Windows 8 hater finally upgrading (me)

[sinetheo]

I love aero glass, gorgeous gradients, shadows, and organization. Windows 7 was everything I wanted from Vista and I became a big fan and evangelist.

I Spewed Comments and friended order66 and others to bash Windows 8.1 and 10 for being too flat with pastel nursery colors.

I am learning flat design for a website I plan to work on and also need a lite OS to handle GS3 viritual routers and setup domains in vmware for my certifications. It is time to stop resisting change and clinging my fists in anxiety over colors.

I need an app to put 3d flip desktops back?

So far I installed

1. Glass8 nag where which does not put all chrome back as 7.

2. Stardocks start8 with a black color that is translucent

3. Just need a flip app to emulate Windows key tab

Glass8 alternatives would be nice too. Any suggestions?

[Mugwump00]

The win+tab function of the most recent Windows 10 build is far more functional than Flip 3D.  The rest is aesthetics. 

[Max Norris]

Just tossing it out there, if you really like Aero/gradients/etc that much and it's running everything you need, why switch at all? You got 6 years left on it, not exactly a big rush, especially if your workflow isn't going to change, never mind 10's just around the corner, may be worth waiting for what may be better. Be easier to use the built-in stuff that works 100% versus mods and get a better looking result in the process. Not a fan of transparency myself (especially with programs that misuse/abuse it), also dislike the blue pastel gradients, ick, but *shrug* personal tastes and all that, you can change it, I personally do away with a lot of that on my 7 desktops. That goes for 8 too.. there are different themes for it that can really change how it looks.

As far as the flip 3D thing goes, never used it myself (felt it gimmicky, ranks up there with wobbly windows), but I recall a program that did similar.. WinFlip or something like that, no idea if it's any good or even still developed, so don't quote me on it, but it might do what you need, theres a few other alternate task switchers out there with effects that do that as well, seen a couple that even go as far as that silly cube thing if you're into that.

[The Evil Overlord]

There are some sites that may still have a program called winflip, I used to use it in my xp days, made xp take on the scrollable screenshots you see on vista

I daren't offer a link as linking to some sites that could be considered rivals as breaking the rules (or at the very least will be picked up by neowin's spam filter, kinda like how the 6+1 forums do)

[sinetheo]

Just tossing it out there, if you really like Aero/gradients/etc that much and it's running everything you need, why switch at all? You got 6 years left on it, not exactly a big rush, especially if your workflow isn't going to change, never mind 10's just around the corner, may be worth waiting for what may be better. Be easier to use the built-in stuff that works 100% versus mods and get a better looking result in the process. Not a fan of transparency myself (especially with programs that misuse/abuse it), also dislike the blue pastel gradients, ick, but *shrug* personal tastes and all that, you can change it, I personally do away with a lot of that on my 7 desktops. That goes for 8 too.. there are different themes for it that can really change how it looks.

As far as the flip 3D thing goes, never used it myself (felt it gimmicky, ranks up there with wobbly windows), but I recall a program that did similar.. WinFlip or something like that, no idea if it's any good or even still developed, so don't quote me on it, but it might do what you need, theres a few other alternate task switchers out there with effects that do that as well, seen a couple that even go as far as that silly cube thing if you're into that.

 

Because I used to laugh at XP die hards getting mad at Microsoft for dumping XP after a mere 13 years. I would be no different.

 

Besides I need to emulate whole freakign Cisco switches and need something that doesn't slow down under a very heavy load. Dot Matrix and others are correct in that the world changes and things advance. If I stay on Windows 7 how will I adapt to change like Windows 10 or late. I want an xboxONE too. Guess which OS is better integrated. Windows 10 may even run xboxone games if www.maximumpc.com is correct.

 

With these utilities it is bareable.

 

Also my monitor has VERY HIGH GAMMA which is why I hated the initial bright Windows task bars in 8 and Office 2013. I turned it down now so it is barable. I think the flat look is here like Yosemite has it in MacOSX but it seems to be showing off a demo which is now outdated looking in comparison. A small light aero is what I hope in Windows 10 in the consumer preview. But there is a hostile move for white flat no colors inside Microsoft. Look at the job in Office 2013. At the last second color was removed knowing folks would be forced to use it in order to get used to it. Metro in 8 was there too.

[Dot Matrix]

Because I used to laugh at XP die hards getting mad at Microsoft for dumping XP after a mere 13 years. I would be no different.

