Windows 8 is the first OS that made me downgrade


Recommended Posts

Also can you tell me where Windows File History explains it is a backup solution? On my left Explorer window I can't even see a History button and on the right once I've found the button (Home -> History) it doesn't even explain what the feature is or does.

q8w97.jpg

Search for File History in Control Panel, or click the link to set up File History on the window you already have open. And yes, Microsoft does need top promote these features better, however, Microsoft did detail file history on their blog, however the link no longer works.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/07/10/protecting-user-files-with-file-history.aspx

When Time Machine is turned off and you plug in an external drive OS X will ask you to use that drive to backup to. I have no idea if Windows does that.

It does.

post-62693-0-64510700-1344272355.png

Search for File History in Control Panel, or click the link to set up File History on the window you already have open. And yes, Microsoft does need top promote these features better, however, Microsoft did detail file history on their blog, however the link no longer works.

http://blogs.msdn.co...le-history.aspx

Link works alright here.

Search for File History in Control Panel, or click the link to set up File History on the window you already have open. And yes, Microsoft does need top promote these features better, however, Microsoft did detail file history on their blog, however the link no longer works.

http://blogs.msdn.co...le-history.aspx

That link works ok. Thanks :)

You've been using WIndows for 20 years and you dont know Alt+Tab or Win+Tab?

And then there are those fancy mice with more than just two buttons where you can map keyboard shortcuts & mouse buttons to do all kinds of crazy things.

Yes, Windows 8 is pretty much the first new Windows UI since Windows 95, but then again if you haven't figured out how to use alt+tab (which has been around for ever) or WinKey + typing to search (Which as been around since Vista), then I suppose you can either learn it or just stick with Windows 7.

While I'm not looking forward to re-wiring how I do somethings in Windows, I AM looking forward to using Hyper-V on my workstation.

Actually, Windows 7 includes PS 2.0, so I believe it was the first.

But let me rephrase. On the server side, it's moving towards dominance. Take Exchange 2010 for example: PS the the back-end running the commands, in fact, there are some commands in Exchange that you can't run via GUI and must use PS. I know that Desktops are slow to adopt it. I'm no where near the scripter I should be; but I was mainly pointing out to the previous person that he/she isn't too far from the truth with the MS/DOS days if you look at the surge of command-line abilities.

Again, it's largely due to the admins (especially remote admins) - however, it was available before Vista (and for XP at that - in fact, it still is as a post-SP3 optional update; it would be post-SP2 for XP64, which has no SP3). Most desktop users (even for 7) would have cared less. If you take a look at the documentation for the Windows 8 Previews, even there, some PS-exclusive scripting shows up, and it's one thing I'll be digging further into with these leaks.

all i know i installed it on my

netbook its hella fast and for xbox users theres tons of us it will rock even more

what so differnt cant get use to icons u an appke fan same bs differnt maker use it like it or stick with 7 stop bitching and this big debate can be over and for all the million who hate watch it will do grate and every one will eat there words .. thats my 2 cents

Windows 7 with this theme is great - http://mare-m.devian...ws-7-312530311?

No need for Windows 8, it looks crap, is the opposite of unified, and has too many ideas going on.

Removing the start button was simply the start of MS' craziness with this OS.

I'm probably in the minority but skipped Vista and 7 because it lacked customization. It was as if they wanted the OS to be a media hub, while completely neglecting anyone who wanted to run a barebones system. I'm excited for Windows 8 because atleast they're acknowledging that desire and changing the OS to match, rather than continuing under the guise of "It's all the same, just better (and you can do less)."

You should add that funny little piece of information in the future when you're complaining about missing features, things you can't find, too few advancements and other random stuff because it explains a lot.

See this is my point. Everyone who is Pro-Metro on here keeps saying to us if you don't like Metro then don't use it, just stay on the desktop but if you want to use Microsofts iTunes competitor you HAVE to use Metro. In my original post I said how Microsoft focused too much on Metro and beyond that there isn't many new features and I'm right there isn't. I don't consider XBOX Music and XBOX Video inside Metro competitors to iTunes because iTunes is a proper desktop piece of software and those things are Tablet wares closer to the iTunes Music Store on an iPad. Devoid of features and overly simplified for a touch user interface.

