I decided to make a thread here because I want to see what all of you think of Windows 8 RP. All opinions are welcome. So, is Windows 8 RP bad or good in your opinion?

Generally speaking, Windows 8 RP is good, although some parts are imcomplete. I believe microsoft will improve in next version. Keep good work!

I am happy with Win 8 RP.

I think I’ve given up on Microsoft. I prefer to use my normal Ubuntu linux. At least I can still use the old programs I’ve installed without having to hunt for new ones to use. Windows 8 looks cool but I am not sure yet how functional it is at this present moment.

it good but couple of bugs as it a beta random freezes are annoying but know it be ok when final version comes out

So far I have been using Win 8 RP full time since it's release. I also used Win 8 CP full time before that.

I installed Win 8 RP by first deleting the Win 8 CP partition so there was nothing in that partition. This ensured I was not getting any problems from the old installation into Win 8 RP. I then installed all my apps. The entire installation and customization procedure only took a couple of hours.

I find Win 8 RP very stable. Have not had a single freeze or BSOD. I have been able to install all the apps I wanted (This is a change from Win 8 CP where a couple of apps did not work) I am now testing FF V14 beta along with Win 8 RP.

I have been able to do ALL the computing in Win 8 RP that I could have done in Win 7. It seems to be very polished. I generally spend most of my time on the desktop. I believe the real work will be done here. I do not spend much time on the Metro UI. Many of the apps are better, but still not complete. It appears to me that power users will not be working as much on the Metro UI but on the desktop UI.

I find it annoying that MS has basically ignored desktop users. It takes a lot of time to customize desktop the first time. Who knows what they may block in the RTM. I don't see anything special enough to make me buy it.
Joe

Yup! Having fun testing it, but will NEVER buy it. When it goes Retail, I'll delete it and move on to the next big thing. I might even play around with Peppermint some more. :rolleyes:
I had that, but deleted it to install Win-8 on that drive. But I didn't have it long enough to really get it figured out.

For me, the Metro UI is a wash. I do everything on the Desktop which I have set up just like my XP.
It does work, but I see nothing that would make me want to spend my hard earned money for it.

MS blocking our only way to jump directly to the Desktop on boot, was a total slap in our faces.
That was completely UN-Necessary.

:cool:

PS: Having gone through three Beta versions now, I've started just copying all my desktop shortcuts, to a folder on my Flash Drive, so I can copy them back on the next version, or next install.
It only takes a few seconds!
Having all my programs on the same Flash Drive, makes installing them go faster too.

Also, I found that when I put my W8Cleanup batch file in the root directory, the OS won't let me access it to edit it. That really sux!
So from now on I'll create a new folder and put things in that, bypassing the root directory and all its "permissions". I only used the root on previous OS's, because it was handy and always there. No mas!

I do not believe MS is ignoring desktop users. They are attempting an OS that will work on all device types. i do not feel that put out for having to switch to the desktop when I first boot. It's one keystroke. Very easy for me. Yes I was a little put off about that change, but it will not be a determining factor for me.

How the OS works, that is what is important for me. Does it work well enough to change from Win 7? I have not decided yet. Win 7 works fine as well.

I do use a password as I sign onto my Live account (Hotmail) and I do like the picture password. It is different and kind of neat. I do like the increased speed. Is this just an appearance of speed or a real increase. I have no way to test this. All I can say is that this does indeed seem faster than Win 7 on my system.

I guess in my case it will boil down to what is the pricing structure?

Yes, I'm totally satisfied with RP, was 90% so with CP. Have ran both from Day 1.

I also believe that MS is not ignoring Desktop users, otherwise, why the 1024x768 (minimum) or 1366x768 (optimal) resolution? Windows 8 CP/RP has ran fine on my desktop for what, almost 4 months now?

If it were true that desktop users are being "ignored", then why the improvements, like much lowered CPU usage (this may vary between machines)? Improved security by offering built in security, enforcing the "NX" feature of the CPU, having nice, beautiful graphics w/o the Aero crap that was a resource drinker.

