Windows 8 – Still Not Convinced
If you read my previous blog post (click here), you know that my laptop died a few weeks ago. I knew it was coming, and decided to make the jump the day it died ( I ordered the new system then my current system over-heated for the last time later that same day) and purchased a laptop with Windows 8. My husband has been using it since the preview was available and he loves it. Plus, I was at a Microsoft event the week prior and liked what I saw. I knew I’d have to learn it at some point, so it seemed like a good time to dive in.
My new laptop arrived the following Tuesday night and I planned to set it up (transfer files, etc) the next day, since it was my scheduled “work at home day”. I expected I would have the time to figure it out, get used to it, and play with it before I got started on any work.
By 9 am Wednesday morning, I had two client issues I had to deal with, and I still hadn’t transferred my files, or even had Office 2013 (which I am really liking) installed or configured. Luckily, I had been working in the cloud during my non-laptop period, so I continued working, using web-based services on my new laptop until I could find the time to set it up for my workflow. I assumed I would just be able to carry on, Windows is Windows, right?
Soon, I encountered a problem: not only was I trying to help my clients with their work, but I was trying to do so on a new operating system (which I was struggling with) without my standard “go-to” applications and I was becoming very frustrated.
Once I had my clients hiccups resolved I configured the system for my use. I noticed some great new features in Windows 8 that I love, such as image mounting (awesome), and the fast boot-up time. I can’t wait to jump-play with Hyper-V (I know that will be a huge plus for me). And when I have some free time, I’ll play with Windows to Go.
Despite all the pluses, I am not sure I am really liking it yet. As I mentioned before, I had to learn how to navigate Windows 8 on the fly. Heck, I even had to Google how to restart it. The interface formerly known as “Metro” is confusing, and I don’t understand why it’s on a non-touch device. I find “searching” the requires more clicks/keystrokes. Switching between “Metro” apps and the desktop is confusing and requires more clicks. I am not even sure if Skype is open! For a standard 9-5 Monday-Friday job, I am not sure I would recommend Windows 8. My husband said I was being such a “user”, but if I am struggling, then I know my business clients will as well.
I’ll follow up in a few weeks with my feelings after a month of Windows 8.
Sharon I am sure that you will love it once you have spent some time with it; in the meantime if you have any questions you can either Bing or ask me! 🙂 -M
I am working on it. Probably just a matter of time. Love the new Office suite; its awesome.