Data Doctors: Tips and advice if you're considering an upgrade to Windows 8

5 comments:

• Arizona Willie posted at 10:39 am on Thu, Nov 1, 2012.

  Posts: 1915

  Windows 8, contrary to the moans from Apple fanbois, is just Windows 7 with a new interface and a new memory manager.
  The simple way of looking at Windows 8 is that it has two desktops ( Apple eat your heart out ). One desktop, called Metro or Modern, has live tiles which you soon discover can be quite useful.
  The other desktop looks just like Windows 7 except the old Start button is missing.
  You can switch between desktops by clicking on a live tile for the Desktop on the Modern desktop or just tap the Windows key on the keyboard, and VOILA! you can switch back and forth as easy as that.< br > < br>
  Microsoft is onto something good here. You will be able to work on the same programs using your phone or your tablet or your desktop. If you have ever tried to transfer files between an Ipad or Android table and your desktop, you know what a hassle it can be.
  With Windows 8 and a Windows phone and / or tablet or both you can transfer files to and from your desktop / tablet / phone with ease. You only need to learn one operating system.
  With the new memory manager you no longer need worry about closing programs. Programs go into a hibernation state when you quit using them and if Windows 8 needs the memory ( doubtful that would happen for most people ) it will unload as needed.
  This allows you to keep all the programs you use during the day running in a suspended state and they just pop right open if you call on one.
  Almost all programs that work on Windows 7 will work on Windows 8.But not on Windows 8 RT which is for low end tablets and uses only programs written for the Modern desktop, called apps. But you will be able to use the same apps as your Windows phone.
  Windows 8 simply does more -- better -- in more ways.
  Nothing to be afraid of
  [smile][smile]

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• Bluepoet posted at 1:47 pm on Fri, Nov 2, 2012.

  Posts: 451

  Installed Win8 this week...a few minor tweaks, is all...don't really miss the Start button, much! I didn't know about the memory manager aspect, but I have noticed that the new Explorer 10 loads pages noticeably faster than IE9. It also comes with built-in virus/malware software (new Windows Defender).

  If one has Win7, and no touch screen, I think it wouldn't really matter, right now. There's nothing earthshaking about Win8, aside from the touchscreen support, and maybe this memory manager. Either way, installing shouldn't be much of a problem, other than the odd or old apps that may not work. Basically, if it worked on Win7, it should on Win8, too.

  For those who are still using WinXP, I have only this:

  Dude, get Win7, at least! They will only be supporting your OS, for a little while longer, and Win7 is awesome!

  [wink][beam]

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• Bluepoet posted at 1:49 pm on Fri, Nov 2, 2012.

  Posts: 451

  I should add--do a complete backup, of your computer, before installing. And, update all your drivers! That will take a lot longer to do, than the actual install, but it's a good precaution, nonetheless...

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• Arizona Willie posted at 3:58 pm on Fri, Nov 2, 2012.

  Posts: 1915

  Correct, Blue Poet, < ALWAYS > back up everything before installing a new Operating System.Actually, we should have a backup program set up to make automatic backups at least once a week. I back up every night while watching TV.

  I always do a clean install and then have to re-install all my programs.
  Takes forever but at least I know I didn't carry over any messed up registry entries or other things that had gone awry over time with Windows 7.

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• Suelee posted at 4:34 am on Fri, Nov 9, 2012.

  Posts: 118

  Too little, too late. Windows is too late to the mobile and tablet party. Most users are already either locked into the Apple universe or android option. Why would anyone choose a clunky OS with almost NO apps?

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