My desktop is just as functional, if not more so, than with Windows 7/XP. And for those who are concerned about the desktop not being there after startup & login, what, is a single click of the mouse really all that bad? The Desktop is on the very left of the tiles, for quick access.

I really like Windows 8 RP, & am looking forward to the final release of the OS.

Cat

I like RP to and liked CP for that matter one difference I've found is that RP occasionally freezes, this never happened with CP. Having said that I prefer it over Win 7 and will install it on final release. I think the freezing might be caused by a particular app that work in the background so have disabled it to see if that solves the problem. There is a definite improvement of speed over win 7

I like RP to and liked CP for that matter one difference I've found is that RP occasionally freezes, this never happened with CP. Having said that I prefer it over Win 7 and will install it on final release. I think the freezing might be caused by a particular app that work in the background so have disabled it to see if that solves the problem. There is a definite improvement of speed over win 7

which app did ytou disable i get the freeze prob too

Advanced System care

Advanced System care

Please uninstall your Advanced SytemCare to see if your Win 8 RP still freezes occasionally.

i like windows 8 though I have issues to fix.

I guess I have to consider myself one of the fortunate ones, the only thing not working on my desktop is it's built in wi-fi card, which oddly worked perfectly fine running CP. This issue should be corrected with the final OS, but if not, it won't be a deal breaker.

Because it's connected to my wireless router through Ethernet, which is more secure anyway. Plus, if I really needed wi-fi, I have a couple of USB cards that works much better. The built in is of the "G" type, my USB ones are of the "N" type. So it's obsolete anyway, from both a hardware & technology standpoint. Therefore, I've always classified it as a "minor" quirk.

Final OS pricing does concern me, but I'll deal with that in the fall. It's still my hope that registered Windows users will get a promo mid summer. MS probably realizes that it'll take a really good deal for those who's bought a Windows 7 computer to move to a newer OS so soon. So for those who haven't registered their copy of Windows, be it Windows 7, Vista or XP, now's the time to do so, & make sure that the boxes are checked to allow promotional offers from MS.

I believe that Windows 8 will be a good OS, how it's marketed is going to be critical to it's success, as far as how it sells. It certainly won't be another Vista, as far as useability goes.

I'm more satisfied with Windows 8 RP than Windows 7 at this point.

Cat

Just as many users said, windows 8 has many unfinished parts and bugs, but windows 8 do have many improvements comparing with previous version of windows. That will be a classic operation system for computer.

I've been using 8 for 4 months, and I am impressed.
In almost every instance, 8 has had distinct advantages to 7 for my productivity.

Mind you, i code in 3 languages, do lots of media composing-- you name it.

The account sync'ing features (barely scathed in this article) alone are enough to view 8 as a true successor. IMO, 8 can and will replace my Android phone and Windows 7 desktop, combining their strengths and sharing my profile across all devices-- portable, desk, lap, touch.

In a few years time, the people decrying Windows 8 will seem as alien and old-fashioned as those still waving the XP flag. Afraid of change? Get out of the computer game.

Garin Greer, welcome to the Forum!

You bring some very relevant info to this discussion. Most Windows 7 users don't even realize that in less than 3 years (closer to 2 & a half), on 01/13/2015, they're going to sitting in the very same boat that XP users are in now. No new features, only security updates/patches, paid support only.

Looks like SP1 is going out of support w/o even a beta in sight to replace it with, not even a rumor of one. After all, SP's are supported for 24 months, but few users looks at these things.

That's the thing about moving forward, one cannot be afraid of change. Computing is no exception to this rule. There's always change at many workplaces, how many walks out the door over it? Like it or get out is the way that works. Time doesn't stand still, everything is constantly changing around us. MS cannot stand still, if so, the competition would gradually eat away from their user base.

I hope to see you around more, as we can always use experience here.

Best of Luck,
Cat

Some apps cant work. Thats annoying. Also, windows cant recognize some drivers.

