Windows 8 Metro - Not for Power Users

CRussel · 02-18-2014, 05:06 PM

Interesting article at DailyTech on why "Metro" (aka Modern UI) doesn't work well for power users. But what it means going forward for all of us, including those of us who are power users. The author quotes Jacob Miller, a leading designer of the Modern UI of Windows 8. Basically saying that the new UI will ultimately lead to a better desktop for power users.

Xanthe · 02-18-2014, 10:05 PM

I'm using Win 8.1 on my new laptop. I read as much as I could about Win 8 before I got the computer, and updated it to 8.1 before I loaded anything on it. I also set up my primary account as a local account rather than a Microsoft account.

One of the first programs I put on it was Classic Shell to give me back my familiar Start menu and to allow me to boot automatically into the desktop, rather than Metro. So my learning curve wasn't very steep.

I came to 8.1 from Vista, and I really do like 8.1. It has less quirks than Vista, and I find it easy to access most functions that I use frequently. I use the mouse rather than key combinations (I never really have learned them). I don't visit the Metro side much, and don't really utilize it since one needs a Microsoft account to get things from the Metro store, but I can see where for some the Metro side might be all the casual user will need.

pilotbob · 02-20-2014, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xanthe

One of the first programs I put on it was Classic Shell to give me back my familiar Start menu and to allow me to boot automatically into the desktop, rather than Metro. So my learning curve wasn't very steep.

There is a native setting in 8.1 to do that.

BTW: Windows 9 (or whatever they are calling it) is most likely going to allow you to run Metro apps windowed on your desktop. I think it is a must if they want developers to create more Metro [modern ui store] apps.

And I think they should just pay to license the name "Metro". That's what most people I know call it anyway.

WT Sharpe · 02-20-2014, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

...BTW: Windows 9 (or whatever they are calling it) is most likely going to allow you to run Metro apps windowed on your desktop....

I certainly hope so. A few apps open automatically on the desktop when selected from Metro already, but as I'm one of those who likes to play solitaire when a video or audio selection is playing, it would be nice to have the games back on the desktop.

pilotbob · 02-20-2014, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

I certainly hope so. A few apps open automatically on the desktop when selected from Metro already, but as I'm one of those who likes to play solitaire when a video or audio selection is playing, it would be nice to have the games back on the desktop.

That's because they are legacy style desktop apps, not modern apps.

When you say "selected from Metro" you mean Selected from "Start Screen". Which is just a launcher. Both modern and legacy apps have start tiles, since the start screen basically replaces the start menu.

CRussel · 02-20-2014, 01:28 PM

Yes, simply think of the Tiles start screen as the old Start menu and you're in good shape. Plus with 8.1 we got a useful menu for a right click on the start button, and the option to start in Desktop mode without any additional third-party apps.

WT Sharpe · 02-20-2014, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

That's because they are legacy style desktop apps, not modern apps.

When you say "selected from Metro" you mean Selected from "Start Screen". Which is just a launcher. Both modern and legacy apps have start tiles, since the start screen basically replaces the start menu.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRussel

Yes, simply think of the Tiles start screen as the old Start menu and you're in good shape. Plus with 8.1 we got a useful menu for a right click on the start button, and the option to start in Desktop mode without any additional third-party apps.

Ah! Well, then; I'm not too fond of the new apps. They seem very limited in comparison to what I do on the desktop.

CRussel · 02-20-2014, 04:47 PM

Oh, I agree. The ModernUI apps are pretty lame. Useful for a tablet, when what you want to do is use it for one task, and that one not too demanding. But when push comes to shove? I spend nearly zero time in the Modern UI side of my Win81 desktop.

Xanthe · 02-25-2014, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

I certainly hope so. A few apps open automatically on the desktop when selected from Metro already, but as I'm one of those who likes to play solitaire when a video or audio selection is playing, it would be nice to have the games back on the desktop.

If you like playing solitaire, check out:

Solitaire City: http://www.solitairecity.com/

BVS Solitaire Collection: http://www.bvssolitaire.com/

I have both on my computers (Vista & 8.1). Solitaire City has been on all of my computers since about 2004 - it's my go-to game. It also has a free companion program that you can download called Solitaire Setty with allows you to create your own cardsets.

HarryT · 02-25-2014, 04:21 PM

I use the Metro version of Internet Explorer exclusively as the web browser on my Surface Pro. It's much more "touch screen friendly" than running any browser on the desktop.

Sweetpea · 03-01-2014, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I use the Metro version of Internet Explorer exclusively as the web browser on my Surface Pro. It's much more "touch screen friendly" than running any browser on the desktop.

