Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Microsoft Reacts To Feedback But Did They Get Windows 8.1 Right?

Posted by samzenpus on from the trry-it-now dept.

MojoKid writes "Microsoft's Windows "Blue" 8.1 update has been long-awaited. Those who've been using the base OS since launch have no doubt been anticipating some of the enhancements that are coming. At the moment, Windows 8.1 is available only as a preview, and if you are looking to give it a try, there are a couple of things to be aware of. The most important is the fact that once you upgrade, you can't easily downgrade — so you may wish to try the update in a virtual machine or on a test machine if possible. In addition, your current product keys will not work, so you'll effectively be turning your activated OS into an evaluation (it's assumed that once 8.1 goes final, we'll be able to update using our original keys). That said, Microsoft's free update offers a slew of enhancements like a new Start Screen, the return of the Start Button, even quicker shutdown and restart, boot to desktop, quicker integrated search and Skydrive enhancements. All told, Microsoft's new OS release is a more than worthy successor for end users but now Microsoft really needs to work on getting developers on board."

12 of 543 comments (clear)

  1. I tested Windows 8.1 by JustANormalGuy · · Score: 5, Funny

    I gotta say I'm impressed with Windows 8.1 preview. It is by far the best OS there is. I'm happy that the start button is back and that they've improved Start Screen. The performance upgrades are fantastic. Everything runs so smoothly.

    Windows 8.1 is by far the best Windows there is!

    1. Re:I tested Windows 8.1 by JustANormalGuy · · Score: 5, Funny

      $12 per post, $15 if lengthy

    2. Re:I tested Windows 8.1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      I love Windows 8.1 too! It's so square that it makes me feel good about being square. I just adore the new square start button. Everyone would be so much happier if they just had this button as part of their day. And the new start screen is so awesome! It makes me feel like a race car driver, with all the blinking lights. My most favorite part of 8.1, though, is how Microsoft optimized the NSA uploads. It's now so smooth, I hardly can tell when the government is reviewing my files. I'm sure 8.1 is going to be a smashing success. There is no other OS that compares to this marvel of engineering and design.

    3. Re:I tested Windows 8.1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      Are they hiring ? I have an impressive history on this site and I think I can contribute significantly to the cause.

    4. Re:I tested Windows 8.1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Why can't we just admit, Windows is just Poo Poo now?

      For some of us, it's our duty to make sure Windows never drops to number two. Although it's always a real gasser to float some ideas about keeping other OSes down in the night soil, they're all excrement when the shit hits the fan like with Vista or Windows 8.

    5. Re:I tested Windows 8.1 by Hassman · · Score: 4, Funny

      Yeah! We only like paid negative MS posts here!

      --
      -Mark
      Dovie'andi se tovya sagain.
    6. Re:I tested Windows 8.1 by theskipper · · Score: 4, Funny

      That explains why APK owns a yacht. With extra storage below deck to store his host files.

    7. Re:I tested Windows 8.1 by flyingfsck · · Score: 5, Funny

      Hey, don't use my name in vain. Especially when combined in the same sentence with Microsoft, it really hurts.

      --
      Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
    8. Re:I tested Windows 8.1 by KingMotley · · Score: 3, Funny

      Yeah, I started using windows when it was 1.0 too. I like Windows 8. It boots faster, is more responsive, the redone task manager is awesome (finally), better cache management (kind of important to me since I have 64GB of RAM). The start screen is ok, I rarely use the icons, I just type what I want and hit enter -- I actually go to the start screen maybe twice a week, so it doesn't bother me at all. All my important apps are either pinned to the taskbar, or have an icon on my desktop. Not a big fan of the Metro/Modern UI, but I only use the desktop as I always have. Removing the start "button" actually gained me some space on my task bar, so I actually like it gone.

      Saying it's the biggest POS you have ever seen and having used all the versions of Windows, puts you in a very small club, so I would like to introduce you to Microsoft Bob.

    9. Re:I tested Windows 8.1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      I think you are confusing trolls with the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" crowd. My mother who is over 70 has had the same reactions people on Slashdot are having about the new Windows GUI. If she had her way she'd go back to Windows XP's interface cause she knew EXACTLY where everything was and didn't need anyone to change it. Windows 8.1 is just another mess for her to relearn how to do things. I'm sorry, as nice as Metro may be for phones and tablets, it has no place on the desktop.

      You've got your self-important-douchebag font setting stuck.

  2. Re:Start Button in 8.1 is useless. by marcosdumay · · Score: 4, Funny

    What? Are you saying that you want the Start Button to have some action when clicked? If it was so important, you should have documented it at the requirements.

    You asked for a button, MS gave you a button. Content yourself with it.

    --
    Rethinking email
  3. helpful hint from John McAfee: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    you can always use MyCleanPC to safeguard the purity of your HOSTS file. that will keep Junis from getting your GameMaker files full of HOT GRITZ and causing SCO to sue your ::Cue::Cat.