Download Windows 8

benryves · Cemetech Expert (Posts: 1412)

I'm sure they'll do it, but it'll likely be a cut-down version of Office similar to previous cut-down versions of Office and there will still be regular desktop Office.

Compynerd255 · Power User (Posts: 387)

As was said in one of the comments, this isn't inherently in Windows 8, but only in specific apps, most notably replicate Bing's functionality (Bing, Weather, News, etc.). Other default apps, such as Mail, People, Calendar, Messaging, and Skydrive, do not do this, and those are the ones you'd use more anyway.

However, this is done through an API for people who want to distribute free apps and still earn money for them, so some other apps, including Microsoft Minesweeper, also have ads in the same spot. In fact, I think it would be fun to have billboards in a driving game or a "Monster Eats the City" game display actual ads. Smile

Kllrnohj · ☢ PH34R |\/|3 (Posts: 8196)

Oh wow, I've never used the metro apps so I didn't even notice. Click desktop mode, enjoy a slightly faster Win 7 with a better kernel - ad free Very Happy

Kllrnohj · ☢ PH34R |\/|3 (Posts: 8196)

Unlike in the beta/rc, the explorer doesn't default to showing the ribbon. You get file/home/share/view menu, and on the far right side a little down arrow that opens the ribbon.

There isn't an old start menu, period. You can download apps that add one back, but there's not a setting or anything for it. I don't miss it much, most stuff I do with the pinned apps anyway.

The most annoying crap is stuff you probably haven't considered. The removal of Aero means the desktop looks like windows basic - kind of ugly. Livable, but ugly. Even worse, though, is that updates will *force restart your computer even if you're using it*. You get a giant popup that says your computer will reboot in 15 minutes, period. Hurry up and save! Fortunately if you have the Pro version (which I do) a little local policy edit will kill that with fire.

I got win 8 pro for $15 and got the free media pack that adds back DVD playback - but even then I'd call it questionable as to whether or not it's worth it. If you don't care about the networking, file operations, and task manager improvements there really isn't anything here.