Markei,

These are problems that crop up with a Beta OS. There are parts that are unfinished. As time goes on these parts will get finished. I suspect that as MS releases the RTM (Not for consumers, this is for OEM builders) the code will be finalized. At that time I would suspect Win 8 RP may get a major update to include much of the code in the RTM. That is my hope so that we can test the near final code for as long as possible before Win 8 is released for sale.

Please uninstall your Advanced SytemCare to see if your Win 8 RP still freezes occasionally.

I have done that, so far no freezes but it is early days yet.

could not find advanced system care to unistall it :(

It must be something else then, check Task Manager to see what apps you have running in the background, it might be one of them. I will do the same.

What's In Startup (http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/what_run_in_startup.html) is a nice little app that could help to disable or delete those items that start with Windows and do not have to be running in the background. The download link is down a ways on the web page.

Thanks for sharing, Ted. Just downloaded, looks to be a useful app.

Cat

No problem. This little app works great in Win 7 and Win 8 RP. Most apps we install think there is a reason to run in the background. Just ain't so. Or they have an updater running in the background. No thanks I'll update myself in a time of my choosing. I use FileHippo.com's Update Checker for most of these type things.

....
Final OS pricing does concern me, but I'll deal with that in the fall. It's still my hope that registered Windows users will get a promo mid summer. MS probably realizes that it'll take a really good deal for those who's bought a Windows 7 computer to move to a newer OS so soon. So for those who haven't registered their copy of Windows, be it Windows 7, Vista or XP, now's the time to do so, & make sure that the boxes are checked to allow promotional offers from MS. ...

Cat

The price of $14.99 is all over the place including the MS site for upgrade from 7 to 8. They really ought to give all of us who have testing it & sending error reports the 8 for free!!!
Janice

This price is for those that purchase a new PC with Win 7 installed during this time frame and then want to upgrade to Win 8. This price is NOT for those of us who are keeping our present PC's and wish to upgrade. MS did a similar special just before Win 7 was released for those persons purchasing a new PC with Vista installed in the couple of months leading up to the Win 7 release.

We do not know what the pricing will be for the rest of us. That is being kept pretty tight lipped. I would not hold my breath for long on a free, or even this low of a cost for Win 8.

Then there are those who wouldn't have it at any price. Eh?

:cool:

Then there are those who wouldn't have it at any price. Eh?

:cool:

I know what you mean.
Joe

Lemme muse a bit (longer).

D

For those of us who are satisfied with the OS (few, if any negative issues), while pricing may be of concern, it probably won't be a deal breaker for most. The exception being those who are looking for a "Free OS" to run for 10 & a half months. Win 8 CP became available on 02/29/12, RP on 05/31/12. According to both EULA's, they expire on 01/15/13 & at that point, & users will be "locked out" of the OS. Therefore, keep your data on a separate partition.

While it would be great for those who took the time to register before downloading to get a discount, don't count on any steep discounting. There may however, be some promotional pricing, just don't expect a $49 Windows 8. At the time that MS offered this price to Vista/XP users, it was in part an apology to those who bought Vista & had far less than desired results. Many downgraded to XP over user issues. MS felt it to be the "right thing to do" at the time. And it was.

However, today is different from 2009. Investors in MS expects a return for their money (rightfully so), I just can't see, unless Windows 8 sales are total crap, steep discounting of the OS.

I'm fully expecting Windows 8 Pro + the Media Center Extender to cost $275 to $350, assuming full retail version is purchased. OEM pricing will probably be less, as well as Upgrade pricing. This falls in line with previous versions of Windows, of which the Pro version (full retail) is $299 (Windows 7/XP) & isn't unreasonable to expect. Again, MS cannot afford to give away their hard work, this is charting new territory for the corporation (the modern features of Windows 8), & MS has to strike a balance between keeping their investors & customers happy.

My suggestion to those who wishes to have Windows 8 upon availability, start saving, if not already doing so. There is plenty of time before RP's days run out (5 days shy of 7 months from this date), so don't panic. And keep your eyes out for anything from MS, who knows what will be offered.

