Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First impression=
: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when the A-team wa=
s out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like moving a file f=
rom one folder to another, require one to use Explorer. Even "my computer"=
no longer resides on the desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles v=
ersion and one that kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loa=
ded with a lot of junk.
It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I coul=
d spend more enjoyably in the shop.
BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned to=
my employer come retirement date (May 3).
Larry
I have a friend that is the head IT engineer for a school system
here. We get together and test out bourbons and smoke cigars and
talk things over in general.
He assured me at our last outing that I needed to buy myself a copy of
Windows 7 and put it aside for later use. He snarled and bristled for
a half hour about all the things that were wrong with Win 8, and
assured me it was as bad as the change to Vista from XP, and probably
even worse.
According to his opinion, 8 was designed to be compatible with the
Windows Phone and its upcoming OS, not for desktops or laptops.
Yet another misfire from the good folks at Microsoft.
Robert
Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
> Gramp's shop wrote:
>> Bill ...
>>
>> I bought a Lenovo with 4gb ram and a 500gb HD. $350 from Best Buy. No
>> touch screen. Like the computer but (H)8 Windows 8.
>>
>> Lrry
> It sounds like you did real well! I was mainly looking for something to
> attach to a big screen tv, so I have been looking at those with HD, 1080P
> (1920x1080)--matching the TV. Most (all?) of the candidates seem to have
> "4000HD" (integrated) graphics. Has anyone tried streaming video from web
> pages this way with success in the way of video quality? I have a hunch
> it will be hit and miss. I doubt Roy Underhill's show is recorded (at
> PBS) in HD, for instance, but I'm assuming a laptop as described would
> give the best possible configuration. I'll be sure to try to avoid
> Windows8until I hear kinder words said about it! I was mildly
> enthusiastic aboutthe touchscreen concept, but now I think I'll sit on
> thesideline and hear more what those on the front line have to report. :)
>
> Bill
Don't believe all the naysayers about the underlying OS itself, as
technically it is one of MSFT's best operating systems yet, very resource
efficient, fast and relatively more secure than any MSFT consumer OS to
date (notice the word "relatively", no such thing as a totally secure OS,
just one that hasn't been targeted).
It is the GUI that throws everyone, and that can be infuriating because it
is such a drastic sea change and humans simply don't like change. I'm not a
big fan of the Win8 GUI myself, but having run it on a seven year old
laptop since it came out I find myself getting used to it, and appreciating
most parts of it.
Short story - because you are human you will NOT like it at first because
of the GUI, but you will like the benefits of the underlying technical
aspects, so try it for an extended period and see if the angst doesn't
become more tempered than not ... and do keep in mind it is a first
iteration, and you do have the option to use the classic desktop.
And yes, it does run Sketchup, handily.
As far as your media center:
Get a Raspberry Pi for $40 and load up xbmc:
http://lifehacker.com/5929913/build-a-xbmc-media-center-with-a-35-raspberry-pi
--
www.ewoodshop.com (Mobile)
Puckdropper <puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com> wrote:
> What I don't understand is Windows RT. They put that on the cheap
> version of the Surface tablet and waited almost 4 months to release the
> full version. What good is Windows if you can't run Windows programs?
No one understands that ... that was a stupid move on Ballmer's part, and
you can't fix stupid.
--
www.ewoodshop.com (Mobile)
"[email protected]" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I have a friend that is the head IT engineer for a school system
> here. We get together and test out bourbons and smoke cigars and
> talk things over in general.
>
> He assured me at our last outing that I needed to buy myself a copy of
> Windows 7 and put it aside for later use. He snarled and bristled for
> a half hour about all the things that were wrong with Win 8, and
> assured me it was as bad as the change to Vista from XP, and probably
> even worse.
>
> According to his opinion, 8 was designed to be compatible with the
> Windows Phone and its upcoming OS, not for desktops or laptops.
>
> Yet another misfire from the good folks at Microsoft.
Gotta disagree on this one ... IT folks are the most change resistant bunch
on the planet, bar none, and have to be dragged kicking and screaming to
anything new that upsets their current technical infrastructure.
I'm willing to bet with anyone that the next decade sees more "Win8 type"
UI in Enterprise computing than most can currently imagine. Might not be a
MSFT OS, but it will certainly be a similar iteration GUI, and it will not
be readily accepted by IT, just as tablets and iPhones were not welcomed by
IT just three years ago.
But, and it's a big but ... We gotta go through the FUD cycle first, just
as was done with Vista's UAC component, which caused most of the teeth
gnashing.
--
www.ewoodshop.com (Mobile)
PHT <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
> Linux. A far better OS.
Not for everyone .... AAMOF, no longer even for one of the most famous
famous Linux users, proponents, and programmers alive, Miguel de Icaza.
LMAO when I read this last week:
http://tirania.org/blog/archive/2013/Mar-05.html
--
www.ewoodshop.com (Mobile)
On Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:20:40 -0400, Dave <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>Sometimes you just don't know if you're going to hate or like
>something until you actually use it a bit. Usually, that finding out
>costs you money.
When I first saw the Netbooks with a 10" screen, I thought it was
crazy to buy a tiny computer like that. Keyboard is too small, limited
power, etc, etc.
I saw one on sale for $180 so I figured I try in on a trip. That
little machine had been to four countries, a dozen states and will go
to a dozen more in May. Sometimes it sits on my belly when I'm in the
recliner in front of the TV.
My wife has a 17" laptop that never leaves the house. Too damned heavy
to drag around an airport or in and out of hotel rooms.
On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:58:19 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
>So am I to understand that you can make Windows 8 play just like Windows7?
>I should have tried it while I was at the store...
There's several things you can do. You can run Windows 8 in classic
mode with a start menu. It would still be Windows 8, but look similar
to Windows 7.
http://www.howtogeek.com/107711/how-to-get-the-classic-start-menu-back-in-windows-8/
The alternative is if you don't like Windows 8 and can't get used to
it, you can downgrade it to Windows 7. But, you have to make sure that
the copy of Windows 8 that you've got or plan to purchase, can be
downgraded. Not all versions have that option.
http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-downgrade-windows-8-pro-to-windows-7/
On 3/11/2013 6:35 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On Mon, 11 Mar 2013 02:31:07 -0400, Dave <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:01:35 -0400, Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> I saw one on sale for $180 so I figured I try in on a trip. That
>>> little machine had been to four countries, a dozen states and will go
>>> to a dozen more in May. Sometimes it sits on my belly when I'm in the
>>> recliner in front of the TV.
>>
>> So, does all this realized "Like" make you want to buy one more
>> powerful or perhaps a little bit more tricked out?
>
>
> I did upgrade the RAM from 1G to 2G. Otherwise, it works well enough.
> There is no CD drive but I've not really missed it. I still use the
> desktop for most stuff requiring serious typing.
Same here - MOL. Bought the MSI netbook with a decent HD and RAM and
it's served its purpose quite well for travel, etc. With Wi-Fi and BT
built in, quite handy to tether to my old Smart Phone or use now with
the built-in hot spot with my current Galaxy SIII. I can surf the
internet, gather mail or work just about anywhere.
The lack of CD-Rom drive never a problem, just log on to the network at
the home or office via Wi-Fi or wire. If those weren't available, then
it was "sneaker net" using a thumb drive.
Of course, that's old technology lo these many three years later<g> and
I find myself almost as capable as a road warrior carrying a 10 tablet
with me with much less weight and way more battery time.
On Mon, 11 Mar 2013 02:31:07 -0400, Dave <[email protected]> wrote:
>On Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:01:35 -0400, Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote:
>>I saw one on sale for $180 so I figured I try in on a trip. That
>>little machine had been to four countries, a dozen states and will go
>>to a dozen more in May. Sometimes it sits on my belly when I'm in the
>>recliner in front of the TV.
>
>So, does all this realized "Like" make you want to buy one more
>powerful or perhaps a little bit more tricked out?
I did upgrade the RAM from 1G to 2G. Otherwise, it works well enough.
There is no CD drive but I've not really missed it. I still use the
desktop for most stuff requiring serious typing.
On 03/08/2013 09:27 PM, Richard wrote:
> On 3/8/2013 9:51 PM, PHT wrote:
>> On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
>>
>>> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
>>> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when
>>> the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like
>>> moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer.
