I just got myself a new computer.

Chako · **Reply #30 on:** December 21, 2013, 11:06:38 PM

It sort of reminds me of Android in some aspects. I did manage to find the control panel and all the good hidden stuff such as system and devices, etc.

Just finished installing Steam and now downloading some of my library games. This will take forever as I have so many games in there. Going to focus on the few that I was currently playing for now.

Smashie · **Reply #31 on:** December 21, 2013, 11:17:37 PM

Quote from: Chako on December 21, 2013, 11:06:38 PM

It sort of reminds me of Android in some aspects. I did manage to find the control panel and all the good hidden stuff such as system and devices, etc.

Just finished installing Steam and now downloading some of my library games. This will take forever as I have so many games in there. Going to focus on the few that I was currently playing for now.

Steam OS/ box?

Chako · **Reply #32 on:** December 21, 2013, 11:20:51 PM

Sorry Smashie, I am having difficulty processing that inquiry.

Smashie · **Reply #33 on:** December 21, 2013, 11:27:36 PM

I'm going to build a new box just for this http://store.steampowered.com/livingroom/SteamOS/

Chako · **Reply #34 on:** December 21, 2013, 11:49:11 PM

Ah I see. That does look interesting.

I just played some Counter-Strike Global Defense maxed out and it plays silky smooth.

I forgot about the overclock button on the outer case. The case glows blue when at normal speed which is 3.7GHz. Press it once and it ramps the CPU to 3.9GHZ and the case glows red. Press it another time and it maxes out at 4.1GHz with the red glow. Press it a third time to go back to the normal 3.7GHz.

Smashie · **Reply #35 on:** December 21, 2013, 11:58:23 PM

Quote from: Chako on December 21, 2013, 11:49:11 PM

Ah I see. That does look interesting.

I just played some Counter-Strike Global Defense maxed out and it plays silky smooth.

I forgot about the overclock button on the outer case. The case glows blue when at normal speed which is 3.7GHz. Press it once and it ramps the CPU to 3.9GHZ and the case glows red. Press it another time and it maxes out at 4.1GHz with the red glow. Press it a third time to go back to the normal 3.7GHz.

Ok you sold me on the colour change

jekostas · **Reply #36 on:** December 22, 2013, 12:32:20 AM

Quote from: Chako on December 21, 2013, 11:06:38 PM

It sort of reminds me of Android in some aspects. I did manage to find the control panel and all the good hidden stuff such as system and devices, etc.

Windows 8 was designed as a touch OS, end stop. I was reading an article a while ago (on Cracked perhaps?) that was making the argument that Microsoft tends to design stuff for the people that work there, and not the populace in general.

Apparently at MS offices they love tablets, so everyone gets to suffer for it.

Chako · **Reply #37 on:** December 22, 2013, 12:56:26 AM

I hate to say this...but so far, I am sort of enjoying Windows 8. Maybe because I am now used to Android phones and an Ipad 4. Definitely far removed from Windows 7.

Chako · **Reply #38 on:** December 22, 2013, 01:16:51 AM

Here is the case at regular mode...

And as soon as you overclock the computer...

And here is a video I found that illustrates that front moving panel.

Chako · **Reply #39 on:** December 22, 2013, 08:07:15 AM

OMG. I had to look online to see how to turn off the smurfing computer. Now that I know how, not an issue...but what the hay! Why hid it.

ryan1835 · **Reply #40 on:** December 22, 2013, 09:24:59 AM

that is one cool looking computer!

Etherealicer · **Reply #41 on:** December 22, 2013, 09:55:00 AM

Quote from: Chako on December 22, 2013, 08:07:15 AM

OMG. I had to look online to see how to turn off the smurfing computer. Now that I know how, not an issue...but what the hay! Why hid it.

Well IMHO Win 8 was designed for mobile devices and a lot of functions kinda make sense there (like no need to turn it off). Of course all those functions make it ineffective as a desktop system.

PTRSAK · **Reply #42 on:** December 22, 2013, 10:28:36 AM

The most obvious change in Win8 ver 8.1 or what ever they have decided to call a service pack now was the reappearance of a "Start" button on the task bar. not that it works properly... Also a LOT more things were included on the Metro UI.

I would recommend trying Pokki. it gives you a start button in desktop mode that is actually useful and customizable.
http://www.pokki.com/windows-8-start-menu

Chako · **Reply #43 on:** December 22, 2013, 12:40:56 PM

My computer hasn't downloaded 8.1 yet. I have auto update set on it...wondering when and if it will get it.

