Users Poke Fun at Microsoft's First Windows 8.1 Ad Showing the Start Button

[Rainagul]

I don't understand why MS is even entertaining the idea of a start button, it is just feeding the same crowd of whiners.

Windows 8 is an awesome OS and once people get over the initial shock of "OMGWHURISMASTURTMENU" they will see navigation is just as good if not better then previous versions of OS.

 

[paradigm]

The Start screen is faster, easier to manage & has nice live features which I find useful for my emails/updates etc.

After a year, I don't see how people are complaining, the Start Menu has been replaced with a better more useful feature. It takes about 10 minute to get used to, touch or mouse and you're away. All the most useful programs/games/applications can be pinned/moved/grouped however users like to do so, press the start button, click word, and it's there. No scrolling through a menu clicking into folders/drop downs.

I would rather not have the button there at all, as clicking 3 pixels below it is what we currently have to do anyway?!

I'm not in disagreement with you, except for a few circumstances. Non full screen RDP or VM consoles are a bit of a PITA without a taskbar based start button. You can't rely on throwing the mouse into a hot-corner, as it'll overshoot the window the console is contained within. You can't use your keyboard hard-button as it'll not pass through to the console.

On the whole though, and especially for the majority of consumers, there is nothing inherently wrong with the Start Screen, even less so with 8.1 and it's greater customizability. The small icons are great, and helps me differentiate between "Modern UI" apps and their desktop counterparts (all my Modern UI apps are medium sized tiles or greater, and all my desktop apps are small tiles, which helps when I have two versions like with Skype or OneNote).

 

[mmj_uk]

I don't understand why MS is even entertaining the idea of a start button, it is just feeding the same crowd of whiners.

Windows 8 is an awesome OS and once people get over the initial shock of "OMGWHURISMASTURTMENU" they will see navigation is just as good if not better then previous versions of OS.

That "crowd of whiners" happen to be the majority of desktop users, hence why MS are 'entertaining' the start button to try and win over customers without doing what needs to be done and getting rid of the whole Metro interface.

The simple fact is those who happen to like Metro are in the minority, the rest are happily sticking with Windows 7 and whining occasionally, if it wasn't hurting Microsoft they wouldn't have added a start button.

 

[linktoinsanity]

Couple of big flaws in your statement, first is Win8 can be made to be like Win7 with third party Start mods if you REALLY NEED IT and even without its still very desktop usable, second nobody is forced to use Win8 or any OS so if you decide to install it or use it then it's your responsibility,lastly you are very naive if you think things will stay the same,things change,you either accept that or stay on an older OS,but bitching and moaning about it does no good.

But... In this post you are contradicting yourself. I'm not forced to upgrade yet, but I will be in the future at some point, as an IT Technician I have to keep up with the times, no matter how bad MS makes their OS, unless of course, Linux ends up taking over (not happening any time soon). Saying I'm not forced to upgrade is naïve.

With regards to 3rd party apps, yes - I have used Start8 in the past, but I'd rather not have to install a load of extra fluff to get basic functionality out of my computer nor have to install it when less computer savvy family members want me to help them with their Windows 8 computers.

I'm already for Win9,10,11 etc are you?..So it's not a case of me defending Win8 because nothing to defend,it's just another new OS with changes which happens all the time and it certainly won't be the last,nobody holds a gun to your head and says you must use it.

Roll on Win9 something new for me to use ,now is it that hard hell no .

Well, good for you. I'd actually love reading your responses if Windows 9 brought back the Start Menu.

All I hear is blah-blah "learn to adapt" blah-blah. Same as usual. I have adapted, as I said, I use it on my laptop, I just don't like it as much as the old way, it still feels more clunky.

Now to answer the more thought out and different argument:

You are right, with Windows 8 the whole "Start" experience did feel a bit disjointed from the desktop, but as you say, the ability to use your desktop background as the start screen background helps to tie the two together in a more seamless way. The addition of the start button on the task bar makes it far easier for mouse users (those who seem afraid of keyboard shortcuts) to get to the start menu without having to find a minuscule hot corner (and the Win-X menu for that matter). Windows 8 was fine with touch (or at least a multi-touch touchpad), but kind of off-putting with legacy input devices.

Thanks, that is exactly my point. For a touch interface the Start Screen is spot on. And I'm glad that 8.1 at least allows you to use the same background for both the Start Screen and Desktop if you so wish. Should make things less jarring. I will add to this that it also allows a boot into desktop. 3rd party apps do this in Windows 8, but I'll repeat for Elevon's sake I'd rather not have to install a load of extra fluff to get basic functionality out of my computer.

