Issue 51.12
Okay, so you now have a Windows 8 computer and you can’t figure out how to use it. You are not alone!
There are a number of options that can help you survive the transition or even go back to something you are more used to. It is possible with most of the new computers to “downgrade” to Windows 7. This is not encouraged by Microsoft because they are trying to “push” everyone to Windows 8 and encourage them to buy apps (or applications) from their new app store. They have pretty much mandated that, unless you are a business buyer, you are going to get Windows 8 with your new computer whether you like it or not. I am also not pleased that they have made it mandatory that you use a screen name and password to get to anything – there is no option to have a blank password or eliminate the password screen.
Downgrading is a bit costly in that you have to buy a licensed copy of Windows 7 and then either install it yourself of have a technician do it for you if you are not experienced at finding and downloading device drivers, installing printers, networks and other peripherals. Windows 7 is still available for between $100 and $200 depending on which version you get. You will also pay for approximately 2 hours service if you want a technician to do the complete install for you including drivers and software.
The next option is actually a part of Windows 8 and makes it easier to transition for those used to Windows 7. When you start Windows 8, you are presented with a myriad of tiles on the screen. These link to programs, websites or documents with just a click. It is totally unfamiliar to most computer users and is quite confusing at first. A nice link that is likely there is called “desktop” which, when clicked, takes you to a screen much more like what you have seen in the past. Many of the buttons or features of XP and 7 are no longer available there however so it is still quite troubling to those who don’t especially like changes.
Finally, if you are stuck with Windows 8, there is a free program called Classic Shell that returns the look and feel of your screen to one fairly similar to Windows 7, XP or even Windows 98. It won’t be exactly the same as your old computer, but there are enough similarities to avoid a total shock when using your new computer. You can download it at http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/ There are a few other programs with similar intent, but this is the one I found I like the best because it restores most of the features of XP or 7 along with a very similar experience. By moving your cursor to a corner of the screen, a menu pops up that can take you back to the tile screen in Windows 8 so you can move back and forth between the two environments fairly simply.
Whatever you decide, you can get back to computing comfortably fairly quickly – even with Windows 8. But remember to always make sure you have a back up of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.