Recommended Posts

Tried it in a VM, didn't like it AT ALL.

First impression counts a lot.

I loved Windows 7 and even Windows Vista as a first impression. I also loved Windows XP on first impression. Also Windows 95, 98 and even ME and 2000.

I loved Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Lion the first time I used them.

I loved OS/2 Warp the first time I used it (in stead of Windows 3.11).

I do not like Windows 8. So I'll stick with Windows 7 or move back to OS X once the new re-designed MacBook Pro's are out.

Consumer Preview Performance Benchmarks. Windows 8 CP is slower than Windows 7. Before you start telling me it's a beta and driver issues and whatever, yes, I know this is not 100% indicative of the performance of the final build. But to tell me it means nothing is incorrect. Remember, Windows 7 builds in development were faster than XP and Vista, both in benchmarks and in subjective use in my own testing of leaked builds-Windows 7 made a C2D laptop that was unusable under Vista into a fast machine. I can remember performance benchmarks coming out for every leaked Win7 build and all showed improved performance over XP/Vista.
Do you honestly think in twenty years we will still be using the same desktop set-up as we are now?

Who knows what we'll be doing in twenty years.

It's remarkable to think how well some UI concepts from decades ago have held up though.

Xerox_star_desktop.jpg

  • Like 2

How do you switch between tasks by going to the top left, when you're only using Desktop apps?

Alt+Tab still works for desktop applications (same as 7) - or you can use the taskbar (also the same as 7) - neither of those has changed whatever.

Search - utterly unified. Covers all installed applications and apps - both WinRT and traditional. WinKey then the letter O (example) brings up two applications and a game - none of which are WinRT. (Oracle VirtualBox, Osmos, and Outlook).

WinKey and V? (This I've actually used - up comes VMware Workstation 8 - another glaringly obvious non-WinRT application.)

WinKey and K - two applications (from the same company) - one traditional and one WinRT - and both are Kindle e-reader (Amazon Services LLC). I choose which one I want to use.

No StartScreen. No mouse, either.

Windwos 2000 Professional, for example, was the keyboard jockey's dream because of two glaringly obvious trends - fewer applications installed desktop shortcuts by default (Office 2000, for example, installed but one - Outlook) and the rather ugly trend in enterprises to have multiple shortcuts to similar (but not identical) versions of the same application - with no obvious way of telling them apart.

All those keyboard based shortcuts have been in Windows since. Therefore, the StartScreen can be completely avoided.

This thing is going to fall faster than the twin towers. No "normal" person is going to spend $200 for this thing let alone spend more than 5 minutes trying to get around. Microsoft totally shot themselves in the foot.

Up until now, I've been annoyed as hell at all the people who were saying that Win8 would fail based on using the DP for a day or two. I have really tried hard to avoid this, but I feel like I'm starting to want to jump on the "i hate this piece of crap" bandwagon. :s

I've been testing both the DP and the CP on 2 physical machines and a few VMs both at work and at home. I've even been using the CP as my main OS on my work laptop - which is touchscreen. So, I've had time to get used to having to do things a bit differently. But I still can't see any real benefit to the changes, and I still feel like getting to wherever I want to go is more clunky than on any previous Windows OS. There's just no real gain to the new layout whatsoever, at least for the ways in which I use a PC.

The only change I've seen so far that I would consider to be a tangible improvement is the reduced boot times. I really don't feel like this OS deserves a new major version number. I think they should have just done like they did with XP - MCE, and called this "Win 7 Touch" or something along those lines.

Before you brand me as a hater, I'll jut add that I was absolutely thrilled with testing out the early leaked builds of both Vista and 7. And I thoroughly enjoyed running each of them in their official beta forms. I've had some fun testing out this CP, too. I'm not saying I hate this... I'm just really, really confused about what MS is thinking.

But my honest question to you all is this: Aside from faster boot times, what about the Win8 CP will be a true functional improvement upon anything in Win7?

This thing is going to fall faster than the twin towers. No "normal" person is going to spend $200 for this thing let alone spend more than 5 minutes trying to get around. Microsoft totally shot themselves in the foot.

Microsoft made record profits following the release of Vista. You may be right but let's wait and see.

