Monday, December 15, 2014

The Dreaded Windows 8.1

First post on Windows 8.1. The computer started and asked me a bunch of stuff, most of which I answered. It asked my Microsoft Account information which I don't know. I don't even know if I have one. It let me past that and also let me continue without a password and finally opened into that confusing "Tiles" page. I found Internet Explorer in there and opened it. I immediately downloaded FireFox and installed it. That is where I am now. Posting from within FireFox.

Lots to do but I am here.

13 comments:

  1. We have macs so I'm am completely lost with all of this. I do wish you luck though - like working in a new pair of shoes I guess! At least you made it this far. :)

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    1. I actually bought a new pair of shoes and they required no breaking in!

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  2. If we were back where you are, I would offer a 1/2 tutorial. You would be flying with your computer after that. Perhaps download a tutorial with Firefox....? I am sure you will grow to like it. Patience/practice will lead to familiarity.

    Cheers.

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  3. Although we are an Apple family over here, I had some experience with Windows 8.1 in its early life and didn't find it all that problematic. It was different but I didn't hate it. I am sure an old dog like you will pick it up pretty quick.

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  4. What René says is true. After a while you'll be running just like you were with 7.

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  5. Still love my Mac, Google chrome is my favorite browser, just love it, gave up on IE and firefox years ago.
    Good luck..


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  6. Advice:Get rid of Windows 8 NOW - Microsoft did. Laptop looks good - but you will need more RAM to do anything - really. Ram that guy up right away. I would not have less than 8 (12-16 still better). These two moves will make you a happy camper amigo.

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    1. Windows 10 will be out in a year, maybe they will have a reasonably priced upgrade like they did with 8. Yes, more RAM is always a good thing. I will have to have a peek at that.

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    2. Hey Calypso....Microsoft did not get rid of Windows 8 or 8.1 - in fact, Windows 10 will retain the Tile Interface but add some familiar Windows 7 legacy themes as well.

      Windows 8.1 is a terrific, secure, fast operating system.

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  7. Croft...it will only take a few quick pointers to get you on the road to happy computing with Windows 8. The first step I'd be making with your profile is to create a Microsoft Account (just like a Google or Apple account) even though you may never choose to use it. It just makes life with Windows 8.1 so much easier. Once that's done it's a simple process to switch from a non-MS account to a MS account.

    Hope you're still going to be around in Desert Hot Springs after we arrive this coming Sunday!

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    1. Rick, we just paid for another month so we are here until January 18 at least! We will see you.

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  8. Hey Croft, download this and install it. You'll think you were still using 7.

    http://www.classicshell.net/

    I install that on ALL computers I use that have 8 or 8.1. In fact it's the first thing I do after installing Chrome (which I like better than Firefox).

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    1. Thanks Don, I found this site but hesitated installing it. I think I will do it now, it is reversible after all. I switched to Firefox on the old computer after Chrome started crashing every time a video tried to play. Firefox worked well but not Chrome.

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