Cat

No problem. This little app works great in Win 7 and Win 8 RP. Most apps we install think there is a reason to run in the background. Just ain't so. Or they have an updater running in the background. No thanks I'll update myself in a time of my choosing. I use FileHippo.com's Update Checker for most of these type things. File Hippo's Update Checker is a great little app, however it's discussed very little.

Does a great job of finding updates of many commonly used apps, sometimes it takes a day from an app's release to show on the site, but they're usually there.

Not to mention a ton of free software available on the site. A lot are loaded with toolbars & such, but it's the user's responsibility to READ before clicking "Yes" to everything. File Hippo has a Free alternative for many paid apps that does equally well.

The File Hippo Update Checker can be obtained free of charge, below.

FileHippo.com Update Checker - FileHippo.com (http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/)

Cat

I noticed that too. c:\ is no more lol

I don't like windows 8 very much I think windows 8 is good for the tablets more than desktops or laptops.

I find Win 8 RP is excellent on desktops and laptops. But then again I spend most of my time on the Desktop UI and very little time in Metro UI. Part of the problem with Metro is that it just is not complete yet. Win 8 RP works well with conventional keyboard and mouse setups, at least for me. It works, in most cases, faster than my Win 7 Ultimate OS. I am spending 100% of my time testing and working in Win 8 RP and have had very few problems. The only time I have gone to Win 7 recently is to check for updates prior to creating a new Image. Otherwise I use Win 8 RP.

I do have all data set up in a separate data partition with both OS's pointing to that partition so that when Win 8 RP is replaced, I will not loose any of the data. If you do not have a separate data partition my recommendation is only do your real work in your licensed OS (Win 7, Vista or XP). This way you will not loose your work when Win 8 deactivates.

i had to go back to windows 7 as the freezes in windows 8 Release Preview came to unbearable i will certainly be gettting windows 8 when it comes out as i know it be fine then

Nilanko,


I don't like windows 8 very much I think windows 8 is good for the tablets more than desktops or laptops.

Truth is, Windows8, actually, works very, very nicely on desktops & laptops.

Regards,
Drew

Evidently, I remain the only one to say "NO" that I'm not satisfied with Windows 8.
Either that, or the other decenter(s) didn't take the poll.

Like it or not, I still have to learn how to set it up and tune it for max efficiency.
It's what I do. So here I sit! Testing is all about Learning.

Yeah, it "Works" but it's far from user friendly to people accustomed to older OS's.

Cheers Mates!
TechnoMage :cool:

I say no. I have tried it and have not seen a thing that makes it any better.

Evidently, I remain the only one to say "NO" that I'm not satisfied with Windows 8.
Either that, or the other decenter(s) didn't take the poll.

Like it or not, I still have to learn how to set it up and tune it for max efficiency.
It's what I do. So here I sit! Testing is all about Learning.

Yeah, it "Works" but it's far from user friendly to people accustomed to older OS's.

Cheers Mates!
TechnoMage :cool:


EDIT: Discourteous remark removed by Moderator.

That's a slam....against a forum Moderator.

Would you care to rephrase that remark?

I sometimes wonder why you are a moderator and a windows 8 tester when you extoll the virtues of XP so much and obviously have no intention of leaving it. Sorry if that upsets you but that is what comes across in your posts.

That's infraction #2, do you want to make it a BAN.???

It's NOT your place to question anyone else on this forum, moderator or not.
Everyone here, is here for their own reasons.

Now, knock it off, or you're GONE! Eh?

:cool:

Well, I'm 59, have been using Windows 98, XP, Vista & windows7 ergo, I am accustomed to pre-Windows8 Operating Systems. (I have been using Win8 non-stop since 29/2/12 & the DP a bit before that.) (yet) Personally, I find Windows8 as easy, if not easier to use, find things & navigate than even OS before it. I have not found it daunting, intimidating or even particularly baffling or mysterious. Very few or very little 'tweaking' has been necessary & I have had to add no 3rd party stuff or any retro-fits. Other, previous, Windows were good, this is better. Even, w/ my age & being used to Windows OS that came before 8, I, myself, find no problem(s) w/ 8, @ all or in learning it. Takes little time or effort to learn it, I find.

