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| How to make Windows 8 actually useable; Classic Shell | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 5 2015, 06:00 PM (580 Views) | |
| cwatkin | Jun 5 2015, 06:00 PM Post #1 |
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I have posted this before but I feel that under the hood, Windows 8 and 8.1 is likely the best Windows OS Microsoft has ever put out. It is rock solid stable and fast, especially on modern hardware like a Core i series CPU and solid state drive (SSD). It is snappy and really impressed me with how well it worked from day one. Although I loved the performance and stability, my opinions about the interface were the exact opposite. I like the interface from ANY previous Windows version better. I disliked it so much that I was about to dump the OS even though I liked parts of it and return to Windows 7. Then I found several 3rd party shell replacements as most EVERYONE shared this opinion. I experimented with several but eventually settled on one called Classic Shell. It is free and seems to do the best job. IO Bit Start Menu 8 is one you see around a lot but I don't like it as well, plus it is always bugging you about buying some related program from IO Bit. All IO Bit stuff is like this though so you really have to watch them. Anyway, I thought this is a tip some not paying close attention to any of the computer threads might appreciate. Conor |
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| 68custom | Jun 5 2015, 07:05 PM Post #2 |
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we run 8.1 with classic shell and it does work quite well, but I will take the free Win10 upgrade once it is available. |
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| rmcelwee | Jun 5 2015, 07:58 PM Post #3 |
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I just boot to the desktop and use a quicklaunch on the toolbar (I hate icons on my desktop). Is classic shell any better than the standard desktop (not those Win8 square things)?
Edited by rmcelwee, Jun 5 2015, 07:58 PM.
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| Horn | Jun 5 2015, 08:56 PM Post #4 |
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Rmc....so far to my knowledge, you still have the stupid square app things but on what I call the home page, it gives you a start menu in the bottom corner. It gives you options on the start menu style. I chose the windows 7 style. Imo it turns it into a windows 7/8 mix. |
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| cwatkin | Jun 6 2015, 08:07 AM Post #5 |
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It can make it look basically just like Windows 7. The sucky square tiles thing is called the MEtro interface by the way. I turned off the Metro apps screen completely although I can get to it if needed through the start menu. You also have a standard looking start menu with the normal Windows 7 look. None of the Metro square tiles for me. Conor |
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| ZXTjato | Jun 6 2015, 10:15 AM Post #6 |
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bass heads
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i kinda like win8 i pin all my games to the tiles nice and big organized how i like, my main screen tho is empty i hate desk top icons. i am not sure if its because i never used win 7 but i like my win 8. not sure if win 8.1 pro has different stuff but thats the one i got. |
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| cwatkin | Jun 6 2015, 12:58 PM Post #7 |
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I would upgrade to Windows 8.1 if you are on 8. Nothing is really wrong with 8 but MS is wanting everyone to install 8.1 with that Update 1 in order to get all the future free updates. I think 8.1 is a tad faster although it isn't a quantum leap. I do like how the Metro apps open in a standard Window if you do use them. Conor |
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| ZXTjato | Jun 6 2015, 01:09 PM Post #8 |
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bass heads
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i havent seen any issues with the software being slow or any thing. what would be symptoms of slow? i dont have 2 pc side by side to compare. i could be slow and not even know |
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| cwatkin | Jun 6 2015, 01:24 PM Post #9 |
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It isn't a quantum leap in speed between 8 and 8.1. My main issue would be with MS better supporting 8.1 than any of the added improvements. You won't regret going to 8.1 as it isn't that much different. Conor |
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| Horn | Jun 6 2015, 02:47 PM Post #10 |
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How do you turn off the metro apps sreen? Hate it. The whole apps page looks more appealing to people who grew up with ipads, but to all of us who messed with windows 7, vista, xp, 2000 etc, it was just a huge leap out of nowhere (so it seems). It reminds me of some over the top tool box. I'd just prefer a basic tool box with drawers. lol |
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| cwatkin | Jun 6 2015, 06:10 PM Post #11 |
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As for computer speed, all mine are pretty fast. I have friends who laugh at my Metros but I laugh at their crappy doggy slow Wal-Mart computers as they drive a Mustang Cobra. Everyone has different expectations. I expect my computers to be booted up in about 15 seconds. Some of the slow-ass AMD cheapos take about 15 minutes to be ready and the owners are fine with that. The difference in bootup between Windows 8 and 8.1 is like 5 seconds on one of my systems. It isn't a big deal but is something you can see. Conor |
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| cwatkin | Jun 6 2015, 06:11 PM Post #12 |
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There are several tabs of options in Classic Shell. Untick the show Metro apps in like two locations and that is it. I also disable active corners. Conor |
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| perfesser | Jun 7 2015, 05:36 PM Post #13 |
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Elite Member - Former Metro owner
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I still miss MS DOS 5.0! It was the only OS Microsoft ever made that never needed a x.x "upgrade". |
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