This is a guest post from Maria.
It cannot be denied that the highly anticipated Windows 8 by Microsoft has proven to be a huge disappointment for both tech analysts and techies alike. In the company’s desire to create an OS that will connect the classic desktop and laptop with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, they have created instead a user interface that is a complete departure from the previous versions of Windows that loyal patrons have learned to love and grown accustomed to.
It was reported that Microsoft was able to sell 100 million licenses for Windows 8. However, in a subsequent poll conducted by TechRepublic on 4,000 IT professionals, they have found that only 15 percent are actually using Windows 8 or are planning on doing so in the future. In addition, companies who have purchased Windows 8 PCs have decided to remove the OS from their systems because of the lack of familiarity of their employees and enterprise licensing problems, and instead reinstalled Windows 7.
Just what are the specific issues that have turned off people from Windows 8? First and foremost among the complaints is the disappearance of the tried and tested Start Menu and its replacement with a tiled user interface and a Charms bar. While this format may be more appropriate on a smartphone and tablet, it only confuses people who have become accustomed to previous versions of Windows. The Windows 8 UI is intended more for easy accessibility to frequently used apps. However, there are only a few apps for Windows that are available in the Windows store. For this reason, the app friendly UI should be made into an optional feature instead of the primary interface for the OS. In addition, the Start Screen does not function as well when you compare it with that of the iPhone, iPad and Android. Many users have complained about the difficulty in returning to the Start Screen. It would take several sweeping gestures of fingers on the touchscreen before one can get to the program or app they want or get back to Start. Such a trial and error just to familiarize oneself to the new OS can prove costly if it were to be used in business.
Many tech reviewers have been demanding that Microsoft admits its mistake and return Windows back to its more familiar format. However, such a move will only cause the company to lag even more behind the competition. Instead, Microsoft should take its cue from third party utilities like Classic Shell, Power 8, Pokki for Windows 8, and RetroUI Pro. These “Windows 8 Start Menu replacers” are doing what the company should have done with their OS in the first place—gradually introduce the new UI while still retaining the traditional features that users are familiar with. Classic Shell and Pokki for Windows 8 have incorporated the Metro apps feature from the OS into the classic dual-paned format of older Windows versions. Power 8, on the other hand, allows users to switch from the classic interface to the new tiled UI and Charms bar with just a click of the Start button or by typing Win+C. For those who want to wean themselves from previous Windows versions, RetroUI Pro is the best option because it incorporates the tiled UI with the classic dual-paned menu of Windows 7.
Microsoft has reported that they will be coming up with an update—called Windows Blue or Windows 8.1—in the fall. It is unknown yet what changes they have made in the OS. But for now, rather than junk Windows 8 entirely as many tech reviewers have been recommending, it is more convenient to use third party utilities and then gradually wean off from the standard desktop menu to the tiled UI of the new OS.
Maria writes for Geeks Mobile USA, a leading computer support company that specializes in helping non-technical users solve their technology problems.