has a bigger Start button.

...thrusts the interface formerly known as Metro upon you.

IFNAM = Interface Formerly Known as Metro

LAME.

One takes away my start button and replaces it with a touch oriented piece of crap (my personal opinion). I have tried Windows 8 and so far have found nothing to look forward to in the desktop/laptop computing space in which I work and play.

and apps with no Minimize, Maximize, or Close buttons.
And a completely different method of shutting down.
And a multitude of other new behaviors.
And an interface that brings nothing to desktop systems.

Yours is a good list, by the way, but while others are overreacting, you're ignoring the learning curve.

Yeah! Don't you know the baby-boomers are the largest population demo? Their needs, the inability to learn and adapt, must take center stage in all innovations. How dare you young-uns ignore them? How dare you? You're probably wondering, "If the 'boomers don't like change why aren't they using a Mac which has basically remained the same for 20 years?" That's a good question but irrelevant here. Don't make me pull off the highway!

As a baby boomer myself, I have to disagree with your comments. I love to learn new things and I love to learn to take advantage of new advances in software. Heck, even my 91 year old mother is still more capable of learning new things than many of the people on this forum seem to be.

No, it's not us baby boomers that are the problem. The real problem is that there are a handful of people in the world who would rather spend 8 hours a day on forums like this, posting comments about how hard it is to learn anything new, and how hard it is to adapt to minor changes in an OS interface, rather than spend a few hours a day actually trying to learn something new.

Rick

He's been on an ageist rant ever since he showed up a few months ago. He was MIA for several weeks; it looks like the library has repaired its Internet connection.

Pops, I told you that library joke a while back ago. There's no recycling it. But now I see what rick was referring with his 8 hours online comment. You pretty much know who coming and going in here. (Psst, you don't have to comment about EVERY SINGLE ARTICLE.)

So you're in the minority of your age group. When I pop in a major upgrade to the the company's system 100% of the complainers (requesting a rollback) were born between 1946-66. Though you may be happy to know that less than half of those baby boomers actually do the complaining. I do my best to ease them into the new stuff but all those pharma and finance TV commercials have made them a spoiled bunch. I blame Ozzie and Harriet Nelson... well, Harriet mostly because she like to coddle. LOL

I'm surprised they haven't organized into a T (for tech) Party inside the company with a focus on trying to stretch XP to the next 15 years.

I'm sure 100% of the complainers are older people. There is no doubt that, as we get older, everything gets harder to do. While many of us realize that continuing to exercise our bodies and our minds will help us stay in healthy and stay active, it is quite clear that there are also many of us who just give up and allow our minds and bodies to deteriorate with age.

Younger people do not have these problems, so of course, it is only going to be older people who you will see whining and complaining about how hard it is to learn anything new.

The only point I was really trying to make in my first response to you was that not all of us baby boomers have let ourselves go. And, in fact, even some of our parents still keep moving forward, in spite of being old.

I also see that you got my other point about people spending their entire days on these forums, rather than spending a few hours here and there actually doing something productive with their time. As I've said elsewhere, I think this creates a situation in these forums, where people who don't like to learn new things are over-represented, because they can afford to spend their entire days posting comments about how hard it is to learn anything new. On the other hand, those of us who are still able to learn are more inclined to spend our days learning and doing new things, and thus don't have that kind of time to spend in these forums. This creates that impression that the world is full of old-farts who can't learn anything new and can't handle any change in their daily routine, when in fact, many of us older people can, and do learn new things and do handle changes in our daily routines.

Rick

and now retired, and I love to play with something new. BUT it has got to offer me something good, and as my hours on this earth slip away, not force me into trying to learn how to do something that I know perfectly well how to do.

I tried Linux Mint with the Cinnamon interface on my ancient laptop a few weeks ago, but within the day had replaced it with Xubuntu. That was far easier to learn.

I'm not sure if that's sarcasm I detect in your post. I'll go with 'no' and play this straight this time. Ignore me if I'm wrong.

The Baby Boomer generation aren't to blame for not wanting to learn new things. I think the problem is with a vocal minority of users who don't want the hassle of having to re-earn or adapt. These people are across all generations for anything from laziness to mild tech-phobia. These people are the same sorts who will moan about their TiVo interfaces being updates, remote controls being different between brands and SmartTVs having too many options. For some, the computer is a necessary evil and they just want it as easy as possible (i.e. the same as it was). Once some of them realise how easy Win 8 can be to operate they may actually change their stance.

