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-   -   Windows 8 (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/windows-8-a-t209423.html)

sdeaaz 12-27-2012 06:23 PM

Windows 8
 
Just got a new laptop with Windows 8. I am finding it very hard to maneuver with it. Can anyone tell me how to go back to the last page easily. With XP all I did was hit the back key.... not so with Windows 8... whoever created this hated old people.. Thanks

ding-a-ling 12-27-2012 07:19 PM

Hope someone can help you as I need help with windows 8 also.

sdeaaz 12-27-2012 07:30 PM

what do you think of Windows 8? I have been on the computer all day... ready to go back to my old computer and XP.. I may be too old for this new stuff.....

patricej 12-28-2012 12:46 AM

i wasn't planning to buy a new laptop until next year.
once i saw the info about Windows 8 i made sure to buy it this year - before they started shipping systems with 8.

if i wanted an oversized smart phone, i'd buy a stinkin' smart phone.
i prefer that my computers act like computers, thank you very much. LOL LOL LOL

i have my fingers crossed that by the time they roll out the next version of windows they will have wised up and fixed it so those of us who want real computers can have them again.

clamb27 12-28-2012 12:56 AM

Go to the middle of left side of screen a 1/2 arrow will show up and click on it I hate windows 8 also but learning it slowly. Good luck with new laptop.

ewecansew 12-28-2012 07:27 AM

I needed a new laptop and my tech advised against getting Windows8. Lucky for me, windows 7 was still on the shelf and just $269 as a doorcrasher special. Good enough for this tech- challenged old girl. LOL

QKO 12-28-2012 08:27 AM

I've been running my workstation on Win8 for over a month now. Really not that much different once you figure out you can use the same interface that Win7 had. There are a few differences, like where to find the start menu, etc, but nothing really that major, so I don't know what all the whining is about. To get the old interface all you have to do is run your mouse pointer up to the upper left hand side of the screen and an icon will appear for the other interface, or on the start menu click on the icon marked "Desktop". Click it and there you go, Win7 interface.

As far as using the back key on a browser goes, I've always used a mouse with a back button on it, so that part didn't bother me.

The tradeoff is that Win8 is a lot faster on any given machine than Win7. And there are some other nice features. If you run multiple monitors like I do, you get the task bar on both monitors. Lots of other neat features as you learn it, as well.

Evie 12-28-2012 08:54 AM

I'm still trying to figure out all the features on Win7! The ones I have learned which are different from XP I have come to like, but it took awhile. Old dogs take more time to learn new tricks! ;)

sdeaaz 12-28-2012 12:31 PM

QKO would you be willing to help me out if I had some questions..?? I could private message you, or just ask from here and then everyone would get the advantage. If not I understand.
Did you have a book or find help on line??

QKO 12-28-2012 02:06 PM


Originally Posted by quilter 1234 (Post 5745839)
QKO would you be willing to help me out if I had some questions..?? I could private message you, or just ask from here and then everyone would get the advantage. If not I understand.
Did you have a book or find help on line??

Sure, no problem -- ask away and I'll try to help. :-)

patricej 12-28-2012 02:41 PM

many thanks, QKO, for that extremely useful information. :thumbup:
when it comes to computers, there's no such thing as "too fast." LOL

maybe i'll upgrade my old laptop so i can play with 8 before deciding whether to change the platform on my other computers.

deedum 12-28-2012 03:36 PM

I just brought a new laptop and avoided win8. My dh would not adjust to it well. I am thinking I may just go apple and forget windows. Yet I like Microsoft and have both platforms( apple and microsoft) , i will wait and see how win8 is embraced. Good luck with it. From what I understand, deep down it really isn't all that much different other than no start button.

zennia 12-28-2012 07:07 PM

I also go lap top with windows 8 for Christmas. I was really unhappy until granddaughter came over and went back to windows 7 set up like PKQ mentioned on last page.
XP was so easy. Why did they have to mess with it.

nativetexan 12-28-2012 08:01 PM

oh my, i thought going with Internet Explorer 9 was hard enough! I still have Windows 7. i hate change.

leakus 12-28-2012 10:11 PM

I have a new laptop with Win8, I haven't decided if I like it or not. I found it not very efficient as I see myself clicking more times to o the same things that took me 1 click in Win 7 but I am giving it a chance.
I learned to use the Start feature from the keyboard and click on the Desktop, from there I browse internet like before with the back button and all.
I don't like the email version - App type so I have added my email to the Favorites so I can open it the old style.
I like though the touch screen when I am laying at night reading the board, I can easily move the screen with a touch.
I will subscribe to this thread to learn what others have learned.
andrea

helou 12-29-2012 02:11 AM

I'll be following this thread even if I do not have Window 8 yet, I want to learn before I have to change my computer, so that I don't get lost. I like technology as long as I can manage it, but I don't have too much patience with it , so I better start to learn it now... loll

jitkaau 12-29-2012 03:52 AM

You almost have to regard Windows 8 in the same way that you use a smart phone.Swipe your finger left or right to change screens and scroll down and up.A double tap with your finger helps for text.

