I don't get it? Why the hate?

[falchard]

I really don't understand why there is so much hate for this OS. I was a little hesitant moving from Windows 7, but its actually working a lot better than Windows 7 ever did. It was easy to install, it paired to my Microsoft account, and it booted straight into desktop mode. Using the metro programs are pretty simple too if you use keyboard shortcuts a lot like I do.

 

[Pinhedd]

I really don't understand why there is so much hate for this OS. I was a little hesitant moving from Windows 7, but its actually working a lot better than Windows 7 ever did. It was easy to install, it paired to my Microsoft account, and it booted straight into desktop mode. Using the metro programs are pretty simple too if you use keyboard shortcuts a lot like I do.

I've been using Windows 8 since it hit MSDN in August 2012. It took me all of 15 minutes to get used to it, and I wouldn't go back to Windows 7. Once I got into the habit of pressing the windows key and typing (straight into the search box) it just felt natural.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

When I tested Win8 (ages ago) I don't remember it going directly to the search function - pretty sure you had to manually select it. They've changed that since then.

I don't think they've changed to search so that it defaults to everything though.

The bottom line is this: Would you want to have to support Win8 for your parents or grandparents? Not everyone uses their computer enough to use/remember keyboard shortcuts or charm bar locations - for many people, if it's not clearly visible, it's not used.

While 8 is probably equal or more productive to those who put the effort in, but for the average person it doesn't do quite as well. And many of us, as the resident 'computer person', get to explain yet again that buttons appear based on where you put the mouse.

 

[Solandri]

The problem wasn't Metro apps per se. I think most people are enlightened enough to know that everyone is different. And if you like Metro apps more than desktop apps, then good for you.

The problem was how Microsoft shoved Metro down the throats of everyone who didn't like Metro apps. Win 8 booted to it. Hitting the Windows key took you to it. When they "gave in" and put back a Start-like button, all it did was take you to Metro. If you like Metro, you probably want those of us who dislike it to respect your choice. Well, those of us who dislike it and wanted the old desktop got no such respect.

It took me a couple months to figure out what was really going on. Microsoft was jealous of Apple and its App Store in iOS. 30% of the revenue for every iOS app sold goes to Apple because the App Store is the only way to buy iOS programs. That had Microsoft's bean counters absolutely drooling. Imagine if they could get a 30% cut of every Windows program sold! They'd make a fortune! Well, they already make a fortune, but they'd make an even bigger fortune!

Thus was born Metro and the Store. Metro was going to be the "new" type of Windows app replacing the old desktop apps, and (here's the crucial part) Microsoft got 30% of every app sold in the Store, and the Store was the only way to buy Metro apps. Then they did everything in their power to force people to use Metro. The OS booted to it. The Windows key took you to it. The Start menu took you to it. The search function was through it. The list of installed programs was accessed through it. Certain settings and customization options are only available through it. They basically took a dump on all of us users who preferred desktop apps, in hopes of trying to get a 30% cut of every Windows program sold.

Once I realized that, even if I liked Metro, there was no way I was ever buying a Metro app. I use Windows and Android specifically so I don't support those market capture tactics used by Apple. I will not help that business model spread. It's a shame because Win 8 has a lot of nice improvements. But I have to install a bunch of 3rd party customization programs to make it behave as if Metro (mostly) didn't exist.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

That's a good point I hadn't thought of.

Also explain's Ubuntu's Unity interface well - everything goes through the big menu, which also shows Amazon search links.