User Interface Transition from Windows XP to Windows 7
by Jason Perlow | January 1, 2009 9:17am PST | Image 1 of 13
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Windows XP Start Menu Choices
In Windows XP, users have a choice of the default Start Menu type or the "Classic" Start Menu, which was introduced in Windows 95. My personal preference is the "Classic" Start Menu due to its simplicity and it's the way I am used to working with Windows for the past 14 years or so.
Also See: Windows 7: Mojave My Ass
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RE: Windows 7 Build 7000 Control Panel 2 (User Interface Transition from Windows XP to Windows 7)
Lordy, yeah it took a little time to navigate my way around Vista, but after investing a few hours I was set. And every time I began cursing and asking myself "now wher is . . . " there it was, right where it should have been all along. VERY intuitive. Looks like 7 just cleans it up a bit more. Me like lots! And I LIKE Control Panel as shipped, that silly "classic view" is for the feeble.
I disagree. Just as Office 7 went to an uncustomisable toolbar, forcing power users to descend to the level of idiot, so the entire blinking OS is being dumbed down to the level of the lowest common denominator. Of course, at that level, nothing can go wrong because you can't do anything with it, but that's just another expression of MS' concept of security, and for that they want to charge 500 or more a shot? RIH.
You stated of Vista/7 that "you can't do anything with it." Just what is it that you can't do with Windows Vista/7 that you can do with Windows XP?
These guys are really screwing up right and left. It's amazing. They are trashing Windows. Simplicity is great, but these guys are simultaneously cutting it off at the knees and making it difficult for people to do what they need to do. PLEASE wake up and WATCH REAL USERS accomplish REAL TASKS. I don't know who is doing your use cases but they are way off target.
It's like Windows is moving toward some bizarro world version of the Mac.
I agree with people who say they are dumbing it all down. If you understand their motivations, perhaps it makes sense, but at least do a good job of dumbing it all down.
I agree with people who say they are dumbing it all down. If you understand their motivations, perhaps it makes sense, but at least do a good job of dumbing it all down.
when MS no longer support XP, my pc will run linux. if i HAVE to run a windows program it will be from an emulator or a virtual machine. who the hell needs the hassle that happens every time MS brings out a 'new and improved' version of windows. at least (apart from the major jolt to OSX) apple have retained a healthy consistency to the interface. and that's how we KNOW MS is not copying apple 
Back in my day we didn't have all this fancy "GUI" stuff. GUI SMOOY!!! We had an MS DOS command AND WE LIKED IT!!! It just slows down my system anyway.
Who needs all this silly fluff that looks "pretty". Who needs improvement and better usability. Things should work the way I know they always have no matter how antiquated. Don't try to improve or innovate ANYTHING.
I have to go because all these "colors and words" are hurting my cranky eyes.
Now where's my abacus and sundial?
Who needs all this silly fluff that looks "pretty". Who needs improvement and better usability. Things should work the way I know they always have no matter how antiquated. Don't try to improve or innovate ANYTHING.
I have to go because all these "colors and words" are hurting my cranky eyes.
Now where's my abacus and sundial?
Your sarcasm not withstanding your attempt at comment misses the mark. Change is inherently neither good nor bad. Sometimes change is very personal such as when someone decides to wear their hair differently. But sometimes change impacts functionality such as totally scrambling a legacy UI. However the Windows UI has remained very consistent across distributions after 3.x. Now with over a decade of business users trained to this UI MS altered it dramatically and in ways that frankly defy understanding of usability. The XP UI was also changed but I presume owing to the understanding of training implication for established installations the new UI could be set to the legacy (old is not synonymous with antiquated by the way) format and users could motor right along without retraining. The fact that Office 2007 has yet to gain great traction in business is in no small part due to the unnecessary UI modifications not to mention the bloat and the silly ribbon interface addition that in Windows 7 has will be added to Paint and Notepad of all things.
But then their came Mac envy and a cultural misjudgment that discounted business concerns so we get desktop transparencies, gadgets and an utterly ridiculous UI in general. This is on top of all the other issues. And since Windows 7 is really shaping up to be Vista R2 under another name I suspect it will receive a similar reception. Vista and Windows 7 will ultimately be the greatest gift Open Source has yet received.
