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Windows 8 (so far)

6 Apr

The windows 8 operating system is the newest OS put out by Microsoft as a Consumer Preview.  There are literally thousands of blog posts about the W8 CP (beta test) operating system.  W8 is Microsoft’s bid to unify the OS across devices.  This operating system can be used on your phone, tablet, net book, laptop, and desk top computers.  The touch part of the operating system isn’t very useful on a desk top computer in my opinion.  Microsoft has made everything accessible through mouse and short-cut keys as well.  The start screen has angered a great many in the tech field and beyond; I’m not angered by it.  Even though the start screen is touch-centric, it can be used with mouse and short-cut keys.  Some of the tiles will actively update turning them into a widget, like the weather tile.  Custom groups of tiles can be made and arranged how you like them.  A person can even name the custom groups if they want.  Launching the desktop screen takes you to a familiar place.

The traditional desktop view of Windows 8 looks just like the Windows 7 desktop.  Just as apps can be installed on the start screen, programs can be installed on the desktop.  When you do install a program on the desktop, you get to choose to place a tile on the start screen.  Most computer users know how to use the desktop interface the best.  I’ve written about most of this before, I write now because I’m more familiar with Windows 8.  I installed programs and went happily on my computing way.  Many are upset because there is no start button on the desktop.  I solved this problem by adding a toolbar called start.  I drilled down in the operating system and found the start menu.  You are asked to add the location of what the toolbar is a shortcut for.  I did the same with the Quick Launch toolbar and went on my way.  There are some programs available that will actually put a start button on the task bar.  You can have the desktop icons for programs just like past Microsoft offerings.  You can also use corner hot spots to invoke Windows 8 controls.  All in all, the desktop is a normal usage thing on any desktop computer.

Windows 8 is not an operating system I will upgrade to right away, I don’t have a use for it.  If a person goes “all in” with Windows 8; you have a cross device operating system.  I use Android on my tablet and have a mostly stupid phone, so I would gain nothing.  If you have a windows phone and windows tablet, etc; Windows 8 will be very handy.  I understand there will be tablets and phones that use an ARM version processor that will use a stripped down W8 operating system.  A fully working version of Microsoft Office, for instance, won’t be as powerful as it is when an Intel processor is used.  That is all the more reason to use Mesh and Skydrive with the online Office applications.  Window 8 is a new day for Microsoft and having unity on multiple devices.

The most curious thing about this post is; I’m doing this from my favorite Linux Mint distribution.  It’s not hard to simply launch a browser, surf to my WordPress, and then do my writing.  I could easily use Libre Office to compose this and simply paste it into the WordPress online application.  When a person makes a decision to use one of multiple operating systems, you have to be able to work.  I can do almost anything using Linux like using Windows.  They are both operating systems that get you to the tools for what you want to do.  One really big difference between Linux and Windows is cost.  Free versus two to three hundred dollars cost for an operating system is huge.  Learning to use a new operating system takes some time, even with Windows 8.  Learning to use a Linux operating system costs you nothing save time and a little effort.  Microsoft owns the vast majority of operating systems used in the world.  Linux is fast gaining a very small percentage of operating systems used by personal computer users.  It doesn’t take any more geek points to run and understand Linux than it does to run and understand Windows.  If you are heavily invested in Windows programs, simply use a virtual version of Windows on Linux.  Windows XP Mode on Windows 7 is simply a virtual version of the XP operating system.  One of the first things I did with Windows 8 was add a virtual machine and load my Linux operating systems.  You can do the same thing using Virtual Box on Linux to add your Windows environment.  I find it best to actually partition space on a hard drive to run an experimental operating system if I like it.  That means I first use a virtual version of an operating system.  If I like how it works, I add it to the hard drive which takes away effects of virtualization if any are experienced.  Take a few steps away from Windows and discover Linux and the multitude of Linux distributions.  Look here to find how the Linux distributions are stacking up.  Soon all the major computers to purchase will have Windows 8 on them.  You won’t find many computers sold with a Linux operating system on them, but it can easily be added.  Why pay hundreds of dollars for an operating system and compatible programs when Linux and many of the same functioning programs are free?

Windows 8 Love or Hate?

6 Mar

I picked up the Windows 8 Consumer Preview as soon as I could.  I need to know about things like the newest operating system Microsoft is introducing.  I did the same with Windows 7, I was tired of Windows XP.  I’m not tired of Windows 7; I like the operating system a lot.  These things being said, I also have three Linux operating systems and a Windows operating system on my virtual host.  This is about Windows 8 and emotions that I have seen and heard.