See this is my point. Everyone who is Pro-Metro on here keeps saying to us if you don't like Metro then don't use it, just stay on the desktop but if you want to use Microsofts iTunes competitor you HAVE to use Metro. In my original post I said how Microsoft focused too much on Metro and beyond that there isn't many new features and I'm right there isn't. I don't consider XBOX Music and XBOX Video inside Metro competitors to iTunes because iTunes is a proper desktop piece of software and those things are Tablet wares closer to the iTunes Music Store on an iPad. Devoid of features and overly simplified for a touch user interface.

Huh? What of Zune? That still works.

Huh? What of Zune? That still works.

Is Zune included with Windows 8? Is it a Windows 8 exclusive feature? Why would I upgrade to Windows 8 to run Zune when I can just run that on Windows 7? Also does Zune allow you to buy TV Shows? - Because correct me if I'm wrong - I don't think it does. I believe it supports Movies and Music only.

Also unfortunately there is no Zune client for Mac. So although I can use iTunes on my PC or Mac to enjoy my purchased media I can't do the same if I have a Zune Pass.

It does.

It's something, but worded very poorly: "Choose what to do with removable drives." - Notice how it's plural? Users may be under the impression that selecting "Configuring this drive for backup" will make it the default for all removable drives. From external drives to SDHC cards, from iPods to USB sticks. I can imagine people immediately hitting "Take no action" and then forget all about it. The cycle simply repeats next time around.

OS X on the other hand is crystal clear it only wants to use the external drive you just connected for Time Machine. It also gives you a nice clear explanation of what the feature does.

Is Zune included with Windows 8? Is it a Windows 8 exclusive feature? Why would I upgrade to Windows 8 to run Zune when I can just run that on Windows 7? Also does Zune allow you to buy TV Shows? - Because correct me if I'm wrong - I don't think it does. I believe it supports Movies and Music only.

Also unfortunately there is no Zune client for Mac. So although I can use iTunes on my PC or Mac to enjoy my purchased media I can't do the same if I have a Zune Pass.

It's not really difficult to check this on your own http://social.zune.net/tv

The support for different platforms is a strawman. Does iTunes support store bought video playback on Xbox 360? PS3? Android tablets/phones? DLNA playback?

If you really cared about cross platform stuff, you'd be buying from Amazon not iTunes ;)

It's not really difficult to check this on your own http://social.zune.net/tv

The support for different platforms is a strawman. Does iTunes support store bought video playback on Xbox 360? PS3? Android tablets/phones? DLNA playback?

If you really cared about cross platform stuff, you'd be buying from Amazon not iTunes ;)

Actually I checked their website before I made my post and saw no mention of TV, but after checking your link I guess it doesn't support TV in my region and that is why the website made no mention of it. And I don't own a 360, PS3 or Android handset so I don't need any of that.

tRzhW.png

It's something, but worded very poorly: "Choose what to do with removable drives." - Notice how it's plural? Users may be under the impression that selecting "Configuring this drive for backup" will make it the default for all removable drives. From external drives to SDHC cards, from iPods to USB sticks. I can imagine people immediately hitting "Take no action" and then forget all about it. The cycle simply repeats next time around.

OS X on the other hand is crystal clear it only wants to use the external drive you just connected for Time Machine. It also gives you a nice clear explanation of what the feature does.

User may also think that configuring a drive with Time Machine may take that drive back in time and lose all new data? Yes, at worse it is a grammar problem(and might be fixed in RTM?) and at best most users won't even notice it. It also shows the name of the drive, which I removed and the drive letter clearly. There is a step prior to this which I skipped (Choose what happens with drive or something like that).

The original point was lack of such feature in Windows and I was just replying that it actually has it and is apparently improved. The marketing message and description is another story. It is something Microsoft was never good at and is particularly bad in Windows most of the times. It also helps to realize that Windows 8 marketing hasn't begun yet.