And yes, I?ve used Vista. We purchased special machines to ?get acquainted,? worked with it for a couple of months and determined that there wasn?t anything remotely close to benefits offsetting costs. Even if Vista were to work as intended it still wouldn?t provide benefits that offset costs (hello Windows 7). For those who are happy with it I am truly pleased for you. For others who need to watch a business budget this dog will never hunt.
But then their came Mac envy and a cultural misjudgment that discounted business concerns so we get desktop transparencies, gadgets and an utterly ridiculous UI in general. This is on top of all the other issues. And since Windows 7 is really shaping up to be Vista R2 under another name I suspect it will receive a similar reception. Vista and Windows 7 will ultimately be the greatest gift Open Source has yet received.
And yes, I?ve used Vista. We purchased special machines to ?get acquainted,? worked with it for a couple of months and determined that there wasn?t anything remotely close to benefits offsetting costs. Even if Vista were to work as intended it still wouldn?t provide benefits that offset costs (hello Windows 7). For those who are happy with it I am truly pleased for you. For others who need to watch a business budget this dog will never hunt.
I don't feel I've missed the mark at all. I used sarcasm to exaggerate an opinion but I don't see the point as any less valid.
As well thought out as your opinion is it is still a personal opinion. It seems that many responders to this article seem to disagree with it but hey that's what opinions are for right?
All of your points are the same arguments I heard during the XP release. Eventually that dog did hunt and given time this one will too, even for those of us who watch an IT budget.
Opinions aside Antiquated is most certainly synonymous with Old. 1st result in Google.
And my last opinion - try to lighten up
it's just the internet
As well thought out as your opinion is it is still a personal opinion. It seems that many responders to this article seem to disagree with it but hey that's what opinions are for right?
All of your points are the same arguments I heard during the XP release. Eventually that dog did hunt and given time this one will too, even for those of us who watch an IT budget.
Opinions aside Antiquated is most certainly synonymous with Old. 1st result in Google.
And my last opinion - try to lighten up
it's just the internet 
I too am from the days (Daze) of DOS. I could type in a command and Bingo! The program was running! No clicking no carple tunnel. Type and go!
Change? I love Change... I find it in my couch all the time...
Hate the Mac, they lied to the world... Apple II users are the foundation of our business you will never be forgotten... Two weeks later NO SUPPORT. Too much money for too little performance.
Windows... Vista we will not run at our company. Windows 7... Nah, if we have to learn a new GUI then lets learn one that is free... Unbuntu and OpenOffice...
Change? I love Change... I find it in my couch all the time...
Hate the Mac, they lied to the world... Apple II users are the foundation of our business you will never be forgotten... Two weeks later NO SUPPORT. Too much money for too little performance.
Windows... Vista we will not run at our company. Windows 7... Nah, if we have to learn a new GUI then lets learn one that is free... Unbuntu and OpenOffice...
I have never forgiven Apple for dropping the Apple II
line.
line.
I predicted this would happen ages ago. People were constantly badgering Windows about being behind the times and needing to catch up, and now that they are they're slammed for not doing things the old way. Personally, as someone who loved the change from 95 to 98 to XP to Vista I look forward to 7 with its new features and interface. OS's should be made with a new user in mind- after all progress never happens if you try to stay safe.
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Votes
I'm sorry, but I just don't see these changes as beging a big deal.
1. The Run command isn't even necessary because you can type whatever into the Search box which of course has much more capability.
2. If you really need to see it XP-style, you can customize the start menu.
2. If you really need to see it XP-style, you can customize the start menu.
To expand on m_data...The 'search box' on the start menu *IS* the run command! It's actually one *less* keystroke than XP.
In XP... "Start" "Run" "type command" "Enter"
In Vista/7... "Start "Type Command" "Enter"
In XP... "Start" "Run" "type command" "Enter"
In Vista/7... "Start "Type Command" "Enter"
Besides, a power user should know that you can bring the run with the following shortcut [Win]+R (are these shortcuts still available in Vista and 7?)