As for the Mac comment, Macintosh OS underwent a major change with the release of OS X. Some old-school mac users really struggled with the change although, admittedly, it has remained largely the same since. Much like Apple's iOS system.

The question you pose: 'Why aren't people using old-style tech if they don't wanna change?' (paraphrased) isn't irrelevant to this debate at all. If people shy away from Win 8 because they don't want to change then they could:
a) miss out on something that might actually suit them better
b) Hold back further innovations or changes

All I'd ask is that people give something new a go before making their minds up. So far I've seen nothing but preemptive dismissal from the 'What's wrong with Win7?' crowd so far. I think as a tech-loving community we could be a little more open minded.

Anyway - I can't hang about for 8 hours debating this. I have work to do

The problem is there is no debate. No comparing the merits or advantages of upgrading one's system. If you make a comment or question about the subject the responses you receive are just verbal tantrums. Nothing's worse than watching old men crying.

I don't think everyone here counts as an industry person. Unless you want to count a guy in a room banging away at an old Packard Bell as an industry guy.

Why don't we scrap this Interweb altogether and return to BBS via modems? It might take me the far side of 2 seconds to learn it but I can adapt.

You're right to a degree but I've found plenty of reasoned debate to be had in plenty of the Win 8 and MS surface threads so far. Unfortunately it is shot through with reactive negativity which sort of kills interesting conversation on the topic. If (you) feel negative about (it) then tell us why and lets explore that. Not a single one of us will have all the answers, hence why stuff like this helps and can be interesting..

I suppose until the majority of us have really had a chance to play with Win 8 in our own environments we won't be able to effectively see why we should upgrade. As the launch passes and more and more people give it a crack this may become more apparent and a debate had.

It is sad that these forums seem to make our industry look like it is full of nothing but whiners and incompetent people who are unable to learn anything new. I think what it comes down to is that these forums just attract people who'd rather spend all day posting senseless comments about how hard it is to learn anything new, rather than actually spend a few minutes learning how to take advantage of something new.

Rick

I have to agree, Rick and Charlie. I usually get a negative vibe from threads like this where arguments seem to revolve around how users want to use windows the same way they've always used windows and how dare Microsoft change things so drastically.

Rick, I do think some people have taken your comment to heart though - personally I didn't see it as an attack against anyone (and I can be negative about some subjects, too). Let me address the vote imbalance for you.

Look, everyone - despite what you may think of Rick's comment he does make a very good point that Charlie's comment before it also makes well - W8 IS very much something new, something.....different. Before we dismiss this how about we see what new stuff we can really do with W8 (touch or otherwise)? Give it a chance and if it still doesn't meet your needs, pick the OS that suits them instead.

that create the trouble.

nt

This forum is a good way to identify IT jobs that will soon open for someone new.

I have made the same comment several times in response to those who say they can't handle learning anything new.

Rick

We have a lot of whining to do, as we have to deal with lousy programming,
usually a lack of drivers or support for 12 months or more, due to the lovely licensing fees MS charges, and then we have customers who expect miracles, when all we can supply are mackerels (fishy type support) Makes me not whine but try and forget I carry a hammer for such purposes. (to use in a most satisfying way)
We dont whinge but pray it will not ruin our reputation when MS bombs out...My notebook is always full of excuses to use for various situations, and I've used them all including sledging MS!

But Windows 8 works with pretty much all the existing Windows 7 drivers. I have yet to find any existing hardware or software that works with Windows 7, but won't work with 8.

Yeah, if you have some 15 year old sound card or laser printer that you're determined to continue using, you will likely have a hard time finding a suitable driver for Windows 8... unless there is already a driver for Windows 7, in which case it will almost certainly work with 8.

Rick

This is exactly the non-debating I mentioned above. Re-read his post. It's the total opposite of constructive criticism - he's got a hammer. Then there's the desire for Microsoft to "bomb". Jonno, here, wants the most predominant OS maker to go. So why is he using it? It defies logic. It does not compute.

If they don't like Microsoft then they should get a Mac or Chrome or replace Windows with Linux instead of that "Whiners Moi" garbage.

