Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Avoid Windows 8!
11/01/2012 | Redmond Barry

Posted on 11/01/2012 10:37:06 AM PDT by whitedog57

Avoid Windows 8!

I had the trial version and purchased the upgrade on line, After an entire day trying to find problems, I finally got it working.

Then today, I was doing a search on Bing and Windows started to place a B when ?I typed a letter. And added an h before selected words.

I rebooted thinking it was a short cut error. Now I can't log in! When I type my password, it puts the CAPS LOCK on when I type the number 1. And I cannot undo it,

What a POS operating system.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: microsoft; software; windows; windows8
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-66 next last
To: whitedog57
If you haven't already tried...

Shut down the computer, then unplug it for a few minutes, then try again.

Sometimes powering everything down fixes weird problems like this.

Note that just shutting down the computer may not remove power from everything. Make sure to actually unplug the power cord.

21 posted on 11/01/2012 10:56:52 AM PDT by Johnny B.
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: fremont_steve
Just a suggestion - maybe you might want to try Ubuntu Linux?

Linux would not solve his apparent hardware problem. Linux is never a solution to any computing problem, unless you're a techie who still loves to be hands on with the command line and feels comfortable with compiling and re-compiling and reconfiguring things. Linux may be very capable, but, it's not a very user-friendly OS; not at all. (And, btw, I have tried many of those Linux distros, and continue to be disappointed).
22 posted on 11/01/2012 11:00:21 AM PDT by adorno
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: whitedog57
A stuck function key is highly likely. I would start by trying a different keyboard.

The suggestion up thread to boot an Ubuntu live CD is also good. If your problem is hardware, Ubuntu will also misbehave.

On the other hand, if Ubuntu works fine, you can just tell Ubuntu to install itself on the hard drive, and you won't need Windows 8.

23 posted on 11/01/2012 11:01:39 AM PDT by cynwoody
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: whitedog57
"Avoid Windows 8! I had the trial version and purchased the upgrade on line, After an entire day trying to find problems, I finally got it working. Then today, I was doing a search on Bing and Windows started to place a B when ?I typed a letter. And added an h before selected words. I rebooted thinking it was a short cut error. Now I can't log in! When I type my password, it puts the CAPS LOCK on when I type the number 1. And I cannot undo it, What a POS operating system."

I just did the same thing, and didn't have any problems. In the future try to use these things called help forums instead of screaming that it's the OSs fault. 99.9% of the time it isn't. Geesh some people when it comes to Windows are like a Dem constituency group. Always looking to be POd.
24 posted on 11/01/2012 11:10:35 AM PDT by VanDeKoik
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: adorno

This is just a Ludite response! You have NO idea what you are talking about, while I’m a Linux user of over 20 years & a Windows user up to and including Windows 7. Ubuntu Linux is EASY to load and configure, literally just as easy as Windows or a Mac for all the things a normal user would worry about such as email, network access/setup, etc.

The simple fact is that until Windows 8 the visual paradigm between Ubuntu & Windows isn’t that different.


25 posted on 11/01/2012 11:13:47 AM PDT by fremont_steve
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: whitedog57

I tried to install it and it failed after 58% with no error message other than it had failed.

MS and their tech forums had me unplug devices, change hashtags, disable all running programs - still no luck. Then they said I would have to do a clean install (wipe out all existing programs and files even though they said you can install it and keep your current programs and files).

Went and bought a WIN8 PC and then found out it will not support a POP3 email server. I don’t want to change my email server to another email provider because it will result in confusion and loss of orders from my clients.

Although this is a MAJOR problem for Win8, once I got used to the interface and how to use the start screen, and customize it, it works well. It also has a tab to go to the desktop - which looks like the windows most users are used to.

Jury still out at this time, but appears to manage memory well....


26 posted on 11/01/2012 11:15:59 AM PDT by illiac (If we don't change directions soon, we'll get where we're going)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: discostu

If it was a wireless keyboard then fresh batteries are likely the solution. Invest in some fancy rechargeable batteries.