[EDIT = formatting]
Yes, everyone loves to "search" (wait), instead of running the command instantly (albeit a bit slower if they still have win3.1 path statements). You forgot that you don't save a click, you still need to click on the search results to get your command (from what I've seen in all the screenshots).
There is change for the better/worse. And then there is change for the sake of changing something just to get people to keep feeding you money. The best change MS made was away from the (you gotta admit) GOOFY "Window Manager" from Windows v3.x days.
Why Windows v3.1 ever took off, when OS/2 was SO much cleaner interface... oh yeah, MS screwed IBM, then screwed PC purchasers with exclusive agreements ("protection clauses") with nearly every major PC manufacturer.
I'm glad you like Windows 7. Have fun with it. I'm sure Ballmer would be pleased to know this ... if he had any care of what any mere mortal thought.
Ever seen the MS campus? Probably unintentional (or not?), there are several "DO NOT ENTER" signs right there as you approach the main building.
---
I wonder how many others forced to use WinXP turned off all of Windows' attempts at auto-indexing everything all the time (the MS Office "quick launch" feature also comes to mind).
Yes, everyone loves to "search" (wait), instead of running the command instantly (albeit a bit slower if they still have win3.1 path statements). You forgot that you don't save a click, you still need to click on the search results to get your command (from what I've seen in all the screenshots).
There is change for the better/worse. And then there is change for the sake of changing something just to get people to keep feeding you money. The best change MS made was away from the (you gotta admit) GOOFY "Window Manager" from Windows v3.x days.
Why Windows v3.1 ever took off, when OS/2 was SO much cleaner interface... oh yeah, MS screwed IBM, then screwed PC purchasers with exclusive agreements ("protection clauses") with nearly every major PC manufacturer.
I'm glad you like Windows 7. Have fun with it. I'm sure Ballmer would be pleased to know this ... if he had any care of what any mere mortal thought.
Ever seen the MS campus? Probably unintentional (or not?), there are several "DO NOT ENTER" signs right there as you approach the main building.
---
I wonder how many others forced to use WinXP turned off all of Windows' attempts at auto-indexing everything all the time (the MS Office "quick launch" feature also comes to mind).
It's a pity that the writer (and the bulk of Vista users)
complain about the lack of Run command but are unaware
that it's not necessary thanks to the Search bar. Funny... they
ignore the one thing that Vista actually did right!!
complain about the lack of Run command but are unaware
that it's not necessary thanks to the Search bar. Funny... they
ignore the one thing that Vista actually did right!!
0
Votes
For Windows Vista and 7, the box "Search programs and files" meant "Run", "Find" and "Search". I think Microsoft is trying to unify the search and run function in one place. I think this is a neat feature and myself is using it anytime. By the way I'm using Vista.
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Almost is Mac OS.
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You do realize that the default control panel in XP was grouped and had no indication of what was within? Also, you realize that you still had to choose between grouped and classic, just the same as Windows 7?
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One request. Instead of having to click the start menu why cant I just have "search" and "run" from the right click context menu. To me the right click context menus have me loving any "finder" thingy in OSX.
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.
Windows 7 reminds me of the 1950's and 1960's American automobile offerings...most years, a new paint job and different grills and taillights were called an 'all new and improved' car. Is this what we have with Win. 7 ???, that is, a face-lift is new and improved ?
I am happy with XP Pro, and with Server 2003.
Why do I need to change ???....what do I get besides the unwanted m.s. support ???....
It's prettier ? ! .... I need to work, not look at flowers on my computer..... I use 2 laptops,each with an additional screen.....and the desktops are layered with windows, browsers, etc. ..... and, oh yes, there are Outlook and Outlook Express running my emails.
I want a platform to run my app.'s, smoothly and efficiently, without crashing...screw the remainder of the m.s. hype !
Don S.
Windows 7 reminds me of the 1950's and 1960's American automobile offerings...most years, a new paint job and different grills and taillights were called an 'all new and improved' car. Is this what we have with Win. 7 ???, that is, a face-lift is new and improved ?