Krystyna 12-29-2012 04:12 AM

I hate it. All those tiles to link to stuff I never ever use. It is just awful. My work around was to go to the right where the search button comes down and then click on apps and eventually get to the desk top. I know that if you point to the upper left corner you can see the other window you have open. Still can't configure the email. Foo on Windows 8!

juliea9967 12-29-2012 05:01 AM

I just bought a new computer in September and insisted that it come with Windows 7. Unless you get a touch screen, which I have on my iPad, Windows 8 is not for you. I too thought maybe not wanting it has something to do with age. However, yesterday my 13 year old, very tech savy grandson got a new laptop with Windows 8, and no touch screen. We sat around for 3 or 4 hours playing with it, and trying to figure out why some things that you don't expect to happen, happen, and some things that you do expect to happen, don't. We definitely didn't get too much figured out. I am so happy it is his and not mine.
Thanks to Don and Cindy for the info on getting the Windows 7 interface. Now if he can only figure out how to go back in IE he might feel pretty good for awhile.[

QUOTE=Evie;5745478]I'm still trying to figure out all the features on Win7! The ones I have learned which are different from XP I have come to like, but it took awhile. Old dogs take more time to learn new tricks! ;)[/QUOTE]

sniktasemaj 12-29-2012 05:31 AM

I was at the Best Buy Geek desk the other day when I heard someone ask the geek if he could uninstall windows 8 and reinstall windows 7 on his computer. The geek said yes he could do it, but why would anyone want to. Now I know.

judith ann 12-29-2012 06:30 AM

I got a new dell for Christmas.It was frustrating to see all the blocks on the open screen but once I looked, it is not that much different than 7.
I put my own blocks on that screen.One firefox the other thunderbird. that way I can click on those to get to my own screen which is the same as I had on windows 7.Same icons, same background picture. The only thing I have not figured out is how to open my picassa pictures. Dh bought the 2 year help so I have that 24/7 if I need it.

QKO 12-29-2012 07:01 AM

If you don't have a touch screen, once again -- put your mouse cursor in the lower left corner of the screen - you should see an icon for the "Start" screen.

Click on that. On the start screen, find the icon called "Desktop" and click on that. Wha-la, Windows 7 is back.

Since the upper left corner always shows the last app you had (sorta like a toggle) if you do get into one of those big-block screens you should be able to always go back to your previous screen (Windows 7 desktop) by going there and clicking, as well.

Placing your mouse cursor in the upper right hand corner of the screen will cause a slide out that contains functions like those contained in the old Win 7 Start menu, i.e. search, add devices, settings, start, etc. If you spend a little time exploring what these do, you'll easily adapt to the new system. You basically have all the options you had before, but just multiple ways to do some things, like start applications.

People with Windows phones will also like the similarity between the new interface and their phones, I guess. I'm personally an Android guy, but Cindy likes the Windows phone.

pflum1 12-29-2012 07:05 AM


Originally Posted by Krystyna (Post 5746850)
I hate it. All those tiles to link to stuff I never ever use. It is just awful. My work around was to go to the right where the search button comes down and then click on apps and eventually get to the desk top. I know that if you point to the upper left corner you can see the other window you have open. Still can't configure the email. Foo on Windows 8!

I like windows 8 once I figured it out. A lot faster than XP.
You can delete all the tiles that you don't want.
I set my desktop with tiles only for programs that I use daily.
Like I use Outlook, Word, Excel, PE Designs. Now I have a tile for each. You just click on the tiles, it goes to that program, file, open, everything is there.
I does take a little time to figure out where to click on the sides to move back and forward.
And forget about updating any old computer with Windows 8, this is 64 bit and I don't think any older computer can run it as they are 32.
One problem, you really need newer software like PE Designs "Next" if you want the speed.
I love 2010 Word, Excel and outlook.
It's new, takes a few days and you will be moving on. Also, you can get a free ebook for dummies on line.

QKO 12-29-2012 07:08 AM

BTW, there's a neat new set of screen backgrounds for Win8 online with lots of new pictures, for those of you that, like me like scenery on your background.

To get to them, right-click on the background screen and select "personalize." On the screen that appears, you'll see in the box called "my themes" a couple of links, one of which is "get more themes online." Click that and your browser will take you to MS's site where you can download and install lots of themes.

Then on the bottom of that same "personalize" screen, you can click on "Desktop Background" and select which pictures to display, and if you want a slide show how often to change them.

Have fun!

pflum1 12-29-2012 07:09 AM

One more way to get back to windows 7 screen. On most keyboards, there is a window key between CTRL & ALT. This is like a toggle switch. If you push it, you are on the tiles of Windows 8, push it again, you are on Windows 7.

pflum1 12-29-2012 07:13 AM

Some computer shop and stores like Fry's, Best Buy, on-line, etc had cheat sheets that you can purchases for about $4.00, makes life easier till you figure out everything. Plus even if you have been running a computer for years, a person can usually learn a couple things from these cheat sheets.

