Sunday, January 06, 2013

Windows 8 – Keep or Return?

 

Wesley Chapel, Florida  (high 77, low 57) rain predicted

I bought my new Samsung laptop a few weeks ago. It came with the new Windows 8 operating system and I decided since our friend Rick used and liked it, I would probably be happy with it.  What I didn’t remember, is that Rick is a geek and I’m not.  Windows 8 is a challenge!

I knew there would be a learning curve to Windows 8, and that was expected, but the more I used it the more I disliked it. 

On top of that, my new laptop was running extremely slow. That’s a bad combination and I was ready to return my new laptop.  I had even gotten to the point where I “refreshed” the computer in preparation for returning it to the store.  It was so darn slow, that it wasn’t even usable.

 

But….

I decided to check and see if any of the programs I had installed were causing the speed problems.  It turns out I had accidently installed a lot of crap when I installed a few programs and apps.  Once I removed the recent installs, it started running normally again.

The next step was adjusting to Windows 8.  It was certainly easier to learn to use Windows 8 with a properly operating computer.

 

Then….

I adjusted to Windows 8, and I have pretty much figured out how get it to navigate through the confusing screens.  That darn missing start button is still a bit of a nuisance, but I’m adjusting!  I’m sure there is a lot about Windows 8 that I’m missing.  Rick mentioned he will probably post some tips eventually, so I’m sure I’ll learn a lot then. 

The first time I started to re-install my Streets and Trips program, on my new laptop, I kept getting an error message.  I thought it just wasn’t compatible with the new operating system.  In the meantime, my laptop went through some updates and I decided to give Streets and Trips another try…..halleluiah, it installed properly!

Now, if I can only get my VMSPC program to install.  It is the program I use to keep an eye on what’s happening in our diesel engine while we’re traveling.  I haven’t taken the time to attempt to install this program, but need to do so before we leave in 2 weeks.

2_thumb 

So, as far as my new Samsung Laptop, it is one of the few around that has the non glare matte screen, and that’s why I chose it.  I could have done without Windows 8, but it’s getting increasingly more difficult to find computers with Windows 7.   I’m happy with my new $499 laptop and I’m happy with Windows 8.   It’s not going back to Sam’s club and I have a 4 year extended warranty  I’m buying the Carbonite program so that if/when I have another computer failure, I’ll have all my pictures backed up.  (don’t ask)

 

Today, we are going to tour the new gym we joined.  It’s part of the Wesley Chapel hospital and is a brand new 55,000 square foot facility.  We joined it sight unseen, with just some pictures and diagrams.  We’re excited to actually see it in person. 

Yesterday, Saturday, turned out to be a beautiful day.  It was warm and sunny all day and everyone in the park spent most of the day outside.  Baxter even got to go for a ride in his stroller.

It’s very foggy this morning, but hopefully it will burn off and we’ll see the sun before the predicted rain arrives.

 

Female Cardinale

13 comments:

  1. Wow! What a great cardinal photo! And the bluebird, one of my favorite birds! I know what you mean by getting used to a new program, a new machine. When we got our Macs, it was quite a learning curve, but now we love them!

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  2. Thanks. Those birds are both from our house in Georgia. We had cultivated quite a lot of birds. Fortunately, the people that bought the house also liked birds!

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  3. Good luck with Windows 8, we have not upgraded yet, so we are very interested in your experience with it.

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  4. I have been avoiding getting windows 8 because of how different the interface is. I believe Rick said that it does have a way to select the traditional windows look if you prefer.

    My geek SIL just loves it. Since I still long to go back to XP, I am probably a dinosaur:(

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  5. The learning curve to windows 8 will take a while but a challenge is always fun, good luck with it. Enjoy.

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  6. Gin is the geek in this pair. She's hoping that her laptop can make it another couple of years so that she can skip W8.
    Love the bluebird header and cardinal!
    Syl

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  7. thankfully I know longer need a geek for my laptop as its a mac...love the bluebird and cardinal...great capture...I do still have app problems and Rick the go to guy is such a help..

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  8. Hm, that reminds me, I need to do a back-up.

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  9. I switched to an Apple Macbook Air and it took some getting use to but I love it now! Once you get the hang of Win 8 I am sure you will like it too.

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  10. Oh great, just when I've finally gotten used to 7, after that horrible Vista, now I have to fear Windows 8.

    Microsoft is making me old before my time. I'll have to put you on speed dial because you certainly seem to know your way around a computer.

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  11. Sure can relate to the technology challenges. Good for you in persevering. Sounds like you made a good choice. Enjoy the sunshine!

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  12. Great pics of the birds.

    Now, Windows 8! I promise I'll post a quick snapshot of how Windows 8 works this week.

    It can be made to operate pretty much like Windows 7 while still maintaining some big advantages.

    Even the missing 'Start' button issue is still in Windows 8 only in a different look and format - I'll explain in my post.

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