BTW, again, it works VERY nicely on a non-touch conventional desktop/laptop. Many things are, indeed, quicker to access & more '@ one's fingertips' than in Windows OSs that came before Win8.

Cheers,
Drew

John, flamming another member is not appreciated, no matter the status of that member. You have been, until now, a very valued contributor to these forums. Unfortunately not everyone has the same reason to test Win 8 RP. Some are looking to replace their present OS (I believe many of us are contemplating so) others are learning the OS for the purpose of assisting others as TM is doing.

As TM has stated we are all here for our own reasons. Some of us may be doing both, some not. Please refrain from posts that do not add to the discussion in a positive way.

We do all try to help answer questions appropriately in this forum. People have to know and want to know any negative aspects as well. This question can especially bring out comments in both directions. These comments have taken a turn which is not helpful.

Therefore, I believe closing this thread will be appropriate.

But Drew, that's "Your" opinion. And I will defend your right to express your opinion on this or any other forum, without someone, (anyone) berating you for it.

That's what we're all about here, the free expression of our own opinions without being put down for it.
Anyone who can't abide by forum rules, needs to move on.

TM :cool:

I sometimes wonder why you are a moderator and a windows 8 tester when you extoll the virtues of XP so much and obviously have no intention of leaving it. Sorry if that upsets you but that is what comes across in your posts. Hey, CoolJohnB, what OS that anyone runs is their CHOICE. TM has many years of experience & brings a lot to this forum. He probably has forgotten more than the two of us even knows.

He has clients to satisfy, so he has no choice but to learn Windows 8, as he'll have to do installs in the future. His preferred choice of OS that he runs is irrelevant. I run Ubuntu 12.04 almost as much as my regular OS, which is Win 8 RP. So that means nothing.

I'm not going to stand by and allow anyone to question authority here, which this post strikes me as. And TM is my friend & fellow moderator. That's the bottom line. You're treading on thin ice, & I highly suggest that you keep these type of thoughts to yourself.

This is the end of my rant, but I stand by TM here.

Cat

I can see now why TM took exception to things said. We know TM runs XP & other things of a personal choice nature & yes, sometimes makes comparisons to his own ways, gear & config BUT, does he tell others they should do what he does or run his os of choice? NO. We voice opinions, feelings, individual observations BUT, we do not demean or disrespect. We may disagree, BUT, we discuss (even question) graciously & w/ dignity.

I can empathise cus I, too, am an IT Consultant; have to learn, know and remember several OSs... even, get the joy of beta testing for MS. I may & do see strengths & weaknesses, throughout, stuff I & Others like & not so much. I, certainly, have 'beliefs' & awarenesses I'll share w/ clients & guide & advise a might BUT, ultimately they'll drive a road & it likely won't be the same as mine... (hell, usually I'm building them a nicer machine than I have, LOL). Because, I might, knowing a new computer would be wise & timely for them, hang on til Fall & grab a Windows8 machine & I couldn't image anything nicer... meself I could be using, @ home, a bloody abacus.

Anyway, let's try to take a breath, shake hands, turn over a new leaf & just be good little geeks talking bout IT & not piss each other off, going forward. OK? Yes? Ah, good :D

Cheers,
Drew

Sounds like a good plan to me, Drew. Even in the workplace, the headquarters included, there are probably very heated arguments. Steve Ballmer is well known for throwing office furniture around during his rants.

But in the end, most comes back to work the next day, & it's over. At least until Ballmer decides to throw another chair across the room....

Cat

There are some topics that tend to polarize the discussion. The best PC topic was one, this is another. When the discussion turns ugly, it's time to move on. Hence the closed thread.