I am happy with XP Pro, and with Server 2003.
Why do I need to change ???....what do I get besides the unwanted m.s. support ???....
It's prettier ? ! .... I need to work, not look at flowers on my computer..... I use 2 laptops,each with an additional screen.....and the desktops are layered with windows, browsers, etc. ..... and, oh yes, there are Outlook and Outlook Express running my emails.
I want a platform to run my app.'s, smoothly and efficiently, without crashing...screw the remainder of the m.s. hype !
Don S.
Okay how difficult is the start menu now? In vista or above just type the first three or four letters of anything you are looking for in the search box and it brings up immediatly what you are looking for..
This is obviously written by a "Mac Fan" who gets caught up in icons and groupings when honestly the search works so incredibly well for finding exactly what you want you save LOADS of time..
If your drive runs all the time when you first turn on Vista just let it go through and search index everything, so you can have the speed later of finding everything QUICKLY via the start menu or control panel window search box..
This is obviously written by a "Mac Fan" who gets caught up in icons and groupings when honestly the search works so incredibly well for finding exactly what you want you save LOADS of time..
If your drive runs all the time when you first turn on Vista just let it go through and search index everything, so you can have the speed later of finding everything QUICKLY via the start menu or control panel window search box..
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Don, I'm with you. In addition to stability and speed, I want to be able to easily customize the OS to suit my needs without doing HOURS of research to find where MS hid the power-user options *this* time around - it already takes me long enough to set up a new OS for each machine to suit my needs. Why not just code a "make it pretty" option over the core system and let me choose the features - IF they're truly improvements and not just confetti and sparkles - that I personally find useful?
It seems to me that MS is trying too hard to make new OS releases easier for the new user (a rapidly diminishing pool) and in dumbing it down, frustrating the more experienced user.
It seems to me that MS is trying too hard to make new OS releases easier for the new user (a rapidly diminishing pool) and in dumbing it down, frustrating the more experienced user.
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looks like Vista-- which is fine...
Really not such a big deal-- ehh?
Really not such a big deal-- ehh?
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Who is this guy and what kind of FUD is he trying to foist on the unsuspecting?? A LOT of the things that he is whining (yes I said whining and I mean it) about are NO different from XP. Talk about a snow job! He makes magicians look like amateurs with his sleight of hand and misdirection!
XP out of the box does NOT look like he is trying to portray it. In fact it looks a lot more like Windows 7 out of the box than what he is trying to portray as "normal" for XP.
With XP you get a clean desktop JUST LIKE in Windows 7. To put those "familiar" icons on the desktop, you have to customize it just like with Windows 7. As for the Start Menu, who does he think he's kidding by trying to make it look like XP comes out of the box with the Run command in place? Good grief! You have to customize the Start Menu to display the Run command just like with Windows 7.
He also says he likes the "Classic" Start Menu more than the standard XP Start Menu. Windows 7 Start Menu sure looks to me a lot more like the Classic menu than the default XP one.
This guy ought to be ashamed of himself for spreading so much mis-direction. And in my book, when you write things the way he did that make things seem completely different than they actually are, that's outright lying.
And his editor ought to be ashamed for letting this get to print.
I'd say this guy ought to be watched with a careful eye for everything else he writes and if he continues in this vein, then maybe he shouldn't be pushing so many mis-direction lies onto the unsuspecting public as "truth".
"The truth is out there" to quote a famous TV show. And out there is where it's at because it sure isn't here!
XP out of the box does NOT look like he is trying to portray it. In fact it looks a lot more like Windows 7 out of the box than what he is trying to portray as "normal" for XP.
With XP you get a clean desktop JUST LIKE in Windows 7. To put those "familiar" icons on the desktop, you have to customize it just like with Windows 7. As for the Start Menu, who does he think he's kidding by trying to make it look like XP comes out of the box with the Run command in place? Good grief! You have to customize the Start Menu to display the Run command just like with Windows 7.
