Just what I figured way back.

No... Jim really looks like that, Bry.  

What is all that stuff on the start screen? Actual programs or adverts? I don't mind the layout, functionally speaking, but all those random squares look cluttered.

And is that the Office ribbon on regular explorer window? I dislike the ribbon.

Okay so the option is there to turn off Metro and get what is currently call a normal desktop.  That's good. 

So, excluding talk about Metro what would be the updates, improves, enhancements made in Windows 8 over Windows 7?  Are these limited to Explorer and Task Manager?  I realize that this information may not be readily available.  

The "option" is a registry edit.

All the stuff on the start screen are apps. And programs.

The ribbon is part of explorer.

Anyone else having IE crash every time it opens?

Hey!  I resemble that remark!!  

It will support DX12 where windows 7 only goes up to DX11

(not factual but going on microsofts recent record probably not far from the truth)

So give it a year or 2 and you'll have to upgrade to play new games.

Ok, I just found something cool by accident. It's kind of OT though.

Every time I open IE it crashes.

So I installed the latest Google Chrome Beta from a USB drive.

I just noticed that I can search by voice with Chrome....that is just cool!  (I know, it don't take a lot to impress a redneck.) 

Yes it has existed for awhile.

It understands a TN twang? Now that's something!  

Now thayts funny raht thar, I don't keer hoo ya awr!  

My take on Metro? Nothing more than MS catering to those who want a very simple PC. Personally i think it's a bad idea unless it's on a touchscreen tablet.

And on a tablet while it's connectivity is unsurpassed, it's productivity is less obvious to me, at least.

I can't even think of a single game that requires DX10 currently, so I don't think there's much risk of that any time soon.

I'll wait for the movie to come out.

Not yet, but by the end of the year there should be.

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Start Menu > Metro. The only reason to have Metro on a non-mobile device is to use programs made for mobile devices. It should not be forced upon people.

Yeah, a sick one.

But......

Hmmm, sounding a little better.  However, with Metro yuk, I'd want to strip it out altogether... so it could never rear its ugly head again.

Seriously, Metro is the worst thing I've seen on a computer since a browser hijacker redirected me to the Overweight Octogenarians porn site.

understanding the design methodology and ideas behind the Metro interface in Windows 8

No matter how much better my understanding is of the Metro monstrosity. simply, there never could a liking for something so ghastly.

And sheeeite, that's a mighty big d/l for info that's unlikely to sway my opinion... 440mb.... can't just play it here.

I did watch it Starkers and I will be buying a Mac when they stop supporting Win7. At least Apple knows the difference between a desktop computer and a tablet.

Windows 8 looks like Microsoft's attempt to get their Apps store up and running. Fine on a tablet, but how does Metro help my productivity working with graphics ... and it's pig's arse ugly.

But it's early days ...

The How-to geek's ... windows-8-the-gigantic-how-to-geek-screenshot-tour

Tried installing on a HP Elitebook tablet/notebook pc.

Most of the hardware wasn't recognized and the driver cd ( for windows 7 ) just said ef-you when I tried to run it

Since most of the hardware was not recognized the touch mode didn't work. 

It was NOT a pleasant experience at all. I don't mind the Metro interface really but the gawd awful green background was a tad nauseating. At least it isn't more of the same ol thing with just a minor twist. I'm sure the finished product will be much better.

Metro is more of an alternate desktop than an alternate start menu/taskbar. Preferable a desktop from which you access all others and should include the ability to create virtual traditional desktops that have access to the Windows 7 Start Menu.

The TM looks good thanks for the screens  RedneckDude, the startmenu will be changeable or already is at least thats what iam told ,you should find the option somewhere under control panel to change it- i will ask again how that works and give reply again later tonight since i would really like to see the normal SM.
I think with the first beta ( not the dev ) hardware will be recognized and it should run much better and with the second beta things should be on windows 7 niveau if not better...
Windows Store will let you purchase Windows apps all in a single place. now that sounds strange

WARNING i didnt test it so please be carefull just posting this since it shows the normal menu
http://solo-dev.deviantart.com/art/Windows-8-Start-Menu-Toggle-258422929
I dont have the time to research more atm But there should be a easy click solution in contrl panel options somewhere to convert the menu back to 7 look

We already know how to change the start menu. It's a simple registry tweak, was answered early on in this thread by a link from Doc.

Not in the control panel.

I have swapped back to my Win 7 HDD.

I've done about all I can with this version.

Internet Explorer 10 crashes upon opening, half of the start screen apps don't work, and there's really nothing else to do, but wait for the next build.

It was fun for a day....

from what I watch here Reply #67

 the start Metro Menu is the same as the start menu which is butt ass ugly

if this don't change by the time 8 is for sell I will pass on 8 I like my WindowBlinds too much and my start menu

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to the one that don't like the ribbon(s)