Several times, in fact. I still don't really understand what his point is. It sounds like he is saying that Microsoft products are designed with "lousy programming" and that there is a lack of drivers or support for 12 months or more, due to some supposed licensing fees MS charges. Then he says that all he can provide is "fishy type support," which sounds to me like he is saying he lacks any personal ability to provide support to his users. So, perhaps he is in the wrong field? I don't know...

Then he goes on about carrying a hammer, and worrying about his reputation when "MS bombs out." But it would seem to me his reputation is already shot, if he can only provide "fishy" support to his users.

So... who knows... I don't get it...

Rick

It's deeper than that. When they caught onto the tech thing they felt young and on the cutting edge. The cutting edge has moved past them and they're feeling old... like the people they replaced at their offices. Old people like to hold back everyone else so they don't feel left out.

Again, I would suggest that it's not all old people who do this. It's just that the old people who like to do this also like to spend their entire days posting comments in forums like this.

Most old people I know continue to learn and adapt to the changing world around them. They try to keep up, rather than getting left behind.

The simple reality is that these forums create an image where people who can't adapt to the changing world are over-represented, while people who are busy learning and adapting don't waste a whole lot of time here.

Rick

I've been testing Windows 8 at work and would have loved to follow such a nice list like this when I first installed and setup 8. I'm going to point folks to this list when they are first setting up 8.

XP was looked at the same way in 2001. So, why do we have a hard time adapting to change? You guys can flame all you want, but it's going to happen. You can adapt or stay behind, your choice.

Here's my take on 8. It may not be on the level with XP, but it is a step in the right direction. I think Microsoft has it right to integrate an OS with all systems whether it be dekstop, tablet or phone. Is it perfect? No, but it is where we are going.

That said, I think the ultimate goal of Windows 8 is to at least get everyone to Windows 7 and off of XP and being a gateway to future iterations of Windows that will integrate more seamlessly between devices.

There is a difference. With Win XP, you could choose between the Windows 9x/ME/2000 interface or the Windows XP interface. In Windows 8, no choice.

I meant in the way everyone panicked that nothing would work with XP, hardware would be obsolete and how could anyone improve on Windows 2000.

Most of the negative comments center on the Metro interface on desktops and laptops. I haven't seen too many worries about hardware compatibility. There are questions about software compatibility, but those are expected hurdles with a new OS. Many agree W8 will probably be a great choice on touch-centric platforms designed for portability and media consumption, devices people don't expect to interact with in the same ways as previous versions of Windows.

HA-ha! You're old.

And will be easily shot down. Why not just make a proper tablet version of Windows 7 and stop thrusting this $40 "upgrade" upon the masses. It WILL be another vista dud.

I work mostly on the desktop. Pinning tiles to the taskbar is okay, but they still take up too much room even when small icons are enabled. So I still enable the Quick Launch bar, which lets me have two columns of shortcut icons on my vertical taskbar (Oh, and another thing I do immediately is switch the taskbar from the bottom to the left side of the screen).

Since I use multiple (four) monitors, another thing to do when I set up Windows 8 is select which monitor will be my Start Screen monitor, and then put a different wallpaper on each monitor to make it easier to identify which is which.

Next, because on each of my main computers my fourth monitor is a large screen TV, I enable Windows Media Center and configure it to open on the TV.

Next come the usual "fixes" to Explorer that pre-date Windows 8 (show file extensions, show hidden files, etc.), IE 10 desktop version (get my toolbars back, add "Email link" icon to the command bar, etc.) and Control Panel (switch to classic view).

I started doing that with XP. With today's wide-format monitors, vertical real estate is at a premium when compared with side-to-side. Horizontal space becomes even cheaper when you're using multiple monitors.

I never understood the newer, non-classic Control Panel icons. Sometimes I'll look for a function and can't figure out which one of those groups to look in. Classic view all the way, baby.

The IFNAM [Interface Formerly Known as Metro] will piss off sys admins because even Server 2012 will have it. THey'll then have second thoughts of dumpoing that interface on the users.

Any competent Windows admin will spend a few minutes learning how to take advantage of the new interface and the new features and will happily go about his or her job. It will only be the incompentent whiners who think it is too hard to learn anything new, and too hard to change their habits who will be upset.