He also says he likes the "Classic" Start Menu more than the standard XP Start Menu. Windows 7 Start Menu sure looks to me a lot more like the Classic menu than the default XP one.
This guy ought to be ashamed of himself for spreading so much mis-direction. And in my book, when you write things the way he did that make things seem completely different than they actually are, that's outright lying.
And his editor ought to be ashamed for letting this get to print.
I'd say this guy ought to be watched with a careful eye for everything else he writes and if he continues in this vein, then maybe he shouldn't be pushing so many mis-direction lies onto the unsuspecting public as "truth".
"The truth is out there" to quote a famous TV show. And out there is where it's at because it sure isn't here!
I am not alone. one smart person on this forum. I was getting mad at all these idiots slaming MS
If they want to use a 25 year old OS and never change then go back to DOS and shut up.
For those of us who want to improve our technology and have better smarter toys then we should be happy that there are programmer out there trying to make the computer more user friendly for our children and our childrens children.
without inovation and change we would still be using punch cards on our computer that took up n enitire room and still you could only run one program.
I would say THK U to all programmers out there that help us common folk live and work in our eveyday life.
If they want to use a 25 year old OS and never change then go back to DOS and shut up.
For those of us who want to improve our technology and have better smarter toys then we should be happy that there are programmer out there trying to make the computer more user friendly for our children and our childrens children.
without inovation and change we would still be using punch cards on our computer that took up n enitire room and still you could only run one program.
I would say THK U to all programmers out there that help us common folk live and work in our eveyday life.
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M$ has to accept the fact that the reason Linux is not overpowering them is the clunkyness of all the different Linux flavors. Why do they have to make each new product more and more like Linux. It is taking away the unique simplicity that Windows has been since 3.0. Forget all the goofy screen add-ons, let the aftermarket handle them, they've done a fine job so far. Get back to work and make a decent OS.
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Quit your whining. Not all progress is keeping the past. I started with multiple vendors mainframes. I decided to grow up and moved to newer inventive ways. I'm still happy I made that move back in the 60's.
I am appaled. As much as possible Windows should fit in with what I already understand and can do, not me struggling to learn the eye-candy.
If Windows 7 were a car, what model would it be? I think it is a 1959 Cadillac, all glitz and chrome and loads of obscure buttons that do everything, but you have to spend hours learning it all.
Why not concentrate on making things simpler for people who are not specialists? Like a 1945 Jeep. Why cannot Microsoft just give me a Classic menu option?
Oh, and a very Happy New Year to all of you, from someone who is VERY grumpy to see this news!
If Windows 7 were a car, what model would it be? I think it is a 1959 Cadillac, all glitz and chrome and loads of obscure buttons that do everything, but you have to spend hours learning it all.
Why not concentrate on making things simpler for people who are not specialists? Like a 1945 Jeep. Why cannot Microsoft just give me a Classic menu option?
Oh, and a very Happy New Year to all of you, from someone who is VERY grumpy to see this news!
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Quit your whining. Progress is not necessarily keeping the past. We went from candles to light bulbs. People adopted. Perhaps you should too.
This "column" is kind of disturbing. The logic the author presents suggests that once you're happy with an operating system, you should never have to change again. Grow up! While I've stuck with Windows XP Pro because VISTA offered nothing new of value that would enhance my productivity, at least I got over the old Windows Start Menu and the excessive old style Control Panel. I can't believe he hasn't at least switched to the Windows XP style Control Panel!
This is just plain silly and juvenile. Actually "juvenile" may not be the right word. Calcified, inflexible, old goat --- those terms may better describe the author's inability to accept thee inevitable change that comes with new products.
Admittedly some of the interface changes Microsoft has introduced are an inconvenience for power users. I think Microsoft is trying to make it easier for typical computer users who, unfortunately for power users, dominate the marketplace. I've built about 60 Windows computers for clients and you'd be amazed how many PC users have never, ever used a file manager! A huge proportion of computer users use tabs and spaces to center a line rather than just hitting Control+C.
Sometimes I think you should have to be get a license to use a PC -- so you are forced to learn some elementary skills.
