Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available

**fitz** · March 7th, 2012

We're a bit late getting the news out, but a Consumer Preview of Microsoft's next Operating System release is available for download.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview

It's Windows reimagined and reinvented from a solid core of Windows 7 speed and reliability. It's an all-new touch interface. It's a new Windows for new devices. And it's your chance to be one of the first to try it out.

For anyone that has tried it yet, I'm curious what your thoughts are on the new interface changes they have made with Windows 8.

Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview Page

ISO Image download

**American Zombie** · March 7th, 2012

I may pass on Windows 8 as, after using it since first release stages, it reminds me of a tablet OS.

I think Win 8 may fail just like Vista did.

**Johnny** · March 7th, 2012

I am going to install it on my vmware and see what it does.

**Johnny** · March 7th, 2012

I installed it on my vmware. I don't like it. I also think it will flop. They need to bring the start button back. Plus the start up and them requiring you to give you email address is a major no no for me.

**American Zombie** · March 7th, 2012

Originally Posted by Johnny

I installed it on my vmware. I don't like it. I also think it will flop. They need to bring the start button back. Plus the start up and them requiring you to give you email address is a major no no for me.

Did it feel like a tablet to you too?

**Johnny** · March 8th, 2012

Originally Posted by American Zombie

Did it feel like a tablet to you too?

Yes, in a way it did.

**LordOfLA** · March 8th, 2012

Originally Posted by Johnny

I installed it on my vmware. I don't like it. I also think it will flop. They need to bring the start button back. Plus the start up and them requiring you to give you email address is a major no no for me.

You can make a local account too. However linking it to a hotmail/windows live mail account is handy for storing settings on microsofts cloud systems.

**LordOfLA** · March 8th, 2012

Overall I like it.

It's snappier than windows 7 at a technical level, keyboard and mouse work quite well with the metro start ui now as well.

The change over is quite jarring though and this will be a major barrier to adoption. While faster once you adjust. Most people being human and not liking change at all will be highly resistant to adapting.

Additionally I think you're going to want a fairly high end pc purchased with mid-high end parts as at time of windows 8 release and an SSD of some sort to boot windows 8 from. Those of us still using core 2 quad/duo and the amd equivalents are not going to see much benefit from the techical under the hood stuff.

**Johnny** · March 8th, 2012

I can get past the login in information. But the start up is going to be tough. I want it to go to my desktop, not a screen full of blocks to push on. They also need to get the start menu back.

I don't think it is going to do very well, and people will stay with windows 7 till the next version comes out. That seems to be their pattern. They release a good one, and the next one sucks.

**American Zombie** · March 8th, 2012

What you have to do now is click corners or use hotkeys.

Windows 8 Tricks, Tips and Shortcuts to Make the Preview Process Less Painful

**Johnny** · March 8th, 2012

Originally Posted by American Zombie

What you have to do now is click corners or use hotkeys.

Windows 8 Tricks, Tips and Shortcuts to Make the Preview Process Less Painful

That is too much for the average user to want to do.

**LordOfLA** · March 8th, 2012

Originally Posted by Johnny

That is too much for the average user to want to do.

Not really. It is just that 95% of people are going to resist adapting to highly efficient changes in interaction because it changed, not because it is bad or slower.

**Xie** · March 9th, 2012

Though a bit odd, from the bit I've messed with it in the VM I think the UI is nicer then 7 (a step backwards from XP IMHO). I'm not sold on it though, and why I will continue to only use Windows only in a VM.

**Johnny** · March 9th, 2012

Originally Posted by LordOfLA

Not really. It is just that 95% of people are going to resist adapting to highly efficient changes in interaction because it changed, not because it is bad or slower.

That is what will make it flop.

**Sazar** · March 11th, 2012

Originally Posted by Johnny

That is what will make it flop.

Don't adopt to the lowest common denominator

AnandTech - In-Depth with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Good article with lots of tips and tricks. It's a good read and also discusses some of the challenges brought up in this thread.

**Johnny** · March 11th, 2012

Originally Posted by Sazar

Don't adopt to the lowest common denominator

AnandTech - In-Depth with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Good article with lots of tips and tricks. It's a good read and also discusses some of the challenges brought up in this thread.

Are there any tips for bypassing the stupid startup and going straight to the desktop?

**American Zombie** · March 11th, 2012

Originally Posted by Johnny

Are there any tips for bypassing the stupid startup and going straight to the desktop?