I also have some of my own emotions when it comes to operating systems on computers.  The average computer user needs an operating system that graphically demonstrates the things a computer can do.  Microsoft put out Windows 8 just last week.  I began preparations for Windows 8 Consumer Preview a few days before the release.  I shrank a Windows disk, which can be done starting with Windows Vista, and gave myself fifty gigabytes of room for Windows 8.  I planned on using the sixty-four bit Windows 8 operating system and that version is happy with twenty, or more gigabytes of disk space.  I downloaded the correct ISO, burned it to disk, and went on my merry way.  I pointed the installation disk at the new partition and clicked on install.  It took around twenty-five minutes to install Windows 8 CP (Consumer Preview) in a dual-boot configuration.  I want to see Windows 8 working as an installed operating system over the same thing in a virtual environment.

The first thing I did when I booted my computer into Windows 8 was sit and stare.  Windows 8 CP has no start button, but it does have a start screen.  The start screen has tiles of various colors and size, some of which are live tiles that update information.  You can see information like the current weather, messenger messages, and a myriad of things.  I found a desktop tile and jumped into that so I could feel at least a little familiar on the new OS.  I sat and looked at a desktop totally devoid of anything except the taskbar.  I found Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer pinned to the taskbar.  I right-clicked on the desktop finding the context menu the same as Windows 7, so I changed background color and put a few gadgets on the desktop.  I spent the first day of having Windows 8 exploring the OS (Operating System).  I visited a few places using Internet Explorer 10 and played with Windows Explorer finding the new features.  The first thing I discovered on the forums I visited was bedlam.  Issues ranged from people completely hosing their current OS installing Win 8 to curses, wailing, and gnashing of teeth because there is no start button.  I honestly don’t understand why someone would try installing an OS that is clearly for general testing without any idea of what they are doing.  I’m having trouble understanding folks that want new Windows to look exactly like old Windows.

Lots of people messed up a lot of things by blindly installing Windows 8, that is not a new behavior though.  Some people blindly install just about anything on their computer.  After doing that a few times; people get to visit a computer shop, or have a knowing person fix the computer.  I found the start button for Windows 8 is the start screen that has really angered a lot of folks.  Most want their button back and to hell with a tiled screen.  Windows 8 has been designed to communicate and be used across many different devices.  As things go right now; Win 8 can be installed on any tablet with an Intel processor including netbooks, etc.  Windows On ARM (WOA) operating system will be released around the same time Win 8 is released to the market.  Most smart phones, tablets, and some netbooks use an ARM processor.  The ARM processor is a low power processor that is used in many customized ways.  Explaining the processor would take lots of words.  Here is something I found on Bing explaining ARM.  The processor is used by nearly everyone making smart phones, tablets, and embedded devices.  There are many more uses of ARM processors, but I’m getting off subject.

Windows 8 is a new way of doing what we do on our preferred operating system.  The tiled start screen is reviewed well for mobile use and touch devices.  Folks using a desktop computer and some laptop computer users are down-right angry about the lost start button and the tiled start screen.  Mouse users find the pointer needs to be hovered in the top and bottom corners of the screen to do various things.  Lots of folks are angry about what has to be done with the mouse to do things.  Microsoft is changing the way things are done across all platforms of use.  The idea is to unify how people need to do things from phones to desktop computers.  That is a selling point for Windows 8 along with having all computing devices communicate and update all devices to the same.  If I have a Windows 8 tablet and I make changes to say, a calendar; those changes will reflect on every Windows 8 device a person uses.  I’m not sold on the idea, perhaps I need more Windows 8 devices?

I have no plans on buying more Windows 8 capable devices.  I may buy a phone with the Windows Phone OS on it.  This is a far into the future might do kind of thing.  I note here that every operating system Microsoft has put on the market has always angered the users of older OS devices.  We always hear about too many changes, change for the sake of change and money, and hundreds of other issues.  People don’t like training to use a new operating system every few years.  I was slow to take XP to heart, but I happily jumped ship from XP to Windows 7.  When I began installing programs on Windows 8, I was allowed to have a desktop icon and/or a tile on the Start Screen.  Using an application by starting it on the Start Screen, does not phase me.  That screen is the huge program list you get by hitting the start button and selecting it.  When I do use a program from the start screen, I’m immediately put on the desktop we all know and love.  I don’t have a huge problem with such things as long as I can do what I want.