>>> Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two
>>> interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar
>>> XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>>>
>>> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
>>> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>>>
>>> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned
>>> to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>>>
>>> Larry
>>
>>
>> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
>> Linux. A far better OS.
>>
>> Paul
>
> Which is unfortunately far behind as a consumer product...
What is your latest experience and with linux and what distribution are
you basing this on?
As a "user" rather than a "consumer", I have had a very good experience
with linux for the last 18 years.
--
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure,the creed of ignorance, and the
gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery"
-Winston Churchill
On 03/08/2013 10:19 PM, Bill wrote:
> Doug Winterburn wrote:
>> On 03/08/2013 09:27 PM, Richard wrote:
>>> On 3/8/2013 9:51 PM, PHT wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
>>>> Linux. A far better OS.
>>>>
>>>> Paul
>>>
>>> Which is unfortunately far behind as a consumer product...
>>
>> What is your latest experience and with linux and what distribution
>> are you basing this on?
>>
>> As a "user" rather than a "consumer", I have had a very good
>> experience with linux for the last 18 years.
>
> Can you run SketchUp on it?
>
One way to have the best of both Windows and Linux is to install vmware
player on windows and install linux as a virtual machine. This works
well with the large amounts of RAM and drive space on newer machines and
linux as a vm will perform almost as well as running natively. You can
do the same in reverse by running linux natively with windows as a a vm.
--
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure,the creed of ignorance, and the
gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery"
-Winston Churchill
On 3/8/2013 8:10 PM, Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
> Larry
>
About a year ago I started thinking it was time to replace my old laptop
(Windows XP). I kept hearing negatives about the upcoming Win 8
(programming for 42 years gives me access to all sorts of goodie info),
so back in September I picked up an HP laptop with Win 7 on it. I feel
for those who are now having to deal with Win 8.
Matt
On 03/09/2013 11:02 AM, Larry W wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>,
> PHT <[email protected]> wrote:
>> On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
>>
>>> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
>>> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when
>>> the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like
>>> moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer.
>>> Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two
>>> interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar
>>> XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>>>
>>> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
>>> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>>>
>>> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned
>>> to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>>>
>>> Larry
>>
>>
>> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
>> Linux. A far better OS.
>>
>> Paul
>
>
> Phooey on the new Gnome shell, Unity, and the other alleged "improvements"
> to linux desktops, too.
>
If you don't like those desktops, take a look through this:
<http://www.nixtutor.com/ubuntu/20-ubuntu-derivatives-you-should-know-about/>
--
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure,the creed of ignorance, and the
gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery"
-Winston Churchill
Matt <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> About a year ago I started thinking it was time to replace my old
> laptop (Windows XP). I kept hearing negatives about the upcoming Win
> 8 (programming for 42 years gives me access to all sorts of goodie
> info), so back in September I picked up an HP laptop with Win 7 on it.
> I feel for those who are now having to deal with Win 8.
>
> Matt
>
I haven't played with Windows 8 much, so the jury's still out as far as
I'm concerned. However, I'm not liking what I see. Windows 7 got most
of the Desktop UI right, and actually set the bar very high for the next
version of Windows. (I'd like to go into the office of the guy who turned
autosort on all the time and start rearranging his stuff automatically.
Grab the pencil right out of his hand, too.)
What I don't understand is Windows RT. They put that on the cheap
version of the Surface tablet and waited almost 4 months to release the
full version. What good is Windows if you can't run Windows programs?
Puckdropper
--
Make it to fit, don't make it fit.
On 03/10/2013 03:53 AM, HeyBub wrote:
> PHT wrote:
>> On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
>>
>>> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
>>> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS
>>> when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple
>>> things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one
>>> to use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the
>>> desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that
>>> kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a
>>> lot of junk.
>>>
>>> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that
>>> I could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>>>
>>> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be
>>> returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>>>
>>> Larry
>>
>>
>> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
>> Linux. A far better OS.
>>
>
> Right. Get a knock-off of a 40-year old operating system designed by a
> money-losing division of your local telephone company.
Right. That's why I don't fly in these knock-offs of a 110 year old
design by two guys who worked in a bicycle shop.
>
> Linux commands less than TWO PERCENT (1.2%) of the desktop operating
> systems. The remainder of desktop users have chosen to vote with their
> wallet by choosing some version of Windows, Apple, or "Other."
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systems
>
>
--
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure,the creed of ignorance, and the
gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery"
-Winston Churchill
On 03/10/2013 06:41 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On Sun, 10 Mar 2013 05:53:30 -0500, "HeyBub" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>>
>> Right. Get a knock-off of a 40-year old operating system designed by a
>> money-losing division of your local telephone company.
>>
>> Linux commands less than TWO PERCENT (1.2%) of the desktop operating
>> systems. The remainder of desktop users have chosen to vote with their
>> wallet by choosing some version of Windows, Apple, or "Other."
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systems
>>
>
> Linux users remind me of a religious cult.
>
Windows users remind me of Democrats.
--
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure,the creed of ignorance, and the
gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery"
-Winston Churchill
On 03/10/2013 08:52 AM, Swingman wrote:
> On 3/10/2013 8:55 AM, Doug Winterburn wrote:
>> Windows users remind me of Democrats.
>
> Damn, what a low blow, Bubba!!
>
> ;)
>
Well, I didn't mean *ALL* windows users, only the kool aid ones ;-)
BTW, I wonder how may linux dissers have android tablets or phones?
--
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure,the creed of ignorance, and the
gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery"
-Winston Churchill
Richard <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
>
>
> My question has always been - why just one product for all markets?
> Microsoft is big enough to support more than one, IMHO.
>
> Why foist a touch screen GUI off on desktops?
Microsoft asked that question and came up with an answer: They'll turn
on features for different OS levels and turn off other, less relavent
features at others. (Most system admins don't want to see Solitaire and
Freecell installed by default on a server.)
That's why there's Home, Pro, Enterprise and all those other editions.
Why not have two shells? Most people won't understand why their tablet
displays one thing while their desktop displays another. Education is
expensive, and will probably be deemed not worth it.
Puckdropper
--
Make it to fit, don't make it fit.
On 3/22/2013 1:11 PM, Swingman wrote:
>
> Here's one reason why:
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sugmA-pll4k#!
>
> Go to 5:30 for a glimpse of what MSFT is preparing for.
>
> Reminds of when the dude whispered "plastics" in Dustin Hoffman's ear
> ... can you spell Graphene?
>
> http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-graphene-story-how-andrei-geim-and-kostya-novoselov-hit-on-a-scientific-breakthrough-that-changed-the-world-by-playing-with-sticky-tape-8539743.html
>
Bind the stuff edge-on to a steel blade. That would take Scary Sharp to
a whole new level.
On Sun, 10 Mar 2013 05:53:30 -0500, "HeyBub" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
>Right. Get a knock-off of a 40-year old operating system designed by a
>money-losing division of your local telephone company.
>
>Linux commands less than TWO PERCENT (1.2%) of the desktop operating
>systems. The remainder of desktop users have chosen to vote with their
>wallet by choosing some version of Windows, Apple, or "Other."
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systems
>
Linux users remind me of a religious cult.
On 3/8/2013 9:51 PM, PHT wrote:
> On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
>
>> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
>> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when
>> the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like
>> moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer.
>> Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two
>> interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar
>> XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>>
>> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
>> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>>
>> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned
>> to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>>
>> Larry
>
>
> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
> Linux. A far better OS.
>
> Paul
Which is unfortunately far behind as a consumer product...
On Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:11:14 -0500, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
>... can you spell Graphene?
>
Sure: grafeen
On 3/9/2013 7:29 AM, Swingman wrote:
> PHT<[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
>> Linux. A far better OS.
>
> Not for everyone .... AAMOF, no longer even for one of the most famous
> famous Linux users, proponents, and programmers alive, Miguel de Icaza.
>
> LMAO when I read this last week:
>
> http://tirania.org/blog/archive/2013/Mar-05.html
>
>
Oh man! But yes, that's exactly how I feel about it too.
On 3/10/2013 4:03 AM, Dave wrote:
> On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:58:19 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
>> So am I to understand that you can make Windows 8 play just like Windows7?
>> I should have tried it while I was at the store...
>
> There's several things you can do. You can run Windows 8 in classic
> mode with a start menu. It would still be Windows 8, but look similar
> to Windows 7.
