How Windows 8 makes me more efficient

[RaptorSA]

First thing I do when installing Windows is to get rid of the new "pin" buttons or whatever they've had since Win7.
I really miss the old Quicklaunch icons so you just add a new toolbar and put "%appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch" in the link.

As far as I know this works in Win8 as well.

In other words, this: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/11797840/Toolbar.JPG
or GTFO. Think I'll do the same when I upgrade to Win8 and just use search for anything that was previously on the old Start menu. Will also have to find a way to get the Control Panel menu back since I HATE searching for that in Win8

 

[CataclysmZA]

Will also have to find a way to get the Control Panel menu back since I HATE searching for that in Win8

Three ways:

1) CTRL + X gives you admin/power user tools.
2) Put the Control Panel icon on the desktop (right-click > Personalise > Change desktop icons)
3) God Mode still works and you can pin it to the top of the Explorer link on the taskbar or the Start menu.

 

[Browser]

I know there has been a lot of mixed feelings on Microsoft swapping the start bar for metro interface.

In my experience after figuring out how to make use of the Metro interface I find it a lot more efficient.
By arranging the computer a bit I can reach almost any application or setting by either single or by pressing the windows key and typing the first few letters of the application.

With the old start bar method you had click start - All Programs - Company name - Application. Or accessories - system tools - tool.
Typing is also a lot faster than click - wait for window - look - click - wait for window.

What has your experiences been and what benefits do you think the start bar holds?

Nice try undercover Microsoft rep

Microsoft's reason for these changes in Windows 8 are not to make it easier for the user, it doesn't do that and the star menu/familiar GUI would still be as easy as always to get to if that were the case. There are many reasons for what Microsoft is doing, none of them for the users benefit, to many, to much and to long to go into again.

 

[Mr.CookieMonster]

I use Windows 8 Pro. I must say, the Windows 8 Style UI is great, it keeps my desktop clean of shortcuts and stuff.

I also see that Windows 8 Pro uses 1.4GB of RAM when my PC isn't doing anything, compared to Windows 7, which would use 2.1GB of RAM doing nothing. I wouldn't go back to Windows 7 now.

 

[biometrics]

I use Windows 8 Pro. I must say, the Windows 8 Style UI is great, it keeps my desktop clean of shortcuts and stuff.

I also see that Windows 8 Pro uses 1.4GB of RAM when my PC isn't doing anything, compared to Windows 7, which would use 2.1GB of RAM doing nothing. I wouldn't go back to Windows 7 now.

There's something seriously wrong when you use that much RAM at idle!

 

[Mr.CookieMonster]

There's something seriously wrong when you use that much RAM at idle!

I'm using 64-Bit Windows 8, doesn't that use a bit more RAM?

I don't have many programs that run on start up, only Avast, Dell Webcam Central, Bluetooth, Nvidia Settings, Intel Rapid Storage Technology, Intel HD Graphics and synaptics pointing device.

I know when I bought my laptop from Incredible Connection, it was using 2.5GB of RAM doing nothing.

 

[cerebus]

Geez I use up that much ram on idle easily. I can't imagine anything being more efficient than my current desktop tbh.

 

[ClintZA]

Bizarre how people crave change and updates of software on their mobile phones yet the same on computers is met with resistance and moans.

 

[bekdik]

I use Windows 8 Pro. I must say, the Windows 8 Style UI is great, it keeps my desktop clean of shortcuts and stuff.

I also see that Windows 8 Pro uses 1.4GB of RAM when my PC isn't doing anything, compared to Windows 7, which would use 2.1GB of RAM doing nothing. I wouldn't go back to Windows 7 now.

I'm still looking for a reason as to what damage the retaining of the start button, preferably as an option, would cause to the running of win8.