Windows 8 is a different way of doing things like all new operating systems are that Microsoft puts out.  In 2013, Microsoft will force the new OS into the market.  There will be Windows phones, Windows tablets, Windows laptops, and Windows desktop machines all running the Windows 8 operating system.  This behavior hasn’t changed much since Windows 3.1 hit the market.  I don’t love or hate Windows 8, it’s just another operating system.  Underneath the start screen; Windows 8 has the look of Windows 7.  The same machine that ran Windows XP runs Windows 8 just as well.  I’ve used Windows 8 for six or seven days; that is not nearly enough time to make any definite decision about the OS.  For now I don’t think I’ll be spending two or three hundred dollars for the new operating system.  My next operating system is already on my machine in virtual form.  Linux offers many flavors of operating systems.  My next OS decision will be about putting a different Linux OS on my Android tablet.  I’ll make another build out of my desktop machine that will run a virtual Windows environment so I can play my Windows games.  I’ll spend exactly zero dollars on a Linux OS and it will be better than Windows.  There are more operating systems for computers that cost nothing than there are operating system you have to buy.  Linux operating systems are more and more simple to use these days.

Getting back to Windows 8, I have a few ideas of what will happen.  The future may hold a way for non-touch devices to rid themselves of the start screen.  The way the screen works right now is not so slick.  Microsoft may even put the start button back in for folks on desktop computers.  One of the first things I did was activate the Quick Launch toolbar.  That will be my version of the start button for the time being.  On my Windows 7 OS, I don’t use the Quick Launch, I made a toolbar for the programs I use and got rid of desktop icons.  Anyone can make a custom toolbar adding anything they want.  The next thing I did was download Process Explorer from Sysinternals, so I can see what is going on under the hood of the OS.  I tracked down a theme and installed it so my desktop is not so blah.  Then I happily started installing programs I thought would be useful.  I even managed to add a few things to start up to run when I log on.  The start button is not needed for all that.  A person can add their programs listed from the internal area to a toolbar if he/she wants.  I went into settings and added computer, my documents, and the control panel to the desktop.  I have the desktop configured the way I want and looks nearly like my Windows 7 desktop (minus start button).  I have succeeded in turning back the clock from Windows 8 to Windows 7 for the most part in looks.

For grins-and-giggles, I added another user that does not use a Windows Live account to the computer.  Now I have an account that isn’t going to sync to anything unless I want it to.  I had to set up the desktop once again, but that isn’t much trouble right now.  I have only one program that refuses to run at start up.  Windows 8 tells me the program is not compatible, so I have to start it manually when I want.  All the programs I use with Windows 7 seem to work fine on Windows 8.  There is even a compatibility setting on the desktop icons that mirrors Windows 7.  For me; it’s business as usual when I’m using Windows 8.

Change of Heart

27 Jul

One of the most confusing things about an operating system is how things get done.  When the word Linux is used, a fear reaction happens for many Windows users.  A person simply has no idea of what to do to make the Linux computer go.  Even if you use Windows just a little, you get an idea of what you may need to do with Linux.  One of the more interesting facts I found within myself is; when I first learned computing would have been the best time to learn about Linux.  Instead of learning Windows 3.1, I could have easily learned to use Linux.  Of course; I would be wringing my hands about learning Windows now if I had.

I had an idea my experience with Linux would lead me to where I am today because I have tried it before.  I purposely set out to get the out-of-the-box experience with different distributions of Linux at the same time.  I will have to go back and try regular Ubuntu a bit later because my preferred distro is Mint.  That is an off-shoot of Ubuntu.  Because I had some experience with Ubuntu, I found LinuxMint 11 easier to use.  What I did was download several different distros of Linux and have at it.  The first thing I did was install two different virtual machine programs on my Windows computer.  After installing VMware and Virtual Box; I went nuts with my bit torrent getting Linux distros.

The first distro I installed was LinuxMint 11 with the Gnome interface.  I immediately turned to Ubuntu as the next install.  I merely set a few things I could figure right off and put the Ubuntu on a vm.  I turned right around and put Fedora on a vm, and then openSUSE.  I had all these operating systems whirring away and I overwhelmed myself with them.  I had to pick one and go for it; I picked Mint 11 and Ubuntu as the interfaces I liked the best.  I deleted the Ubuntu vm after a short while because I dislike the reversal of where the task-bar is and such things.  It’s not that hard to change, but I really wanted to get at Mint because I have read a lot about it.  I went through the blind test with Mint.

Meaning; I simply installed LinuxMint 11 with Gnome and started just clicking on things.  I ended up re-installing Mint a few times and reading up on it.  I’ve found I like the Gnome desktop over the KDE desktop environment for now.  I ended up asking myself how I learned about DOS/Windows and using those answers to learn more about Mint in the same way.  There were some classic mix ups on a few things before I decided I could actually run the operating system.  The more I tinkered with the Linux os, the more I found consistencies with how I used the Windows os.  I came to a quick conclusion that today’s Linux is simple enough to run without big problems.

