Microsoft Windows 8 - Latest News

by **BobHelm** » December 10, 2011, 1:22 pm

It appears that I was incorrect when I said on another thread that Windows 8 will come in 32 bit version as well as 64 bit.
Well, actually, technically I am correct, but, practically it would seem that equipment not suitable for 64 bit computing will not run Windows 8.
That is because Microsoft have decided in their wisdom to make Hyper-V, a virtualization technology system, an integral part of the software.

In the current Windows 7 package the same capabilities as supplied by Hyper-V are supplied by using Windows Virtual PC. That is an add on that can be switched off or on, & so is just not available with the 32 bit version.

So what will Hyper-V bring you?? For 99% of users not a thing, however it has been found to be useful for IT professionals, developers, security researchers, and enthusiasts on Windows Server & so hence the move.

Another worrying feature of 8 would appear to be that under it Microsoft will have the ability to remove Applications & Data associated with anything obtained through the Microsoft Windows Store.
That does cause me concern.
Microsoft say that it would only be used in ....

We may change or discontinue certain apps or content offered in the Windows Store at any time, for any reason. Sometimes, we do so to respond to legal or contractual requirements. In cases where your security is at risk, or where we’re required to do so for legal reasons, you may not be able to run apps or access content that you previously acquired or purchased a license for. .....

& it says that it MAY refund the money spent on the item in the first place....Yeah great!!
Apple & Google will discontinue selling items in its' stores & stop supporting the same, but the purchaser can carry on using them & they do not come & rip them out of your machine!!

Beta testing of Windows 8 is due to start early next year, with the product planned to be released late 2011/early 2012..
I, for one, will not be Beta testing. My time with Windows Operating Systems will end with my currently installed Windows 7.
My future efforts at a new operating system are now been directed towards one of the Linux based offerings.
I am currently using Ubuntu, after trying Vector and finding that a little too 'techy' for me, if pretty to look at...

by **jackspratt** » December 10, 2011, 5:25 pm

Based on Bob's thoughts above, I downloaded and tested (for the 1st time) Ubuntu today (currently using W7 Ultimate).

What a revelation. :shock:

Seems to be far quicker than Windows, and the thing that really impressed me was that it automatically connected my PC to my flat screen TV via HDMI - something I have not been able to do, despite many tries, with W7. =D>

I will certainly be experimenting further, with the next step probably to install it alongside W7 - which from a quick read, seems doable.

by **BobHelm** » December 10, 2011, 5:58 pm

jackspratt wrote:I will certainly be experimenting further, with the next step probably to install it alongside W7 - which from a quick read, seems doable.

It is Jack & the usual thing most Windows users do until they realise that they are not using Windows anymore...

It is small enough to fit on a USB if you like as well...
I actually have it installed on a external hard disk. Next time I go to the UK I can just take the drive & then plug it into any PC or laptop & have all my stuff & system!!

The one thing that I added to Ubuntu very quickly was Cairo-Dock - it should be in the Software Centre...
It is a very nice bottom 'Dock' for things you like to do that sits at the bottom of your desk top...Great graphics....

by **sabaidee_mike** » December 10, 2011, 7:50 pm

Sadly this is one of the drawbacks of the "cloud" direction all technologies are going. With devices connected to the Net manufacturers have much more control over how the consumer, who has paid outright for their hardware, uses their products. No doubt Windows 8 will be "jailbroken" quickly and users will be able to install whatever they like. This ability becomes an important marketing tool as we have seen with Android based smartphones.
For these reasons I will never buy an Apple product, or an Amazon Kindle or connect my chipped Xbox to the internet to receive live updates. When I pay for something, I want to be able to use it as I see fit. Not have some techno-snooper play with my data as they see fit and nobble my device if they don't like how I'm using it, ala Xbox red ring of death.
Despite the fact I work closely with MS. Unlike many of my colleagues I am not blinkered to the fact that their #1 priority is to make $$$$ and this often runs contrary to the Users' best interests. I have an Android phone, run Ubuntu at home and I'm currently looking for an E-Book reader which offers internet connectivity without someone having the ability to wipe its contents remotely.
That said. I have tried the developers preview of Windows 8, installed on an ASUS tablet designed to run Win7. And as a tablet OS, I quite liked it.

by **rjj04** » December 20, 2011, 4:14 pm

jackspratt wrote:I will certainly be experimenting further

Any update on your Ubuntu experience Jack?

by **jackspratt** » December 26, 2011, 5:55 pm

The only update is that I have decided to to proceed with Ubuntu.

After reading a lot of pros and cons - from both "experts" and novices - I have come to the conclusion it is not worth changing over from W7 at this stage.

My strong takeaway from what I read is that Linux users will invariably come up with technical problems, and that until you become very familiar with the OS, those problems could prove hard to solve.

What finally swung it for me was the analogy "why use chopsticks (Linux) to eat, when you have a perfectly good knife and fork(W7)".

by **rufus** » December 28, 2011, 1:29 pm

That is certainly correct. Having run various versions of Linux professionally and as a hobby, I have always returned to the Win versions at home. Apps such as Oepn Office just don't cut the mustard if you want to do any serious work. They are ok for home users who just want to do basic wp etc. Anyway, Linux versions are too difficult for the ordinary user unless you are a hobbyist or a professional.

by **BobHelm** » December 28, 2011, 4:37 pm

Some interesting opinions there Rufus.
I am currently playing with using Ubuntu 11.10 as an operating system & will start a new thread with my thoughts when I have some time.
I was especially interested in your comments on the Office Suites.
I don't know if you have tried it yet but most Linux versions recommend LibreOffice now, rather than OpenOffice.
As I understood it the 2007 version of Microsoft Office drew a fair few criticisms from users that Microsoft had, yet again, changed the method of 'talking' to its' documents onto a 'Ribbon' interface. I believe that this has caused many companies using Office products to need to actually retrain staff.
I am especially interested that you say only Microsoft Office is suitable for a business environment.
I know that Libre lacks some of the 'add ons' supplied by Microsoft, but, one of the huge advantages of using open sourced software available for free that can help.

The real complaint about Microsoft is that it thrusts things at its users. It always knows best, even though you pay for the product, you get what you pay for & can do little to alter the product to your needs, only what Microsoft allows you to do.

by **rufus** » December 30, 2011, 8:28 am

I haven't tried Libre Office. If you want to do any development work, such as writing customised code or developing Macros for clients, you have to use Office.
By the way, I agree about the Ribbon. I use an app which allows me to retain the old office interface. Do you know how the Ribbon cam about> Apparently there ere complaints that Office was "too difficult", so MS employed a secretary with no development experience to design a new interface; the ribbon crap is what she came up with.

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