Calibre 2.0 Crashing at start up

[AnotherCat]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

If anyone is not bothering to switch from XP to Win 8.1 because of the lack of a proper desktop, fear not, I run Win 8.1 using Classic Desktop and it looks/feels like Win 7. You can even configure the start menu to look like it did under XP.

I agree completely with the sentiment, but I would suggest that first giving the modern start page a go is worth it. Everyone I know that has given a bit of thought as to how to set that up to suit their workflow (perhaps with some use of the task bar on the desktop) have found it to be considerably faster and more efficient than using the old desktop menu and desktop shortcuts.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by AnotherCat

I agree completely with the sentiment, but I would suggest that first giving the modern start page a go is worth it. Everyone I know that has given a bit of thought as to how to set that up to suit their workflow (perhaps with some use of the task bar on the desktop) have found it to be considerably faster and more efficient than using the old desktop menu and desktop shortcuts.

I find I like having both. I mostly use the desktop though because it works better/faster for me and I've noticed that in a number of cases when there is ia desktop or Win 8 version, I go with the desktop version because it's just better. A case in point, Kindle. Don't go with the Win 8 version. Stay with the Desktop version.

[BetterRed]

I got rid of the Start Button when I was on XP

IMO it was a complete waste of space then as it is now, most keyboards have had a Windows key since Win 95. Sadly not the beloved IBM clackety clacks, which are a PITA to get working on Win 7; nothing I've read indicates that anyone has found a way to get them working on Win 8

IMO - getting rid of the start button in Win 8 was an enlightened move on MS's part, putting it back demonstrates that they've lost their courage. I blame 'baby boomers', they're much more averse to change than the preceding or following generations - IMO.

BR

[AnotherCat]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I find I like having both. I mostly use the desktop though because it works better/faster for me and I've noticed that in a number of cases when there is ia desktop or Win 8 version, I go with the desktop version because it's just better. A case in point, Kindle. Don't go with the Win 8 version. Stay with the Desktop version.

Just in case there is any misunderstanding I did not mean to infer that the modern apps from the Store (or which come preloaded) were the ones to aim for but that the modern start page was worth a try rather than using the classic menus.

One can, of course, put all ones desktop applications on that (in fact it is far easier to manage than the old Windows classic menu) and, also of course, one can remove all the unwanted preloaded apps that come with the Win 8 install from it.

For example, as JSWolf says, I also find that the Kindle desktop application is better than the modern (Microsoft Store) one, but I start that from the modern start page, not the desktop.

Some Store apps I do find a use for though, especially on smaller displays such as on a notebook. It is early days for the Store still and so it can be a bit of a chore finding good stuff.

John

[JSWolf]

There is a rumor going around that Windows 9 will be free. If that's true, there's no reason at all for anyone to be on XP after 9 is released except for maybe the hardware not being able to run Win 9.

[Katsunami]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Rant Warning
{

In the past couple of days I read a post on this issue from an invalid pensioner, who is probably on a fixed income. A $100 bucks for a new version of Windows not to mention the hardware it needs, might mean he/she don't eat for a week.

Or maybe their aged care provider takes 90% of their pension, so if they want to get new Windows, then for a few months they'll have to forego their once a week trip to see a movie and have a coffee & chocolate.

Then there's the folks who live in Dacca, Guangzhou, or a Rio favela who earn $10 a day.
Little wonder they pirate so much software when they have to pay US/EU prices; assuming they can get it, which in some countries they can't - eg Trinidad, Somalia...

}

BR

Oh, yes, that argument. Have a friend or family member upgrade the computer to a light version of Linux if money is that big an issue. Or buy that person (father, grandpa) a new $ 400 computer every 10 years.

I assume you'll now expand the argument to include not having friends or family.

If money is that big an issue and migration to Linux is impossible, then Calibre 1.48 it has to be. One can't expect software to keep supporting operating systems that are fast approaching 15 years of age. I never knew anybody working with Windows 3.1 (at home) in 2007...

[JSWolf]

I know some people are on a tight/fixed budget. But there are places out there that will help get what's needed for free or inexpensive.

But if someone cannot afford $100, then that same person won't be using a Reader and thus, no eBooks and no Calibre.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I know some people are on a tight/fixed budget. But there are places out there that will help get what's needed for free or inexpensive.

But if someone cannot afford $100, then that same person won't be using a Reader and thus, no eBooks and no Calibre.

But maybe they'll be able afford the just announced Intex Smartphone at ₹2000, on which they can monitor vegetable prices, do their banking, listen to music, surf the web, call their brother, send tweets, view Mum's SMS - and oh, yes - read ebooks.

BTW - that's about $US35 - for a smartphone.

And yes Katsunami, I do know pensioners who have no known family members, for whom reading is one of the pleasures in life, and yes I do refurbish computers that my local government pick up from the kerb, and yes I do give them to St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army and The Smith Family to give to those that need them - like disability pensioners and single mums with a couple of kids, and yes demand does exceed supply

The problem with giving them Linux is that the support available is pathetic and thin on the ground, with Windows they can ask a neighbour, a community centre worker, the meals-on-wheels lady, the local librarian, the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.

BR

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

The problem with giving them Linux is that the support available is pathetic and thin on the ground, with Windows they can ask a neighbour, a community centre worker, the meals-on-wheels lady, the local librarian, the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.

BR

I do have to agree that Windows the better choice due to being able to get help. You can't just say Linux is a solution when in many cases, it's going to be a problem.

[AnotherCat]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

...And yes AnotherCat...

Who me ?

Yer gettin' yer cats all mixed up .

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I do have to agree that Windows the better choice due to being able to get help. You can't just say Linux is a solution when in many cases, it's going to be a problem.

I should add for the machines I rebuild for charity I get Windows and Office licences very cheap from MS via a couple of local assemblers, the latter also sell me parts at Alibaba bulk wholesale prices.

BR

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by AnotherCat

Who me ?

Yer gettin' yer cats all mixed up .

- Sincerest of Apple-Ogles mate, why does the board have so many darn cats - mended.

BR

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

I should add for the machines I rebuild for charity I get Windows and Office licences very cheap from MS via a couple of local assemblers, the latter also sell me parts at Alibaba bulk wholesale prices.

BR

Can you get licenses for Windows 7 or 8 and not XP?

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Can you get licenses for Windows 7 or 8 and not XP?

I have a few XP licenses in the bottom drawer, I can get still get Server 2003 and maybe I could get XP-POS licences. But since mid 2012 I've been rebuilding for Win7 Pro. I'm sure I'll eventually consign the XPs to the bin.

For the rebuilds I'm currently skipping Weight, assuming it shows up then I'll move on from Weven to W[h]ine

BR

[Katsunami]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

The problem with giving them Linux is that the support available is pathetic and thin on the ground, with Windows they can ask a neighbour, a community centre worker, the meals-on-wheels lady, the local librarian, the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.

That, and certain specialized tasks demanding specific applications, are the bane of Linux on the desktop. I fully agree on that point. Linux often can do grand stuff that Windows can only dream about (automation/customization), or it can't do it at all (specific applications); there is no middle road so you can just use it.