A computer user will not have much trouble learning to run the environment.  Let me qualify this a little.  Computer users are people who switch on a computer and accomplish tasks with it.  An operating system is the means for operating the computer.  An os is not the magic goose nor the interface that makes the world happy.  It is the programs we run on our computers that we simply love and must have.  The main window to the world on any computer is the Web Browser.  We all have those and all computer users have their favorite browser.  My favorite browser is Google Chrome.  I’m a bit of a minimalist I guess and Chrome just works out for me best.  My Windows computer has several browsers installed on it.  Microsoft did well to introduce IE 9 to compete with Google Chrome and FireFox.  MS usually fails to get the point their user base wants.  This time the failure is backwards compatibility for XP.  I abandoned Windows XP for Windows 7, so it doesn’t bother me.

Being a window to the world, the web browser has to do a lot of things and do them well.  The real selling point of a browser for me on Linux was the ability to sync book marks and browser data.  Google Chrome and Firefox do that very well.  Since I like Chrome, I use the Chromium browser with Linux.  It seems identical to the Windows version and all I did was sync my settings to have the very same functioning browser for both operating systems.  Now that my eyes can see equally on both operating systems, what is the big deal about operating systems?  Remember, the operating system the thing that lets a person use the programs they love on a computer.  I have more love for my Windows programs for now.  A person usually puts out a great deal of money buying an operating system and then the programs to use on the operating system.

OK, I lied; I haven’t bought one single Linux operating system or program to use on it.  I don’t have to, it’s all free!  That is a concept Linux lovers everywhere have loved well for many years.  One problem with Linux is finding a program that works like your Windows program.  I really wouldn’t mind paying for a program to use on Linux if it is nearly the same on Windows.  The biggest problem is getting folks who make programs for Windows to make the same for Linux.  I won’t get into the thousands of dollars a person has to spend to become a developer with all sorts of certifications for Windows.  I’ll simply say, those folks need to be educated the same for Linux.  Developing programs to use on the Linux operating systems isn’t catching on that well because there isn’t enough money in it.  Look what Microsoft has done to earn the billions of dollars it now has.  MS made their operating system the king of the world.  In that way; many people become very wealthy because they develop programming for Windows.

Linux distributions are still considered social pariahs in the view of the money makers of the computing world.  The Free and Open Source Software society is making a comeback in the world.  Actually it isn’t a comeback, it’s an emergence that has been sought for a long time.  Linux runs thousands, or hundreds of thousands business servers in the world today.  The same can be said for Microsoft except the Linux servers do not come to nearly the cost of Windows servers.  That is another dragon to slay at another time for me.  Programs that run on an operating system comes down to the choice that must be made by the population of the world.  Since Windows is already in use by more than half the computer users in the world; Windows is on top.  The billions of dollars milked from the Windows operating system makes Windows very, very popular.

No one in the Linux world has come up with the magic idea to get Linux out in the world with great popularity.  It’s not that folks haven’t tried; it just doesn’t work out very well.  Enterprise versions of Linux do well in the business world.  The world’s population is a very different plane of existence.  People without the means to buy into the Windows market flourish when Linux is introduced to their market.  People who are tired of paying thousands of dollars for Windows stuff do well with Linux.  The Linux verses Windows fight has gone on for as long as I can remember Linux in the world.  Things like not being able to purchase Adobe Creative Suit for Linux pulls things down.  I can’t argue about Microsoft Office products in the same way.  There once was Open Office which was behind some of the very early low cost Windows business suites.

There is now Open Office, Libre Office, and many more Office suites that compare very well to MS Office.  There are many, many more programs that do compete with Windows products.  It’s the problem of business already being based in the Windows environment that gets to the alternatives.  I like my Microsoft Office suite that I bought.  It is what I know and what I need to do with those programs that keeps me with Windows, sort of.  If I spent the last ten years learning and relearning the FOSS Open Office or Libre suites; I would love them instead.  Just like Linux, those office suites are ready for prime time in a lot of ways.

What isn’t ready for the most part are the people of this world to accept and learn something different from Windows.  I could go to a third world country that needs a computing environment and totally set them up with Linux or Windows.  Linux is that usable and it doesn’t come with all the expense that Windows has.  The reason I haven’t gone to third world countries to do Linux evangelizing is simple.  Linux beat me to it a long time ago and I don’t have enough money to travel the world.  Too bad money can’t be replaced with a Linux port.

My learning sojourn is not nearly complete.  I have scratched the surface of one Linux operating system that I wanted to try.  I have several more distributions lined up waiting for me to test.  This is part or mostly why I get to say I’m a geek.  Currently I am a Windows geek in the world of computing.  I want to change that to a computing geek so I don’t have to be so specific.  Since I am retired and in my mid-fifties, I have a chance to learn things at my pace and convenience.  Old dogs really can learn new tricks.  That is a fact I will continue to expound upon.

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