Try this: Bypass Windows 8 Start Screen On Startup & Jump Directly To Desktop

**Johnny** · March 11th, 2012

Originally Posted by American Zombie

Try this: Bypass Windows 8 Start Screen On Startup & Jump Directly To Desktop

I saw that. I also saw that Windows 8 developer edition has a registry tweak to do it. The Metro, from what I read today, is for touch screens and mobile devices. I can guarantee that it will be the reason this flops. Especially in businesses. I will stick to my mac and avoid windows till they get rid of it. Maybe windows 9 will not have the stupid metro.

**American Zombie** · March 11th, 2012

People will buy Windows 8 then start complaining about fingerprints on their screen or having to clean the screen all the time.

**Johnny** · March 12th, 2012

Originally Posted by American Zombie

People will buy Windows 8 then start complaining about fingerprints on their screen or having to clean the screen all the time.

Possibly, but I still think this one will flop. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets as bad press as Windows Vista did

March 7th, 2012	Top \| #1
fitz Just Floating Along Joined: April 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 4,050 Reputation: 2947 Power: 180	Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available We're a bit late getting the news out, but a Consumer Preview of Microsoft's next Operating System release is available for download. Windows 8 Consumer Preview It's Windows reimagined and reinvented from a solid core of Windows 7 speed and reliability. It's an all-new touch interface. It's a new Windows for new devices. And it's your chance to be one of the first to try it out. For anyone that has tried it yet, I'm curious what your thoughts are on the new interface changes they have made with Windows 8. Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview Page ISO Image download Hee-hee! Evil makes my buttocks tingle.

March 7th, 2012	Top \| #2
American Zombie OSNN Veteran Addict Joined: June 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,899 Reputation: 2689 Power: 163	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available I may pass on Windows 8 as, after using it since first release stages, it reminds me of a tablet OS. I think Win 8 may fail just like Vista did.

March 7th, 2012	Top \| #3
Johnny .. Commodore .. Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 5,021 Reputation: 2369 Power: 188	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available I am going to install it on my vmware and see what it does. Load "*",8,1 ...

March 7th, 2012	Top \| #4
Johnny .. Commodore .. Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 5,021 Reputation: 2369 Power: 188	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available I installed it on my vmware. I don't like it. I also think it will flop. They need to bring the start button back. Plus the start up and them requiring you to give you email address is a major no no for me. Load "*",8,1 ...

March 7th, 2012	Top \| #5
American Zombie OSNN Veteran Addict Joined: June 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,899 Reputation: 2689 Power: 163	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by Johnny I installed it on my vmware. I don't like it. I also think it will flop. They need to bring the start button back. Plus the start up and them requiring you to give you email address is a major no no for me. Did it feel like a tablet to you too?

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March 8th, 2012	Top \| #6
Johnny .. Commodore .. Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 5,021 Reputation: 2369 Power: 188	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by American Zombie Did it feel like a tablet to you too? Yes, in a way it did. Load "*",8,1 ...

March 8th, 2012	Top \| #7
LordOfLA Godlike! Joined: February 2004 Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK Posts: 7,032 Blog Entries: 5 Reputation: 4137 Power: 225	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by Johnny I installed it on my vmware. I don't like it. I also think it will flop. They need to bring the start button back. Plus the start up and them requiring you to give you email address is a major no no for me. You can make a local account too. However linking it to a hotmail/windows live mail account is handy for storing settings on microsofts cloud systems. If HK-47 and GLaDOS had a child, the character they create would cause the video game world to overdose on awesome. -sheridanmovieguy: Dragon age forum user.

March 8th, 2012	Top \| #8
LordOfLA Godlike! Joined: February 2004 Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK Posts: 7,032 Blog Entries: 5 Reputation: 4137 Power: 225	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Overall I like it. It's snappier than windows 7 at a technical level, keyboard and mouse work quite well with the metro start ui now as well. The change over is quite jarring though and this will be a major barrier to adoption. While faster once you adjust. Most people being human and not liking change at all will be highly resistant to adapting. Additionally I think you're going to want a fairly high end pc purchased with mid-high end parts as at time of windows 8 release and an SSD of some sort to boot windows 8 from. Those of us still using core 2 quad/duo and the amd equivalents are not going to see much benefit from the techical under the hood stuff. If HK-47 and GLaDOS had a child, the character they create would cause the video game world to overdose on awesome. -sheridanmovieguy: Dragon age forum user.

March 8th, 2012	Top \| #9
Johnny .. Commodore .. Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 5,021 Reputation: 2369 Power: 188	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available I can get past the login in information. But the start up is going to be tough. I want it to go to my desktop, not a screen full of blocks to push on. They also need to get the start menu back. I don't think it is going to do very well, and people will stay with windows 7 till the next version comes out. That seems to be their pattern. They release a good one, and the next one sucks. Load "*",8,1 ...