> http://www.howtogeek.com/107711/how-to-get-the-classic-start-menu-back-in-windows-8/
>
> The alternative is if you don't like Windows 8 and can't get used to
> it, you can downgrade it to Windows 7. But, you have to make sure that
> the copy of Windows 8 that you've got or plan to purchase, can be
> downgraded. Not all versions have that option.
> http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-downgrade-windows-8-pro-to-windows-7/
>
How that is funny! You have to pay extra when buying a program to be
able to revert it back to its predecessor.
On 3/8/2013 10:10 PM, Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
> Larry
>
Visit:
alt.comp.os.windows-8
for the inevitable questions about this strange and wonderful O_0 new M$
offering. They are clearly catering to the can't be bothered to orally
communicate (or even look where they are going) smart phone crowd.
There are a number of add-ons to make it act like Win7, but if you came
from XP, woe to you! Abandon all hope as you are now a neophyte all over
again. If you choose door #1 and go for one of the add-ons you may also
need to visit:
alt.windows7.general
Good luck and have fun!
John
On 3/9/2013 4:51 PM, woodchucker wrote:
> On 3/9/2013 1:26 AM, Bill wrote:
>> Gramp's shop wrote:
>>> Bill ...
>>>
>>> I bought a Lenovo with 4gb ram and a 500gb HD. $350 from Best Buy. No
>>> touch screen. Like the computer but (H)8 Windows 8.
>>>
>>> Lrry
>> It sounds like you did real well! I was mainly looking for something to
>> attach to a big screen tv, so I have been looking at those with HD,
>> 1080P (1920x1080)--matching the TV. Most (all?) of the candidates seem
>> to have "4000HD" (integrated) graphics. Has anyone tried streaming video
>> from web pages this way with success in the way of video quality? I
>> have a hunch it will be hit and miss. I doubt Roy Underhill's show is
>> recorded (at PBS) in HD, for instance, but I'm assuming a laptop as
>> described would give the best possible configuration. I'll be sure to
>> try to avoid Windows8until I hear kinder words said about it! I was
>> mildly enthusiastic aboutthe touchscreen concept, but now I think I'll
>> sit on thesideline and hear more what those on the front line have to
>> report. :)
>>
>> Bill
> There aren't that many touch screens around Bill, not for laptops or
> desktops. They are mostly tablets... so win8 is a miss.
>
> As far as what Swingy said, really when you work at a screen all day and
> need to do what I do, you need a keyboard. Touching a screen to type is
> just ridiculous. putting your fingers where you need to view too.
>
> I'm not against the tablet for many worker types. But they are not for
> every type of worker.
>
My question has always been - why just one product for all markets?
Microsoft is big enough to support more than one, IMHO.
Why foist a touch screen GUI off on desktops?
On 3/9/2013 7:43 AM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
> On 3/9/2013 8:29 AM, Swingman wrote:
>> Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> Gramp's shop wrote:
>>>> Bill ...
>>>>
>>>> I bought a Lenovo with 4gb ram and a 500gb HD. $350 from Best Buy. No
>>>> touch screen. Like the computer but (H)8 Windows 8.
>>>>
>>>> Lrry
>>> It sounds like you did real well! I was mainly looking for something to
>>> attach to a big screen tv, so I have been looking at those with HD,
>>> 1080P
>>> (1920x1080)--matching the TV. Most (all?) of the candidates seem to have
>>> "4000HD" (integrated) graphics. Has anyone tried streaming video from
>>> web
>>> pages this way with success in the way of video quality? I have a hunch
>>> it will be hit and miss. I doubt Roy Underhill's show is recorded (at
>>> PBS) in HD, for instance, but I'm assuming a laptop as described would
>>> give the best possible configuration. I'll be sure to try to avoid
>>> Windows8until I hear kinder words said about it! I was mildly
>>> enthusiastic aboutthe touchscreen concept, but now I think I'll sit on
>>> thesideline and hear more what those on the front line have to
>>> report. :)
>>>
>>> Bill
>>
>> Don't believe all the naysayers about the underlying OS itself, as
>> technically it is one of MSFT's best operating systems yet, very resource
>> efficient, fast and relatively more secure than any MSFT consumer OS to
>> date (notice the word "relatively", no such thing as a totally secure OS,
>> just one that hasn't been targeted).
>>
>> It is the GUI that throws everyone, and that can be infuriating
>> because it
>> is such a drastic sea change and humans simply don't like change. I'm
>> not a
>> big fan of the Win8 GUI myself, but having run it on a seven year old
>> laptop since it came out I find myself getting used to it, and
>> appreciating
>> most parts of it.
>>
>> Short story - because you are human you will NOT like it at first because
>> of the GUI, but you will like the benefits of the underlying technical
>> aspects, so try it for an extended period and see if the angst doesn't
>> become more tempered than not ... and do keep in mind it is a first
>> iteration, and you do have the option to use the classic desktop.
>>
>> And yes, it does run Sketchup, handily.
>>
>> As far as your media center:
>>
>> Get a Raspberry Pi for $40 and load up xbmc:
>>
>> http://lifehacker.com/5929913/build-a-xbmc-media-center-with-a-35-raspberry-pi
>>
>>
>
>
> My objection is to the touch interface. On anything of any size, the
> motion of the hands and fingers on the touch screen will create a whole
> new set of syndroms. The act of hold your arms outward for any lenght
> of time is going to create stress in the upper arm shoulder areas. To
> move the to the exteme for the point imaging use 70" screen with a touch
> screen.
>
I had not even thought of that. My big objection has always been the
finger prints on the screen, something that is a constant situation with
my iPad and iPhone.
On 3/9/2013 12:05 AM, CW wrote:
>
>
> "PHT" wrote in message news:[email protected]...
>
> On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
>
>> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
>> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when
>> the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like
>> moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer.
>> Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two
>> interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar
>> XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>>
>> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
>> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>>
>> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned
>> to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>>
>> Larry
>
>
> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
> Linux. A far better OS.
> ===================================================================
> Here that all the time. Go Linux. Go Mac. Compatibility is a problem.
> Stick with Windows if you need to communicate with most of the world.
The good, the bad, and some ugly...
http://www.winehq.org/docs/wineusr-guide/config-wine-main
I think it has come a long way, but still required considerable
knowledge and patience to install and run.
Maybe some day?
"PHT" wrote in message news:[email protected]...
On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when
> the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like
> moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer.
> Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two
> interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar
> XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned
> to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
> Larry
This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
Linux. A far better OS.
===================================================================
Here that all the time. Go Linux. Go Mac. Compatibility is a problem. Stick
with Windows if you need to communicate with most of the world.
On 3/8/2013 9:10 PM, Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
> Larry
>
You might consider this program to make the transition easier and more
like home.
http://stardock.com/products/start8/
Swingman <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> How do you turn off your farking TV, eh?? LOL
I put it on a switchable powerstrip. Only the Verizon DVR stays on.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
Bill <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> Han wrote:
>> Swingman <[email protected]> wrote in
>> news:[email protected]:
>>
>>> How do you turn off your farking TV, eh?? LOL
>> I put it on a switchable powerstrip. Only the Verizon DVR stays on.
>>
>
> My wife came home with a 3-pack of these (one control, 3 outlets for
> $10). Very handy if you have switch-controlled outlets. For
> instance, if you have 2 lamps plugged into one of the outlets, you can
> turn each of the lamps on and off without leaving the comfort of
> wherever you are.
>
> http://www.menards.com/main/see-more/home-accessibility/kitchen-laundry
> -accessibility/lighting-switches/indoor-wireless-remote-outlet/p-147724
> 8-c-12683.htm
>
> Bill
Ours is just an old powerstrip with a single switch for all outlets, plus
1 or 2 outlets that remain unswitched. It's an old computer surge
suppressor strip, clunky and rather unsightly, but it works fine.
But thanks for the idea of those remote switches. Will buy something
like that for my basement workshop and laundry area!! No Menards near
New Jersey though ...
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
On 3/10/2013 8:26 AM, Doug Winterburn wrote:
> Right. That's why I don't fly in these knock-offs of a 110 year old
> design by two guys who worked in a bicycle shop.
Well said ...
The ONLY smart way to decide upon an OS is to chose the software that
does the job you need done, then chose the OS that runs it best.