 

Besides I need to emulate whole freakign Cisco switches and need something that doesn't slow down under a very heavy load. Dot Matrix and others are correct in that the world changes and things advance. If I stay on Windows 7 how will I adapt to change like Windows 10 or late. I want an xboxONE too. Guess which OS is better integrated. Windows 10 may even run xboxone games if www.maximumpc.com is correct.

 

With these utilities it is bareable.

 

Also my monitor has VERY HIGH GAMMA which is why I hated the initial bright Windows task bars in 8 and Office 2013. I turned it down now so it is barable. I think the flat look is here like Yosemite has it in MacOSX but it seems to be showing off a demo which is now outdated looking in comparison. A small light aero is what I hope in Windows 10 in the consumer preview. But there is a hostile move for white flat no colors inside Microsoft. Look at the job in Office 2013. At the last second color was removed knowing folks would be forced to use it in order to get used to it. Metro in 8 was there too.

I'm curious as to why Windows 8 is otherwise "unbearable" without these additions? Personally, I find that a GUI should be clean, simple, easy to use and understand, and not distracting to the user. These are the marks of a very effective UI.

 

Windows XP's default layout hit none of those marks. XP was an constant eyesore, and fought you every inch of the way. Windows 7 hits all of those marks, except from distracting the user with unnecessary effects. Windows 8/8.1 hits all these marks. If you're obsessing over glass, shadows, and gradients, then what kind of work are you doing? Yes, glass was cool at first, but when you're working or playing at your PC, glass is the last thing on anyone's mind. Also, more times than not, it's disabled in the workplace either by hardware restrictions, or by a group policy.

[sinetheo]

During the XP years the first thing I did was put classic on. I love to see blue and gray as it showed me which was active with ease.

Vista was bad with all black or clear which would be black behind something ekse. I tried Vista glaze which kept breaking. Win 7 was exactly what I wanted!

My gamma is too high which on 8 made white title bar suck. When you a put a dark color you can't see the text so WTF . Start screen 8 Don't Care About As much.

[BajiRav]

Over the years, I have learnt to not customize OS UI too much. Trying out third party mods and figuring out their side effects is so much pain than just realizing why a UI is designed like the way it is. I just then use available built-in options+features to somewhat customize it (such as checkbox selection in FileExplorer).

This IMO is the best way to use any OS without affecting its base performance.

[sinetheo]

Over the years, I have learnt to not customize OS UI too much. Trying out third party mods and figuring out their side effects is so much pain than just realizing why a UI is designed like the way it is. I just then use available built-in options+features to somewhat customize it (such as checkbox selection in FileExplorer).

This IMO is the best way to use any OS without affecting its base performance.

I am hoping Windows 10 will fix this come January

[BajiRav]

I am hoping Windows 10 will fix this come January

Fix what?

[Raa]

It'll be Win 7 for me until Win 10 RTM's next year. I'd love to see Win 7's Aero/Blur/Themes in Win10, but if that doesn't happen i'm sure there will be a 3rd party program to restore it.

[Jim K Global Moderator]

Windows 7 hits all of those marks, except from distracting the user with unnecessary effects. Windows 8/8.1 hits all these marks. If you're obsessing over glass, shadows, and gradients, then what kind of work are you doing? Yes, glass was cool at first, but when you're working or playing at your PC, glass is the last thing on anyone's mind. Also, more times than not, it's disabled in the workplace either by hardware restrictions, or by a group policy.

 

What?  Aero glass is distracting...or you kidding me?  You are the one who doesn't think having to switch to a full screen menu just to launch an application is distracting?  Aero glass is more distracting than that?  You know what is distracting...the start screen and not being able to read text with black borders.  That is distracting (to me anyway).  Glass was never distracting...just gave the OS a nice look.  Glass can be disabled...so your distraction is gone.  I do not understand your issue with giving users options.

 

You do realize that some actually like effects (and it doesn't hinder their work)...and your hypercritical way of thinking others should feel about their system is borderline obsessive.  Your point of view is always right and everyone else  (those with opposing views) is either wrong or you are "just curious" to why x,y and z.

[Max Norris]

Because I used to laugh at XP die hards getting mad at Microsoft for dumping XP after a mere 13 years. I would be no different.