Ok. This is annoying me, even though I turned down UAC setting to minimum, Explorer still asks me to confirm every single action I take which if very annoying when moving files around. Any solution in W8?

Before you brand me as a hater, I'll jut add that I was absolutely thrilled with testing out the early leaked builds of both Vista and 7. And I thoroughly enjoyed running each of them in their official beta forms. I've had some fun testing out this CP, too. I'm not saying I hate this... I'm just really, really confused about what MS is thinking.

I remember Vista RC1. From then on I vowed never to use the final version :laugh:. Back then they were so obsessed with security that they let the UAC take over the experience. Right now they're so floored with Android and iOS success that they're letting their ideas about tablets encroach on the PC. By the time Vista was released, they had been forced to dial things down. I'm guessing they'll feel forced to make a few changes in Win8 as well.

Ok. This is annoying me, even though I turned down UAC setting to minimum, Explorer still asks me to confirm every single action I take which if very annoying when moving files around. Any solution in W8?

I tried giving Users write permission, but then it gives me errors when I try to transfer files. Things you do in your User folders (documents, downloads, pictures, etc.) shouldn't ask for permission, but I don't see why I can't set it for other folders :s .

I really do like Windows 8, well everything but the Metro. Bugs me when you click on an app, for example Google Chrome, in Metro, Metro minimizes...you see the desktop and then Chrome opens. Just weird.

To me, it just looks like some 3rd party app that really doesn't flow well. Of course, I'm still rocking the "quick launch" bar in Windows 7 with my most frequently used apps. I have two icons on my desktop, "My Computer" and "Recycle Bin", and I like simplicity.

They open in desktop because they are not Metro applications. The devs can port them if they want.

I really do like Windows 8, well everything but the Metro. Bugs me when you click on an app, for example Google Chrome, in Metro, Metro minimizes...you see the desktop and then Chrome opens. Just weird.

To me, it just looks like some 3rd party app that really doesn't flow well. Of course, I'm still rocking the "quick launch" bar in Windows 7 with my most frequently used apps. I have two icons on my desktop, "My Computer" and "Recycle Bin", and I like simplicity.

Same as mine.

Along with a beautiful wallpaper, Desktop looks cool, simple and I'll never get bored of it.

I started with the first release of Windows 7 and stuck with it... I am liking the changes made to Windows 8, despite some rough bumps... I think I will stick it out. They were pretty quick to fix major bugs with W7 during its beta life cycle... I am sure they will be equally quick with W8.

I have the feeling the desktop will be dead completely in less than 10 years. If they can get the Metro apps functional enough, this could give them a leg up on Apple.

Let's hope so. Somebody's gotta get us into the next era of computing. It would be a shame if by the year 2100 all other tech and UIs had advanced but people were still using icons and menus of folders to do their computing. Hah. That would suck considering computers have advanced faster than any other tech we have EXCEPT the UI.

Now, if somebody could just figure out a replacement for the microwave. That thing's been the same since the 70s. We need something that cooks with the speed of a microwave but with the thoroughness of a conventional oven.

Let's hope so. Somebody's gotta get us into the next era of computing. It would be a shame if by the year 2100 all other tech and UIs had advanced but people were still using icons and menus of folders to do their computing. Hah. That would suck considering computers have advanced faster than any other tech we have EXCEPT the UI.

Now, if somebody could just figure out a replacement for the microwave. That thing's been the same since the 70s. We need something that cooks with the speed of a microwave but with the thoroughness of a conventional oven.

Cooking is something that should stay more old fashioned. We're not evolving fast enough to keep up with technology.

I was lead to believe WIndows 8 is aimed more at tablet users.

So it's merely wasting money buying windows 8 for desktops and laptops.

And this is why you shouldn't judge something just by what other people have told you. It performs better than Windows 7 already, even without specialised drivers being available. Gamers will love Windows 8.

I was lead to believe WIndows 8 is aimed more at tablet users.

So it's merely wasting money buying windows 8 for desktops and laptops.

Microsoft spent a lot of money designing Windows 8 based around desktops, laptops and tablets. Windows 8 may be better on tablets but it's still great on conventional computing devices.

And this is why you shouldn't judge something just by what other people have told you. It performs better than Windows 7 already, even without specialised drivers being available. Gamers will love Windows 8.

