New laptop.
 

I bought a new laptop yesterday and it has Windows 8.1. It sure is a big learning curve! Seems to me it is too cluttered before I even put my programs on it. I have a Mac so know the difference, prefer Windows.

I always use the desktop option with Windows 8. All those tiles make me dizzy!

Here's a tip. If you need to find something when you are on that tiled workspace, just start typing in whatever it is you want. It will help you go directly there.

Microsoft does have some great tutorials on their site for 8, its helping me out.

I am just too old to learn a new operating system. I am sticking with XP as long as the life raft still floats !! :)

Have had mine since Christmas. Still trying to get used to it. Getting better!

I by passed all the tiles and just use the desktop feature. I need to delete all those apps. Who uses all that junk? LOL

I agree! A learning curve for sure. I have to get around and call the tech support to help transfer all my docs and bookmarks from my old computer to the new one. One thing I found out already though. My scanner will not work with Windows 8.1. The manufacturer stopped updating the drivers. I HATE when they expect you to throw out a perfectly good machine and buy their latest and greatest.

Do you grandchildren or neighbors who can help you? Our 17-year-old grandson (of whom we've had custody 10 years) can answer questions and help me. Otherwise, I would be in trouble. My techie son lives 4 hours away. He can help, but I don't learn by way of phone!!

Had my Hi Speed system person here today to help with a small puzzle I had with printing(my fumble fingers). He said he found that some XP machines will download Windows 7 so he will be checking to see if mine will. Maniac, I will update when I find out. I'm not ready to learn Windows 8 either.

Congratulations on your new laptop. You'll get the hang of it. Don't end up like me; I'm fast becoming a Luddite. I don't want new equipment anymore--can barely keep up with the computer, embroidery CDs and the USB stick for the machine. Haven't even figured out how to take the pictures, upload and post. Whew! Why oh Why did I do this to myself?

I had to set up a brand new computer for my 88 year old father, back in May.
guess how much interest or patience he has for all that new gobbledygook!
(less than i do, and i have none! LOL)

i dug around on the net and at the windows site 'til i found the instructions for getting rid of all the tiles "we" didn't want (which is nearly all of them. LOL)
i created a new group of tiles to the far left that has only the ones "we" will use.
if he accidentally finds himself in the tile view, and can't remember how to get back to the traditional desktop, he at least has what he needs to function.

i did figure out that if i ever have no choice but to work in win 8.1 i will be able to adapt.
fingers crossed in hope i never have to. LOL

I use Carbonite so all my files on my other computer, including photos, were downloaded to my new computer automatically. They remain on the other one too. It takes awhile, but just click and forget it is running. All I have to do is install my paid programs. I uninstalled all the apps, now the laptop seems like what I'm used to. I'm going to buy a Google laptop. That is just for online and email and use the regular laptop for my sewing programs saved pattern files. Laptops are cheap now with the back to school sales.

We bought one last year and are still learning. DH and I get frustrated, but figure it's good brain-training!

i made that eact same descision. now to convince hubs & his mother that i am right, their angst is wrong :D

I hope my laptop lasts forever...I too am too old to start that learning curve...good luck

As the new platforms come out, the old ones will phase away. I know of several programs that will not work with XP anymore (most of my work programs don't). As has been mentioned, if you look on the web there are lots of places to find help on the new platforms. I am by far no computer guru, but I fixed my mom's computer simply with the help of the web.

I think it's a mistake to cling too long to old technology. Told my dh that I want to be a "hip" older person able to relate to the younger generation. It's hard to change with changes in technology, but in my opinion it's even harder to stay with old technology too long. It's even harder to catch up!

Google windows 8 tutorials.....they are really quite good

You have my deepest sympathy. I am also a Mac user and when my daughter put me on her family plan, she got me a windows 8 phone. I really tried to get used to it, and learn how to make it mine, but after three weeks, I took it back and traded for and iPhone 5c. They said it was easy to learn, but it was not easy for me. I hope you have much better luck than I did. The cell company told me they have got most of them returned. I am not surprised at all. I now have iMac, iPad, iPod, and now iPhone. I hope apple doesn't make and more gadgets, I can't afford anymore. Lol!

I really dislike windows 8. Not sure how much different 8.1 is. Never had a prober with any other windows platforms but this one

Oh, I have free 24X7 tech support for the life of my new computer and they can even do a remote control and fix whatever needs doing. It came with the computer along with a lot of other goodies that I might use someday.

My computer came with 8 and I hated it, so use desktop, I wish the 8 inventor could be put in jail a year for each of the squirrley features in this horrible system.

I kept XP for a long time then my computer died and I had to get a new one so Windows 8 is what I have now. It is a lot like XP that I have no problems so far with it. Try it when you are sick and tired of XP

I'm kind of hoping there will be a Windows 9 which will be more like Windows 7. I love 7. I understand that Windows 8 is better for a touch screen, and I like my mouse. Yeah, right, and here I am typing this on my Samsung Galaxy 3 tablet. Well, I do like my mouse when I'm on my desktop computer.

I bought a refurbished one to avoid Windows 8.

You can use Windows 8 without the touch screen. I've never enabled mine and use only the mouse.

I got mine over a year ago. still having problems. good luck

Windows 8.1 is more like Windows 7. I was able to by pass all the big square tiles and only use desktop like Windows 7. Took a long time to figure how to get rid of the app page. I found out anything can be deleted if installed. LOL

Oh my gosh, madamekelly! I am so with you! I consider my iPhone 5 a vital part of my life! I get so much pleasure from it and it is easy to use. I also have an iMac and an iPad, and use my old iPhone 4 as an iPod. Looking forward to the new phone coming out.