Apple's brilliant marketing didn't help the few people I know realize that they can directly switch apps without going to home screen. This anecdotal evidence I agree but it happens everywhere and not just in Windows or Microsoft product (even with questionable user education).

Actually I checked their website before I made my post and saw no mention of TV, but after checking your link I guess it doesn't support TV in my region and that is why the website made no mention of it. And I don't own a 360, PS3 or Android handset so I don't need any of that.

If all you do is in live in Apple's ecosystem, then Windows 8 (or rather non-Apple stuff such as Amazon) is clearly not for you. Why even bother trying?

User may also think that configuring a drive with Time Machine may take that drive back in time and lose all new data?

No.

It also gives you a nice clear explanation of what the feature does.

User may also think that configuring a drive with Time Machine may take that drive back in time and lose all new data? Yes, at worse it is a grammar problem(and might be fixed in RTM?) and at best most users won't even notice it. It also shows the name of the drive, which I removed and the drive letter clearly. There is a step prior to this which I skipped (Choose what happens with drive or something like that).

So all in all it isn't as clear and straightforward as Time Machine. The File History icon being Metro in one place and Windows Vista/7 styled in another doesn't exactly help either to make it more identifiable.

If all you do is in live in Apple's ecosystem, then Windows 8 (or rather non-Apple stuff such as Amazon) is clearly not for you. Why even bother trying?

Because Apples desktop hardware is crap? The Mac Pro hasn't been upgraded in years and is several architectures out of date. I rely on Windows to give me an Apple class experience on desktop hardware. Plus I'm a gamer among other things and I need a windows environment for that because Apples game ecosystem isn't at the level of Windows yet. Not to mention no SLI or Crossfire support under OS X.

Is Zune included with Windows 8? Is it a Windows 8 exclusive feature? Why would I upgrade to Windows 8 to run Zune when I can just run that on Windows 7? Also does Zune allow you to buy TV Shows? - Because correct me if I'm wrong - I don't think it does. I believe it supports Movies and Music only.

Also unfortunately there is no Zune client for Mac. So although I can use iTunes on my PC or Mac to enjoy my purchased media I can't do the same if I have a Zune Pass.

I've always wondered why anyone would -ever- install the abortion that is the Windows version of iTunes. I'd put an axe through my PC before I installed that abomination; it'd work better afterwards. :p

I've always wondered why anyone would -ever- install the abortion that is the Windows version of iTunes. I'd put an axe through my PC before I installed that abomination; it'd work better afterwards. :p

I know right? Would be nice if Microsoft stepped up and made something that did everything iTunes can do while being written better for Windows. iTunes on Windows isn't anywhere near the refinement of the OS X version it feels clumsy and slow, poorly written.

I've always wondered why anyone would -ever- install the abortion that is the Windows version of iTunes.

Same reason why anyone would install the abomination that is Microsoft Office for Mac. You'll love iTunes' performance on Windows after working with Office for Mac for any extended period of time.

No.

So all in all it isn't as clear and straightforward as Time Machine. The File History icon being Metro in one place and Windows Vista/7 styled in another doesn't exactly help either to make it more identifiable.

This is the next step...

File History is not part of "Metro" UI or at least I haven't seen any other such UI. There is no file management in Metro UI AFAIK.

I have criticized this whole File history UI in the past and I am not really keen on current design but all the pieces you mention are there. I also didn't like the childish interface in the first Time Machine, I haven't seen latest to know if they have improved it.

post-62693-0-84409200-1344277493.jpg

Is Zune included with Windows 8? Is it a Windows 8 exclusive feature? Why would I upgrade to Windows 8 to run Zune when I can just run that on Windows 7? Also does Zune allow you to buy TV Shows? - Because correct me if I'm wrong - I don't think it does. I believe it supports Movies and Music only.

Also unfortunately there is no Zune client for Mac. So although I can use iTunes on my PC or Mac to enjoy my purchased media I can't do the same if I have a Zune Pass.

You tell me...

Same reason why anyone would install the abomination that is Microsoft Office for Mac. You'll love iTunes' performance on Windows after working with Office for Mac for any extended period of time.

