Why are people hating on Windows 8? I took advantage for the $39.99 download the next day after it came out. No problems here. Integration with XBOX 360 Gaming, Pinball FX 2 on WINDOWS! , Computer only takes 10 seconds to boot, Computer takes 5 seconds to shut down. Programs launch a hell of a lot faster then Windows 7.

The interface might have been scaled back from its Aero flavoring but I do like the new Start interface that Microsoft has created. It brings all the information I need to start my morning in a easy to read magazine format when I want to read.

Only because the general public buys premade computers from Dell, HP, Toshiba, etc. Those manufacturers force Windows 8 down the public's throats. I couldn't even find a PC loaded with Windows 7 during my last visit to Walmart.

As if that's a good thing. PlayStation is so much better.

Yet it's a PITA to switch back to Metro when you want to start a new app. The traditional start menu is so much easier to use.

I seriously don't get all the nerd-rage about windows 8.  

I got the $40 digital upgrade and after about 5 days of tweaking and customizing, I find that I really like the new windows.  To be fair, my setup uses HDMI out to my HDTV so it might be different for traditional monitor setups but I really like what Metro brings to the table.  Once I figured out how to fully customize the start screen and get all the apps working I couldn't be happier.  I really think there's a lot of potential with the metro apps.  Right now there isn't much but I do like the people app and (once you get to connect properly) does a good job in unifying all your social networks.  I also like the horizontal presentation and the control using the mouse wheel.  Also with Start8 installed, you can get your windows 7 start menu back with no problem.  I personally use start8 as well as the metro interface which once I got it customized, was a great replacement for Objectdock which just slows boot time down too much.

Another reason not to like Windows 8. What happens if you have a computer that will not be on the internet? All those live tiles are useless.

You answered it yourself.

If you need a third party app to make it good.....then it isn't 'good'....;)

How so?  You hit the win key. Bang, you're in Metro.  You hit win key again, you go back to your last active program, which is usually desktop for me.  You hit win key+D, you always go right to the desktop.

Launching programs using Metro is significantly easier and faster than the traditional start menu.  

Who said I want to constantly use the keyboard? Using the mouse is far more easier and quicker.

Tell you what, you use your keyboard to switch from what you are doing to Metro to launch a new app. I bet here in Windows XP I can beat your time simply by pressing Start and choosing an app.

Well said, spot on.

I think nerd-rage is about all you can call it.  In six months people will have forgotten all about this stupid argument.

In Windows XP you press a button, gravy, then go to All Programs, then find your folder, then run the program.  Cool.  In Vista/7 search was added in since that's so clunky.  In the Start Screen it's two clicks once you have it set up...no folders, no searching, no useless uninstall or webpage links cluttering it up.  No need for keyboard shortcuts either, despite some people going about it that way.  Awesome.

I think anyone who 'needs' a third party app here is mildly hopeless.

And now that I've annoyed you all again, I must be off.

Then refuse to buy it.

Yeah, we need to eliminate this usage of 'toll' so that we don't confuse Stardock with a serial muderer of operating systems. :p

Don't blame me....I was quoting, hence the " 'death toll' " ...;)

I think MS may just become the 'serial murderer of operating systems'....;)

I shuddered when I saw "death toll" - a fee for traveling death highway?

It's "death knell".... a bell tolls.

So 5 years from now Jafo will be typing from a Linux box.

Desktop shortcuts are so last century.....

Well, ok... I have three (and yet I use Fences), but only for show....
Can't remember last time I clicked either of them - and to be honest, without looking/unhiding them I couldn't remember what application/folder they were leading to.

It's more likely that you'd be having a job at Microsoft coding their next OS...... blindfolded.... both hands tied behind your back..... typing with you toes.

dont forget.. the new "Metro" start is in the same place. Lower left corner. You click it and you just have a start menu that is full screen. A flick of the mouse wheel and you scroll the start menu. You click one time on your app and it launches faster than it did in 7. Seriously, getting to, and launching an app is faster once you develop the repetition. Just like you developed it starting in Win95.

You know what? I played with Windows 8 a few days ago. If you launch an app, while using the app it is easy to get to Metro by going to the left hand corner of the screen. But while on the desktop that didn't work just using the mouse. And while in Metro it was hard to get to the desktop just using the mouse. So yes the plain old Start menu is faster.

No-effing-way.

I look like an absolute DORK in a propeller hat......

Though I must admit it suits you.....;)

Well then we wil see you behind a computer with a Apple logo. No worries.

I have win 8 and I like it. I do not use metro though much. I think metro has a great potential but apps suck at the moment. But if you do not use metro, you just got win 7 working like a dream. So i do not really understand all that panic ...

Again, No.

I have half a dozen licences of Win7 so have no need to jump ship to rubbish like linux or Mac.

.....and a couple of Win8 licences....;p

FROM the desktop, moving the mouse to the lower left corner brings up a tile which launches the start menu (metro). Works every time on every single system I've tested it on. 

There is a tile on the Metro Start menu labeled... get this.... Desktop. You click it one time and you are back at the desktop. OR.. you can move your mouse to the upper right corner of the screen and a tile appears..of your... Desktop!!! You click on it and you are at your desktop using the program you had running. You need to remember that "metro" is the Start MENU, not another desktop.

I also "played" with Windows 8 several times and had the same opinions about it as you are expressing. Until I gave it a complete and fair workout though I did not appreciate it and see the benefits that it gives over 7. Until you (or anyone else) have (has) done that the opinions have zero foundation and simply will not hold up. It's akin to rating a skin by looking at the screenshot only. Simply pointless.

I like having Windows8 on a touch screen computer. But I am having some trouble with some of the touch features. Swiping in from screen edge isn't working well on my touch screen.

I should mention that it's an older touchscreen PC not made for Windows8.

I too didn't think I'd care for 8, but it's ok.

It won't replace my 7, but I count it as a toy.  For now.