Denigrating other folks choice in an operating system is the
unmistakable sign of an ignorant fool.
--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)
On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when
> the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like
> moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer.
> Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two
> interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar
> XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned
> to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
> Larry
This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
Linux. A far better OS.
Paul
>>>
>>>
>>> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
>>> Linux. A far better OS.
>>>
>>> Paul
>>
>> Which is unfortunately far behind as a consumer product...
>
> What is your latest experience and with linux and what distribution are
> you basing this on?
>
> As a "user" rather than a "consumer", I have had a very good experience
> with linux for the last 18 years.
I use Opensuse. I have been using Suse for something like 20 years. I have
have never had problems that I have seen about Windows. Linux does
have a program that will run Windows programs.
Paul
On 3/10/2013 3:33 PM, Han wrote:
> Bill<[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>> Han wrote:
>>> Swingman<[email protected]> wrote in
>>> news:[email protected]:
>>>
>>>> How do you turn off your farking TV, eh?? LOL
>>> I put it on a switchable powerstrip. Only the Verizon DVR stays on.
>>>
>>
>> My wife came home with a 3-pack of these (one control, 3 outlets for
>> $10). Very handy if you have switch-controlled outlets. For
>> instance, if you have 2 lamps plugged into one of the outlets, you can
>> turn each of the lamps on and off without leaving the comfort of
>> wherever you are.
>>
>> http://www.menards.com/main/see-more/home-accessibility/kitchen-laundry
>> -accessibility/lighting-switches/indoor-wireless-remote-outlet/p-147724
>> 8-c-12683.htm
>>
>> Bill
>
> Ours is just an old powerstrip with a single switch for all outlets, plus
> 1 or 2 outlets that remain unswitched. It's an old computer surge
> suppressor strip, clunky and rather unsightly, but it works fine.
>
> But thanks for the idea of those remote switches. Will buy something
> like that for my basement workshop and laundry area!! No Menards near
> New Jersey though ...
>
I have one remote left (of three) that looks something like a wall light
switch, but is in fact a remote switch.
As for the TV and VCR/DVD/recorder/CD/amplifier stack, they get turned
on only as needed (switched power strip). None of that stuff really
turns itself off any more. Some of those toys are really bad power pigs.
The light bill went down $30 a month...
PHT wrote:
> On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
>
>> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
>> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS
>> when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple
>> things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one
>> to use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the
>> desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that
>> kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a
>> lot of junk.
>>
>> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that
>> I could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>>
>> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be
>> returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>>
>> Larry
>
>
> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
> Linux. A far better OS.
>
Right. Get a knock-off of a 40-year old operating system designed by a
money-losing division of your local telephone company.
Linux commands less than TWO PERCENT (1.2%) of the desktop operating
systems. The remainder of desktop users have chosen to vote with their
wallet by choosing some version of Windows, Apple, or "Other."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systems
On 3/10/2013 8:55 AM, Doug Winterburn wrote:
> On 03/10/2013 06:41 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>> On Sun, 10 Mar 2013 05:53:30 -0500, "HeyBub" <[email protected]>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Right. Get a knock-off of a 40-year old operating system designed by a
>>> money-losing division of your local telephone company.
>>>
>>> Linux commands less than TWO PERCENT (1.2%) of the desktop operating
>>> systems. The remainder of desktop users have chosen to vote with their
>>> wallet by choosing some version of Windows, Apple, or "Other."
>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systems
>>>
>>
>> Linux users remind me of a religious cult.
>>
>
> Windows users remind me of Democrats.
>
>
As I said a while back, we all use the slurs we misunderstand best...
On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:21:04 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I appreciate your sharing your experience as I have been looking at
>laptops. Windows7 is superior to the new one, huh? Does yours have a
>touch screen?
>
>Bill
The only reason to buy W8 is if you have a touch screen. Right now
your best bet is to find a unit sitting on the shelf with W7. I got
an email from Acer yesterday and they still have a couple to sell in
their clearance page.
On 3/9/2013 1:26 AM, Bill wrote:
> Gramp's shop wrote:
>> Bill ...
>>
>> I bought a Lenovo with 4gb ram and a 500gb HD. $350 from Best Buy. No
>> touch screen. Like the computer but (H)8 Windows 8.
>>
>> Lrry
> It sounds like you did real well! I was mainly looking for something to
> attach to a big screen tv, so I have been looking at those with HD,
> 1080P (1920x1080)--matching the TV. Most (all?) of the candidates seem
> to have "4000HD" (integrated) graphics. Has anyone tried streaming video
> from web pages this way with success in the way of video quality? I
> have a hunch it will be hit and miss. I doubt Roy Underhill's show is
> recorded (at PBS) in HD, for instance, but I'm assuming a laptop as
> described would give the best possible configuration. I'll be sure to
> try to avoid Windows8until I hear kinder words said about it! I was
> mildly enthusiastic aboutthe touchscreen concept, but now I think I'll
> sit on thesideline and hear more what those on the front line have to
> report. :)
>
> Bill
There aren't that many touch screens around Bill, not for laptops or
desktops. They are mostly tablets... so win8 is a miss.
As far as what Swingy said, really when you work at a screen all day and
need to do what I do, you need a keyboard. Touching a screen to type is
just ridiculous. putting your fingers where you need to view too.
I'm not against the tablet for many worker types. But they are not for
every type of worker.
--
Jeff
On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:26:22 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
>It sounds like you did real well! I was mainly looking for something to
>attach to a big screen tv, so I have been looking at those with HD,
>1080P (1920x1080)--matching the TV.
http://www.amazon.com/High-Quality-Black-DisplayPort-Cable/dp/B002CSRF9M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362811168&sr=8-2&keywords=hdmi+to+usb
On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:44:07 -0600, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
>Now, take a look again at Win8 and tell me where MSFT is betting the
>future of computing is headed (the traditional PC, as we have known it
>for 30 years, is fading fast, witness declining sales and prices),
>particularly with regard to a more traditional human form of computer
>interaction. ;)
And, if you consider the recent advent of 3D in movies, I'd suggest
that long before 30 years has expired, we'll be using direct
interaction interfaces not too far removed from a holodeck.
On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 11:25:08 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>I had not even thought of that. My big objection has always been the
>finger prints on the screen, something that is a constant situation with
>my iPad and iPhone.
Dealt with that problem on a previous phone with a screen protector.
Not necessary as much with my current phone which has Gorilla glass.
On Sun, 10 Mar 2013 10:20:03 -0500, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>How that is funny! You have to pay extra when buying a program to be
>able to revert it back to its predecessor.
Well, if you knew you weren't going to like the new operating system,
you wouldn't have bought it in the first place.
But, I'm willing to admit that I've done worse. Bought my first tablet
back in March of last year. Bought a case for it, optional keyboard,
SD card, the whole works. Cost me $1000. Used if for about a month and
hated it. Just too difficult for me to get around with it in the
chair. Ended up selling it for $500.
Three months later, bought a smartphone. Basically the same as the
tablet, but much more portable. Love it.
Sometimes you just don't know if you're going to hate or like
something until you actually use it a bit. Usually, that finding out
costs you money.
On 3/10/2013 10:20 AM, Leon wrote:
> How that is funny! You have to pay extra when buying a program to be
> able to revert it back to its predecessor.
No funnier than when someone moans and groans to me that they spent an
hour trying to figure out to turn off their new Win8 computer.
How do you turn off your farking TV, eh?? LOL
--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)
On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:58:19 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
wrote:
>My wife talked me into going to Best Buy tonight (really), and I was
>surprised how
>many different laptops and tablets they had. Virtually all had Windows
>8. There are
>definitely more 1080P units than they had just a few months ago, and
>more afffordable
>ones too.
>
>So am I to understand that you can make Windows 8 play just like Windows7?
>I should have tried it while I was at the store...
>
>Bill
I wonder if DG is still selling W7 or if the web page has just not
been updated. All of these list W7 system
http://dgcomputerconsulting.com/Products.html#cat=3
I've bought about 25 computers from him over the years, home and work.
On 3/8/2013 10:10 PM, Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
Download and install this, bring back the start menu and more, many ways
to tweak it to your liking.
--
Froz...
The system will be down for 10 days for preventive maintenance.
On 3/8/2013 10:23 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
> On 3/8/2013 10:10 PM, Gramp's shop wrote:
>> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
>> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS
>> when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple
>> things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one to
>> use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop.