QKO 12-29-2012 08:19 AM


Originally Posted by pflum1 (Post 5747227)
One more way to get back to windows 7 screen. On most keyboards, there is a window key between CTRL & ALT. This is like a toggle switch. If you push it, you are on the tiles of Windows 8, push it again, you are on Windows 7.

Good catch!:thumbup:

jeaninmaine 12-29-2012 09:24 AM

I am so glad to see all this info on Windows 8, my dh is getting me a new computer next month and I was debating whether to stick with Windows 7 or go with 8. Windows 8 has sure come in with a whisper considering all the hoopla they usually give when they come up with something new.

tenngal 12-29-2012 12:11 PM

I just hope my Vista will hold out until something better than Win 8 comes along. I've heard only complaints.

donnalynett 12-29-2012 01:09 PM

We just purchased a new computer with Windows 8. We took a 30 minute class on how to use it and we are still totally "lost". Vista was so much easier.

pflum1 12-29-2012 01:19 PM

To me, Vista was a nightmare and Windows 7 isn't very stable. So far, I have found that Windows 8 is stable and very fast. But, it does take a few min. to get used to. I really like XP, but it was slow compared to windows 8. I think once people figure out how to use it, they will like it. Anything new takes time to learn.

JoanneS 12-29-2012 03:55 PM

Thank goodness I bought my laptop last year and have Windows 7. It has been great.I haven't had any problems with stability. What are they? I avoided downloading fix-its early in 7's life-cycle at the recommendation of a techie friend - he had lots of trouble with them. I wonder if that is what caused stability problems?

The only reason I have a PC instead of a Mac is my Pfaff won't interface with a Mac. None of these problems with Apple. And no firewall is necessary. I hate Microsoft! There are always a lot of bugs whenever they introduce a new product or system. I don't understand why they can't get the bugs out when they beta test.

I have heard so many complaints about 8 that I'm really glad I have my year-old baby!

Caswews 12-29-2012 05:43 PM


Originally Posted by clamb27 (Post 5744693)
Go to the middle of left side of screen a 1/2 arrow will show up and click on it I hate windows 8 also but learning it slowly. Good luck with new laptop.


Our old computer died and we just got a new one with Windows 8 in it and it sucks royally. Guess when you get used to one system and they bring out a new one there should be a step by step in depth guide!! LOL
I agree with Clamb good luck ..

sewingsuz 12-29-2012 06:13 PM

Get a Mac, you will love it and have no more problems. it took me about 5 PC's before I got the message.

pennycandy 12-29-2012 08:06 PM

There is comfort in knowing that I'm not the only one who is lost. I am also making the transition from XP to 8. After the past two days, I've come to the conclusion that 8 was designed by a bunch of monkeys on crack. That's the only explanation I can find for making me click two or three things that once only took one click. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread also.

Quiltaddict 12-29-2012 09:02 PM

I just got a new computer right after Thanksgiving and it came with Windows 8. I am not a fan. Having had a lot of time to play with it, trying to get ready for Christmas. Santa brought me a Windows 8 for Dummies book so hope that will help. Good luck to all you other users out there.

SpotMurphy 12-30-2012 02:08 PM


Originally Posted by QKO (Post 5747199)
If you don't have a touch screen, once again -- put your mouse cursor in the lower left corner of the screen - you should see an icon for the "
Click on that. On the start screen, find the icon called "Desktop" and click on that. Wha-la, Windows 7 is back.

Since the upper left corner always shows the last app you had (sorta like a toggle) if you do get into one of those big-block screens you should be able to always go back to your previous screen (Windows 7 desktop) by going there and clicking, as well.

Placing your mouse cursor in the upper right hand corner of the screen will cause a slide out that contains functions like those contained in the old Win 7 Start menu, i.e. search, add devices, settings, start, etc. If you spend a little time exploring what these do, you'll easily adapt to the new system. You basically have all the options you had before, but just multiple ways to do some things, like start applications.

People with Windows phones will also like the similarity between the new interface and their phones, I guess. I'm personally an Android guy, but Cindy likes the Windows phone.

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. My new computer came with Windows 8, and I have not enjoyed it at all. Since I knew you were willing to help, I sat down and did a few tutorials, which were very minimal in the information department. But I can open and close things and even find a few things. Thank you so much.

sdeaaz 12-30-2012 02:17 PM

monkeys on crack explains it ..... lol love that

OK QKO.... I like to play games on MSN.... I need Active X... How the heck can I download it?
Also sometimes, I am looking at something, my hands no where near the keyboard and the screen goes back to the tiles....
One more thing.... you said the start button is in the lower left corner.... all I see is an image of the tiles not my old friend "Start".... I want to cry....help, Help, HELP....

sdeaaz 12-30-2012 03:57 PM

also I set up my email account and all of my contacts did not transfer to windows 8.... now what do I do?

zennia 12-30-2012 04:38 PM

Glad to hear there is a dummies books for widows 8. I instructions that came with mine were 1-5. just how to star it.
Does anyone know where the insert or delete buttons are?


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