Windows 8 removed the classic Start button, causing an outcry among users – but now they’re putting it back. Image by
See-ming Lee 李思明 SML
Microsoft Windows 8: Released in October 2012, the tech community met the new version of the Windows operating system with mixed emotions. Some users loved it while others found it very difficult. However, most people raised one question:
Where’s the Start Button?
Microsoft opted to remove the Start Button for Windows 8, but system designers have called for a ‘Do Over.’ Windows 8.1 is now available for Beta Testing, and the Start button is back.
Windows 8 More Touch-Screen-Friendly
Microsoft initially removed the Start Button to make the new operating system touch-screen-friendly, replacing it with the start screen, where users could create blocks as shortcuts to their most commonly-used apps and pieces of software.
The problem for Microsoft is that the apps market for Windows isn’t as big as for Apple and Google. Many developers didn’t have a reason to use the apps system, and preferred the traditional layout – leaving users in a frustrating position. No Start Button, and not enough apps to take away the sting.
That does not mean that the start screen is never going to appear again – developers are still using the start screen, and it will be there when the Windows app market builds enough to support the leap.
Windows 8.1: Test Version
At the moment, Windows 8.1 is only available as a test version for those who already have Windows 8 or Windows 7. The full operating system for the public will not be available until later in 2013. The test version is completely free for current Windows 7 or 8 users to download and test – and it’s a Beta test to make sure it offers everything users need.
Click to Read Page Two: Windows 8.1 Beta’s New Features
© Copyright 2013 Alexandria Ingham, All rights Reserved. Written For: Decoded Science
Julia:
Unfortunately for Microsoft that is, on a more than just superficial level, true. The technologically tough parts of operating systems are things like the kernel, the file subsystem, the networking, printer services, the availability of drivers etc..
But if you can’t do all of those things 110% right, you don’t even have to show up with an OS, any more! See Linux as an example that failed because it never scored more than 90% on some of those items, especially driver support.
What’s left as a differentiator is whether the system gets in your way or supports your workflow. Windows 7 is reasonably supportive, Windows 8 is in the way all the time. It doesn’t matter that it is technologically improved on the inside. As long as it feels like a lead weight on your mouse, it’s useless.
NO START MENU, NO SALE. METRO STILL THERE, NO SALE.
That’s what I told the Microsoft customer support person. I never got another call from him. What was he going to do? Get himself fired by telling the big honcho that the customers don’t want any of this crapola?
The problem isn’t that nobody at Microsoft knows what needs to be done. The problem is that management has dialed in a collision course with reality and won’t be replaced by shareholders until the company hits the wall.
What does the new start button do? Does it bring up a menu?