Windows 8.1 - Apps or Programs

[Dolby]

So I've made the switch and changed both PCs to Windows 8.1 and it's, um, different. It's like I'm re-learning to use and find a few things again :/

Anyhow, I see there are apps and programs to use - for example Facebook and Dropbox. Is it just a preference or something in choosing one or the other? Do you NEED a Microsoft account for everything?

One thing I've just seen while typing this is that it underlines my mispelled word, but right clicking doesn't give me the options to change it :/

 

[Lycanthrope]

I don't think that anyone uses Win8's "Metro" crap.

Stick to "desktop" like a sane person

I tolerate the start menu well though--good place to organise the crap that would normally clutter my desktop, so I can't complain.

Apart from the tabletification of Win8 I'm quite fond of it.

 

[Hamster]

I use Win 8.1 on a daily basis and honestly, the last time I opened a metro app was by accident because the photo viewer was set to default open gif files. I never use the metro apps or even look tv the live tiles (I do that on my phone)

 

[Bryn]

Windows 8.1 is good if you don't subject yourself to the godawful Metro stuff. I've used Start8 from the day Windows 8 released for desktop boot and a Windows 7 start menu.

 

[Chevron]

So I've made the switch and changed both PCs to Windows 8.1 and it's, um, different. It's like I'm re-learning to use and find a few things again :/

Anyhow, I see there are apps and programs to use - for example Facebook and Dropbox. Is it just a preference or something in choosing one or the other? Do you NEED a Microsoft account for everything?

One thing I've just seen while typing this is that it underlines my mispelled word, but right clicking doesn't give me the options to change it :/

http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/

 

[RyanPCMR]

When I first started using Win 8.1, I just drew a lot from my experience with Android. Basically Win 8.1 is definitely slicker and more refined than Windows 7 IMO.

There is a website for checking what apps are compatible with Win 8.1.https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/CompatCenter/Home

 

[kianm]

You should rather stick to desktop applications. Those full screen windows8 apps are just not meant for a desktop. On a Windows 8 tab they are a bit tolerable though

 

[JerryMungo]

I don't think that anyone uses Win8's "Metro" crap.

Stick to "desktop" like a sane person

I tolerate the start menu well though--good place to organise the crap that would normally clutter my desktop, so I can't complain.

Apart from the tabletification of Win8 I'm quite fond of it.

Metro is awesome on my Yoga 13... in tablet mode.
I don't use it often, but it's there when I want it.
Mostly I live on the desktop - quite simple really.
But honestly, get classic shell - it'll save you hours of trying to find stuff.

 

[Fox1]

You eventually get used to the Metro interface. It's snappy and I like the news apps as they format articles perfectly for widescreen reading. The sports news app makes it easier to find the latest news without having to hunt around on various sites.

 

[JerryMungo]

You eventually get used to the Metro interface. It's snappy and I like the news apps as they format articles perfectly for widescreen reading. The sports news app makes it easier to find the latest news without having to hunt around on various sites.

Tapatalk is particularly good on metro.