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Windows 8 need GUI instructions for new users! (Didn't happen since Windows 95)

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Pepinno

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I was surprised to discover that a newly bought laptop with pre-installed Windows 8 came with a printed leaflet explaining how to use the basics of Windows 8 user interface.

Here is a page from the PDF version of that leaflet:

win8_howto.png


This kind of baloney -- smashing the user's previous knowledge of how to handle a computer -- was unseen in the consumer computer industry since Windows 95 -- with the difference that back then Windows 95 did bring real improvements in usability.

It is sad. The support costs of Windows 8 are doubling or tripling those of Windows XP (try to tell someone on the phone how to reach the Control Panel in Windows 8, and cry).
 
No image came through on my system (assuming that you weren't being sarcastic).

I think the days of Windows are numbered, given the prevalence of the Android and iOS mobile devices--and the priorities of MS's new CEO. That could be a good thing.
 
Last edited:
Chuck(G) said:
No image came through on my system (assuming that you weren't being sarcastic).
Click to expand...

It wasn't sarcasm, I did post a screenshot. I see it fine in Firefox and IE. The screenshot was uploaded to postimg.org, maybe they are doing some select blocking...?
 
Dunno--I could copy the image link from the page source and see it fine. I suspect that it's probably tied into my ad blocking or privacy plugins.
 
Perhaps you should take a look at Windows 8.1. You wont need any help if you have experience on how to work under Windows 7.
 
Chuck(G) said:
No image came through on my system (assuming that you weren't being sarcastic).
Click to expand...

Same here. The links work fine though. I looked at my blocking and don't think it's that. Anyway, see here:

win8howto.png
win8howto2.png

I think the days of Windows are numbered, given the prevalence of the Arduino and iOS mobile devices--and the priorities of MS's new CEO. That could be a good thing.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be surprised. Even Win7 doesn't provide modern functionality out of the box without a user having special skills or installing additional software. People will likely get tired of having to relearn the skills they thought they had. Even if some Linux distro doesn't pick up the slack (pun intended), then Apple is right there, ready and waiting.
 
I remember when Windows 95 first came out. It was a real step forward. No more "were did my programs go?" when someone minimized their program groups. And no more "I thought I closed that" when they covered one application with another. And the desktop made working with files much easier. Put the ones you use the most right on the desktop, no more digging around in Winfile. It was worth the hassle.

Windows 98 added a lot of web BS, but at least they didn't invalidate most existing user instructions.

But Microsoft might as well just run commercials saying "f*** you", because they obviously don't care any more, and haven't for a while. When Office 2007 came out, everyone had to be retrained, and for what? Really?

Windows 8 has been a huge slap in the face, and at least this time the public seems to have taken note. Although the kids all seem ready to forgive them when Windows 9 roll out the door. (how do they keep those things rolling anyway?)

I've been telling people for a while now to sell any stock in Microsoft. :p Yes, they still have enough money in the bank to run the company in to the ground a dozen times over.
 
inakito said:
Perhaps you should take a look at Windows 8.1. You wont need any help if you have experience on how to work under Windows 7.
Click to expand...

Are you joking? Where is the Start Menu? How do you get to the Control Panel? How do you shut down the PC?

Ahahahahahah!
 
Chuck(G) said:
No image came through on my system (assuming that you weren't being sarcastic).

I think the days of Windows are numbered, given the prevalence of the Android and iOS mobile devices--and the priorities of MS's new CEO. That could be a good thing.
Click to expand...


I think the days of Windows dominating the OS landscape are already over, but I still think there's life in it yet. Desktops are in decline, all desktops, but only because of a historical peak in use by the average person over the last couple of decades. I still see nothing that replaces desktops and desktop OS's for doing many types of work on computers like desktop publishing, programming etc. Try writing a lengthy document on iOS, you soon switch right back on a desktop. And as the primary desktop OS Windows or whatever MS decide to change it to will still have a place. I think where MS have so far failed is not evolving Windows to mobiles and tablets. Windows 8/Mobile has failed so far, but I wouldn't write them off. Let's not forget they dropped the ball on the Internet as well, but they eventually caught up.
 
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