>> There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda
>> mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>>
>> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
>> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>>
>> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be
>> returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>>
> Download and install this, bring back the start menu and more, many ways
> to tweak it to your liking.
>
Whoops, forgot the link, here it is:
http://www.classicshell.net/
Totally safe, using for a couple months now.
--
Froz...
The system will be down for 10 days for preventive maintenance.
Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
> Larry
I appreciate your sharing your experience as I have been looking at
laptops. Windows7 is superior to the new one, huh? Does yours have a
touch screen?
Bill
On Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:01:35 -0400, Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote:
>I saw one on sale for $180 so I figured I try in on a trip. That
>little machine had been to four countries, a dozen states and will go
>to a dozen more in May. Sometimes it sits on my belly when I'm in the
>recliner in front of the TV.
So, does all this realized "Like" make you want to buy one more
powerful or perhaps a little bit more tricked out?
"Lew Hodgett" wrote:
>What's a snow shovel?
-----------------------------------------
"Dave" wrote:
> In this current technological age, it's one of these.
> http://www.homedepot.ca/product/electric-power-shovel-snowblower/938847
-----------------------------------------
Strange looking device.
Can it be used on the Bar-B-Q?
Lew
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in news:513d18bc$0$38086
[email protected]:
> Strange looking device.
>
> Can it be used on the Bar-B-Q?
>
> Lew
No, but some of the older ones [snow blowers] that don't wrap all the
working parts in plastic can be used to drive woodworking tools like
Jointers. Maybe even a saw if your saw uses the right belt.
Puckdropper
--
Make it to fit, don't make it fit.
"Lew Hodgett" wrote:
>> Strange looking device.
>>
>> Can it be used on the Bar-B-Q?
--------------------------------------------
"Puckdropper" wrote:
> No, but some of the older ones [snow blowers] that don't wrap all
> the
> working parts in plastic can be used to drive woodworking tools like
> Jointers. Maybe even a saw if your saw uses the right belt.
---------------------------------------------------
I'll pass.
A cool Pina Colada under a palm tree on a warm beach
is more my speed.
Lew
Doug Winterburn wrote:
> On 03/08/2013 09:27 PM, Richard wrote:
>> On 3/8/2013 9:51 PM, PHT wrote:
>>> On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
>>>
>>>> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
>>>> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS
>>>> when
>>>> the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things,
>>>> like
>>>> moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer.
>>>> Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two
>>>> interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar
>>>> XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>>>>
>>>> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
>>>> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>>>>
>>>> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be
>>>> returned
>>>> to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>>>>
>>>> Larry
>>>
>>>
>>> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
>>> Linux. A far better OS.
>>>
>>> Paul
>>
>> Which is unfortunately far behind as a consumer product...
>
> What is your latest experience and with linux and what distribution
> are you basing this on?
>
> As a "user" rather than a "consumer", I have had a very good
> experience with linux for the last 18 years.
Can you run SketchUp on it?
>
>
Gramp's shop wrote:
> Bill ...
>
> I bought a Lenovo with 4gb ram and a 500gb HD. $350 from Best Buy. No touch screen. Like the computer but (H)8 Windows 8.
>
> Lrry
It sounds like you did real well! I was mainly looking for something to
attach to a big screen tv, so I have been looking at those with HD,
1080P (1920x1080)--matching the TV. Most (all?) of the candidates seem
to have "4000HD" (integrated) graphics. Has anyone tried streaming video
from web pages this way with success in the way of video quality? I
have a hunch it will be hit and miss. I doubt Roy Underhill's show is
recorded (at PBS) in HD, for instance, but I'm assuming a laptop as
described would give the best possible configuration. I'll be sure to
try to avoid Windows8until I hear kinder words said about it! I was
mildly enthusiastic aboutthe touchscreen concept, but now I think I'll
sit on thesideline and hear more what those on the front line have to
report. :)
Bill
Dave wrote:
> On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:26:22 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
>> It sounds like you did real well! I was mainly looking for something to
>> attach to a big screen tv, so I have been looking at those with HD,
>> 1080P (1920x1080)--matching the TV.
> http://www.amazon.com/High-Quality-Black-DisplayPort-Cable/dp/B002CSRF9M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362811168&sr=8-2&keywords=hdmi+to+usb
Thank you. I have this one on my Amazon "wish list":
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-Ethernet/dp/B00870ZLJ0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2VMX7XEQ4VJA4&coliid=I289UCEVO10GOX
Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
> Can you run SketchUp on it?
Yes.
As chance would have it I installed Sketchup 8 (free version) just
yesterday on my 64 bit laptop running Ubuntu 12.10. I can't say
that I put it through all its paces as of yet but I've yet to find
anything that is broken with it.
You do have to run it under Wine (a windows compatibility layer), so
performance probably takes a hit, but its OK for my simple needs.
A tiny bit of Linux knowledge is needed (how to do things in a terminal
window, for example) to install it.
For what it's worth, I was also successful in getting emachineshop to run
as well as Google Earth.
--
Frank Stutzman
On 3/9/2013 8:29 AM, Swingman wrote:
> Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Gramp's shop wrote:
>>> Bill ...
>>>
>>> I bought a Lenovo with 4gb ram and a 500gb HD. $350 from Best Buy. No
>>> touch screen. Like the computer but (H)8 Windows 8.
>>>
>>> Lrry
>> It sounds like you did real well! I was mainly looking for something to
>> attach to a big screen tv, so I have been looking at those with HD, 1080P
>> (1920x1080)--matching the TV. Most (all?) of the candidates seem to have
>> "4000HD" (integrated) graphics. Has anyone tried streaming video from web
>> pages this way with success in the way of video quality? I have a hunch
>> it will be hit and miss. I doubt Roy Underhill's show is recorded (at
>> PBS) in HD, for instance, but I'm assuming a laptop as described would
>> give the best possible configuration. I'll be sure to try to avoid
>> Windows8until I hear kinder words said about it! I was mildly
>> enthusiastic aboutthe touchscreen concept, but now I think I'll sit on
>> thesideline and hear more what those on the front line have to report. :)
>>
>> Bill
>
> Don't believe all the naysayers about the underlying OS itself, as
> technically it is one of MSFT's best operating systems yet, very resource
> efficient, fast and relatively more secure than any MSFT consumer OS to
> date (notice the word "relatively", no such thing as a totally secure OS,
> just one that hasn't been targeted).
>
> It is the GUI that throws everyone, and that can be infuriating because it
> is such a drastic sea change and humans simply don't like change. I'm not a
> big fan of the Win8 GUI myself, but having run it on a seven year old
> laptop since it came out I find myself getting used to it, and appreciating
> most parts of it.
>
> Short story - because you are human you will NOT like it at first because
> of the GUI, but you will like the benefits of the underlying technical
> aspects, so try it for an extended period and see if the angst doesn't
> become more tempered than not ... and do keep in mind it is a first
> iteration, and you do have the option to use the classic desktop.
>
> And yes, it does run Sketchup, handily.
>
> As far as your media center:
>
> Get a Raspberry Pi for $40 and load up xbmc:
>
> http://lifehacker.com/5929913/build-a-xbmc-media-center-with-a-35-raspberry-pi
>
My objection is to the touch interface. On anything of any size, the
motion of the hands and fingers on the touch screen will create a whole
new set of syndroms. The act of hold your arms outward for any lenght
of time is going to create stress in the upper arm shoulder areas. To
move the to the exteme for the point imaging use 70" screen with a touch
screen.
"Any size" is any thing that one would use for spreadsheets, accounting,
word processing, or presentation programs. Serious user will not be
running these programs on a 4X6 screen.
For those people alread with movement problems, the extra arm movement
will be impossible.
Personnally my screen has not icons. All of my programs are accessed
from the tool bar at the bottom of the screen.
The screen is for my photographs that I use as wall paper. I don't like
the idea of having the screen covered with large icons that prevent
seeing the background.
In article <[email protected]>,
PHT <[email protected]> wrote:
>On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:10:54 -0800, Gramp's shop wrote:
>
>> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
>> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when
>> the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like
>> moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer.
>> Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two
>> interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar
>> XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>>
>> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
>> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>>
>> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned
>> to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>>
>> Larry
>
>
>This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
>Linux. A far better OS.