Rick

people don't like change windows 8 is good..
1. sing into win8 with your outlook email
2.confirm your system for sync.
3.sign into all social networks.eg people.mail,music, sky drive,photos,video so on
4.go to the store
5.install Google.
6.get your self use to the system..
7.install office 2013..
8.gives app permission..
9.try using the share charm
10.enjoy

OK - I've danced the W8 dance in many of the threads here already and frankly have had enough of the reactive negativity. I spend all day listening to IT staff and users moan about this and that and I'm in no mood to do it all again, countering arguments and trying to help people be a little more positive about what's happening.

It's clear the negative viewpoint can't be beaten so let me for once join the negative ninnies. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right? Bear with me for a moment, normal service will resume shortly.

OK, so here's the thing. Assume I'm spitting fury about the 'useless' UI, supposedly enforced touch screen mentality (and no, CharliePalmetto, I have not read your well-written posts in other threads demonstrating just how W8 can work either way within Metro ), play- and social-media focused experience, differences with basic tasks such as shut down and all that jazz. Although I may appear to be reactionary and a little closed to the possibilities the point I will make with all this is that users on the whole WILL get annoyed with W8 and may consider not upgrading......at first.

Users like to do things they way they've always done them. Microsoft have always ensured that the basics of windows are the same so anyone familiar with any windows OS can get about easily. Users and admins don't want to waste time learning new interfaces or customising the experience. IT SHOULD JUST WORK FOR THEM! Right?

Hmmm....almost right (normal service resuming in 5, 4, 3............).
Although the point that Metro....ahem, sorry - IFKAM, is very different and touch oriented is a very good one the assumption is that users will hate it and that it'll be too much effort to learn for people and that there's not enough 'power' in the interface for the skilled users is not a reasonable line to take. As we know, assumptions make an ass....(you finish that one. I'm going to throw up in a corner for starting that sentence. Next I'll be talking about OS paradigm shifts *sigh*)

Fact is, some users and admins will hate it and stay hating it. We always get some of those. Most users will use it and go "eugh! Where's *this feature* how do I do *such a thing* why did they have to change it??" but do you know what? Like the Xbox users before them, it will become normal for them quite quickly and such complaints will melt away, like the complaints of XP's users did when they got used to the new start menu or the complaints of server 2008 admins did once they got used to administering that system.

Enough complaints will remain that Microsoft will consider dialling back a little on some apps and interface options, possibly up until W9. Fact is, they won't want to as they've produced an OS that's trying to unify computing devices and cope with the challenges of touch enabled devices. Although you may not want to see it, you're looking at the first step towards a POSSIBLE future of operating systems. Whether it is a success or not will be decided later as we get to grips (or not) with this new approach.

I don't like it much - I hate the W7 phone and don't get on with my Kinect-enabled tile dashboard thingy on my Xbox (voice command is cool though). Despite this I want W8 to be a success in that it changes our mind about how an OS should be. The way windows works is very, very old now. You can't tell me we should carry on doing the same damn thing forever because people have gotten used to it?

Bravo, Microsoft, for taking this risk and hoping some of us can get on board. Swallow the bitter little pills, ladies and gentlemen, and give it a go.


er....sorry for the length of that post. I'll shut up now.

"Despite this I want W8 to be a success in that it changes our mind about how an OS should be. The way windows works is very, very old now. You can't tell me we should carry on doing the same damn thing forever because people have gotten used to it?"

We do need shakeups every now and then to make us look at how we do things and whether they can be done better in a different way. That is true. However, not every "advance" is progress, some "old" methods remain in use because they are the best way so far found to do those things.

So far, I have found nothing attractive about Win8 on traditional computing devices, ie desktops and laptops. I think it is a great direction for tablets, which it was obviously made for.

One size never fits all. There are always some who find a perfect fit in a OSFA solution, but that is rarely a majority and never the entirety.

I'll certainly agree with the sentiment behind your comment: "However, not every "advance" is progress, some "old" methods remain in use because they are the best way so far found to do those things."

Unfortunately it's also true that over-reliance on the old ways or simply taking it as read that they are the best (because we haven't found a better way so far, right?) can lead to a slowdown or even a halt in the innovation or production of newer methods of performing tasks. The shakeup certainly can be productive in moving people out of this mindset.

I mean, look how effective hand-grenade fishing is. If everyone thought the net and the rod were the best because that's how we've always done it we would never have thought to put explosives into water to get quantities of fish out.