If it is a Bluetooth keyboard that is using a usb dongle, it may work better if it isnt plug into a USB hub but into the computer itself.

I’ve also had issues where I used a wireless keyboard (Microsoft) and mouse (Logitech) that used two different receivers that would conflict with each other if they were too close.


27 posted on 11/01/2012 11:17:01 AM PDT by VanDeKoik
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: VanDeKoik

Further - diagnosing this issue as a “hardware” problem is WAY to early! Note - it isn’t a hardware problem when the software drivers aren’t compatible!

I also like the idea of using an Ubuntu CDROM to boot and see if it behaves. That is a pretty good test for hardware/software issues.

If it IS a software driver - it could ALSO be the Hard disk! What he was seeing could easily be the hard disk eating files! The fact that he is seeing funny echoes could mean the software isn’t sane, thus the disk is supplying bad program code!


28 posted on 11/01/2012 11:20:53 AM PDT by fremont_steve
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: whitedog57
What language do you have it set on Ebonics? ;-)
29 posted on 11/01/2012 11:24:13 AM PDT by Average Al
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: adorno
I have my 7yo daughter on the latest Fedora.. She loves it.. I have my 10yo son on a debian based distro, he loves it.. I have MeeGo for personal fun use.. love it.. My wife prefers mac.. Ease of use? Linux is light years ahead in ease from windows.. There is an acronym for what you said.. FUD..
30 posted on 11/01/2012 11:34:22 AM PDT by st.eqed
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: adorno

While it’s true that my keyboard may have a few crumbs on it, and while it may be true that a good cleaning is overdue, you have mistaken me for the original poster, who you have also insulted with your condescension.

A plea for help is not an invitation to ridicule,


31 posted on 11/01/2012 11:35:33 AM PDT by Westbrook (Children do not divide your love, they multiply it.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: whitedog57

I’ll avoid getting Windows 8, as I haven’t finished loathing Windows 7 yet.


32 posted on 11/01/2012 12:00:53 PM PDT by dirtboy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: fremont_steve

I’m not a regular Linux user, but, every time there is a new release of Linux, or any of its distros, I’m one of those that “happily” goes to check it out, and many times actually install it, just to come away, again, disappointed. I’ve tried, since 1995, to see if whatever new release comes out, is the one to finally convince me that, it’s the one that can actually replace Windows. Every year, I keep hearing that, “this is they year of Linux”, only to be disappointed every time.

Sorry, but, you and others like you, will continue to preach the benefits of Linux, but, twenty years from now, you’ll still be doing the same, and Linux on desktops and laptops, will still be at around 1% of the market.

Linux needs to get away from trying to be “the replacement for Windows” and come up with new ideas about it should be the OS for computers. Trying to be like Windows, or the replacement for Windows, is not how Linux will evolve into an OS that will be adopted by a bigger set of consumers.

Linux is a moving target, with perhaps hundreds of distros and versions of those distros coming out in the last few years. Linux needs to settle down, without the geeks driving the development efforts, and without the geeks touting the benefits of the distros. There needs to be one major center for driving the development of Linux and the distros, with the functions of marketing and sales being the major concentration. Yes, I said, “sales”, because, most people still have he perception that, “free” is not as good, and not supported, and could be gone tomorrow. Linux needs to have credibility beyond the geek and development community. It needs to have direction, and that can only come from a major business entity, dedicated to the OS and all associated software. Am I talking about a Microsoft-like entity? Yes, because, that’s the only way that Linux might have a chance beyond the “1-percenters”.

Even with my disappointments, I might have decided to use and develop for Linux, if it had been a product with the major backing of a respected software house, which would also be responsible to marketing and sales. Sure, there are some of those out there, but, none as big and respected and known as Apple or Microsoft or Google or IBM or Dell or HP. Now, with Windwos 8 having come out, Linux will have to play more catchup, and though it has a presence of sorts with Android, it’s not because people wanted it; it’s because it’s packages as a device where people don’t distinguish between the device and the OS within.