>
>Paul
Phooey on the new Gnome shell, Unity, and the other alleged "improvements"
to linux desktops, too.
--
When the game is over, the pawn and the king are returned to the same box.
Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar.org
On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 03:51:21 +0000, PHT wrote:
> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
> Linux. A far better OS.
Windows 8 is aimed at the hand-held market, not the desktop. MS has
apparently decided that's a dying market. Ubuntu, the most popular Linux
distribution, has decided to go the same way. That may also include Mint
and Kubuntu, which are Ubuntu derivatives, but I don't have that info.
I'm still running Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (April 2010 Long Term Support) and
will for a while. But I've already started looking for an alternative.
I may even skip Linux entirely and go with BSD (Berkeley Unix) - or maybe
back to Slackware which is what I started Linux with long ago.
It's also possible to run Ubuntu (or any other release) with one of many
window managers, each of which has a different look and feel. But that
may be more than a newbie is willing to handle.
--
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and
carrying a cross.
On Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:05:23 -0800, CW wrote:
> Compatibility is a problem. Stick
> with Windows if you need to communicate with most of the world.
And on what do you base that? I have no problem with email, news groups,
Web sites, Office documents, spreadsheets, databases, or presentations.
I could see your problem if you're mainly a CAD user. While several free
CAD programs are available for Linux, none of them, IMNSHO, are as good
as TurboCad. I drop into Windows XP for that. But if I wasn't so lazy,
I'd install WINE (Windows emulator) and run TurboCad in Linux
--
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and
carrying a cross.
"Gramp's shop" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First impression:
they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when the A-team was
out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like moving a file from
one folder to another, require one to use Explorer. Even "my computer" no
longer resides on the desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles
version and one that kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is
loaded with a lot of junk.
It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I could
spend more enjoyably in the shop.
BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned to
my employer come retirement date (May 3).
Larry
After considerable work, and the addition of a couple third-party utilities,
I've got my Windows 8 system running so that it's almost indistinguishable
from the Windows 7 system that preceded it. As a software developer, I find
the Win8 UI completely useless. It's not unusual for me to be flipping among
six or eight different applications that are all running at the same time
and spread across two monitors. Win8's one-application-at-a-time
orientation, with nothing but full-screen windows and maybe a sliver of
another at the side of the screen, just doesn't work for me.
The key to the conversion was a start menu replacement called Start8 from
Stardock (http://www.stardock.com/), for a big $4.99. I restored my sidebar
gadget environment with another called 8GadgetPack
(http://8gadgetpack.bplaced.net/). The Start8 software has many options that
let you avoid the Windows 8 UI experience, including booting directly into
the desktop. There are other start menu replacements available, perhaps even
for free, but Stardock's been in this business a long time, and Start8 is a
smooth piece of software.
There's a variety of other tweaks that completed the setup. Google or Bing
for Windows 8 tweaks or Windows 8 tips and you'll see a bunch of things you
can do to avoid the parts of Windows 8 that you don't like.
Yeah, I know, it's a lot of work that you shouldn't have to do - that was
the point of your post - but it can be done and the result is at least as
good as the OS you were running before.
Tom
On 3/9/2013 6:49 PM, Dave wrote:
> On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:44:07 -0600, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Now, take a look again at Win8 and tell me where MSFT is betting the
>> future of computing is headed (the traditional PC, as we have known it
>> for 30 years, is fading fast, witness declining sales and prices),
>> particularly with regard to a more traditional human form of computer
>> interaction. ;)
>
> And, if you consider the recent advent of 3D in movies, I'd suggest
> that long before 30 years has expired, we'll be using direct
> interaction interfaces not too far removed from a holodeck.
>
I have not seen any great successes in 3D movies. There are people who
because of common eye problems can not watch 3D movies.
I believe they are like the areocar and the land/water vehicles, and
will always be the coming thing.
Dave wrote:
> On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:47:51 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
>>> http://www.amazon.com/High-Quality-Black-DisplayPort-Cable/dp/B002CSRF9M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362811168&sr=8-2&keywords=hdmi+to+usb
>> Thank you. I have this one on my Amazon "wish list":
>> http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-Ethernet/dp/B00870ZLJ0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2VMX7XEQ4VJA4&coliid=I289UCEVO10GOX
> That one you have selected is HDMI on both ends. It will only work if
> your video card has an HDMI output. Otherwise, you're going to have to
> go with a USB to HDMI cable.
Well, that's good to know. I will be sure to check that the unit I get
has an HDMI output jack. I was rather taking it for granted that an HD
laptop would have that--and I know it's not good to assume...
My wife talked me into going to Best Buy tonight (really), and I was
surprised how
many different laptops and tablets they had. Virtually all had Windows
8. There are
definitely more 1080P units than they had just a few months ago, and
more afffordable
ones too.
So am I to understand that you can make Windows 8 play just like Windows7?
I should have tried it while I was at the store...
Bill
On 3/9/2013 10:58 PM, Bill wrote:
> Dave wrote:
>> On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:47:51 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
>>>> http://www.amazon.com/High-Quality-Black-DisplayPort-Cable/dp/B002CSRF9M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362811168&sr=8-2&keywords=hdmi+to+usb
>>>>
>>> Thank you. I have this one on my Amazon "wish list":
>>> http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-Ethernet/dp/B00870ZLJ0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2VMX7XEQ4VJA4&coliid=I289UCEVO10GOX
>>>
>> That one you have selected is HDMI on both ends. It will only work if
>> your video card has an HDMI output. Otherwise, you're going to have to
>> go with a USB to HDMI cable.
>
> Well, that's good to know. I will be sure to check that the unit I get
> has an HDMI output jack. I was rather taking it for granted that an HD
> laptop would have that--and I know it's not good to assume...
>
> My wife talked me into going to Best Buy tonight (really), and I was
> surprised how
> many different laptops and tablets they had. Virtually all had Windows
> 8. There are
> definitely more 1080P units than they had just a few months ago, and
> more afffordable
> ones too.
>
> So am I to understand that you can make Windows 8 play just like Windows7?
> I should have tried it while I was at the store...
>
Some computers have a regular HDMI port on them, my laptop does, some
have a mini HDMI connector, some have neither, shop carefully.
You can make Win8 behave somewhat like 7 with a few additions, depends
what you want. I mostly avoid the touchy feely interface, but the
internals of Win8 seem much smoother than earlier versions, and it is
very stable.
--
Froz...
The system will be down for 10 days for preventive maintenance.
In article <[email protected]>,
Doug Winterburn <[email protected]> wrote:
>On 03/09/2013, some people rote:
>>> This sounds like a very good time to dump the windows OS and install
>>> Linux. A far better OS.
>>>
>>> Paul
>>
>>
>> Phooey on the new Gnome shell, Unity, and the other alleged "improvements"
>> to linux desktops, too.
>>
>
>If you don't like those desktops, take a look through this:
>
><http://www.nixtutor.com/ubuntu/20-ubuntu-derivatives-you-should-know-about/>
>
>
Thanks, I've used XFCE in the past and I'm inclined to switch to Mint
when support for lucid ends this year.
--
Often wrong, never in doubt.
Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org
Dave wrote:
> On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:58:19 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
>> So am I to understand that you can make Windows 8 play just like Windows7?
>> I should have tried it while I was at the store...
> There's several things you can do. You can run Windows 8 in classic
> mode with a start menu. It would still be Windows 8, but look similar
> to Windows 7.
> http://www.howtogeek.com/107711/how-to-get-the-classic-start-menu-back-in-windows-8/
>
> The alternative is if you don't like Windows 8 and can't get used to
> it, you can downgrade it to Windows 7. But, you have to make sure that
> the copy of Windows 8 that you've got or plan to purchase, can be
> downgraded. Not all versions have that option.
> http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-downgrade-windows-8-pro-to-windows-7/
It's hard to believe the "nonsense" of putting Windows8
on a laptop or desktop without a touch screen has made it this far.
With a little time, I expect the consumer will guide them to improve this,
like they did with Windows Vista.
Regarding Linux: As Swingman said(I'm paraphrasing), people will use the
software and OSwhich best meets their needs.
Unfortunately $$$ is a big, invisible, part of the game too. It reminds
me of the ridiculous amount of time I spent yesterday looking for a
"D-Grip shovel handlegrip" for a snow shovel. They are not sold by any
stores separately because they want you to buy a new shovel instead.
