Brad Wardell's views about technology, politics, religion, world affairs, and all sorts of politically incorrect topics.
Published on March 1, 2012 By Draginol In Personal Computing

We got a start button / start menu up and running this afternoon.

http://frogboy.joeuser.com/article/418946/Windows_8_Start_button_returns

I’ve already seen a lot of Microsoft fanboys complaining about how “Stardock always makes Windows look old” which is pretty ironic since it was Stardock that first introduced Windows users to the concept of ZIP files as folders, widgets, gadgets, docks (which we were doing before OS X), side bars, shadows, GUI skinning, composited desktops, open file dialog short-cuts, file version revisioning, etc. etc. 

What we do at Stardock is take Windows to try to make it better. Normally, it means adding new features to the OS. Having to bring back the Start button and Start menu is something, ideally, Microsoft will do before Windows 8 ships.

While Microsoft is at it, here’s a few other things that would be nice:

  • Option to show Metro apps on the Windows desktop inside of window (there’s no reason they need to be full screen).
  • High DPI mode
  • Better multi monitor support
  • Option to have the charm hot spots activate on mouse over rather than mousing over and clicking
  • Being able to use the mouse to click drag around Metro (i.e. pretend the mouse is the finger)
  • Some sort of…design understanding that 99% of Windows users will be using this as a desktop computer, not a tablet. I love tablets. I have several. I’ll happily use Windows 8 as a tablet. But when I’m at a desk, I have a keyboard and a mouse. PLEASE design the user experience with that in mind.

Comments (Page 1)
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on Mar 01, 2012

I’ve already seen a lot of Microsoft fanboys complaining about how “Stardock always makes Windows look old”

Well, let them have the Teletubbie hills and the kiddie themes for them selves.
we know, and have better! 

I love tablets. I have several.

I'll just go over to my corner and silently hate you.
I just want -one- tablet.... 

on Mar 01, 2012

Option to show Metro apps on the Windows desktop inside of window (there’s no reason they need to be full screen).

Couldn't they be put on apps pages in Tiles?

 

 

on Mar 01, 2012

You have not experienced computing hell until you have used the "new" Windows 8 mail app.

on Mar 01, 2012

I dl'd the first version that became available....and as yet have STILL not installed it ....too depressed - disillusioned to bother.

I don't have a smart phone ....and certainly don't want a smart-style PC.

on Mar 01, 2012

I don't have a smart phone ....and certainly don't want a smart-style PC.

My problem exactly with the Win8 concept. I have no plans to upgrade...er, downgrade...

on Mar 02, 2012
Some sort of…design understanding that 99% of Windows users will be using this as a desktop computer, not a tablet. I love tablets. I have several. I’ll happily use Windows 8 as a tablet. But when I’m at a desk, I have a keyboard and a mouse. PLEASE design the user experience with that in mind.
This. 8 is the first version of Windows that actually scares me a bit.
on Mar 04, 2012

I'm very unimpressed with Win8 in general and I feel sorry for those that will have to use it when it comes out.

...I see Windows ME all over again...

on Mar 04, 2012

M$ pushing something that isn't all that desirable is a huge win for you folks.  You'll have my money anyway. 

Dear M$ - Everyone is using a touchscreen.  Thanks.

on Mar 06, 2012

I guess the nutshell review of Windows 8 is w8 for 9.

on Mar 07, 2012

Its a crusty sucker for sure.

on Mar 09, 2012

Another thing that needs fixing in Windows 8: I can't download my old stardock games on Windows 8. Impulse refuses to allow it stating that they're incompatible with my OS... Only way to get them to work (for a subset of them) would be to rebuy them on Steam...

on Mar 09, 2012

Kazriko
Another thing that needs fixing in Windows 8: I can't download my old stardock games on Windows 8. Impulse refuses to allow it stating that they're incompatible with my OS... Only way to get them to work (for a subset of them) would be to rebuy them on Steam...

No, such things are specifically an issue of your playing with an as yet unsupported OS.

Win 8 is BETA.

Please don't assume ANYTHING can or will work with a BETA.

on Mar 09, 2012

warreni
This. 8 is the first version of Windows that actually scares me a bit.

I blame the buzzword junkies. I saw a few pieces in the last week or so that were touting, yet again, 'the end of the PC.'

Sure, ludicrous numbers of people are happily spending most of their device time fondling grease-smeared little screens, and even a few greasy screens large enough to be actually worth using to read or watch something. But that class of interfaces is no replacement for the basic keyboard and mouse when it comes to actually using a computer for serious productive work, or even serious TBS gaming.

on Mar 09, 2012

I'm keeping W7. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

on Mar 10, 2012

Windows 8 is flat, unappealing, and personally - if MS doesn't come out with a 2nd service pack for Win7 soon I am going to re-consider a dual-boot system. Windows 8 and the metro thing holds no appeal for me; none whatsoever.

In fact; I am sick to death of black and gray everything. The colors presented in this metro thing are all standard and pretty well yik. What has happened to 3D design?

But then, I am not opinionated or anything...

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