With regards to "DOS", there is no "DOS" prompt on Windows 8 (nor was there in Windows 7, Vista, XP or 2000 ) There is a command prompt (not DOS), but these days, you should be using the infinitely more powerful, more script-able, Powershell, even for remote work. Indeed, even to administer a lot of systems (such as Exchange 2007-2013) you can't even get to half of the features without knowing how to use Powershell.

Not true DOS no, but the commands are mostly still there. With regards to Powershell, yes I do need to learn more about the ins and outs of that. You are not wrong.

The thing is, I don't actually think that Microsoft introducing the Start Screen in Windows 8 was a bad idea. (Windows Server 2012 having it though? What?) It does start allowing some form of unification between PCs and Tablet devices, however it should have been given as an option at install, and then been an option in Control Panel to choose at will between the two interfaces, even between different users on that computer.

Over time, say by Windows 10, remove the Start Menu by all means if it was not being used all that often by the vast majority of desktop users, but at least allow for an adjustment period. This draconian "forcing" of users to use it is what has alienated me from Windows 8.

If you can't understand that point of view and point of reasoning, get out.

 

[Infidelus]

That "crowd of whiners" happen to be the majority of desktop users, hence why MS are 'entertaining' the start button to try and win over customers without doing what needs to be done and getting rid of the whole Metro interface.

The simple fact is those who happen to like Metro are in the minority, the rest are happily sticking with Windows 7 and whining occasionally, if it wasn't hurting Microsoft they wouldn't have added a start button.

I suspect you'll probably find that those who happen to like the Modern UI don't generally feel the need to post on forums, they just get on with it, and I very much also suspect they're not as much of a minority as you believe.

 

[Elevon]

But... In this post you are contradicting yourself. I'm not forced to upgrade yet, but I will be in the future at some point, as an IT Technician I have to keep up with the times, no matter how bad MS makes their OS, unless of course, Linux ends up taking over (not happening any time soon). Saying I'm not forced to upgrade is naïve.

With regards to 3rd party apps, yes - I have used Start8 in the past, but I'd rather not have to install a load of extra fluff to get basic functionality out of my computer nor have to install it when less computer savvy family members want me to help them with their Windows 8 computers.



Well, good for you. I'd actually love reading your responses if Windows 9 brought back the Start Menu.

All I hear is blah-blah "learn to adapt" blah-blah. Same as usual. I have adapted, as I said, I use it on my laptop, I just don't like it as much as the old way, it still feels more clunky.

Now to answer the more thought out and different argument:



Thanks, that is exactly my point. For a touch interface the Start Screen is spot on. And I'm glad that 8.1 at least allows you to use the same background for both the Start Screen and Desktop if you so wish. Should make things less jarring. I will add to this that it also allows a boot into desktop. 3rd party apps do this in Windows 8, but I'll repeat for Elevon's sake I'd rather not have to install a load of extra fluff to get basic functionality out of my computer.



Not true DOS no, but the commands are mostly still there. With regards to Powershell, yes I do need to learn more about the ins and outs of that. You are not wrong.

The thing is, I don't actually think that Microsoft introducing the Start Screen in Windows 8 was a bad idea. (Windows Server 2012 having it though? What?) It does start allowing some form of unification between PCs and Tablet devices, however it should have been given as an option at install, and then been an option in Control Panel to choose at will between the two interfaces, even between different users on that computer.

Over time, say by Windows 10, remove the Start Menu by all means if it was not being used all that often by the vast majority of desktop users, but at least allow for an adjustment period. This draconian "forcing" of users to use it is what has alienated me from Windows 8.

If you can't understand that point of view and point of reasoning, get out.

You get paid to use the tools the company gives you,you chose that path so yes its your choice and career,as to DOS and command prompt two completley different things in my books, true DOS was the OS not like now where you have Windows and some text commands.

You still missing my point about the start button menu,I can live with or without it,before Window 95 we was not using it and from 95 to Win7 we did and now I don't ,I'm adaptable and it's simple as that with regards to changes,I could say so much for office workers and IT technicans being adaptable at work,give them an OS without a start button menu and they fall to pieces.
Try being adaptable and flexible at work that's what true office and IT workers do and part of the job nowadays.

As to Linux well I have been using Linux and Windows for many years.


I look forward to the new moans in Win9,10,11,some things never change.