There is basically 1 on Amazon and 1 on E-Bay(which I bought), period.
So that's my analogy: Linux is like the shovel handle grip which is not
profitable enough for commercial entities to embrace.
Bill
Bill wrote:
> Dave wrote:
>> On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:58:19 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
>>> So am I to understand that you can make Windows 8 play just like
>>> Windows7?
>>> I should have tried it while I was at the store...
>> There's several things you can do. You can run Windows 8 in classic
>> mode with a start menu. It would still be Windows 8, but look similar
>> to Windows 7.
>> http://www.howtogeek.com/107711/how-to-get-the-classic-start-menu-back-in-windows-8/
>>
>>
>> The alternative is if you don't like Windows 8 and can't get used to
>> it, you can downgrade it to Windows 7. But, you have to make sure that
>> the copy of Windows 8 that you've got or plan to purchase, can be
>> downgraded. Not all versions have that option.
>> http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-downgrade-windows-8-pro-to-windows-7/
>
> It's hard to believe the "nonsense" of putting Windows8
> on a laptop or desktop without a touch screen has made it this far.
>
> With a little time, I expect the consumer will guide them to improve
> this,
> like they did with Windows Vista.
>
> Regarding Linux: As Swingman said(I'm paraphrasing), people will use
> the software and OSwhich best meets their needs.
>
> Unfortunately $$$ is a big, invisible, part of the game too. It
> reminds me of the ridiculous amount of time I spent yesterday looking
> for a "D-Grip shovel handlegrip" for a snow shovel. They are not sold
> by any stores separately because they want you to buy a new shovel
> instead. There is basically 1 on Amazon and 1 on E-Bay(which I
> bought), period. So that's my analogy: Linux is like the shovel handle
> grip which is not profitable enough for commercial entities to embrace.
In retrospect, instead of making a poor analogy, maybe I should just say
that "Microsoft OS will not be replaced without a fight (from them)!
>
> Bill
Han wrote:
> Swingman <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>> How do you turn off your farking TV, eh?? LOL
> I put it on a switchable powerstrip. Only the Verizon DVR stays on.
>
My wife came home with a 3-pack of these (one control, 3 outlets for
$10). Very handy if you have switch-controlled outlets. For instance,
if you have 2 lamps plugged into one of the outlets, you can turn each
of the lamps on and off without leaving the comfort of wherever you are.
http://www.menards.com/main/see-more/home-accessibility/kitchen-laundry-accessibility/lighting-switches/indoor-wireless-remote-outlet/p-1477248-c-12683.htm
Bill
On Sun, 10 Mar 2013 05:53:30 -0500, HeyBub wrote:
> Linux commands less than TWO PERCENT (1.2%) of the desktop operating
> systems. The remainder of desktop users have chosen to vote with their
> wallet by choosing some version of Windows, Apple, or "Other."
I wonder what "other" is?
Linux will always have a small share. It doesn't force hardware sellers
into exclusive agreements, it doesn't advertise except by word of mouth,
and it requires a user to have a bit more computer savvy than MS or Apple
systems.
And, to be fair, it is lacking in some areas, like CAD and high end games.
--
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and
carrying a cross.
On 3/10/2013 10:47 PM, Puckdropper wrote:
> Richard <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>>
>>
>> My question has always been - why just one product for all markets?
>> Microsoft is big enough to support more than one, IMHO.
>>
>> Why foist a touch screen GUI off on desktops?
>
> Microsoft asked that question and came up with an answer: They'll turn
> on features for different OS levels and turn off other, less relavent
> features at others. (Most system admins don't want to see Solitaire and
> Freecell installed by default on a server.)
>
> That's why there's Home, Pro, Enterprise and all those other editions.
I believe the real reason is they want different pricing tiers.
>
> Why not have two shells? Most people won't understand why their tablet
> displays one thing while their desktop displays another. Education is
> expensive, and will probably be deemed not worth it.
>
> Puckdropper
>
On 3/9/2013 4:34 AM, Dr. Deb wrote:
> Which is one of the primary reasons I run Linux (PCLinuxOS to be exact).
> The other reason is the simple fact that it is totally free AND I can check
> ou the OS before I install it.
Which brings to mind an old classic:
"What if Operating Systems were Airlines ?"
Unix Airlines
Each passenger brings a piece of the airplane and a box of tools to the
airport. They gather on the tarmac, arguing constantly about what kind
of plane they want to build and how to put it together. Eventually, they
build several different aircraft, but give them all the same name. Some
passengers actually reach their destinations. All passengers believe
they got there.
or
Linux Airlines
Disgruntled employees of all the other OS airlines decide to start their
own airline. They build the planes, ticket counters, and pave the
runways themselves. They charge a small fee to cover the cost of
printing the ticket, but you can also download and print the ticket
yourself. When you board the plane, you are given a seat, four bolts, a
wrench and a copy of the seat-HOWTO.html. Once settled, the fully
adjustable seat is very comfortable, the plane leaves and arrives on
time without a single problem, the in-flight meal is wonderful. You try
to tell customers of the other airlines about the great trip, but all
they can say is, "You had to do what with the seat?"
or
Windows Air
The terminal is pretty and colorful, with friendly stewards, easy
baggage check and boarding, and a smooth take-off. After about 10
minutes in the air, the plane explodes with no warning whatsoever.
Windows NT Air/Windows XP/Windows/7
Just like Windows Air, but costs more, uses much bigger planes, and
takes out all the other aircraft within a 40-mile radius when it explodes.
Mac Airlines
All the stewards, stewardesses, captains, baggage handlers, and ticket
agents look the same, act the same, and talk the same. Every time you
ask questions about details, you are told you don't need to know, don't
want to know, and would you please return to your seat and watch the movie.
On 3/9/2013 12:41 PM, woodchucker wrote:
> Idiots at work.
We've purposely raised a generation of them and now they're doing the
designing and development ... you reap what you sow.
--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)
On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:47:51 -0500, Bill <[email protected]>
>> http://www.amazon.com/High-Quality-Black-DisplayPort-Cable/dp/B002CSRF9M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362811168&sr=8-2&keywords=hdmi+to+usb
>
>Thank you. I have this one on my Amazon "wish list":
>http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-Ethernet/dp/B00870ZLJ0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2VMX7XEQ4VJA4&coliid=I289UCEVO10GOX
That one you have selected is HDMI on both ends. It will only work if
your video card has an HDMI output. Otherwise, you're going to have to
go with a USB to HDMI cable.
On 3/8/2013 10:10 PM, Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
> Larry
>
An office mate just returned his new Win 8 laptop, and paid more to get
a Win 7 machine. He said it was the worst piece of Garbage he has seen
for a laptop. It is really geared for tablets, but I am hearing from
others it's not as good as the IPAD.
As far as Win7 I was lucky enough to buy my laptop before win8 came out.
It's ok, some nice features. I miss the shortcuts of hitting start and
typing a letter and firing off my program, now it brings up a search of
all programs that start with that letter. The problem is it requires you
to mouse rather than hit return.
Many of the keyboard shortcuts are gone. Idiots at work.
--
Jeff
On 3/9/2013 8:44 AM, Swingman wrote:
> But, lets look forward to the future big picture, particularly in the
> context of historical human behavior/interaction with "content"
> presented by advances in technology (the quill pen, paper, the Gutenburg
> press, computers, et al).
>
> Until the last 30 years, most of human reading and writing as been done
> on a horizontal surface, with a book or paper on a desk top.
>
> It has only been in the last 50 years that the switch to a predominant
> vertical display has been present in human interaction with
> technological advances in the display of content ... basically since the
> advent of the computer, movie screens, etc.
>
> There is no doubt that the vertical display (computer monitor) excels in
> the area of "presentation" of content, but not necessarily in the world
> of "design" and other similar workplace tasks, particularly with regard
> to "collaboration"in those areas.
>
> Fast forward to the current cutting edge of technology where there have
> been many studies relating to the benefits of horizontal displays
> (displays built into the desktop itself), particularly in enterprise
> situations where collaboration is most often a necessity.
>
> Now, take a look again at Win8 and tell me where MSFT is betting the
> future of computing is headed (the traditional PC, as we have known it
> for 30 years, is fading fast, witness declining sales and prices),
> particularly with regard to a more traditional human form of computer
> interaction. ;)
>
> Enter tablets, mobile devices, and _horizontal displays in the
> workplace environment_.