Gamers will love it? PC Gamers? generally PC Gamers want complete customization, Windows 8 is not that.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • OpenAI is rolling out a major upgrade to ChatGPT memory by Pradeep Viswanathan OpenAI is rolling out a major upgrade to ChatGPT's memory, making the system more capable, current, and scalable across long-term use. Memory allows ChatGPT to remember useful details about users, including their preferences, projects, and constraints. Instead of starting every conversation from scratch, ChatGPT can use this context to provide more relevant responses in future chats. OpenAI first launched saved memories in February 2024. That feature allowed users to explicitly ask ChatGPT to save information into its memory, such as travel plans or writing preferences. However, this system had limits because it depended heavily on users giving clear instructions to remember something. Additionally, saved memories could become stale over time. In April 2025, OpenAI expanded memory by allowing ChatGPT to reference past chat context outside the saved memories list. This was powered by a background process called “dreaming,” which automatically curates memories from chat history. This made ChatGPT better at learning from natural conversation without requiring users to manually save every detail. Today, OpenAI announced a more capable and compute-efficient memory architecture built on top of dreaming. This new system improves ChatGPT’s ability to carry forward useful context, follow user preferences, and remain accurate as time passes. According to OpenAI’s internal evaluations, the new system improves factual recall from 67.9% in 2025 to 82.8% in 2026. Preference adherence improves from 55.3% to 71.3%, while accuracy over time improves from 52.2% to 75.1%. The best part of this new system is a new memory summary page where users can review ChatGPT's memories. Users can even update details, correct information, or give instructions on what topics ChatGPT should bring up and when. This new, improved memory system is available to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users in the US starting today. It will roll out to more countries, as well as Free and Go users, in the coming weeks.
    • I work for a video production company in Australia. The camera operators shoot footage and then pass the SD card over to the editors. Much easier than handing over the entire camera. Plus, on a busy day you can hand off the SD card and then pop another in for the next shoot. Or, you might have used multiple SD cards because you need the extra space for a long shoot. I also use USB cables and wifi for transferring footage, but in many cases an SD card reader is the easiest method.
    • Microsoft Edge 149.0.4022.52 by Razvan Serea Microsoft Edge is a super fast and secure web browser from Microsoft. It works on almost any device, including PCs, iPhones and Androids. It keeps you safe online, protects your privacy, and lets you browse the web quickly. You can even use it on all your devices and keep your browsing history and favorites synced up. Built on the same technology as Chrome, Microsoft Edge has additional built-in features like Startup boost and Sleeping tabs, which boost your browsing experience with world class performance and speed that are optimized to work best with Windows. Microsoft Edge security and privacy features such as Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, Password Monitor, InPrivate search, and Kids Mode help keep you and your loved ones protected and secure online. Microsoft Edge has features to keep both you and your family protected. Enable content filters and access activity reports with your Microsoft Family Safety account and experience a kid-friendly web with Kids Mode. The new Microsoft Edge is now compatible with your favorite extensions, so it’s easy to personalize your browsing experience. Microsoft Edge 149.0.4022.52 changelog: Migration to improved V2 architecture for Workspaces. Workspaces, introduced in Edge in 2022, allows users to create durable sets of tabs that can be saved and shared with others. In order to improve reliability and performance of this feature, the following changes are being made: Migrating data for saved Workspaces from OneDrive/SharePoint to Edge Sync service Removing the collaboration/share functionality of this feature For organizations who have disabled Sync through policy, the existing v1 Workspace data will still be migrated to the new architecture. New v2 Workspaces created after migration won't sync across devices and will remain local to each device. This update occurs on a progressive rollout beginning in Edge Stable v145 and will continue rolling out in Edge v149. For more information, see Getting started with Microsoft Edge Workspaces. Feature Updates Passkey Sync for Enterprise Users. Microsoft Edge is introducing support for passkey synchronization for enterprise users, enabling secure, passwordless authentication across devices. Passkeys created in Edge can now be synced seamlessly, improving sign-in experience while maintaining strong security standards. Note: This is a controlled