 

[XeNoN89]

Why can't some people understand that lots of us just do not want a full screen touch screen oriented start menu with horrible tiles everywhere?

I will continue to use and recommend StartIsBack to everybody on W8/8.1

 

[linktoinsanity]

I suspect you'll probably find that those who happen to like the Modern UI don't generally feel the need to post on forums, they just get on with it, and I very much also suspect they're not as much of a minority as you believe.

Nope, most just aren't on forums altogether, but moan about not wanting Windows 8 on their nice new machine, "because of that awful new Start Screen."

You get paid to use the tools the company gives you,you chose that path so yes its your choice and career

That's smart, try telling that to my boss, and then once you have convinced him, try the bosses of all our clients.

as to DOS and command prompt two completley different things in my books, true DOS was the OS not like now where you have Windows and some text commands.

Firstly, it's *completely. Secondly, the commands are still there and mostly the same. In fact I'm struggling to think of any examples that no longer work. If you can, please do show me, but remember there is a difference between commands and programs so if you list a program I will pick you up on it. Thirdly, the DOS Prompt is made up of text commands (as you put it), so I have no idea what point you are trying to make there. Fourthly, DOS Prompt/Command Prompt are names, doesn't detract from the fact that the "Prompt" is still accessible in Windows.

Try being adaptable and flexible at work that's what true office and IT workers do and part of the job nowadays.

In who's eyes? Not everyone out there is as tech savvy or as bothered about technology as an enthusiast forum will be (and remember there does seem to be a large number of users on here who don't like it, add that to the general population). Most users we support want to just do their job, not learn to do so again. :/ That's a loss in productivity right there.

As for your other points, go back and read my last post again, from beginning to end. Thank you.

 

[Elevon]

That's smart, try telling that to my boss, and then once you have convinced him, try the bosses of all our clients.



Firstly, it's *completely. Secondly, the commands are still there and mostly the same. In fact I'm struggling to think of any examples that no longer work. If you can, please do show me, but remember there is a difference between commands and programs so if you list a program I will pick you up on it. Thirdly, the DOS Prompt is made up of text commands (as you put it), so I have no idea what point you are trying to make there. Fourthly, DOS Prompt/Command Prompt are names, doesn't detract from the fact that the "Prompt" is still accessible in Windows.


In who's eyes? Not everyone out there is as tech savvy or as bothered about technology as an enthusiast forum will be (and remember there does seem to be a large number of users on here who don't like it, add that to the general population). Most users we support want to just do their job, not learn to do so again. :/ That's a loss in productivity right there.

As for your other points, go back and read my last post again, from beginning to end. Thank you.

People in general never like change, there are things I dislike etc but does not stop me from accepting change and moving with the times regardless of pros and cons.

Reading your post 1000x won't change my opinion,again things change regardless it's something we can't stop.

My point about DOS was that DOS was the OS ie all text commands and you had to work a lot harder and be smarter ie rearranging memory etc in the old days , Windows came and changed all that since DOS is not really needed and they have made Windows simple for the average user (especially nowadays) but even that is hard for some in the 21st century,point being you will never please everyone and some will always find it hard or to accept change etc..

Again DOS 6.22,Win3.1,Win95,Win8, pattern here ie things change that's my point,I have even seen it happen on Linux distros as well.

 

[nightmare99]

Why can't some people understand that lots of us just do not want a full screen touch screen oriented start menu with horrible tiles everywhere?

I will continue to use and recommend StartIsBack to everybody on W8/8.1

In Windows 8.1 you just set the start button/windows key etc to go straight to the apps view then you never see the horrible tiles.

 

[bemaniac]

8.1 is great. I love the new start function because I have easy control panel access and I never used programs from there anyway. Not since windows 98 did I use the programs list.

 

[gareth170]

Just because it suits you does not mean it suits everyone. I run Windows 8 on my laptop (and will run 8.1), but I prefer Windows 7 on both my home PC and Work PC.

if win8 doesn't suit u, nobody is forcing u to use it. if u prefer win7 then simply downgrade to win7 which is free.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en-gb/.../pages/downgrade_rights.aspx#fbid=OMSrSqPK0iW

The fact that Program Manager was replaced, I don't remember there being any real complaints, not to the same degree as with the new Start Screen. Also, even if you didn't like it, there is a way to install Windows 95 with the Windows 3.1 UI. (Run Setup95.exe and go Custom.) You were not Forced into the new way of working, (Windows 8 does not allow a Windows 7 UI install) plus the Start Screen feels jarring to use (though I think this is improved in 8.1 with Start Screen backgrounds?), the Start Menu does not.

but your not forced into the new way of working on win8, if you don't like the new UI then simply change it using 3rd party programs. I could understand if there was no way of changing the UI either by built-in options or 3rd programs then yes you can say your being forced.