Sure, but 7 isn't due to be retired for six more years. Can't stick to one version of an OS forever, but hardly not in a big rush either. If you wanted to you could easily wait till 10 or even further before you really have to switch. If it works, *shrug* stick with it, it's still getting updated, that's what matters.

Not that I'm a die-hard anything, I have a mix of 7 and 8, pick what works and just go with it, but really excited about 10.. looks like they're going to nail that one in a big way. End of the day though, after a short tweaking session, my 7 and 8 desktops are very similar in look and feel, about the only time it's blatantly obvious which one I'm on is when I see the boot splash or copying a file.

 

If I stay on Windows 7 how will I adapt to change like Windows 10 or late.

Judging by how it's going so far, probably much easier than the 7 to 8 transition, assuming a straight out-of-the-box setup with no tweakery of course, a few tweaks and they're very similar regardless.

 

My gamma is too high which on 8 made white title bar suck. When you a put a dark color you can't see the text so WTF .

Yea I don't get why they took out the option to adjust the text colors in the titlebars, that was an odd choice. Get a third party theme with white text and go from there, there's a couple that are identical to the stock theme but with white text, or go with something else entirely. My 8 desktops use a window border that's near black, totally usable.

What?  Aero glass is distracting...or you kidding me?

Personally wouldn't say distracting, but it can be hard to read sometimes, and it's just awful to look at when a program misuses it, a few programs were spectacularly bad with it. The only time I sorta (sometimes) like it is moving windows, but can do without it. Much prefer a flatter solid window frame myself, but *shrug* opinion and all that.

[Jim K Global Moderator]

Personally wouldn't say distracting, but it can be hard to read sometimes, and it's just awful to look at when a program misuses it, a few programs were spectacularly bad with it. The only time I sorta (sometimes) like it is moving windows, but can do without it. Much prefer a flatter solid window frame myself, but *shrug* opinion and all that.

 

hmmm, never ran into a program that "misuses" it.  Not saying there isn't of course.  The flat solid color window frame is fine in Windows 8...however...my big beef is that I'm unable to read text on solid black frames  (I prefer black...including Aero glass).  I'm hoping Windows 10 makes changes to this (seen white text on black border with Metro so I'm hopeful).  I've ran 8 enough of my backup notebook to realize that (even with Classic Shell) there is no way I'll upgrade any of my other computers to it.

 

I agree with opinions but mostly options ...  

[Max Norris]

hmmm, never ran into a program that "misuses" it.  Not saying there isn't of course.  The flat solid color window frame is fine in Windows 8...however...my big beef is that I'm unable to read text on solid black frames.

A good example of glass gone bad is Thunderbird. Good lord, it's awful, and there's some others.. not an epidemic or anything but when it happens you see it in a big way. And like I said, it's just an opinion, I'm sure Aero has its fans, I'm just not one of them. Was spiffy going from XP to Vista but the novelty wore off years ago for me. As far as the black frames go, I touched on that in my previous post, you can edit the theme or get a pre-built with white text.. not sure why they removed that ability, kinda stupid.

I can agree that what's there isn't horribly over-used though. Some other desktops use it too much, for example taskbar popups or dialogs that have transparency.. reeeealy hard to read and borderline useless. Aero at least hits a nice balance between purty and usability.

[Jim K Global Moderator]

A good example of glass gone bad is Thunderbird. Good lord, it's awful, and there's some others.. not an epidemic or anything but when it happens you see it in a big way. And like I said, it's just an opinion, I'm sure Aero has its fans, I'm just not one of them. Was spiffy going from XP to Vista but the novelty wore off years ago for me. As far as the black frames go, I touched on that in my previous post, you can edit the theme or get a pre-built with white text.. not sure why they removed that ability, kinda stupid.

Yea. Just googled an image of thunderbird with glass...It is pretty awful. Though I think a black aero would be ok (the image I saw was almost a goldish color theme)

[Auditor]

I personally like Windows 7 including Aero and every thing else. If MS has to do flat UI then they should learn thing or two from OS X Yosemite. There is huge difference between flat ugly design (MS) and flat sober design. OS X flat design is aesthetic and less obtrusive than MS ugly looking UI with white space everywhere. Thing looks damn unbearable on my 30 inch UHD monitor with white empty space everywhere. I will be sticking to windows 7 and my Hackintosh for the long time. I am not interested in Win 10 as well. 