There is a desktop feature that came with the Asus. Not sure if that is specific to Asus or with Window 8.

Millhouse · **Reply #44 on:** December 22, 2013, 01:30:49 PM

Quote from: Chako on December 22, 2013, 12:40:56 PM

My computer hasn't downloaded 8.1 yet. I have auto update set on it...wondering when and if it will get it.

There is a desktop feature that came with the Asus. Not sure if that is specific to Asus or with Window 8.

The Windows 8.1 update is in the Store. If it is not showing, make sure all updates have been installed, then check the store again.

derekmac · **Reply #45 on:** December 22, 2013, 03:33:08 PM

It wasn't an auto update for me, I had to go into the store to do it.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #46 on:** December 22, 2013, 04:15:06 PM

I have been on Win 8 with my laptop for some time now, and I updated to 8.1 about a month ago, and to be honest I don't really have any issues with it. Yes, there has been a bit of a learning curve with it, but really not all that bad when you think of the tile screen as more of an expanded Start Menu than a whole new OS component.

The only real issue I have with Win8 is that you are more insulated from the mechanics of the machine than you ever have been before, but then that is the trend. Machines are more user friendly, less tinker friendly than they used to be, but then that was also the complaint with XP when it came out, and 95 when it was released.

I am really not a band wagon jumper when it comes to complaining about OS's. I have used the "worst" OS's from Microsoft for years without issues, including Vista and ME. While some folks may have had issues with these products I think that most of the hated for them is simply the result of hype and sensationalism.

Def

Sent from a digital multitool

Chako · **Reply #47 on:** December 22, 2013, 05:15:59 PM

Ah I see. I see it now in the store. Going to upgrade to it today.

Def, I hear you. I did quickly figure out that if I right click on the desktop, go to personalize, I have access to the control panel, system, and all the other good stuff. I found that out faster than I did on how to turn the computer off though.

bmot · **Reply #48 on:** December 22, 2013, 09:35:29 PM

Quote from: Chako on December 22, 2013, 05:15:59 PM

Ah I see. I see it now in the store. Going to upgrade to it today.

Def, I hear you. I did quickly figure out that if I right click on the desktop, go to personalize, I have access to the control panel, system, and all the other good stuff. I found that out faster than I did on how to turn the computer off though.

My ex's dad works for Microsoft, he told her once, they were making an app to get the off-button on your home screen, and planning to sell it for 99 cents or something.... Now, if that's not smart, but slightly evil marketing, I don't know what is... $:-\$

Chako · **Reply #49 on:** December 23, 2013, 11:00:36 AM

That does sound

to me.

You know the best part. Everytime I turn on this computer, I get a "Please register" window. Whenever I try to register, it won't let me, telling me the online service is off line.

With that kind of dedication to preventing me from registering this computer, I may just have to open the case up anyways as I am doomed to get my warranty anyhow.

Etherealicer · **Reply #50 on:** December 23, 2013, 11:13:09 AM

Quote from: Chako on December 23, 2013, 11:00:36 AM

That does sound to me.

You know the best part. Everytime I turn on this computer, I get a "Please register" window. Whenever I try to register, it won't let me, telling me the online service is off line.

With that kind of dedication to preventing me from registering this computer, I may just have to open the case up anyways as I am doomed to get my warranty anyhow.

That sounds a lot like Apple. They actually shut down the whole registration server (for App Developers) between X-mas and New Year. This at least they announce in advance, the rest of the year its a guess whether the server is online or not.

Whoey · **Reply #51 on:** December 23, 2013, 02:01:29 PM

I'm not a terribly big fan of Win8. Our new Lenovo has 8.1 on it since I bought it (a few weeks ago now) and it definitely helps that it's a touch screen laptop... it must be infuriating to use on a non touch setup.

I do not like the fact that several of the "apps" on the laptop say XBOX on them, this is my laptop, not my gaming console.

I do not like the forced MS account creation to install any apps from the store, even free ones, and then nagging me for payment info while I'm installing a free app.

I do not like the multiple verifications involved in setting up an MS Account, what a pain in the ass that was.

I do not feel I require my laptop/account be synced with my other MS devices... the fact is, I don't have any. They are either android or linux. I think this is a great idea, but maybe open your scope a bit wider MS if you want to take on the mighty apple... This is what made PCs so big in the past, the open-ness, and now it seems you are very limited, and MS is working it's way to becoming another Apple. Whatever.

So what was it again that 8.1 was supposed to bring? a start menu? all I see is the same tile screen they had before...