This is just plain silly and juvenile. Actually "juvenile" may not be the right word. Calcified, inflexible, old goat --- those terms may better describe the author's inability to accept thee inevitable change that comes with new products.
Admittedly some of the interface changes Microsoft has introduced are an inconvenience for power users. I think Microsoft is trying to make it easier for typical computer users who, unfortunately for power users, dominate the marketplace. I've built about 60 Windows computers for clients and you'd be amazed how many PC users have never, ever used a file manager! A huge proportion of computer users use tabs and spaces to center a line rather than just hitting Control+C.
Sometimes I think you should have to be get a license to use a PC -- so you are forced to learn some elementary skills.
but Ctrl-C does not center a line for most of the Windows apps I've used since the early 1990s. It copies the selected text to the clipboard.
I agree wholeheartedly with your title.
Change you should. To a decent operating system, away from Microsoft's inefficiency.
Change to Linux. Try Ubuntu for example.
Now you're grown up!
Change you should. To a decent operating system, away from Microsoft's inefficiency.
Change to Linux. Try Ubuntu for example.
Now you're grown up!
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Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
XP will not last until I retire. Let's learn the new stuff and move on to more important issues.
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
XP will not last until I retire. Let's learn the new stuff and move on to more important issues.
I am the customer. Clearly lack of competition leads microsoft to trample on my needs and wishes.
Mick
Mick
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Why rant on about the run command? Every power user will know you can use the Windows+R key for run
That was a point I was going to make but again another smart person added it before me. Beside what I am hearing is the search box is just like the run box excpet much smarter. Instead on having to know what the program is called letter by letter you just need to type what you want and it should come up.
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freeitilcourse.co.cc
is very good site for itil course
is very good site for itil course
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Why the rant about no Run for power users? Every power user knows that Windows+R key is for run.
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Change! *Shivers* Seriously, there's too many people that balk at anything that changes in a new operating system. Does it matter that it works better? Heck no! Answer me this: Should a true power user not be able to adapt to a new OS?
I learned Vista by myself, and I've found that once you get into the general scheme of how Microsoft has layed it out, you'll find that many options simply have name changes, and the options themselves have not changed much. Also, the authors distaste for the Windows XP and 7 start menu shows that he has not been willing to adapt to evolving UI since the 90's.
I will say this; I never expected someone to go on and on about the missing run icon and completely ignore the much more advanced search function.
I learned Vista by myself, and I've found that once you get into the general scheme of how Microsoft has layed it out, you'll find that many options simply have name changes, and the options themselves have not changed much. Also, the authors distaste for the Windows XP and 7 start menu shows that he has not been willing to adapt to evolving UI since the 90's.
I will say this; I never expected someone to go on and on about the missing run icon and completely ignore the much more advanced search function.
I disagree, that all those changes are "frustrating".
Was it frustrating when Windows 95 arrived, along with
really HUGE changes, compared to Windows 3.1 and we
were all pretty much interested in new stuff. I like
Windows 7 more and more as the new info is coming out
and to be honest, MS could do even greater break with
the past. I definitely am a power user (working in IT
for almost a decade) but I really like new approches
used in W7. I hope, that the taskbar will eventually
go away and some radical changes to the "Start" button
are also welcome. Finally a OS from MS worthy of the
name, and for all who are missing the "good, old
techniques", there are still somewhere copies of
"good, old" Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. Enjoy!
Was it frustrating when Windows 95 arrived, along with
really HUGE changes, compared to Windows 3.1 and we
were all pretty much interested in new stuff. I like
Windows 7 more and more as the new info is coming out
and to be honest, MS could do even greater break with
the past. I definitely am a power user (working in IT
for almost a decade) but I really like new approches
used in W7. I hope, that the taskbar will eventually
go away and some radical changes to the "Start" button
are also welcome. Finally a OS from MS worthy of the
name, and for all who are missing the "good, old
techniques", there are still somewhere copies of
"good, old" Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. Enjoy!
Indeed, this annoying taskbar which takes up screen space, and even when hidden will show up when any other windows decide to annoy the user when they need their attention...
To turn it off.