[notchinese]

so you didn't use a superior OS because you needed the (IMO) ugly Windows 7 gradients?

[sinetheo]

What program do you use to change the text white?

[sinetheo]

so you didn't use a superior OS because you needed the (IMO) ugly Windows 7 gradients?

Well you have to stare at it all day so yes it is very important.

I have glass8 to get some of it back

[+Fahim S. MVC]

Completely off topic from the OPs original post.

 

Each to their own, but I find the glass effect in Vista and 7 very obtrusive.  The flat, colour matched look for Windows 8 is something which is much easier on the eyes.  I think Vista certainly was better than XP, but to me the glass, bevelled look is something that is just superfluous and quite tacky to be honest.  I personally took to the flat gradient free look of Windows 8 immediately.

 

I have 2 Windows 7 machines (i5 laptop and Xeon desktop), 2 Windows 8 machines (Atom laptop and Core 2 Duo desktop), an i3 laptop running the Windows 10 TP, an Arm based ChromeBook and I have an i5 MacBook on the way.

[fusi0n]

I'm curious as to why Windows 8 is otherwise "unbearable" without these additions? Personally, I find that a GUI should be clean, simple, easy to use and understand, and not distracting to the user. These are the marks of a very effective UI.

 

Windows XP's default layout hit none of those marks. XP was an constant eyesore, and fought you every inch of the way. Windows 7 hits all of those marks, except from distracting the user with unnecessary effects. Windows 8/8.1 hits all these marks. If you're obsessing over glass, shadows, and gradients, then what kind of work are you doing? Yes, glass was cool at first, but when you're working or playing at your PC, glass is the last thing on anyone's mind. Also, more times than not, it's disabled in the workplace either by hardware restrictions, or by a group policy.

Like I've said 10000 times directed at YOU, everyone is different.. Different strokes for different folks. 

 

On the other hand, I actually really like Windows 8.1, just the way it is.. I hated it at first.. But, you have to give it a real honest try.. 

[shockz]

I'm curious as to why Windows 8 is otherwise "unbearable" without these additions? Personally, I find that a GUI should be clean, simple, easy to use and understand, and not distracting to the user. These are the marks of a very effective UI.

 

Windows XP's default layout hit none of those marks. XP was an constant eyesore, and fought you every inch of the way. Windows 7 hits all of those marks, except from distracting the user with unnecessary effects. Windows 8/8.1 hits all these marks. If you're obsessing over glass, shadows, and gradients, then what kind of work are you doing? Yes, glass was cool at first, but when you're working or playing at your PC, glass is the last thing on anyone's mind. Also, more times than not, it's disabled in the workplace either by hardware restrictions, or by a group policy.

 

I can't even take you seriously any more. The amount of changes Microsoft has already implemented with Windows 10, a number of them that have moved away from your flawed, minimalistic view of how a desktop computing experience should be. You can have eye candy and still productive. My users number one complaint with both 8 and Office 2013 are the lack of glass, too much white, bright space. Users don't want to stare of a screen blank colors or bland desks. They appreciate a little eye candy when working on their computers 8 hours a day.

[Dot Matrix]

I can't even take you seriously any more. The amount of changes Microsoft has already implemented with Windows 10, a number of them that have moved away from your flawed, minimalistic view of how a desktop computing experience should be. You can have eye candy and still productive. My users number one complaint with both 8 and Office 2013 are the lack of glass, too much white, bright space. Users don't want to stare of a screen blank colors or bland desks. They appreciate a little eye candy when working on their computers 8 hours a day.

I have yet to hear any complaints from the lack of glass. Many computers I support don't even have the feature turned on. Take me as little serious as you want, again, I still believe a good GUI is one that doesn't distract you from your work. If your users are complaining about glass, then it seems like they're less focused on the tasks they should be accomplishing, and more on wasting time.

[shockz]

I have yet to hear any complaints from the lack of glass. Many computers I support don't even have the feature turned on. Take me as little serious as you want, again, I still believe a good GUI is one that doesn't distract you from your work. If your users are complaining about glass, then it seems like they're less focused on the tasks they should be accomplishing, and more on wasting time.

Wasting time because they want glass enabled? Nonsense.

 

I suppose users complaining that Office 2013 is too bright, white and they don't like using it and tend to use it less makes them more productive too? I mean that certainly doesn't waste time at all, right? It's also why Office 2015 is getting changed up with a dark theme too, right?