feature rollout. If you don't see this change, check back as we continue the rollout. Enterprise WebView2 runtime downgrade via DowngradeVersion policy. Administrators can temporarily roll back specific applications to a previous WebView2 Evergreen Runtime version (N-1 or N-2) using the new DowngradeVersion policy in msedgewebview2.admx. The Downgrade Version policy allows enterprises to mitigate critical regressions by specifying per-application exe-to-version mappings. The Edge Updater installs the target version side-by-side, and the WebView2 Loader redirects targeted apps accordingly. Downgrades auto-expire with each new WebView2 release: apps pinned to N-1 remain on the same version (now becoming N-2) and will auto-update in the next release, while apps pinned to N-2 will revert to the current Evergreen version. The policy applies only to enterprise-managed devices (domain-joined or MDM-enrolled). For more information, see Microsoft Edge WebView2 Policy Documentation | Microsoft Learn. Collections retirement. Collections has been removed in this update. Users can no longer access or use the feature. To keep saved content, users can export it, or move all pages to Favorites before updating to Microsoft Edge Stable 149. For more information, see Organize your ideas with Collections in Microsoft Edge - Microsoft Support. Modern, unified, and updated Look and Feel. Microsoft Edge has updated the Look and Feel to give customers a unified experience across all of Microsoft AI surfaces including Copilot and Bing. This changes multiple elements of the UX such as spacing, corners, fonts, default colors, etc. Clarify choices surrounding third-party cookie settings. Language under Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies are clarified to better describe the choices users have in managing third-party cookies. Custom primary password retirement. Users are no longer able to create a new custom primary password in Edge Settings edge://settings/autofill/passwords/settings. Any users who are still using a custom primary password will be automatically migrated to device authentication. Additionally, the PrimaryPasswordSetting policy will no longer support the WithCustomPrimaryPassword option. For more information, see Keep your saved passwords private in Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Support. Unifying Copilot Chat policy controls. The Microsoft365CopilotChatIconEnabled policy is the standard for configuring Copilot Chat. Previously, this behavior was controlled by blocking the Copilot extension, either explicitly or by using the * wildcard via the ExtensionSettings or ExtensionInstallBlockList policies. Extension and sidebar policies no longer affect the appearance or functionality of Copilot Chat. Copilot address bar suggestions were also tied to extension policy settings. Starting in Microsoft Edge version 149, admins can use the CopilotAddressBarSuggestionsEnabled policy to manage this behavior. Intune MAM Protected Downloads. The protected downloads feature for Intune MAM is now available for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) devices, which aren't managed by a tenant. Policy Updates / New policies CopilotAddressBarSuggestionsEnabled - Enable Copilot address bar suggestions CpuPerformanceTierOverride - Override for the CPU performance tier DataUrlInWebWorkerOpaqueOriginEnabled - Enable opaque origins for data URLs in Web Workers DefaultLocalFontsSetting - Default Local Fonts permission setting ForceForegroundPriorityForUrls - Force foreground priority for specific URLs LocalFontsAllowedForUrls - Allow Local Fonts permission on these sites LocalFontsBlockedForUrls - Block Local Fonts permission on these sites Deprecated policies WalletDonationEnabled - Wallet Donation Enabled (deprecated) EdgeWalletEtreeEnabled - Edge Wallet E-Tree Enabled (deprecated) Additional policy changes ForceForegroundPriorityForUrls - ForceForegroundPriorityForOrigins is renamed to ForceForegroundPriorityForUrls OnSecurityEventEnterpriseConnector - Add macOS platform support ProtectedContentIdentifiersAllowed - Remove macOS platform support Download: Microsoft Edge (64-bit) | 193.0 MB (Freeware) Download: Microsoft Edge (32-bit) | 170.0 MB Download: Microsoft Edge (ARM64) | 188.0 MB View: Microsoft Edge Website | Release History Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • User: "But is it good?" Microsoft: "Well, no. But it is less bad."
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Dr Jared Dental Studio earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      RG INVESTMENT GROUP earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Very Popular
      The Norwegian Drone Pilot earned a badge
      Very Popular
    • Very Popular
      s0nic69 earned a badge
      Very Popular
    • Collaborator
      Asgardi earned a badge
      Collaborator
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      471
    2. 2
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      247
    3. 3
      Skyfrog
      80
    4. 4
      FloatingFatMan
      67
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      60
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!