I HATE Windows 8. This is the worst OS ever invented.

One thing they do make hard to figure out is how to put program icons on the desktop, but I figured that out too, so most of my frequently used programs are on my desktop or the taskbar. One of the reasons I don't miss the start menu much is I never used it to open anything except folders. Now I use the Libraries folder from the taskbar. 

The type to search feature I use to find documents, photos, or music. The indexing is much quicker than than 7. You can control what folders you want indexed too - again you got to go under the hood in the settings to tweak things, but Windows has always been that way. The more you know about the OS, the more you can customize it to suit your need.

Some stuff is confusing, and it is irritating how Microsoft ignores complaints, but I'm past being annoyed by the OS. I like the Modern design - even more so on Windows Phone, but I bet 8.1 will be at least a little more palatable for some users who seem mystified at the whole thing.

All opinions expressed here against W8 encourages me that perhaps I am not as stupid as I first was feeling.   This new 8 o/s  totally stymies me.  I took comfort that I am 66 now and that I was not using computers for two years before purchasing my first new desktop since 1999.   Nowadays, rather being online up to 6 hours daily, I go days without hitting my Power On button.   This form of intimidation I've not known since being the "98 pound weakling" back in primary school.   I did not buy my desktop to go back to school-- I won't take the time.   I could hardly foresee that Microsoft would develop a System without testing it on multiple computer users, get their feedback, and THEN unleash it on the public, or, NOT !!!.    What a monstrous strategy error.

"Just type to search... that is the most convenient thing ever", type to search ?  That must be the second most ridiculous thing about using Windows 8 !  Why would I type in the name of an program that I want to run when it should be available  in just two clicks from a nice menu sitting just to the side of the screen. When not typing my hand is on the mouse anyway, using the real "Start Menu" is simple and very quick.

And just the idea that someone would suggest starting applications by "Just type to search... that is the most convenient thing ever", indicates to everyone just how failed the FULL SCREEN START SCREEN really is.

The desktop improvements are excellent. Task Manager is a gem. The way default programs is handled is great. Defender is now a solid part of the OS. A few registry tweaks (like disabling the lock screen on my laptop) and I got used to Windows 8 in a few days. It isn't rocket science. You use the Modern UI for a few things and the desktop as much as you need. 

I'm a huge fan of Windows Phone and genuinely more fond of tiles in that environment, but there is nothing difficult about using Windows 8. I use the tiles to see who sent me mail and check the weather. Found a good app for tuning my ukulele. Bank of America app is cool. I use the Netflix app. The modern interface has quirks, but like any OS, you learn how to work with it.

Just type to search... that is the most convenient thing ever. Who cares about all the other stuff? How many apps do you want to use at once anyway? Use the desktop. Anyway, 8.1 ought to bring some good tweaks. I'm looking forward to it, but really, this OS is not anywhere near Vista, which was bloated. This is a fast and efficient OS under the hood. Design-wise it needs work. There are some irritations, but the good outweighs the bad by a long shot.

On Thu, 1 Nov 2012 02:54:25 +0000, JohnOstendorf wrote:

How in the ** does anybody operate in this environment.  I now have 20 windows open and can't figure out how to close a damn thing.  I know the weather in Paris and couldn't give a **. This SUCKS!!! This is an improvement?  Can I get Windows XP or 7 back?  This SUCKS!!!  I can't get around.  I can't close a window.  I can't update any of these stupid tiles.  This SUCKS!!! Any advice from anybody else out there?   Frustrated beyond belief, John

You don't know how to use Windows 8, so you hate it? That's like

saying you don't know to fly an airplane, so you hate airplanes.

Like anything else new, it takes some time to learn to use Windows 8

and get accustomed to what's different and what's improved. Instead of

taking steps backward in time and reverting to an obsolescent version

of Windows, you should get yourself a good book and learn how to use

what you have.

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP

Ken, I think that windows is limited and very hard to use. I think the programmers at Microsoft programmed windows 8 for people that don't know anything about computers. You want us to be tied into thoughtless usage of an operating system. Well, I have to say that I really loved the old format. I understand it and I am in no mood to be in a mindless environment where you can spy on me with every keystroke. I hate windows mobile 8 too. Yuck yuck yuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!