Sorry - couldn't resist it. I'm not trying to be facetious. Just trying to find an amusing example to lighten the tone.

Whether windows 8 is a better way or whether the old ways hold sway will very much be a personal experience, I think (so yeah, one size never fits all). Regardless of the outcome I'd encourage anyone to give it a go and stick with it long enough to know.

So all in all, I agree with you....I think

I do miss the DOS version of dBase 4 where I can type a single command line and replace a field for loads of filtered records. I don't think that's possible in MS Access without writing a Visual Basic script. I rather just change those fields by hand.

But this doesn't make me reject Access and all the other things it does better than dB4.

XBox users aren't on the clock. When the gaming interface changes, they're not getting paid to keep working at the same levels of (in)efficiency.

As to MS dialing back, I'd be satisfied with the options to select a primary interface during installation. Heck, I'd be at least complacent if the registry entry from the first beta was returned.

I can't believe you haven't read each and every one of my posts on this and all other subjects. How do you expect to vote on my Pulitzer prize for technology commentary? Now my feelings are hurt; I wanna cookie.

It's true enough that a games console cannot be directly compared to a productivity device. I only chose the example as the interfaces were similar in the scope of their change and that the users getting used to the new interface arguably would be similar. Albeit with higher stakes.

As for a cookie, Charlie, you can have a whole box.....unless my dog gets to them first:
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lq12ycBGmk1qzfpevo1_500.jpg



EDIT: Disclaimer - that isn't my dog. Although mine does eat my cookies when my back is turned. Bitch (quite literally).

Speaking of being "on the clock," how many of the whiners here are wasting time at work, posting comments on forums like this, instead of actually doing the work they're getting paid to do?

Rick

Identify higher paid IT folks who don't want to adapt the new Windows 8, get them fired, take their position, paycheck, and bigger office. A natural selection of sorts and a win-win. They get their Windows 7 at home and I get continued employment. Thanks, Mr. Gates!

So you want to sack the Win 8 users to get them fired so they can go home and enjoy windows 7? Am I being a bit dumb or is there a typo here?

Question is, should it be that the fired users go home to use Win8 or that we have to locate those who DO NOT want to adapt to win8 and take their jobs? Hmmmm?

How do you spot a Windows 8 user, anyhow? Their windows 7 desktop is full of HUGE icons? They press their normal laptop screens occasionally trying to launch programs and open files? (Christ - I did that the other night on an 11in netbook. I had been using my TF101 all day and sort of forgot I wasn't on my docked tablet anymore. Don't kill me! My job isn't worth much to you!! )

Argh! Typo... ya got me! Good bye cruel world. I'm melting. Metling... d'oh another typo.

Install Launchy. Delete tiles. Those tiles are great for fat-fingered tablet owners, but a major aggravation to those who prefer customized serene or sarcastic artwork.

1. Sell it if at all possible and buy something without Win8 or
2. Buy a mac
3. Or format the hard drive and install Windows 7
4. Or format the hard drive and install a version of Linux
5. You can often buy a really good computer/device for less with Linux installed

Coz eet iz line-ucks n sum peepl r skaird ov eet.

Oh noes! Ware iz mai plug un pray gon???!

That's more like the off-topic Linux / Apple posts I've come to expect in Windows discussions. I was starting to lose faith.

Now, all we need is a comment like, "hehehe! Micro$oft suckz! Bill Gates is forsing moar cuztomas 2 Appl. Mac iz bestest. I can haz macbook air!!"

Any takers? (#2 doesn't count. Doesn't have the usual Bill Gates insult in there somewhere)

Are you already a Mac user hoping to convert Windows user like some cyber Mormon? No? If you're actually a Windows user I figure you must be aware that buying a Mac means you will have to learn MacOS and it many, many non-Windows-like commands. Even Linux isn't completely Windows 7-ish... and doesn't run much. Were you expecting to just have less work to do with your computer? There's a reason why Linux is free.

The simplest thing to do is keep your Windows 7 PC. It ain't broke, is it? When you're ready to do more you can get into Windows 8. See? It's all freedom of choice up in here.