March 8th, 2012	Top \| #10
American Zombie OSNN Veteran Addict Joined: June 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,899 Reputation: 2689 Power: 163	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available What you have to do now is click corners or use hotkeys. Windows 8 Tricks, Tips and Shortcuts to Make the Preview Process Less Painful

March 8th, 2012	Top \| #11
Johnny .. Commodore .. Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 5,021 Reputation: 2369 Power: 188	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by American Zombie What you have to do now is click corners or use hotkeys. Windows 8 Tricks, Tips and Shortcuts to Make the Preview Process Less Painful That is too much for the average user to want to do. Load "*",8,1 ...

March 8th, 2012	Top \| #12
LordOfLA Godlike! Joined: February 2004 Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK Posts: 7,032 Blog Entries: 5 Reputation: 4137 Power: 225	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by Johnny That is too much for the average user to want to do. Not really. It is just that 95% of people are going to resist adapting to highly efficient changes in interaction because it changed, not because it is bad or slower. If HK-47 and GLaDOS had a child, the character they create would cause the video game world to overdose on awesome. -sheridanmovieguy: Dragon age forum user.

March 9th, 2012	Top \| #13
Xie - geek - Joined: September 2003 Location: NY, USA Posts: 5,261 Reputation: 1730 Power: 187	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Though a bit odd, from the bit I've messed with it in the VM I think the UI is nicer then 7 (a step backwards from XP IMHO). I'm not sold on it though, and why I will continue to only use Windows only in a VM. tehgeek \| tehgeek \| geeking out to tech \| IRC \| Parted Magic \| A+ Certified Professional

March 9th, 2012	Top \| #14
Johnny .. Commodore .. Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 5,021 Reputation: 2369 Power: 188	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by LordOfLA Not really. It is just that 95% of people are going to resist adapting to highly efficient changes in interaction because it changed, not because it is bad or slower. That is what will make it flop. Load "*",8,1 ...

March 11th, 2012	Top \| #15
Sazar F@H - Is it in you? Joined: April 2002 Location: Between Austin and Tampa Posts: 14,900 Reputation: 4110 Power: 326	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by Johnny That is what will make it flop. Don't adopt to the lowest common denominator AnandTech - In-Depth with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Good article with lots of tips and tricks. It's a good read and also discusses some of the challenges brought up in this thread. Help to find cures for Alzheimer's, Mad Cow (BSE), CJD, ALS, Huntington's, Parkinson's disease, and many Cancers. Folding@Home, is it in you?

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March 11th, 2012	Top \| #16
Johnny .. Commodore .. Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 5,021 Reputation: 2369 Power: 188	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by Sazar Don't adopt to the lowest common denominator AnandTech - In-Depth with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Good article with lots of tips and tricks. It's a good read and also discusses some of the challenges brought up in this thread. Are there any tips for bypassing the stupid startup and going straight to the desktop? Load "*",8,1 ...

March 11th, 2012	Top \| #17
American Zombie OSNN Veteran Addict Joined: June 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,899 Reputation: 2689 Power: 163	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by Johnny Are there any tips for bypassing the stupid startup and going straight to the desktop? Try this: Bypass Windows 8 Start Screen On Startup & Jump Directly To Desktop

March 11th, 2012	Top \| #18
Johnny .. Commodore .. Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 5,021 Reputation: 2369 Power: 188	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by American Zombie Try this: Bypass Windows 8 Start Screen On Startup & Jump Directly To Desktop I saw that. I also saw that Windows 8 developer edition has a registry tweak to do it. The Metro, from what I read today, is for touch screens and mobile devices. I can guarantee that it will be the reason this flops. Especially in businesses. I will stick to my mac and avoid windows till they get rid of it. Maybe windows 9 will not have the stupid metro. Load "*",8,1 ...

March 11th, 2012	Top \| #19
American Zombie OSNN Veteran Addict Joined: June 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,899 Reputation: 2689 Power: 163	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available People will buy Windows 8 then start complaining about fingerprints on their screen or having to clean the screen all the time.

March 12th, 2012	Top \| #20
Johnny .. Commodore .. Joined: January 2004 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 5,021 Reputation: 2369 Power: 188	Re: Windows 8 Consumer Preview Available Originally Posted by American Zombie People will buy Windows 8 then start complaining about fingerprints on their screen or having to clean the screen all the time. Possibly, but I still think this one will flop. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets as bad press as Windows Vista did Load "*",8,1 ...