Windows 8

I'm considering a Chromebook which would circumvent all this hassle with Windows. I know they haven't been on the market for very long, and it might be a risk, having to do without MS Office software. However, the online software is constantly improving and users don't have to keep updating; the system does this automatically. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

if you buy a laptop with windows 8 you can now download windows 8.1 which apparently has a Start button..lol I too have struggled with windows 8 but if!! it is the future then I just have to get used to it..I loved XP it was so simple...I am off now to download the windows 8.1 ( may be gone for some time ) lol

I bought a laptop with windows 8 today as our desk top had died.

DD has said that as I am used to having things 'pinned to start' on my phone, and the format is similar I should soon get used to it. She better be right !

I got Windows 8 about 18 months ago and at first it was a nightmare because everything was new and different. Persevered and now love it.

I understand 8.1 is more user friendly, you can download it as an upgrade. I too have struggled and sworn at Windows 8 but not got round to down loading 8.1.

Do as I say not as I do.
Try the link.

windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/buy?ocid=GA8_O_WOL_Hero_ShopHP_FPP_Null

My dear father in law has recently changed to Windows 8 and it's been nothing short of a nightmare for him.

I needed a new laptop as my old one died so was pushed into buying a new laptop with a downloaded operating system which was 8.1.

I was using Vista previously so this was a completely foreign looking screen.

Luckily for me because I hated the whole look and couldn't find my way around my son rescued me and although I have the 8.1 system running in the background I have the familiar desktop view back.

If I want to use the tiles I can by just pressing the button but I rarely do.

I need to change my -now rather erratic - laptop soon, and have heard that Windows 8.1 is a great improvement on the original 8. Perhaps I should wait a few weeks until most of the new models have 8.1.

I went for Windows 7 (after XP, which was better!) because my grandson didn't like his Windows 8!

Didn't mean to put that score through part of that! Something of a miracle that I've mastered Windows 8 then !!

Oh dear I seem to be a lone voice here.

Once I had taken off all the tiles I didn't use. -- sport, weather, breaking news etc - and replaced with tiles of the sites I do use frequently genealogy, local travel info, YouTube ,Google,Edinburgh parking info, Gransnet (naturally)---everything is so quick and simple.

Then it's just a matter of adding anything I want to access quickly. A case of easily visible favourites really.

I have windows 8 and I am gradually working my way through it. But yes seemed to be forever clicking until I found the desktop and went from there.

As has been said - it is not a problem if you just click on the "charm" that says desktop and then you will know the lie of the land. and can proceed as you always have.

Don't get XP - support for this is about to be withdrawn. It is called built-in obsolescence so that companies can make more profit.

Same here berdie - we've decided to stick with Windows 7. Why do they make things so complex?

After trying to master Windows 8, I have not been successful, so its back to the computer company and have it taken off and Windows 7 put back on.

I have Windows 8 and like you, berdie, I persevered and it has been worth it !
Really would advise practising and take advantage of the "how to" videos.

Good luck.

I had windows XP, refused to go to 8 because of all the glitches I read about and didn't want all the App-type stuff I have on my tablet. So went for a new windows 7 office computer. They are quite cheap now, when I first started looking they were scarce and expensive.

DS has Windows 8 on his laptop. He would not recommend it !

Windows 8 has not been withdrawn but you can update to windows 8.1 for free if you have windows 8. Windows 8.1 is much better all round and very easy to get to grips with.

I had a new Windows 8 laptop for Christmas. I have unpinned all the "APPS" from the front page and just left the one for the DESKTOP, click on this and you are in familiar territory.
It seems to me that I now need more clicks to get anywhere, but I have soon got rid of the superfluous stuff and am getting used to it.

I have also been told "don't get Windows 8 ; its a nightmare!"

I have just bought a new computer with Windows 8, finding it a challenge at the moment, but I will perservere. It ain't going to beat me.

I rang P C World, was told £130 to install windows 7. Seems they now have windows 8.1

You can still buy Windows 7 to install.

I still have Vista which no-one was happy about. However, in almost five years I've had no trouble with it - is that tempting providence? I think I got it at the end of its run, just before it morphed into Windows 7.