You know that scene in [every] sci-fi movie where the hero looks at a computer screen and it shows him/her all the information at once... sometimes without the hero asking first? Well the screen shown is NEVER a desktop GUI. The naked desktop is ONLY for folks who sit in front of one all day long. The rest of the world HATES desktops - a lack of a is why mobiles and tablets are so popular. How long would the Enterprise have lasted in a fight if the crew had to click on a Start button first?

If I had a company I'd be introducing my own entries into this market segment. I'd be putting my eggs in every viable basket to make sure my company continues.

PS: In case you were wondering: Start > LockheedSoft FotonPlus 4.5 > Torpedo Firing Console > Select tube... Oh! Surprise! You're dead.

I love the Enterprise comment. I'm just trying to imagine LaForge and Data trying to reprogram the computers to get rid of their start menu and introduce tiles.

Have any of you tried to use the various Windows 9x/ME overlays that give you the LACARS interface from the Enterprise D? Nigh on impossible to use. What WAS usable, though, was the Entreprise's voice command interface.

Have Microsoft lost? Is the future SIRI??

Those two would have made a shortcut on the Start-Up menu so it's the first thing loaded at boot-up.

Siri... is Microsoft. Maybe I should research this before typing (but it's Labor Day) but I thought Microsoft bought some voice recog (veecog?) company and licensed that API to all the other guys. I do recall some 90s version of Windows making me read like a whole book in order to recognize my voice. Then some later version came out with that English chick reading what I was typing. Of course, I was typing the naughtiest things... digressing. Anyways, I think it's all just one veecog and everyone pays MS for a license.

Everyone knows Apple doesn't "invent" much they just add pretty white plastic to other peoples' patents. Okay, that last line might need to be research better.

I wonder if Samsung had the same thought as you. Bet they don't think so now

My friend had an Amiga A500. One of the apps in workbench did text-to-speech. he liked to type, "I need a /"

Puerile.

"This is your reminder to report to sick-bay"

You'll also note that those are single-purpose interfaces, similar to the function-specific controls for today's power plants or an aircraft carriers. Those consoles and control panels show specific controls only, ones dedicated to controlling generators or or navigating the ship. It's easier to present the information in advance when you only have to present a limited set of data - amps created, weapons status, or location, direction, and speed. You wouldn't have to wait on the Torpedo Firing Console, since it would be the only one displayed to the weapons operator. Even the newest cars with built-in Internet connectivity don't use it to operate the vehicle; the dedicated steering wheel and pedal retain their functions.

You don't see Geordi updating his SpaceBook page on the main Engineering console, or Worf using the weapons controls for multi-player games. In sci-fi, most of what would be termed 'general computing' is done via a voice interface, like interacting with the main computer or the holodeck. Unfortunately, we're a long way from effective voice interaction for general computing. I haven't tried Apple's Siri yet, but I'll bet it will be several years before you see them deploy it to their laptops. It can handle the functions specific to the phone, but will it interact with other applications, including web-based ones? That's critical to the mobility you mentioned as more applications move off the local processor.

I see limited consoles as a great place to deploy touch systems. Look at POS registers, ATMs, or tourist information displays. They have limited capabilities, shallow menu options, and are often used for short periods before moving to another task. None of these are running general purpose GUIs like a traditional desktop; that would definitely be out of place.

I agree about putting your eggs in multiple baskets.

Check out YouTube for a guy who's added veecog and Kinect to his Windows Media Center enabled home theater PC. Luckily, he's not Mediterranean or Hispanic so the machine seems to perform well with his voice and hand waving.

"This is your reminder to meet alien woman 'B' for date"

"No, I cannot take any more, Mr Scott"

Ah, Siri jokes. Makes me smile. I'll stop now though.

Sorry, but Googling 'define veecog' didn't yield any useful results. I assume the term is an abbeviation; what's it short for?

Sorry, I was trying to coin a shortcut for "voice recognition".

or just VR.

VR? Virtual Reality? Oh, wait. Did I just date myself? Was this a trick NickNielsen? I could have just seen Virtuosity on TNT it reveals nothing about my age. I've also seen Johnny Mnemonic on a 4:3 aspect ratio DVD - doesn't mean I'm in Kevin Smith's entourage. Just that I like cheesy sci-fi b-flicks. You got nothing on me, NickNielsen! No-thing.

munn-kee-boy!

how the Enterprise crew always interact with the voice recognition system one at a time? How well would such a system handle being located in a busy airport, or on a kiosk at the mall on Black Friday?