I do not like the hiding of (advanced) options. I find it's tedious to dig for the things I'm looking for, as Chako seems to have found with the power down, luckily doesn't seem to be such an issue on our laptop... I found that rather quickly... alternately isn't the power button also supposed to send the shutdown signal to the OS?

All that being said... our Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 2 Pro (4th Gen Intel) is an insanely amazing laptop. It's worked out that I've gotten it for 120eur cheaper than the old Yogas (3rd gen Intel) here in Spain, and the identical model is a gut busting 420+ eur more but is still unavailable even from the official online vendor for Spain.

I'm still learning how some things function, but in general I do feel this is how Win8 should be. I do feel they over did the cross integration with other MS devices to start and it could be complementary instead of obligatory but I suppose I am also not the normal target user, as it seems everyone else has an XBOX 360/one etc.

Perhaps the best thing is the 3200x1800 resolution of the screen... blowing out even the macbook pros at a fraction of the price!

Chako · **Reply #52 on:** December 23, 2013, 04:30:28 PM

Yes, Windows 8 is a bit odd.

I have learned that when I start my computer, I quickly bypass the tiles and head my cursor to the upper left to get into the desktop...or press the desktop tile on the aforementioned screen. In the desktop, I have made shortcuts of all my drives and placed them in the upper right (something I do with all my computers).

So far, I can live with the desktop feature of Windows 8. My biggest problem is no program menu...and I still haven't gotten windows 8.1 yet. If the service pack brings back my program menu...I will be a very happy camper.

Whoey · **Reply #53 on:** December 23, 2013, 05:11:59 PM

if I swipe upwards on the tile screen I do get a menu of sorts... not sure how you get it on a non-touch setup... there's no startmenu of the traditional sort anywhere that I'm aware of on mine...

enki_ck · **Reply #54 on:** December 23, 2013, 05:16:41 PM

So that's the more intuitive version of Windows?

Chako · **Reply #55 on:** December 23, 2013, 05:25:31 PM

The OS seems to work fine with a mouse. No need for a touch screen at all. The start menu does not exist...however, I do have access to a desktop that looks very much like Windows 7 with some differences. My bottom task-bar has 3 icons on the left. A Library folder, A photo folder, and Google Chrome which I promptly installed. The right side of that task-bar looks exactly as any other windows...with the date and time along with program icons, etc. If I right click on the desktop, I have access to the control panel. The only glaring difference is there is no programs menu. I take it I am supposed to stick them onto that tile screen...but I am not game for that.

If I move my mouse to the upper right left corner, I get the Desktop that resembles what you would get on Windows 7 etc.. If I move my mouse to the lower left corner, I get that tiles page. If I move my mouse to the lower or upper right, I get a side menu that allows me to turn off the computer among other things such as share, search, start, devices, and settings. if I move my mouse cursor to the top of the screen, it turns into a hand. This means I can pull down and I get that mutliple screen function much like when you press ALT+TAB.

Millhouse · **Reply #56 on:** December 23, 2013, 06:06:05 PM

Install Classic Shell. You'll get the start menu back, as well as being able to bypass the tile screen, so PC boots straight to desktop.

Etherealicer · **Reply #57 on:** December 23, 2013, 06:39:31 PM

Quote from: Chako on December 23, 2013, 04:30:28 PM

Yes, Windows 8 is a bit odd.

I have learned that when I start my computer, I quickly bypass the tiles and head my cursor to the upper left to get into the desktop...or press the desktop tile on the aforementioned screen. In the desktop, I have made shortcuts of all my drives and placed them in the upper right (something I do with all my computers).

So far, I can live with the desktop feature of Windows 8. My biggest problem is no program menu...and I still haven't gotten windows 8.1 yet. If the service pack brings back my program menu...I will be a very happy camper.

Win 8.1 won't bring back the program menu but it will allow you to boot directly into the desktop mode.

Chako · **Reply #58 on:** December 23, 2013, 07:04:52 PM

I just installed 8.1. Major

moment here. Why would they place the tile button on the command bar...when it should have been a program menu tree.

Well I have to get out and do something. I will play with 8.1 more later tonight. I may end up using that shell software. I will do some looking into that as well. Thanks.

Whoey · **Reply #59 on:** December 23, 2013, 07:43:51 PM

yeah, this whole strip out the features you're used to and not even provide the alternative for you to select doesn't have me sold.

With the touch screen it seems more intuitive to get the various menus (tiles or other) to work.

I guess I'll end up installing that shell option too at some point.

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I just got myself a new computer.

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