I have Windows 8 Pro on my desktop computer and one of my laptops. I consider myself having the best of both worlds (Windows 8 and Windows 7). There is a learning curve, but the efforts are rewarded (imho). I have been using Windows since Windows 95. As always, when a new version of Windows arrives some third party programs will get left behind, along with device drivers and the sort. I also have software that I paid a lot for that I cannot use on Windows 8. However, I really like Windows 8.

I have installed several Stardock Products and they work fine. I also have several legacy programs that work on Windows 8 Pro.

For those who are using Windows 8, I have a few tweak tips (if you don't know about them already).

1.) Windows 8 God Mode Tile script can be found here:

http://techpp.com/2011/11/22/how-to-enable-god-mode-on-windows-8/

2.) Windows 8 by default does not "shut down" when you click shut down, but rather is hibernated. This is done to enhance a faster boot. The faster boot option can be turned on or off in control panel power options, or manually overrode. Full explanation can be found here:

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/force-full-shutdown-fully-reinitialize-windows-8

You can also hold down the shift key while clicking on shut down, and keep the shift key down until the computer shuts completely off.

3.) Little known utilities included in Windows 8 can be found here:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2018309/six-awesome-built-in-windows-utilities-no-one-knows-about.html

4.) Tame those tiles:

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/create-manage-groups-start-screen-app-tiles-windows-8

It isn't full hibernation.  It shuts off all applications and hibernates the OS only. 

No idea why you'd want to disable that.

Reasons needed for a "hard shutdown" were listed on the link. I would not want to disable it permanently either.

You say it's funny loudest fans don't like big features.

I say someone not liking big features probably isn't much of a "loudest fan" to begin with.

agreed. this is why i wrote "amusing" in the post you responded previously.

I run a business that depends on a Windows Server and about 15 desktops, most of the latter still running XP, a few W7.  We have a very experienced contract tech support company whose owner has advised us in the strongest terms possible to avoid Win8 at all costs.

Just doin' the Joe Friday thing.  YMMV.

See that's just it though......I myself run a 'very experienced contract tech support company' who says exactly the opposite of 'your guy'.   My company has already moved serveral mid-size clients from older obsolete solutions into the Win8 market (incl. the use of desktops, tablets and the new windows phones) at their locations with astounding results.  The clients couldn't be happier and the changes to their infrastructure have actually saved them money in terms of on-going support costs (yes I know that means less money for me) and have really cut down on 'wasted' employee-time, along with bringing new ways (sometimes better ways) of doing old things into their businesses.

It is interesting that the same coin can have such very different sides.  

Agreed.  I suspect the devil is in the details of what business the client is in and its particular application requirements.  Not to mention the value judgment involved in 'obsolete'.

Agreed.

One could say my own personal definition of 'obsolete' moves along with generally accepted 'end-of-life' practices and guidelines so as to not leave clients high and dry someday with tech and procedures that 'used to work just fine' until they didn't/don't, only to find out this day that the 'solution' for same may not longer be available/applicable. 

On a personal level, I am the sort of 'tech' who routinely advises clients on practices/procedures which tend to net less money for me but might end up placing the client in a better position with regards to their tech.  I guess I've always felt no amount of advertising can beat some good old solid word of mouth......

Was just looking at the market share stats and its a bleak picture for Win8. More people are currently using Linux. Thats abysmal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systems 

Yes....looks like Win8 might be as significant/important to the World's OS usage as.....

....Linux.

To rephrase the OP

....who the hell cares that win8 was signed off?....;p

People don't see a big need to change if their current system works well enough for them(which win 7 usually does). However given the fact most new computers being sold today come with win 8 preinstalled, it's spread is inevitable.

...but patently slow...;)

The answer is, in a way – Yes! But Windows 8, will reinitialize itself automatically whenever needed and whenever a system or hardware change is effected - and whenever it is required.

Force Windows 8 to shutdown fully

But there may be times where you may want to perform a complete shutdown manually. For instance, if you have added or changed some hardware, you may want to force a full shutdown.

Is that even supposed to make sense?  It will do it automatically in that instance, yet they recommend you do it yourself?

Why? 

The Christmas sales haven't even factored in yet.  Very doubtful those numbers will be the same next month.

Plus the DoD deal just now...proving that all those people who said corporations will never go for it are idiots.

Yeah, big 'corporation' the DoD. Also known for it's business acumen and the need to pinch every penny tot urn a profit. Also known for their 20.000$ hammers. How to spend your money wisely is their motto 

I hesitate to quote this and will not be specific about our circumstances, but...

...

...

...

Nope, not gonna do it, wouldn't be prudent.

...and needs the most secure and usable options available.

Look at the FBI.  How much money have they thrown away trying several times to develop a custom internal system for everything?  And it never works out.  Whee.

that's why your soldiers have to drive those Humvee deathtraps instead of German Dingos 

a government agency is not a corporation. they have to update their XP machines as support for these is running out next year. and Microsoft offered Windows 8 cheaper than Windows 7.

Technically true but they receive money to do a job, just like corporations.

I don't know about that. I have people asking me to remove Windows 8 on new machines and install Windows 7 or Linux.

The fun thing to see is what happens when XP support is dropped.  That might trigger a whole load of upgrades and I don't think 9 will be available yet at that point.

seriously?

in general corporations get their money on the market.

government on the other hand gets it's money by force (taxation).

in general corporations spend their money to invest and make profit.

government agencies on the other hand have to make sure to spend all the money they received in order to justify the need for equal or more money in the next budget.

your analogy only works for ultra-orthodox-communist societies.

definitely.

has nothing to do with the quality of Windows 8 though. 

Anyone still on XP obviously doesn't care about quality.

Hell, a good chunk of them probably only care that it's harder to pirate the newer OSes.