Windows 8

The Start Menu is botched mess on a real computer. Otherwise Windows 8 is very similar under the covers to Windows 7. I have both.

As noted above use Start8 as your start menu. Also you can plant many program menus in the task bar. See:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/3-ways-to-tweak-windows-8-to-look-more-like-windows-7/

So your choice. I have got Windows 8 looking like a classic, workable and useful system.

.... Thinkpads_User

Agree with the preceding comments. I would add: learn the keyboard shortcuts, especially all the new ones using the Windows key.

Windows 8 is worth the upgrade for the speed and performance improvements alone.

If you can possibly spare the cash, get an SSD for your main drive. The performance goes up to another level.

:)

A matter of opinion - your experience may vary ... I have "a workable and useful system" too, without the 'retro' add-ons.

I wrote "agree with the previous comments" before thinkpads_user posted.

I have great respect for thinkpads_user's knowledge and views, but on this occasion I think he's on the wrong track.

My only real gripe is that too many apps are inappropriate to big screens, for my usage that doesn't matter - I use other programs where necessary.

I see no need to adopt a revisionist track for the start menu. If you're on the Desktop and you need to find something just press the Windows key and start typing what you're after. Just like Windows 7. :)

If you're on the Desktop and you need to find something just press the Windows key

On my Windows 8 Pro system, hitting the Windows key loses the screen you are working on and then goes that stupid Metro screen so that you can start typing. I cannot work this way and that is my major gripe.

... Thinkpads_User

People felt the same way when DOS was overlaid with Windows. Myself included. Before I started building my own desktops I remember asking in a computer shop for a Windows machine and the proprietor asked me why I'd want one. For the first few months of using Windows 3.0 I thought he was right.

... hitting the Windows key loses the screen you are working on and then goes that stupid Metro screen so that you can start typing...

Press the Windows key again.

:)

Yes, I do know you can get back to where you were. It is simply this. The new Microsoft Way Foward on a real robust working computer is pathetically slow, unproductive and ineffective.

If I had one wish left in my lifetime, it would to have Microsoft stop shoving their way down my throat. I have Windows 8. Out of the box, it does NOT work in real life on a REAL computer.

... Thinkpads_User

"Out of the box, it does NOT work in real life on a REAL computer. " ... FOR YOU.  Like I said, this comes down to personal preference and everyone's experience will vary because of that.  I, respectfully, disagree ... FOR ME, "it works in real life, on a real computer", doing real work.

Most people miss the point of my posts.

If it works for you, that is great. I do not try to tell people to work my way.

I have to be able to get what I need instantly which I can do with Windows 7 (and Vista before that, and XP before that, and so on).

Why do I have to be forced to worked other people's way.

I have to work for a living and Windows 8 out of the box. does not let me do that. I have explored it for months.

I apologize if I am a thorn in your side. Why should others be a thorn in my side.

So I will bail out this. Please do not respond to it.

... Thinkpads_User

Don't get upset ... never did you say that it was your preference or opinion - only that it was "a botched mess" and that "it does not work in real life on a real computer" ... I just wanted to, for the OP's benefit, point out that that is your opinion and experience - which should not be discounted either - but that, in contrast, I had a different opinion and experience.  You aren't a thorn in my side ... I rather enjoy reading your posts and value your experience, and I'm sure the OP can benefit from the discussion we have had.

I did thanks ! Very helpful to have different point of views indeed

Ive been using Windows 8 which came on a laptop. It has been crashing 5 or 6 times a day. I got fed up and bought another copy of 8 and a new hard drive to compare. Guess what, it still crashes. I haven seen this degree of instability since ME. Horrible OS. If they dont fix it fast, Im trashing 8 and going back to 7. There is no redeeming features about 8 If anything, its just annoying and a waste of time. I dont care if it sells for $9.95. I wouldnt put this OS on my network of 35 if it was FREE!

Your experience is not typical.  Feel free to ask your own question so we can help you figure out what is wrong with your system.