Now with regards to DOS, there is still a DOS prompt. Type "cmd" and press enter. So if you like using commands to do things, that functionality has not been lost.

win7/8 doesn't have a real DOS. it's a command prompt

 

[Greenja]

I honestly don't see what the problem is, I really like the new start menu. I realise a lot of people don't however and their concerns are obviously valid, but for me personally it's a great improvement.

I think this is possibly because I never liked the old start menu too much to begin with. The folder view for accessing programs was always so messy and difficult to keep organised, so I just stayed away from it!

The first part of the start menu, the "recently used apps" bit you see when you first open it, was the only part I ever used. That is exactly what the new metro start menu is, just larger with more functionality, and then clicking down from there takes you to the app list, which is much more organised and user friendly than the old start menu's folder view.

I have only ever used the new interface with Windows 8.1 though, after they made some adjustments, so I don't know what it was like before.

I did find it quite jarring at first with a seperate background for the start menu, after changing that to my desktop background its a very seamless and smooth transition from desktop to start menu, if you don't like Windows 8/8.1, give that a try. Maybe you'll like it.

 

[linktoinsanity]

if win8 doesn't suit u, nobody is forcing u to use it. if u prefer win7 then simply downgrade to win7

but your not forced into the new way of working on win8, if you don't like the new UI then simply change it using 3rd party programs. I could understand if there was no way of changing the UI either by built-in options or 3rd programs then yes you can say your being forced.

win7/8 doesn't have a real DOS. it's a command prompt

I'm not going to repeat myself. Look up at my post before this one.

 

[Rainagul]

That "crowd of whiners" happen to be the majority of desktop users, hence why MS are 'entertaining' the start button to try and win over customers without doing what needs to be done and getting rid of the whole Metro interface.

The simple fact is those who happen to like Metro are in the minority, the rest are happily sticking with Windows 7 and whining occasionally, if it wasn't hurting Microsoft they wouldn't have added a start button.

Are they? What facts or numbers do you have to back that up?

 

[gareth170]

I'm not going to repeat myself. Look up at my post before this one.

from what I can see u only said about the DOS/command prompt which applys to my post.

what about:

if win8 doesn't suit u, nobody is forcing u to use it. if u prefer win7 then simply downgrade to win7 which is free.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en-gb/.../pages/downgrade_rights.aspx#fbid=OMSrSqPK0iW

but your not forced into the new way of working on win8, if you don't like the new UI then simply change it using 3rd party programs. I could understand if there was no way of changing the UI either by built-in options or 3rd programs then yes you can say your being forced.

 

[Macro]

So funny to see people who think technology should stay the same and are confused by something as simple as a start screen which is arguably simpler and easier to use than the nested layers of the start menu.

I tend to think if you're so thick you can't find a start menu by pressing the windows button that's been on pretty much every keyboard for 15 years, or just remember it's still in the bottom left corner without a little sign to remind you you probably shouldn't be using anything more advanced than an etch-a-sketch (although that's one of those damn new fangled tablet thingies as well so can't use that either)

 

[kitch9]

I really wish people would just get over it. It's still a start menu, just with more functionality and a full screen interface.

Loving 8.1 on my Surface Pro.

I miss the tiny filetrees I never used as they were a pain in the ass.

 

[Raumarik]

So funny to see people who think technology should stay the same and are confused by something as simple as a start screen which is arguably simpler and easier to use than the nested layers of the start menu.

I tend to think if you're so thick you can't find a start menu by pressing the windows button that's been on pretty much every keyboard for 15 years, or just remember it's still in the bottom left corner without a little sign to remind you you probably shouldn't be using anything more advanced than an etch-a-sketch (although that's one of those damn new fangled tablet thingies as well so can't use that either)

I like windows 8 but my one gripe is that metro gets cluttered far too fast, this isn't really W8's fault as it's legacy software installing tons of "start menu" shortcuts which causes the problem, but they should have realised this when developing it.

 

[Glaucus]

I like windows 8 but my one gripe is that metro gets cluttered far too fast, this isn't really W8's fault as it's legacy software installing tons of "start menu" shortcuts which causes the problem, but they should have realised this when developing it.

That doesn't happen in 8.1