>
> IOW, it all depends on how you look at it. LOL
>
> http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ahci/2012/137686/
>
> What's ironic is that the one's screaming the loudest about the Win8
> glimpse of the future, the Enterprise (their IT departments, mostly),
> will most likely be the biggest beneficiaries over time.
>
> Human's just don't like their damn cheese being moved ... <G>
Why Win8?
Here's one reason why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sugmA-pll4k#!
Go to 5:30 for a glimpse of what MSFT is preparing for.
Reminds of when the dude whispered "plastics" in Dustin Hoffman's ear
... can you spell Graphene?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-graphene-story-how-andrei-geim-and-kostya-novoselov-hit-on-a-scientific-breakthrough-that-changed-the-world-by-playing-with-sticky-tape-8539743.html
--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)
Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS
> when the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple
> things, like moving a file from one folder to another, require one to
> use Explorer. Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop.
> There are two interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda
> mimics the familiar XP version. The former is loaded with a lot of
> junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that
> I could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be
> returned to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
The "junk" is not from Microsoft. It was installed by the laptop
manufacturer to make a few bucks. Fortunately, it's easy to get rid of.
Download and run "PC Decrapifier," and handy program that will walk you
through removing unwanted stuff.
Available here:
http://pcdecrapifier.com/
For crap not on Decrapifier's list, you should also have in your toolkit
"Revo Uninstaller."
Gramp's shop wrote:
> Brought home a new laptop today with Windows 8 installed. First
> impression: they let a few nutjobs take over the design of this OS when
> the A-team was out to lunch. Nothing is intuitive. Simple things, like
> moving a file from one folder to another, require one to use Explorer.
> Even "my computer" no longer resides on the desktop. There are two
> interfaces -- the tiles version and one that kinda mimics the familiar XP
> version. The former is loaded with a lot of junk.
>
> It's going to take me hours to get this machine set up -- hours that I
> could spend more enjoyably in the shop.
>
> BTW, this is being written on my old machine, which needs to be returned
> to my employer come retirement date (May 3).
>
> Larry
Which is one of the primary reasons I run Linux (PCLinuxOS to be exact).
The other reason is the simple fact that it is totally free AND I can check
ou the OS before I install it.
Deb
On Fri, 8 Mar 2013 21:34:51 -0800 (PST), "[email protected]"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I have a friend that is the head IT engineer for a school system
>here. We get together and test out bourbons and smoke cigars and
>talk things over in general.
>
>He assured me at our last outing that I needed to buy myself a copy of
>Windows 7 and put it aside for later use. He snarled and bristled for
>a half hour about all the things that were wrong with Win 8, and
>assured me it was as bad as the change to Vista from XP, and probably
>even worse.
>
>According to his opinion, 8 was designed to be compatible with the
>Windows Phone and its upcoming OS, not for desktops or laptops.
>
>Yet another misfire from the good folks at Microsoft.
>
>Robert
Wonder what SP1 of 8 will address, or will they continue make a IBM
like decisions when the PC emerged?
On Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:22:52 -0500, Keith Nuttle
>I have not seen any great successes in 3D movies. There are people who
>because of common eye problems can not watch 3D movies.
Sure, you're right, but it is still a new technology and will have
problems in the beginning. Every little bit of technological
experimentation will add up to the greater whole ~ eventually.
On 3/9/2013 7:43 AM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
> On 3/9/2013 8:29 AM, Swingman wrote:
>> Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> Gramp's shop wrote:
>>>> Bill ...
>>>>
>>>> I bought a Lenovo with 4gb ram and a 500gb HD. $350 from Best Buy. No
>>>> touch screen. Like the computer but (H)8 Windows 8.
>>>>
>>>> Lrry
>>> It sounds like you did real well! I was mainly looking for something to
>>> attach to a big screen tv, so I have been looking at those with HD,
>>> 1080P
>>> (1920x1080)--matching the TV. Most (all?) of the candidates seem to have
>>> "4000HD" (integrated) graphics. Has anyone tried streaming video from
>>> web
>>> pages this way with success in the way of video quality? I have a hunch
>>> it will be hit and miss. I doubt Roy Underhill's show is recorded (at
>>> PBS) in HD, for instance, but I'm assuming a laptop as described would
>>> give the best possible configuration. I'll be sure to try to avoid
>>> Windows8until I hear kinder words said about it! I was mildly
>>> enthusiastic aboutthe touchscreen concept, but now I think I'll sit on
>>> thesideline and hear more what those on the front line have to
>>> report. :)
>>>
>>> Bill
>>
>> Don't believe all the naysayers about the underlying OS itself, as
>> technically it is one of MSFT's best operating systems yet, very resource
>> efficient, fast and relatively more secure than any MSFT consumer OS to
>> date (notice the word "relatively", no such thing as a totally secure OS,
>> just one that hasn't been targeted).
>>
>> It is the GUI that throws everyone, and that can be infuriating
>> because it
>> is such a drastic sea change and humans simply don't like change. I'm
>> not a
>> big fan of the Win8 GUI myself, but having run it on a seven year old
>> laptop since it came out I find myself getting used to it, and
>> appreciating
>> most parts of it.
>>
>> Short story - because you are human you will NOT like it at first because
>> of the GUI, but you will like the benefits of the underlying technical
>> aspects, so try it for an extended period and see if the angst doesn't
>> become more tempered than not ... and do keep in mind it is a first
>> iteration, and you do have the option to use the classic desktop.
>>
>> And yes, it does run Sketchup, handily.
>>
>> As far as your media center:
>>
>> Get a Raspberry Pi for $40 and load up xbmc:
>>
>> http://lifehacker.com/5929913/build-a-xbmc-media-center-with-a-35-raspberry-pi
>>
>>
>
>
> My objection is to the touch interface. On anything of any size, the
> motion of the hands and fingers on the touch screen will create a whole
> new set of syndroms. The act of hold your arms outward for any lenght
> of time is going to create stress in the upper arm shoulder areas. To
> move the to the exteme for the point imaging use 70" screen with a touch
> screen.
That is not the way things are headed, and a good argument can be made
that the necessity to "hold your arms outward" is fast becoming a thing
of the past, AND _particularly because of the advent of technology very
similar to the Win8 GUI!_
> "Any size" is any thing that one would use for spreadsheets, accounting,
> word processing, or presentation programs. Serious user will not be
> running these programs on a 4X6 screen.
>
> For those people alread with movement problems, the extra arm movement
> will be impossible.
>
> Personnally my screen has not icons. All of my programs are accessed
> from the tool bar at the bottom of the screen.
>
> The screen is for my photographs that I use as wall paper. I don't like
> the idea of having the screen covered with large icons that prevent
> seeing the background.
You are with most folks ... and I actually agree with you to a large
extent with regard to the Win8 GUI.
But, lets look forward to the future big picture, particularly in the
context of historical human behavior/interaction with "content"
presented by advances in technology (the quill pen, paper, the Gutenburg
press, computers, et al).
Until the last 30 years, most of human reading and writing as been done
on a horizontal surface, with a book or paper on a desk top.
It has only been in the last 50 years that the switch to a predominant
vertical display has been present in human interaction with
technological advances in the display of content ... basically since the
advent of the computer, movie screens, etc.
There is no doubt that the vertical display (computer monitor) excels in
the area of "presentation" of content, but not necessarily in the world
of "design" and other similar workplace tasks, particularly with regard
to "collaboration"in those areas.
Fast forward to the current cutting edge of technology where there have
been many studies relating to the benefits of horizontal displays
(displays built into the desktop itself), particularly in enterprise
situations where collaboration is most often a necessity.
Now, take a look again at Win8 and tell me where MSFT is betting the
future of computing is headed (the traditional PC, as we have known it
for 30 years, is fading fast, witness declining sales and prices),
particularly with regard to a more traditional human form of computer
interaction. ;)
Enter tablets, mobile devices, and _horizontal displays in the
workplace environment_.
IOW, it all depends on how you look at it. LOL
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ahci/2012/137686/
What's ironic is that the one's screaming the loudest about the Win8
glimpse of the future, the Enterprise (their IT departments, mostly),
will most likely be the biggest beneficiaries over time.
Human's just don't like their damn cheese being moved ... <G>
--
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KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)