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What You Need to Know About Windows 8.1
How-To Geek ^ | today

Posted on 10/18/2013 7:49:57 AM PDT by McGruff

Windows 8.1 is available to everyone starting today, October 19. The latest version of Windows improves on Windows 8 in every way. It’s a big upgrade, whether you use the desktop or new touch-optimized interface.

The latest version of Windows has been dubbed “an apology” by some — it’s definitely more at home on a desktop PC than Windows 8 was. However, it also offers a more fleshed out and mature tablet experience.

See link for details.

(Excerpt) Read more at howtogeek.com ...


TOPICS: Computers/Internet; Conspiracy
KEYWORDS: pressrelease; windows; windows8
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To: ShadowAce

So there went that old saying... “That’s like putting a fedora on a penguin”


61 posted on 10/18/2013 9:26:26 AM PDT by GeronL
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To: chulaivn66

I lived in Tucson for 7 months and I think it can be won over

If it was not absolutely gorgeous there I would not consider a liberal place- but I loved it there


62 posted on 10/18/2013 9:26:33 AM PDT by Mr. K (Lies, Damned Lies, Statistics, and then Democrat Talking Points.)
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To: McGruff
While not MS "bashing" per se, I have pretty much taken it as a given that each new version released does little more than add more bells and whistles that demand more processor cycles and memory while adding little to performance. I do not need lovelier interfaces, fonts, and desktop effects. I need PERFORMANCE and STABILITY.

I need a machine that still supports the printers, scanners, cameras, and video cards that I already have, not something that requires more weeks of downloading updates, drivers, and fixes for a "new and better" operating system simply to do the work I need to get done.

I am beyond tired of friends, relatives, and previous customers calling and emailing begging for help for programs that used to work quite well at one point but over time as more and more system upgrades and enhancements continued to roll out became less and less responsive until this latest release makes it pretty much mandatory that the "newest" version of all software they need must also be purchased. Now I simply insist on doing a dual-install on their new machine and install Linux and Wine as the fastest solution to run the more critical programs they need.

Sometimes they have to drop back to a previous version of their programs, but a little tradeoff is not a bad thing.

As far as compatability... sometimes they just are too unwilling to switch over to Linux so I simply tell them to inform others that they need to agree on common formats for file compatabilities. Keep it simple, and insist on using rtf, html, jpg, gif, and even previous-version doc formats if necessary. Not everyone is running MS Office 2014 (yes, there is a beta out there), and some not even Office 2008.

If someone just HAS to show you some piechart or something, tell them to save it as a jpeg and send it along with the text file. There are lots of free conversion programs out there, just find a reputable site to download from and you are golden.

Finally: Linux is Free. Why continue to pay 120 dollars each time the latest basic-install version of MS software is issued simply because it is "The Latest Version" ("New and Improved!") when you do not have to?

I recently looked into purchasing an officially licensed version of XP, 2k, and even 98 -and surprise! They STILL cost 120 dollars!

Suck a Duck, MS, you bloody twits!

63 posted on 10/18/2013 9:29:49 AM PDT by Utilizer (Bacon A'kbar! - In world today are only peaceful people, and the mooslimbs trying to kill them-)
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To: GeronL

LOL!


64 posted on 10/18/2013 9:30:01 AM PDT by ShadowAce (Linux -- The Ultimate Windows Service Pack)
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To: KevinB

How do I get the Start8 add on? I have a new laptop with Win 8 and I can’t even describe how much I hate it!! I am using my Kindle Fire now mostly because I get too frustrated with the program. I used 3.1, Windows 98, then XP, Windows 7, and had no problems until this nightmare!! I am 76, Very limited income, and totally frustrated with this system.

I need to change my tag line because I am feeling pretty defeated right now!


65 posted on 10/18/2013 9:35:04 AM PDT by TXLady (This country was't built on defeatism.)
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To: knarf
I am actually going even further than that; going back to 98SE for some programs that are no longer available and that I have not yet gotten to running under Wine, such as certain circuit-analysis SPICE ones, and PCB-Layout and Gerber files programs that always worked well when I needed them.

Still working on converting some really old programs written in Basic and upgraded continually for many years into Linux proggies, but it is going slow since the exe-conversion process back then and the removal of REM statements in the interests of file shrinkage, not to mention lots of code snippets from lots of different sources is not making it a simple project.

66 posted on 10/18/2013 9:39:14 AM PDT by Utilizer (Bacon A'kbar! - In world today are only peaceful people, and the mooslimbs trying to kill them-)
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To: ShadowAce
It keeps your head protected from nasty things around you.