For those (like myself) who can't live without the taskbar, leave it in place.
For those (like myself) who can't live without the taskbar, leave it in place.
See the "Search programs and files" thing at the
bottom of the start menu? That's a RUN line. Better
than XP, because you click less. Jason, you're an
idiot.
bottom of the start menu? That's a RUN line. Better
than XP, because you click less. Jason, you're an
idiot.
Actually making it red would not be that helpful. At least for red/green colorblind folks like me. Unless it is a super vibrant knock you over red it would blend in pretty well with that background color. In fact for all I know it could red now.
I do like its use of white letters, for me those stand out and make it easy to see.
Just my opinion. Of course for me most "color coding" is either confusing or unseen.
I do like its use of white letters, for me those stand out and make it easy to see.
Just my opinion. Of course for me most "color coding" is either confusing or unseen.
We are just not ready to accept the changes and adapt ourselves later on. Just compare windows 3x vs windows XP. Ten years down the line everyone will hate windows XP(including the author).
More people complain about ribbon bar in MS products, but they dont have any solution for the cluttered and long hierarchical menus in modern touch screen machines. Ribbion is the only way out for such sophisticated products.
Run ... I wonder why we need that... that search itself is functioning as run. You will get what ever you need...
All we need is be ready for the change ... ADAPT.
More people complain about ribbon bar in MS products, but they dont have any solution for the cluttered and long hierarchical menus in modern touch screen machines. Ribbion is the only way out for such sophisticated products.
Run ... I wonder why we need that... that search itself is functioning as run. You will get what ever you need...
All we need is be ready for the change ... ADAPT.
"I also don't like the name change of the root folder "My Documents" to the default user name, which is a change that was introduced in Windows Vista."
The generic "my documents" folder for each user is ONE thing I'll be glad to be rid of. It was confusing for people with multiple users on a machine. My sister "lost" all her documents, pictures, music...when she re-installed her XP. (Probably wasn't neccesary, the problem was that 2 antiviruses and 2 antispyware programs were running, freezing her system)
After she did this, her documents were in "my documents" under the OLD user name... and she'd NEVER used Windows explorer and found "documents and settings" with different user names. She also NEVER used "search." She just "knew" that all of them were in "MY documents."
SO, a change to "username1 documents, username2 documents" etc. would be a GOOD thing.
The generic "my documents" folder for each user is ONE thing I'll be glad to be rid of. It was confusing for people with multiple users on a machine. My sister "lost" all her documents, pictures, music...when she re-installed her XP. (Probably wasn't neccesary, the problem was that 2 antiviruses and 2 antispyware programs were running, freezing her system)
After she did this, her documents were in "my documents" under the OLD user name... and she'd NEVER used Windows explorer and found "documents and settings" with different user names. She also NEVER used "search." She just "knew" that all of them were in "MY documents."
SO, a change to "username1 documents, username2 documents" etc. would be a GOOD thing.
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To get the run command just hold down the windows key and press R. Nice and easy. No Clicking necessary. It seems to me that the changes to the UI are geared toward making the operating system less intrusive. Less crap on the screen means more room for what I'm working on. And the keyboard shortcuts have been around for years. I find it laughable that there are people on these boards who call themselves "power users" yet they complain about how hard the new windows is to use. How many "power users" do you know that can't figure out a UI for an OS that is "designed for idiots" (your words, not mine). So things are a changin. It's not about mundane tasks anymore. It's about entertainment. People want to have fun with their computers. One good reason that Vista and 7 are better: 64-bits. I like to multitask. I need more than 3GB of RAM. Oh and let's not forget installing drivers. I used to HATE installing drivers. When I first got Vista, I wanted to use a USB MIDI controller keyboard with it. So I plugged it in, and turned it on, and looked in my closet for the manual. So a minute or so later I finally dug it up and walked back to my computer... only to be pleasantly surprised by a little message coming off of my system tray that said "Your device is installed and ready to use." After that, I was hooked. Oh and btw, it took me 5 minutes to figure out how to disable UAC the first time I used Vista. Beat that "power users" :-p
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