It's cross compiled? Because iTunes is (despite Apple using that as a reason why Flash apps are evil and won't ever be allowed in iOS).

It really annoys me that iTunes is so crap. It has features that I actually -want-, but I flatly refuse to screw over my system for it.

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

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Save 59% on training for a Claude AI Professional E-Degree by Steven Parker Today on offer via our Online Courses section of the Neowin Deals store, you can save 59% on the cost of training for a Claude AI Professional E-Degree. Note: Available to New users only. Master Claude AI for Productivity, Automation & AI-Powered Workflows Unlock the full potential of Claude AI with a structured, hands-on eDegree designed to help you master prompting, agentic coding, workflow automation, integrations, and AI-powered systems for real-world applications. Through four in-depth modules, you’ll learn how to use Claude beyond simple conversations and turn it into a practical tool for productivity, development, and business workflows. Whether you're a developer, entrepreneur, freelancer, creator, or working professional, this program teaches future-ready AI skills designed to help reduce repetitive work, improve efficiency, and build smarter workflows. With 100+ lectures, 8+ hours of video content, quizzes, practical projects, and a professional certificate, you'll gain hands-on experience applying Claude AI to real-world tasks. Master Claude AI from Prompting to Automation Advanced Prompt Engineering & AI Communication: Learn effective prompting techniques, context management, chain-of-thought workflows, & methods for improving Claude responses. Agentic Coding & Development: Learn AI-assisted coding workflows, debugging techniques, VS Code integrations, & Claude-powered development systems. Workflow Automation, Integrations & Plugins: Connect Claude with Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Chrome, MCP connectors, & productivity tools. Claude Cowork Ecosystem: Explore plugins, sub-agents, workflow systems, & practical AI automation strategies. Learn Through Real-World Projects 5 Practical Projects: Build projects focused on marketing workflows, AI websites, automation systems, educational content, virtual assistants, & AI-powered applications. 100+ Lectures & Quizzes: Reinforce learning through guided lessons & hands-on activities. Professional eDegree Certificate: Earn a certificate upon successful completion. Future-Ready AI Skills: Gain practical experience designed for productivity, development, & AI workflow applications. What You'll Get 4 Comprehensive Courses 8+ Hours of Video Content 4 Claude Tools Covered Master Claude AI from beginner to advanced level Learn powerful prompting and AI communication techniques Build real-world AI automation workflows Use Claude for agentic coding and faster development Explore plugins, integrations, and AI tools Automate repetitive business and productivity tasks Improve workflow efficiency with AI-powered systems Gain hands-on experience with practical projects Learn industry-ready AI productivity strategies Earn a professional eDegree in Claude AI mastery Good to know Length of access: Lifetime Redemption deadline: Redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Access options: Desktop or mobile Maximum number of device(s): Multi-device access Available to New users only Certificate of Completion ONLY Experience level required: All levels Updates included: Yes Closed captioning NOT available NOT downloadable for offline viewing Here's the deal Training for a Claude AI Professional E-Degree normally costs $49, but you can pick it up for just $19.99, that's a saving of $29. For terms, specs and license info, click the link below. Deal Price Get trained for just $19.99 (was $49) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • All good features. But it is not an actual Windows app. I’d rather use the PWA. Meanwhile but versions - Classic and Modern - are full of bugs and inconsistencies. Yuck.
    • Had one user who switched to new Outlook, could not send an email he sends weekly due to file size to large error, works fine in classic Outlook. Issue just today, user received a meeting invite, when she went to add the meeting to the calendar it opened up New Outlook (she has classic open) and we could not add the invite to her calendar, We had her switch to New Outlook, it crashed when we tried to add the invite. Still hot garbage.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      mobandz earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • Apprentice
      fernan99 went up a rank
      Apprentice
    • One Month Later
      nothanks earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      B2Proxy earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Year In
      MadMung0 earned a badge
      One Year In
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      466
    2. 2
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      247
    3. 3
      Skyfrog
      79
    4. 4
      FloatingFatMan
      77
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      60
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!