So does a Military Helo Pilot helmet, but looks much much better, mate! Plus, once you get the HUD interface replaced with a VGA overlay and replace the headset wirings with a more common commercial headset and microphone it is a lot more fun!

67 posted on 10/18/2013 9:45:15 AM PDT by Utilizer (Bacon A'kbar! - In world today are only peaceful people, and the mooslimbs trying to kill them-)
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To: TXLady
How to Get Windows 8.1

For Windows 8 users, Windows 8.1 is completely free. It will be available as a download from the Windows Store — that’s the “Store” app in the Modern, tiled interface.

Assuming upgrading to the final version will be just like upgrading to the preview version, you’ll likely see a “Get Windows 8.1″ pop-up that will take you to the Windows Store and guide you through the download process.

You’ll also be able to download ISO images of Windows 8.1, so can perform a clean install to upgrade. On any new computer, you can just install Windows 8.1 without going through Windows 8. New computers will start to ship with Windows 8.1 and boxed copies of Windows 8 will be replaced by boxed copies of Windows 8.1.

68 posted on 10/18/2013 9:48:44 AM PDT by McGruff (Mitch McConnell sold his sole for a Dam project.)
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To: GeronL
“Stop supporting it” doesn’t mean it stops working ---

I'm sure I can find a Windows 95 unit that is still "working".

I'm not a big fan of no longer receiving free security updates. That's the point of moving away from Windows XP.

69 posted on 10/18/2013 9:49:33 AM PDT by CommieCutter
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To: CommieCutter

I want to have an older computer running XP some day.

I miss some of the games I used to have on it.


70 posted on 10/18/2013 9:59:55 AM PDT by GeronL
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To: GeronL

Offline only, I meant. That way no updates would ever be needed


71 posted on 10/18/2013 10:03:20 AM PDT by GeronL
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To: GeronL

And worse than that is craming the lowest common denominator GUI down our throats.


72 posted on 10/18/2013 10:10:17 AM PDT by Orangedog (An optimist is someone who tells you to 'cheer up' when things are going his way)
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To: McGruff
What we're seeing here, I suspect, is the trailing edge of the shockwave that hit when the iPad clobbered the market three years ago. Expert Prognosticators - and to be fair, not only at Microsoft - insisted that the PC was dead and that we'd all be toting data pads around within five years.

It won't happen, at least not at that pace, and a lot of hardware manufacturers who were spooked by that have already adjusted. Frankly it's a little beyond me how the marketeers at Microsoft failed to recognize what would happen to their established market when they completely changed the UI and made it mandatory. I've done a few Mint installations for customers who have had enough. That was very poor business practice and entirely avoidable.

The real shock for me as an IT guy was when the Metro interface turned up on their server line. Didn't anyone at Microsoft make the slightest inquiry as to how many servers have touchscreens? Nevertheless, it did send a lot of us who had to use the product to go straight to the command-line-based Core. A lot of Linux admins are having a good laugh as a result. Beyond that, though, it's a nice, stable product. It's just like the old Novell days... ;-)

73 posted on 10/18/2013 10:15:58 AM PDT by Billthedrill
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To: GeronL

That’s exactly why I have two tucked away in the basement. :-)

Starcraft, Diablo 1 and 2!


74 posted on 10/18/2013 10:16:58 AM PDT by CommieCutter
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To: McGruff
Read This BEFORE You Upgrade!
75 posted on 10/18/2013 10:31:08 AM PDT by ShadowAce (Linux -- The Ultimate Windows Service Pack)
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To: CommieCutter

USNF 97

was pretty cool

Not the best graphics but it let me create my own air battles. Some of mine were very intricate and we could have dozens and dozens of aircraft involved, not to mention ships, tanks, AAA, SAMs and stuff.


76 posted on 10/18/2013 10:45:41 AM PDT by GeronL
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To: Orangedog

bump


77 posted on 10/18/2013 10:45:58 AM PDT by GeronL
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To: TXLady
How do I get the Start8 add on?

Here you go. Well worth $5.00. If you want to save the $5 you can try Classic Shell . Many people use CS, but I can't vouch for it because I haven't used it.

78 posted on 10/18/2013 11:56:59 AM PDT by KevinB (A country that would elect Barack Obama president twice is no longer worth fighting for.)
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To: KevinB

doesn’t the free 8.1 update come with a start button??


79 posted on 10/18/2013 11:58:06 AM PDT by GeronL
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To: Lazamataz

Wow, win7P for $85. I once saw Newegg had it for $80. Have you purchased from them before? thanks.


80 posted on 10/18/2013 12:50:32 PM PDT by sand88
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