For me, it depends. If I want to switch between multiple tabs, I prefer the desktop browser. If its only a single page, the metro browser is handier.

(or if I have to type a lot such as on forums....)

Lemurion · 03-16-2014, 09:51 PM

I haven't used Windows 8, but I've seen Metro, and it's just not suitable for the way I work. I almost never use full screen, but rather have half a dozen different programs up each in its own window in its own location. Essentially, everything has its own hotspot, for me it's the most intuitive way to manage multiple apps and you can't do it in Metro.

HarryT · 03-17-2014, 03:28 AM

Windows 8 will have no impact whatsoever on the way you work. You'll be able to do things just as you do now.

Lemurion · 03-17-2014, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Windows 8 will have no impact whatsoever on the way you work. You'll be able to do things just as you do now.

Windows 8, sure, but not the new Metro, whatever they call it now, interface.

HarryT · 03-17-2014, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemurion

Windows 8, sure, but not the new Metro, whatever they call it now, interface.

Just regard it as a "Start" menu. I actually find it much better than the Windows 7 "Start" menu - it's a lot more configurable. You can get a program which will give you back the "traditional" Start menu if you're particularly attached to it.

02-18-2014, 05:06 PM	#1
CRussel (he/him/his) Posts: 12,159 Karma: 79742714 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sunshine Coast, BC Device: Oasis (Gen3),Paperwhite (Gen10), Voyage, Paperwhite(orig), Fire HD 8	Windows 8 Metro - Not for Power Users Interesting article at DailyTech on why "Metro" (aka Modern UI) doesn't work well for power users. But what it means going forward for all of us, including those of us who are power users. The author quotes Jacob Miller, a leading designer of the Modern UI of Windows 8. Basically saying that the new UI will ultimately lead to a better desktop for power users.

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02-18-2014, 10:05 PM	#2
Xanthe Plan B Is Now In Force Posts: 1,894 Karma: 8086979 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Surebleak Device: Aluratek,Sony 350/T1,Pandigital,eBM 911,Nook HD/HD+,Fire HDX 7/8.9,PW2	I'm using Win 8.1 on my new laptop. I read as much as I could about Win 8 before I got the computer, and updated it to 8.1 before I loaded anything on it. I also set up my primary account as a local account rather than a Microsoft account. One of the first programs I put on it was Classic Shell to give me back my familiar Start menu and to allow me to boot automatically into the desktop, rather than Metro. So my learning curve wasn't very steep. I came to 8.1 from Vista, and I really do like 8.1. It has less quirks than Vista, and I find it easy to access most functions that I use frequently. I use the mouse rather than key combinations (I never really have learned them). I don't visit the Metro side much, and don't really utilize it since one needs a Microsoft account to get things from the Metro store, but I can see where for some the Metro side might be all the casual user will need.

02-20-2014, 01:28 PM	#6
CRussel (he/him/his) Posts: 12,159 Karma: 79742714 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sunshine Coast, BC Device: Oasis (Gen3),Paperwhite (Gen10), Voyage, Paperwhite(orig), Fire HD 8	Yes, simply think of the Tiles start screen as the old Start menu and you're in good shape. Plus with 8.1 we got a useful menu for a right click on the start button, and the option to start in Desktop mode without any additional third-party apps.

02-20-2014, 04:47 PM	#8
CRussel (he/him/his) Posts: 12,159 Karma: 79742714 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sunshine Coast, BC Device: Oasis (Gen3),Paperwhite (Gen10), Voyage, Paperwhite(orig), Fire HD 8	Oh, I agree. The ModernUI apps are pretty lame. Useful for a tablet, when what you want to do is use it for one task, and that one not too demanding. But when push comes to shove? I spend nearly zero time in the Modern UI side of my Win81 desktop.

02-25-2014, 04:21 PM	#10
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I use the Metro version of Internet Explorer exclusively as the web browser on my Surface Pro. It's much more "touch screen friendly" than running any browser on the desktop.

03-16-2014, 09:51 PM	#12
Lemurion eReader Posts: 2,750 Karma: 4968470 Join Date: Aug 2007 Device: Note 5; PW3; Nook HD+; ChuWi Hi12; iPad	I haven't used Windows 8, but I've seen Metro, and it's just not suitable for the way I work. I almost never use full screen, but rather have half a dozen different programs up each in its own window in its own location. Essentially, everything has its own hotspot, for me it's the most intuitive way to manage multiple apps and you can't do it in Metro.

03-17-2014, 03:28 AM	#13
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Windows 8 will have no impact whatsoever on the way you work. You'll be able to do things just as you do now.