33 posted on 11/01/2012 12:01:09 PM PDT by adorno
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: Da Coyote

Windows 8 was the reason I bought a Mac. I knew I would have to “do something” in the near future and didn’t want to beta test ANOTHER M$ OS. I use Ubuntu as well but the Mac is easier in the corporate world than Linux desktops.


34 posted on 11/01/2012 12:03:04 PM PDT by TxAg1981
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: whitedog57

I’m looking forward to getting Windows8 on my next computer. I NEVER upgrade the operating system on an already functioning computer. Too many problems in the distant past.

I’m hoping my current computer will last until Win8-SP1 comes out.


35 posted on 11/01/2012 12:06:16 PM PDT by Cicero (Marcus Tullius)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: st.eqed

Sure, to people like you, it has to be “FUD”, rather than experience of using or trying the damn thing.

For over 15 years, I have tried the many Linux distros that have been release, and each time, I come away disappointed. No doubt that, anyone can learn to use any OS, but, ease of use is not what Linux has going for it.

Linux is quite capable, but, it’s not as user friendly as any Windows OS, and, even the latest distros still have people needing to, at times, go to the command line, or having to compile certain code to arrive at a usable program. Granted that, for most of what the regular folks need, they many never have to visit the command line or reach for a compiler, but, it should never have to happen.

Your kids and family may be happy with your Ubuntu, but, when anything goes wrong with the OS or any related hardware or software, you are there to handle the problems for them. Not everybody is going to want to depend on a father or uncle to handle the issues for them with a computer.


36 posted on 11/01/2012 12:12:00 PM PDT by adorno
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 30 | View Replies]

To: Westbrook

Sorry for posting to the wrong member.

However, some people need to be spanked for being so clueless about what certain problems might be, or what causes them. To many, the first response is to attack Windows, without even thinking that it might be other issues. Heck, even the famous BSOD, was mostly due to hardware issues and drivers from their respective vendors. But, no!, it had to be Windows related, because, that’s the thing that was sitting right in front of them, and the hardware and drivers weren’t immediately visible or accessible.

I recently had an issue with the sound on my computer not working, and my first thought was that, perhaps Windows 8 doesn’t support it. I was right, and it wasn’t an issue with Windows; it was a driver issue, where Windows 8 didn’t support it, and all I had to do was look for a new driver from the manufacturer. The manufacturer hadn’t updated the driver for Windows 8, and if they had, it would’ve have been part of the drivers archive in Windows, and I would never have encountered the problem. It wasn’t a Windows problem, but my first thought was that it was. Luckily, I knew enough to look up the sound care and found the driver on-line. Otherwise, I would have been in the same situation as the person with the keyboard issue, who first looked at blaming Windows 8 for the problem.


37 posted on 11/01/2012 12:22:22 PM PDT by adorno
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies]

To: adorno
Linux is never a solution to any computing problem, unless you're a techie who still loves to be hands on with the command line and feels comfortable with compiling and re-compiling and reconfiguring things.

Uh... I use Fedora Linux and I never have to go to the command line (unless I want to). It also handles automatic software updates better, on the whole, than Windows or OS X.

38 posted on 11/01/2012 12:28:36 PM PDT by kevkrom (If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: whitedog57

This does not sound like a hardware issue so much as a hardware DRIVER issue. I’d bet that Windows 8 is using some default keyboard driver that just doesn’t correspond closely enough to the keyboard driver that you should be using. This is very likely if you are using a wireless keyboard that came with an installation CD or self-installing USB key.

The drivers that came with the keyboard were not compatible with Windows 8, therefore Windows tried to use a default driver so that you could still use the keyboard for input, but it was not a good match. So, plug in a regular USB or old-school PS/2 keyboard and use that to log in to Windows, then go to the website for your wireless keyboard manufacturer and download the updated Windows 8 drivers.


39 posted on 11/01/2012 12:28:36 PM PDT by Boogieman
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: adorno

That’s just silly, this behavior would have nothing to do with a dirty keyboard or the person using it, and you shouldn’t give advice like that if you don’t know what you’re talking about.


40 posted on 11/01/2012 12:30:29 PM PDT by Boogieman
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-66 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson