text:
Windows 8 was built for a world that blends our work and our personal lives, a world where we expect high quality touch experiences everywhere, and a world that is always on the go and always connected. Windows 8 redefines our market from PCs to mobile computing.
We are pleased with the progress we've seen with Windows 8 so far.
Our OEM partners have delivered tablets, touch laptops, and convertibles that bring the vision of Windows 8 and mobile computing to life. They have introduced some incredible (and unique) new form factors like the Dell XPS 12, the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13, the Sony VAIO Tap 20, or the recently announced Acer Aspire R7. And today at retail, you can find a powerful mobile touch laptop starting at just over $400.
We now have more than 70,000 apps in the Windows Store (the online app store for Windows) – apps such as Twitter, eBay, Netflix, CNN and games like Temple Run: Brave, Bejeweled LIVE and Angry Birds Star Wars and many others.
As PCs continue to evolve for this world of mobile computing, so does Windows 8.
Today at the JP Morgan Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in Boston, Tami Reller shared with the audience that the update previously referred to as "Windows Blue" will be called Windows 8.1and will be a free update to Windows 8 for consumers through the Windows Store.
During her remarks today, Tami reiterated our goal of delivering continual updates to create a richer experience for Windows customers. Windows 8.1 is part of that and continues the journey we first began with Windows 8 last fall. Windows 8.1 will help us to deliver the next generation of PCs and tablets with our OEM partners and to deliver the experiences customers— both consumers and businesses alike —need and will just expect moving forward.
Today, there are more devices – and choice – allowing you to pick the right Windows 8 device that meets your needs. Windows 8 provides a great experience for consuming and creating content, for both work and play and on the go. And you'll immediately benefit from continual updates – whether it's from app updates through the Windows Store, performance updates through Windows Update or the Windows 8.1 update later this year.
We have much more to share about Windows 8.1 in the coming weeks. We will also be making a public preview of Windows 8.1 available starting on June 26, timed with the Build developer conference in San Francisco. The preview will be available for Windows 8 and Windows RT.
Yup.. I believe so.. just keep getting better, Windows.. because I'm still loving you..
This was an happy moment to rejoice with ! That an well highlighted announcement of official notification on windows 8.1 free update. Read with news few day back that Microsoft is planning to provide it to educational institutions. Now its truly great to hear this! Moving towards its Goal.
So what is the external users reviews on windows 8.1? Yet I am not on the stage to comment on it.
Actually I found Win 8 quite fine while being a desktop user (though I finally decided to install Start 8 as I hate to type if I can scroll and select an item with a mouse) but I felt humiliated while my carefully tweaked computer with dozens of various applications I use as a multimedia developer failed to boot due to unrecoveable "repair loop" without any obvious reason! Having error code 0xc000001 and "after multiple tries the system was unable too boot" BSOD I was shocked with non-existent support, empty knowledge base and completely missing information on the subject only supplemented with a few pointless "helps". This is a disaster, men! This can't be continued in this manner any more. I am a "pro" user with years of experience with Windows systems but this made me confused. This is like sorrow come-back to late 80-ties. It can't be accepted in 2013 any more!
I am hoping that Windows 8.1 will not break my Media Center. I'm hoping that I won't have to pay for it.
I agree that we are in a "world where we expect high quality (touch) experiences everywhere".
Looking up the definition of "quality", I find:
a. Superiority of kind.
b. Degree or grade of excellence.
Which of those does Windows 8 deliver highly?
Windows 8 was built for a world that blends our work and our personal lives, a world where we expect high quality touch experiences everywhere, and a world that is always on the go and always connected. Windows 8 redefines our market from PCs to mobile computing. contact us @ fuoye.edu.ng/discover-fuoye
can we upgrade window 8 to window 8.1 without payment. fuoye.edu.ng/discover-fuoye
Oh no - I installed Office 2013, and it has an awful look & feel too! By default everything is WHITE on the flat featureless windows, title bar, scroll bar, ribbon, and it is all a bit hard on the eyes. There is an option to change the "theme" to grey, but it is just a bland unpleasing nothing.
Microsoft have gazillions of dollars and could have recruited the best UI designers available, but instead they seem to have just said "whatever" and released a 3rd rate product. I cannot believe that they workshopped the design before releasing it.
So, it looks like Office 2013 is a duffer too. My company has HUP membership, so I could get Office Pro for under a tenner, but I think I'll give it a miss as well.
What a shame.
Curiously in all of the talk about needing to dumb things down to suit lower powered hand held devices, I was playing with a Windows phone on the weekend and the start screen tiles on the phone were animated. However, that didn't really excite me and I walked out of the shop with a Samsung phone running Android.
Ansioso de probar este sistema, espero sea tan bueno como se escucha.
Frankly, when I was first reading about Windows 8 I thought it was headed to be the biggest marketing goof since Coke changed their formula. I mean seriously.. a 1 size fits all sounded overly ambitious. I decided to try it though due to ONE review I read. Most reviews were not impressed but 1 guy mentioned how much it sped up his machine, A selling point was when even my wife noticed how fast it was. She didn't notice ANY performance increase when her employer (the dominator in CPU's) put SSD's in all their laptops however... with the WIn8 trial she was like "OMG.. this is much faster".
That said...it astounds me that MS failed to take into account that most of us have not migrated to touch screens. TBH....I have no interest at all in a touch screen on my desktop units. Maybe I'm just old...my 1st computer was a TSR 80...then I graduated to a Kaypro LOL. at ay rate.... while I can and at times do use the tiles...I simply went 3rd party and got the free Classic Shell. How could MS be so dumb as not to have that option? Hey, I want it MY way. If a little 3rd party provider can do the Classic Shell why can't MS? We're giving you our money....give us the option to use the darned OS in a way we are comfortable. Another thing for me is that I really hope y'all get it together with things like the Mail app; I know I'm not the only one that has been less than happy with that. I use it just to quickly check my mail but if I need to do anything "real" I go to the normal browser. I honestly tire of feeling like I am paying for the "privilege" of being a beta tester. Speaking of paying...good grief.. how silly that MS allowed the rumor mill to get any traction with the notion that the 8.1 update might not be free. The mere fact that it WAS out there being debated makes me think it was actually something MS was considering. You really can't afford to lose market share. The last thing which I find annoying is the way MS allows Facebook to crawl through our contacts. It really irks me. Now maybe I'm just a doofus but I think you need to use the KISS method and make it so easy my mother in law could figure it out (OK that might be a stretch) and give us some *You can't possibly miss this* method to protect our contact lists. I really hope MS gets this right. If they do, I'd like to use the Windows platform on all my devices including my phone, however...I want to see a Windows phone with an Intel chip. The last thing to me is the MS "Surface" tablet. I think they're pretty slick. I also think they're overpriced. The smartest thing I've seen MS do was to allow me to buy Win 8 for $39 (although the workarounds needed to do a clean install didn't make me smile) and I can't help but wonder if they shouldn't put on longer range view glasses and (market share anyone?) sell the Surface tab's for cheap.. at least for now.
Glad there are some changes coming. A couple of suggestions:
1. Bring back the proper Start button for desktop mode. I like the Metro interface but when I am working in the Desktop ( for Work & University) it needs to function like a desktop. The lack of Start button is productivity killing and not good for power users. The hybrid start button that has been announced shows that Microsoft is still not really listening. The bulk of criticism directed at Windows 8 is related to the lack of a start button. Fix this properly.
2. App Store. Microsoft boasts that there are now more than 50,000 apps available. Too bad 99.9% of these are rubbish. I have not been able to find more than half a dozen apps that are actually useful. The range of apps could only be described as woeful. "Fart noise generators" and other useless garbage populates the bulk of the app-store content. Microsoft needs to get behind actual useful app development if this is to succeed and need a much stricter set of guidelines for App developers otherwise we will soon have 100,000 useless apps instead of 50,000.
3. Metro based file explorer. This is a glaring omission from Windows 8. Users have to rely on a number of poorly written paid or free apps from the app store to explore their files in the metro interface. If Microsoft want people to use metro, they need to provide metro style versions of traditional windows\desktop apps and features.
4. Proper windows media player for Metro. The music app is crap, I removed it straight away. Users do not appreciate the advertising that is inherent in several of the Microsoft metro apps. We paid for Windows 8, we do not want the adverts. Get rid of them.
5. Battery\Power indicator icon for the Start screen. Why do I have to switch to the desktop to check how much battery life is remaining on my laptop? This is another glaring omission that needs to be fixed.
6. Facebook App. If they wont write one Microsoft should. The people app sucks.
7. App store design. This needs a revamp. It is boring looking and un-intuitive.
8. Start Screen. I am glad changes are being made. A further suggestion would be to allow users to stack menus so we can scroll up and down to see our apps, not just left or right. The auto-arrangement of the icons is also annoying. More customisation options please.
9. If Microsoft want to encourage people to use the Metro interface more traditional windows features need to be incorporated in a metro style.
10. Please listen more to your customers. Many of the complaints about Windows 8 have been around since beta testing. If more notice had been taken many of the issues people had would have been rectified prior to release rather than in a belated update that is still 6 months away.
11. Get the 8.1 Update out sooner rather than later. Windows 8 has come under more criticism than any other version I can remember, even Vista. Perhaps offer some of the proposed changes through windows update.
That's all. I hope someone from Microsoft reads this.
Why is it that the windows team can't get it through their thick skulls that unless windows 8 is on a touch screen device the start screen is useless the gems are worse split screen also are worse and asfor multi tasking it's practically impossible if you need to run more than 2 apps at a time windows 8 as most independent techies agree is a giant leap backwards why do you think apple binned this type of interface for desktops and laptops alike. WE WANT THE START MENU AND START BUTTON BACK. The metro interface rubbish you may have really badged it, same man different hat syndrome again take a leaf out of the apple and Android play book listen to critisism because if you don't you lose customers, that'll be why android is the biggest selling mobile platform because theylisten to the criticism and the praise and act accordingly.
Sorry I do not like Windows 8 if I want a computer that looks like a Windows Phone then I would by a Windows Phone. I used Windows 2000 with service pack 4 for years with out any problems to my mind that was the best operating system Microsoft produced.
Even on my Surface I prefer to use Windows with the mouse and keyboard; navigating the Metro menu and apps with the mouse is very quick and efficient. Also starting apps by keying in the first letter of the name on the start screen and then hitting enter on the app is very quick. I don't miss the old start menu at all.
Not all people who don't like Windows 8, are dinosaurs, not prepared to move with the times, claiming they are stuck in the corporate mindset, and so-on.
Despite all of the above, it is possible not to like something just because it's not very good.
Back to Windows 8.1; from MSDN, the Windows 8.1 features include...
Variable, continuous size of snap views. You will have more ways to see multiple apps on the screen at the same time. You can resize apps to any size you want, share the screen between two apps, or have up to three apps on each screen if you have multiple displays connected, you can have different Windows Store apps running on all the displays at the same time and the Start Screen can stay open on one monitor. This makes multi-tasking even easier. Also in Windows 8.1, you can have multiple windows of the same app snapped together – such as two Internet Explorer windows."
Seriously - it's 2013 and the headline features of the latest OS are that you can resize apps and that it is multitasking so that you can have up to 3 apps running per display???
I use Windows XP, 7, 8, Server, Ubuntu Linux, Red Hat Linux, Oracle Linux, CentOS, Solaris, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Kindle, Blackberry phones, Blackberry Playbook, and possibly a couple of others I've forgotten. Of them all, the one I think "oh no" when I go to use it is Windows 8.
Hi all,
For those of you struggling with using Windows 8 on a desktop PC or laptop without a touch screen, can I recommend investing in a Logitech Windows 8 Touchpad. I bought one as a replacement for the Apple Mac touchpad I had for my mac setup. The Logitech touchpad solved all my issues working with the new interface.
Also as an extra comment from yesterdays post, I'd also like to congratulate MS on the online help system in Windows 8. There has as yet not been a question I've had regarding using or customising Windows 8 that I have not been able to solve directly from the help system (and I've had a few zingers).
I'm still worrying about the amount of praise I'm heaping on MS over Windows 8. I've spent so many years ripping them over crappy software (Hyper-V in particular) and arrogant business practices that for them to have won me over with this OS is an amazing feat. What is worse is that my conversion is based entirely on the technology and presentation and not the marketing hype. Clearly a great deal of time, money and research has gone into Windows 8.
As I use this for both business on my laptop (connected to a domain) and at home in my home lab, I can't understand why people can't or wont embrace the new interface and ways of working. Once you get used to it, it's very slick. The boring corporate model needs to be killed off, otherwise business is going to suffer from an inability to move with technology and embrace new ideas and systems for productivity. Adapt or die..........
Having seen some of the changes promised with 8.1 (shame about bringing back the start button) I'm really looking forward to it. There are already features mentioned that I know I can use to speed up doing certain things.
Brandon LeBlanc - Thank you Brandon.
Why does Microsoft with the world's most widely used productive tools keep making changes to the tools to reduce productivity?
A philosophy of "backwards Compatibility", while hard to maintain, would be welcome amongst the user community. Change for change sake is letting the inmates run the asylum.
Win8Stinks - we will have more to say regarding Windows 8.1 and enterprise customers next week at TechEd North America.
Forgot one thing. What are you going to do for businesses that may have Windows 8 installed, but have disabled the Windows Store? Is 8.1 going to be available as a download to those of us with Enterprise Agreements? Is it going to be available through Windows Update?
Having users go to the Windows Store is not an option for businesses concerned about security and reliability.
First I must say that performance-wise, Windows 8 is better than previous OSs. However, it is also the worst OS since Apple and Linux appeared. If you like a nice neat orderly looking desktop on startup, the new Metro Start Menu is an absolute disaster! Why would I want all that junk on my screen? Apps? No thanks! I have my own apps.
Now for business. When is Microsoft going to release another business OS? I haven't seen one since XP Professional. As a Systems Administrator that also has responsibility for security, there's no way I want users to be streaming news, sports and weather to their desktops.
I also don't want them downloading apps from any app store. That is just plain stupid for businesses to allow that. And yes, those were the first things we will disable in group policy. We disabled Desktop Gadgets because most were so buggy and would cause CPU to spike to 100%, rendering the computer useless.
Login to a Microsoft account? Are you serious? Really? For business? Even if you join this abomination to a domain, if you don't get rid of that hideous Metro Start Menu, users have the option to change to an MS account. Really? For businesses?
IE 10 is terrible. When I tell it to delete history and temp Internet files, I expect it to do that. However, right after I delete history, I can type into the address bar and there appears my history. Just what does delete history mean anymore? Kiosk mode-style IE 10 just really sucks. Not a fan at all.
There's a lot more, but this is getting long enough as it is. Suffice it to say there always be those that either like or dislike the latest version of anything. I love the performance of Windows 8, but the GUI leaves a lot to be desired. I'd rather have my "classic" start menu and Aero back. If 8.1 doesn't have any of that, I'll ditch Windows 8 on my new laptop and install Windows 7.
Few things make me angrier than the "you must not use Windows 8 and that is why you don't like it" crowd.
HERE THIS NOW! (And yes I am screaming.) MY HATRED FOR WINDOWS 8 COMES FROM FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE!!! Of all my customers, I have met only 1 who likes Windows 8. It used to be 2, but after using it for a while, she started to hate it. I have been paid to put Windows 7 back on by someone who I never told or suggested that she could have Windows 7. When will Microsoft and those that like Windows 8 wake up and realize the people who hate it are the majority. Probably the day when they realize that people can have a different opinion and still be acceptable. If you like it, fine. But stop assuming those that hate have no experience with it. Just stop.
Always remember, you don't put a nail in with a screwdriver and you don't make a desktop work like a tablet. If Microsoft does not start listening to the majority they will be a has-been.
Over the River - We'll have to figure out what's going on with your Windows Store. I'm going to try and see if some of our CSS folks can reach out to you.
@Thomas Lee [MVP] - I caught your comment and wanted to make sure you saw this blog post that answered some of your questions. Always great having our MVPs leave comments here! blogs.windows.com/.../continuing-the-windows-8-vision-with-windows-8-1.aspx
and will be a free update to Windows 8 for consumers through the Windows Store
What delivery method will be available for those of us who have never had Windows Store work?
chrisalan_x - thank you for the comment! Have you created a Windows Store app for Windows 8?
Johnr - for specific problems with your current Acer PC I suggest contacting Acer's support to see if they can assist in solving your issue.
acarnie - thanks for leaving a comment!
I Beta tested Windows 8. I bought the discounted upgrade, since it was cheap.
Still, I can't say I really like it. Yes, performance seems slightly improved over Windows 7. I never really missed the Start button, having used Launchy for several years now.
But I'm a desktop user, not a tablet or phone user. I don't have a touch screen. Others have pointed out the inefficiency of using productivity apps with a touch interface. As a photographer, I can't imagine trying to evaluate photos for color, contrast, and critical sharpness through a haze of greasy fingerprint smudges. (I know, I know: I need to get with the times, stop trying to make compelling images, and use a cell phone to take endless, arms-length self-portraits and photos of my lunch, to which I'll apply Instagram filters. But the habits of a lifetime are hard to break.)
We recently purchased a laptop as a second computer in the home. With the gesture-based touchpad, I'm constantly making some inadvertent gesture that pops me out of whatever I'm doing and over to the "Modern UI" tile screen. I haven't figured out how this enhances productivity.
The Windows 8 apps are excruciatingly slow, when they work at all.
Windows 8 went unstable in only a few months. In fairness, this may be due to my having upgraded rather than having performed a clean install. Since I had to reload my system, I loaded Linux Mint as the host system (I so much prefer the *nix filesystem, and it's nice having development tools readily at hand). I loaded Windows 7 in a virtual machine, since I do actually need Windows or Mac for a couple of things but don't want to put up with the Windows 8 annoyances.
I beleive the only reason Windows 8 looks like their terrible smart phone operating system is a failed and misguided attempt to sell more phones to dumb consumers. Windows 7 is great! Windows 8, I just Hate! Very Windows 3.1!! Taking away content and functionality is just bad design!
Very disappointed in MS. I think they should go back to the word blue but add Code Blue. Very fitting.
From the reports that I have been reading (www.usatoday.com/.../2140789) Windows 8 has not been doing well sales wise. Microsoft is going to revamp the way Windows 8 looks. It is great for touch screen technology but that hasn't crossed over into "Corporate America" yet. (The company that I work at is not going with Windows 8 because it does not fit our needs.) For those that sit at their desk all day and do not travel the standard PC works fine for their needs.
I do hope that Windows 8.1 addresses the issues with Windows 8, which is Microsoft's most disappointing product ever.
Will 8.1 re-introduce the Start menu and the Aero desktop style?
If not, then Windows 8 will remain an ugly, disjointed, and cumbersome product:
Ugly: The flat thick squared blue borders are a step back to Windows 2. I have a PC with a powerful graphics card, so why should it be styled to suit the performance limitations of a low-end smart phone?
Disjointed: The UI is a mish-mash of different styles with inconsistent interactions poorly slotted together (Metro, "traditional" desktop, mouse movements, clicks, taps, sweeps, keyboard shortcuts).
Cumbersome: You need more clicks and actions to achieve things in Windows 8 than in Windows 7, and those actions may involve gestures, clicks, flipping screens, to achieve an action (eg. shutting down Windows). And what about the DOS lookalike single-tasking apps off the home screen (like the PDF viewer) - how are you supposed to use that?
I don't really care about the integration & convergence of phone, tablet, and PC, not if they make it harder for me to do what I want. And, as a bit of consumer feedback, I saw Windows on a tablet and then bought 5 iPads for the family for Christmas, and I just got a new phone last month - an iPhone.
And from the desktop perspective, if the time comes where Windows 7 (an excellent product!) has to go, I can't see me replacing it with Windows 8.
On the free angle, I don't think Microsoft could reasonably charge for it - I didn't think that Windows 8 was even worth the £25 upgrade promotion price, so why on earth would an upgrade be worth paying for.
I do hope 8.1 addresses the issues and re-introduces the Start menu and Aero; all is not lost yet, but if not then it'll just be another also-ran.
As someone who has spent the last several years being very critical of MS and Windows as being slow, buggy and boring (I've extensively used all version of Windows since Windows 1.0), I find myself in the odd position of defending and recommending Windows 8. I have switched from an entirely Apple based platform to an entire Windows 8 based platform and I couldn't be happier. Windows 8 represents a brave move by MS and the introduction of a very good front end (whatever they are calling metro these days). that works well and also the introduction of MS app updates as they are completed has demonstrated that not only are MS listening to customers, but are actively pursuing a program on continuous product improvement.
Every business function that I perform is improved by Windows 8 (I also use office 2013). In particular the new memory management system is first class, allowing me to run many more apps and VMs quickly. I have had almost zero compatibility problems with the exception of WebEx (now fixed) and am able to connect to my corporate network securely and work from home without any issues.
The one feature that has been rumoured for Windows 8.1 that I really hope they don't do is to bring back the start button. It took me very little time (less than an hour) to get used to not having it and I don't want or need it back. This is the 21st century and the start menu is long past it's sell by date. I hope everyone that comes to Windows 8 embraces the new front end and the apps. I urge app makers to bring out Windows 8 versions of your apps.
Best Regards,
Will Windows 8.1 cure the ACER T230H Touch Screen Problem??
I don't care about "apps" or the Windows Store, whatever that it. Give me back my Aero, give me back my Start menu.
Win 8 is ok, it could have been a lot worse - point is for me it's not a desktop OS - it's a port from a tablet OS. I have over 500 PCs in work; all Windows 7. The dilemma is do we upgrade to Win 8 or wait for the next incarnation. Always a gamble with MS - look at Vista, what a pile of pooh that was.
I just upgraded the core servers to 2012 - that's just as bad, very poor design. One day MS will learn one size does not fit all , but not before their sales start to seriously flag. I read a recent survey that claimed MS had sold 100m Win 8 licences - what was interesting was that when you delved into the detail a large number of those licenses were purchased as a down grade to Windows 7 - speaks volumes. It may be an ok tablet OS, personally I prefer Android, but as a desktop OS it's poor; it would cause me no end of grief in end user support, which means costing more money.
to Eugen M, f4denz, Brandon Leblanc:
/fun on / Initially I was going to sign on as "Grumpmeister3000", but then I thought that "Ultratechmonster9000" would give me way more credibility. /fun off/
Overall Windows 8 is an amazing technology. Got Wow factor, sick, yeah, baby! and such. So creative, and so playful. Wonderful. Lovely.
But it is not very useful for the following groups of consumers:
1) People who use computers for work. I mean, the humdrum type of "accounting, taxes, billing, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable" work. I don't see how a column of numbers can entered via a touch screen. It's not that I am that dumb or (imagine air quotes) "out of touch". There is still lots of data that exists on paper and
needs to be entered into a computer. Inconceivable to you, but real in the real world.
2) People who are older than, say 45 years or so, that "baby-boomer" crowd inching toward retirement. As you know, that demographic group is growing, growing, growing. And, if you don't mind, ask Bill Gates, who somehow got a lil bit older too, to answer truthfully about which input device he uses on his computer for basic, everyday, down-to-earth tasks. I bet he likes a mouse and keyboard, he just can't tell you for marketing reasons.
(and Warren Buffett of course does not even use a computer, but that is way off the old tangent)
Nonetheless, I venture to say that many, not all, but many older people have trouble with the "youthful fluidity of motion" required to successfully interact with a touch screen. Does Microsoft even have a "focus group of older people"? You know, the ones who forget what to focus on, like me. If not, then it should.
So, now, then: Given that group 1 and group 2 above make up a huge, HUGE, part of potential Microsoft
Windows 8.3 consumers, why is it so hard for Microsoft to understand that ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL.
Next: Given how comparatively easy, EASY, EASEY it is to modify software, why would Microsoft insist that only
ONE FLAVOR of Windows 8 is allowed. It really would be VERY EASY for MS to accommodate the "Touch crowd"
and the "keyboard and mouse" crowd.
To imagine that in front of your very eyes, I have to describe it for you:
You boot up Windows 8.3, and on the first screen you are given three (reversible) choices:
1) I use Touch screen only. I am so cool. Keyboards and Mouse are for unteachable boring old folks only.
2) I use Touch screen as well as Keyboard and Mouse. I am so flexible and fantastic.
3) I use Keyboard and Mouse only. Touch screen is for unproductive touchy feely artsy folks only.
And, thus, depending on your choice you get booted into the operating environment of your choice.
How hard can that be, really ?
And if you wonder why I am talking about Windows 8.3, which does not exist as yet : It's because I am looking ahead and can tell from experience that it takes Microsoft on average at least 3 revisions to get things workable enough. I remember using Windows version 3.11 and Win 95 came along. I tried to upgrade, but it was a "no go". Back to Win 3.11 until Win 98 v2 came along. Then I gladly skipped Windows 2000, as well as Win XP SP1, and Win XP SP2. I jumped from Windows 98 to Win XP SP3. Good move. Then I skipped Vista (excellent move), had no need yet for Windows 7, and now I am waiting for a Win 8 version worth jumping to. May be in 2015.
Launching windows 8 without a classic desktop mode was a failure of the leads on project. As important as touchscreen market is you will have affordable desktops for business and home office. The idea that you guys did work under the hood to improve performance and reduce system resource needs I can appreciate. Overall Windows 8 was a success but because you didn't gradually change the interface it was shell shock to many users that have been using the same general setup since Windows 95. Honestly you guys are making a reputation for flopping every other release I really hate watching it happen and avoiding OS releases. I kind of feel like a start screen would have better as a desktop addition rather then a focus kept the start button... lost the start button for the mobile tablet version. i hope that my voice is heard and you realize not everyone in the near future will be using touchscreens... because my family won't. it's not a true input peripheral
I'm not happy with Windows 8, you punish people for still having a mouse and keyboard. I hate it when the "sliders" disappear until you move the mouse, this causes me no end of pain. Also of course the "Start" button is missing and should at least be Optionally provided in Windows 8.1. If not then I do hope you have a utility so I can re-install Windows 7, so far a superior product. I have ONE APP (Package Tracker) that is unique to Windows 8 and that I will miss, otherwise there is nothing here for me. (It's not like I haven't used Windows since 3.1 or haven't bothered to get certified as an MSCE and I do have and use an iPad and a Nexus 4 phone, so I'm not a dinosaur, it's just I am able to see crap without having to smell or step in it!) You arrogant bunch of twits!
I am going to give some sound comments and advice. I currently use Windows 8 Professional, 64-bit and love it. There is nothing wrong with the way Microsoft created it. The problems and complaints I see are most definitely a matter of refusing to understand and adapt to the values and progress Microsoft has made and established that far exceeds Apple and Linux by far. This is a step ABOVE the last version and is more secure and current. You can add the Star8 app if it's that big of a deal to you for only 5 bucks. It is a 3rd party app that restores the original Windows 7 start menu, which I rarely used even when I had Windows 7. People need to quit being so lazy and whiny and understand the power, progress and security that is Windows 8. The update will only add to that. The importance of using the most current version of Windows and Internet Explorer (soon to be version 11 with the 8.1 update) is so crucial to being current and more secure from viruses and malware ever present. In fact, the best firewall and anti-virus/anti-malware program I use rated at a 100 percent detection rate, and was the ONLY company in history to ever obtain that. They are called Emsisoft, and the programs are Emsisoft Online Armor and Emsisoft Anti-Malware (includes anti-virus). Second I use recommended is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. And Emsisoft named Internet Explorer 10 the most secure browser that beat out Firefox, Chrome, Opera and Safari hands down! Congratulations Microsoft on great products with Windows 8. I am excited about the future!
Yours truly,
Ernie Mink
Thornton, Colorado
I have yet to read a constructive criticism of Windows 8. The folks that bash Microsoft are of two kinds: (1) Apple/Google cultists who worship at the altar of Steve Jobs and Larry Page and wouldn't be caught dead using Microsoft software, and (2) Microsoft users who have an inordinately hard time letting go of features and perhaps other issues in their lives.
I've used Windows operating systems for a long time and Windows 8 is bold and brilliant. Sure, I got a little confused using the tablet and touch at first. Sure RT left we wanting a bit more. But there is always a bit of a learning curve to anything new. If you expect perfection, you are always going to be bitterly disappointed.
The magic of Windows 8 is the ability to use keyboard, mouse, touch, and pen on the same OS depending on the device of course. No input method is good at all things. But Windows 8 gives you all of them and so you can use each style of input that works best for your mode of use at the time you want it, whether consuming or creating.
This whole spiel about the Start menu going away is just a lot of noise from unimaginative journalists who just pick up a story line and run with it because they have a deadline to keep. The tiles are the new Start menu! Sheesh!
And the "demise of the desktop" is just another ploy to confuse everyone. There are so many devices out there that of course the desktop is declining simply because there are other devices to choose from, but Windows 8 runs on most of them too. That's why there are 100 million licenses sold. Equating the death of Microsoft with a decline in desktops is simplistic thinking at best and belies a serious deficit in knowledge about Microsoft as a company.
As a third party developer of Windows applications with 17 years experience, IMHO:
Microsoft has done an excellent job with Windows 8.
Yes it takes a little effort to get used to after the previous editions, but (gasp) I actually don't miss the 'Start Button', and don't care about the additional application layer to get to the desktop when I have to.
I enjoy using the standard Windows Store apps supplied with Windows 8 as well as a few of the 3rd party apps out there.
Being a developer is a humbling experience, your work goes under many, and often very critical user microscopes. Every piece of software ever released can be improved upon somehow, or pulled apart by somebody.
Microsoft has often 'surprised' me in the past with some of its changes, good and bad, but there is always the next work around or update.
The fact is, Windows 8 was a necessary leap, and Microsoft had to leap. I am looking forward to using the next edition, and will continue to develop on, and for, this extremely stable platform.
"Windows Keeps Getting Better" - well I hope it gets better in version 8.1 because I've found 8 to be a big disappointment. Now, I love my Windows 8 Phone - a nice 4.5" touch display where the tiled start screen and full screen modern interface apps really work well.
But really - what bunch of idiots thought that I want full screen apps on my 17" development laptop or my 24" and bigger desktop displays? If someone texts me in Skype do I really want that app to come up full screen? If I want to listen to a voicemail .wav file in Outlook why would I want a modern interface audio app to come up full screen? And the 300 pixel wide 2nd app snap mode - haven't used it yet and the fixed pixel count seems like a step back in time to the VGA era. And hardware manufacturers - if touch is the future then you need to get it on devices besides those 13" and smaller.
I've used PCs since the DOS days and this is the first time that I can say we really had a step backwards. I didn't even mind Vista all that much - at least there you had a number of advancements that made some bugs tolerable. But my decision to load Windows 8 on my Dell XPS 17 has left me with a device where the CPU cranks up at idle and I never try to put it to sleep because the wireless never reconnects. How about some updated drivers Dell?
I tried Win 8 out on my desktop first, just to see what everyone was talking about, and in a little while I was comfortable with it after. Then one of my users got a Lenovo Yoga 13, and after setting it up for him, I thought it was great. On a touch-screen, it's like a different OS than on a desktop. My user wanted a start button, so I downloaded one for him and he couldn't be happier. I have an older client in my private business who keeps messing up (I don't know what he's doing, I'm never there when he changes things) but if an 80+ year-old can learn to use it, I think some of the nay-sayers are just too lazy to learn.
I read heard a lot rumors about Windows 8.1, but I really only have two questions. Windows 8 is two features away from being really good. If Windows 8.1 finally have the full start menu back like Windows 7? And will Windows 8.1 put Aero back? If Windows 8 had those two features it would instantly be great. The start button is irrelevant, the Windows 7 style start menu is critical. It is fine to have a touchscreen interface in Windows 8, just please remember that tablets and desktops/laptops have different purposes and therefore a touch interface does not work on a desktop/laptop. A hammer is for a nail, a screwdriver is a screw; stop trying to make a desktop or laptop to be a different tool with a different purpose.
I love Aero, but I can live without it. I cannot live without a start menu on my desktop.
Well, in my opinion, as well as in all the people I work with (around 3000) Windows 8 was a very weak, poorly planned and ill-conceived product. It definitely didn't improve our usability one bit and the obvious focus on mobiles made it look even more like a bad choice, Currently, we have no plans to use Windows 8 on any desktop here, as well as no plans to ever upgrade to it. I fail to see how Windows 8.1 would be able to improve a system that's built on the Idea that Microsoft know's more than its customers what we want for our softwares.
Good luck with the new patch, hope you can fix this mess of a System.
Please have a notification center by sliding on the charms side of the screen or something please! Its kinda hard to go through all the start screen just to see the notification form the different apps. Please microsoft please!!
Will this update resolve the "automatic repair loop" issue? I'd love to reinstall Win 8 and get back using it.
I do hope to see a more usable scrollbar in windows 8.1 If you want a flat look why not borrow from the flat scrollbar in outlook 2010. At the moment the scrollbar is really hard to spot in windows 8 desktop, especially for very long pages like this blog. I won't even go into the metro scrollbar which disappears, unless you hover over the area!
The scrollbar colour is very similar to the background and it's not what you call intuitive. Also removing the start button was a big mistake, I remember first time I used windows 8 I couldn't find the control panel. And using ctrl-X is not a solution, windows is about intuitiveness, this is how it won 90% of the desktop market.
Dieses Windows 8 ist absolut das letzte - unlogisch, unpraktisch, schwachsinnig, unbrauchbar. Hier wurde wieder mal blindlings am Konsumenten vorbei gewurstelt - und da wundert sich Microsoft, dass das Produkt beim Kunden nicht ankommt. Statt dem Kundeninteresse entgegen zu kommen, wurde aus Eigeninteresse etwas auf die Beine gestellt, das neuen Eigenentwicklungen dienen soll. Samsung und andere haben die Konsequenzen gezogen - kein Win 8 oder gleich gar nichts mehr von Microsoft. Und ich habe mich mit einem unlogischen, unpraktischen und dämlichen Betriebsprogramm herumzuschlagen.... Echt der Hammer... und dafür habe ich noch bezahlt. selten so was von hirnrissig gekauft - schade für mein Vaio. Windows 8 - nervtötend und lastig und abslut das letzte.
Waiting for a new windows !!!
Windows 8 wasn't ready to be released. It needed a little more tweaking. I'm glad they're making this update. Can't wait!
Instead of two disparate systems, Microsoft should have designed Windows 8.1 with the strengths of both Classic (Start Menu) and Windows Modern UI (Start Screen Live Tiles).
Bring Silverlight to Modern UI Internet Explorer. You built in Flash, but no Silverlight. You should be more loyal to your own developer community!
Well I sure hope 8.1 fixes the jarring design choices you guys did with 8.0.
I'd like to know what the UI designers were thinking when they decided this made sense:
But it's not the first time anyone not using the default taskbar arrangement got shafted, the now dead start menu used to open over the taskbar itself. Still sticking with win7 on my main machine until something changes, but the rule of thumb seems to be still valid: upgrade -> skip one version -> upgrade.
I just wanted to add to this blog that I have been very happy with windows 8 and windows 8 pro ever since day 1. I know there have been negative comments about it--but I really have not seen anything negative about it. I have loved it from the very beginning. I really like the fact that we do still have the desktop (windows 7), and then we also have all the apps that we want. Look at all that we can do with Windows 8! I love it. I do everything that I ever did with Windows 7 Plus more!! There are so many Apps now--Painting Apps, News Apps, Cooking Apps---the list goes on & on. Now we can use our main computer for numerous things like we always have done, plus use our tablets for more portability. And the desktop is still there and so is the start button--just right click in the lower left corner and up comes the start menu. And I don't mean the Start Screen--I mean the Start Menu which lists the control panel + programs & features + system + device manager, etc....
Quote from a comment "glad to see it's official, and that Windows 8.1 will be a free update"...
In the past we just called these Service Packs...
Thanks for the post and thanks for confirming some of the details. Windows 8.1 (aka WIndows 8 SP1) is eagerly awaited here, but I'm MUCH more interested in the Windows Server 2012 R2 (or whatever it'll be called).
With respect to both OSs - what's the story on the start button? IS it back? What does it look like? Persionally, I rarely use the start screen on my Windows 8 boxes as almost all the work I do is desktop based (I use Office, PowerShell, and server stuff).
Thanks to those great folks at Stardock, I have Start8 which returns the start menu to my systems. With the addition of this add-in, I just love Windows 8. As an aside, had you just bought Stardock, and given all their tols away for free inside Win8, you'd have probably lost far less money (enough to pay for the purchase?) and avoided so much bad press.
With respect to the start button, I really hope the team will do the decent thing here - and I really really hope it's not a half-baked approach too (ie one that shreeks 'we had to put something back in but we really don't want to'). Of course, had Microsoft been listening 2 years ago (when 8 was being worked on), you would have known the start button, or lack thereof, was going to be an issue. Now let's hope that the team is both really listening and really _hearing_ these criticisms and are going to react in a mature way.
Yes, Microsoft, this is a new Coke moment for you. You CAN roar back, like Coke did, and make Windows 8 a great brand. Of course, you can continue in the no compromise mode and we can all watch you fall further and further behind. Your call.
I bought a new win 8 computer for my wife, and it's a good thing that I have a lot of patience, and that I am the local IT man on duty 24/7/365
For an OS supposedly designed for ease of use, 8 is anything but. I hope that 8.1 solves this, because honestly, the last time I had to negotiate the maze of showing her how to accomplish the easiest things ( I.E. downloading camera pictures) I was thisclose to just installing Ubuntu. which amazingly enough, she can negotiate easily.
You say It is getting better. I worked with a bunch of programmers from Bell Labs. The job was an interface between the users and programers.They were developing a new integrated platform for our designers technicians testers and order writers that would be rolled out nation wide. Bell Labs moved into our building bringing with them the basic framework. The big problem was and always be is the user and programmers may speak the same language but the meanings of words may not always match up. If you said "Structure to the user this to them would mean the a building or habitat. A programmer knows that this same word to them means how their code is held together and linked to other parts.
We would get a release of one phase and test the functionality. I had the ability to listen to each side and understand the meanings. There were times when a user was having difficulty and a programmer would sit down watch and learn how the user is interacting. This helped the development greatly. It is the social interaction between the user and programmer that creates a better product. Now I am not talking about a programmer and a computer geek. You want to be working with real world users the average female an male. Geeks can get anything and often may know more than the programmer. Maybe that is good in some instances. Together we put out a good product that had a slick interface "and we did not lose months of paid employee time" trying to retrain them. They sat down with the new product with a few video instructions a roving mentor and we were all off and running.
It appears that Microsoft failed in this area, The corporate culture is this is what we are going to do and they will learn to love it. my Dell laptop needed replacement last winter and I bought an HP. Did not like win *8 but being a corporate trainer and always embracing change as I like challenges I decided to give it a try. Hindsight now I should have removed Win 8 and used another operating system or bought an apple. Too late now as it is too risky with my graphic design programs and all of my projects in progress I do not want to lose anything. How I use win 8, as soon as it boots up I toss the apps out and use the desk top. Some of my programs have multiple apps associated. I do not need to see these. Sometimes the apps screen re appears when I am in the middle of some work and I have to toss it away again and see if the interruption corrupted my design which it often does.
So bottom line, Ask me what I want and work with me to produce it. Do not try and stuff something into my hand that you and I both know is a pig in a poke. Finally where is my start button and I do not want this to boot up to the apps.
charlie.plus - we announced there will be a public preview of Windows 8.1 at the Build conference at the end of June where there will also be more information for developers building apps for the platform as well. Thanks for the comment.
I cant wait when windows 8.1 code name "blue" comes out thanks a lote microsoft for letting us try a preview first cant wait in june 26. Thanks again Microsoft.
Dear Microsoft, please deliver something more substantial as news next time.
We all knew it is 8.1 unless people were really not following. And we all knew it is an Update. Updates/SP etc. are typically free. Who delivers paid updates?!?
What we want to know is when it comes out, if it is going to be simultaneous across all Windows platforms (Desktop/Phone/RT) and if Developer Preview will be available soon. (SDK updates?!?) Also a few more details regarding Skydrive and Windows.
Thank you!
I have a question: i did not buy windows 8, but now i want windows blue. can i buy just win blue?
The problem with windows 8 is the same as the problem with windows mobile. They try to stick the same interface on everything and it just doesn't work. In windows phone 5/6 you had to click the start button then click settings then click control panel then click the panel item you wanted to use. In palm OS (when they were around on my treo 650) I could do the same thing in 2 clicks. The problem with windows 8 is similar they are trying to stick windows 7 on tablets where Apple has created a new interface specifically for that device. I don't want a hybrid device if I am buying a tablet. I want a touch interface only with touch optimized (and apps designed for touch from the ground up). I quite like the metro interface I hate the way it goes to desktop mode when I have a non touch app. I would much prefer to have just the metro interface and nothing else but that leaves Microsoft with a massive issue there are not enough apps available especially at launch. The problem now is that they are trying to catch up with the number of apps in the apple app store. I would be focusing my marketing on the quality of the apps not the number and also stop the windows 8 tv adverts. No one cares about the OS they care what they can run on it so align the quality of the apps with the devices / os you are selling and show what users can use it to accomplish not just the features of the OS. Apple show apps like looking at a skeleton and flying through the solar system not the icons or live tiles of the apps you could be running.
As background, I've used Windows exclusively 20+ years. For all the comments about how us new to W8 are not taking the time to learn the new OS, I can confidently say that the first time I used a Mac or an ipad or iphone, it was intuitive and easy to learn. I am not a Apple fanboy by any means. They are machines that cost more than twice as much than a similarly equipped Windows machine. No thanks, iOS/OSX (or whatever) is not that valuable to me. Windows works fine for my needs (or at least it used to). HOWEVER, if Microsoft wants to keep their current customers, people need to be able to pick up the machine and use the major features w/out much instruction. OK sure, some of the more subtle features will need to be learned, but being able to find, open & close applications should be a no-brainer. I have yet to find notepad or MS Paint. Are they part of W8 and I just can't find them??? W8.1 needs to be easier to use & learn than W8.
There's ONE thing that Microsoft needs to fix w/ W8.1. We were watching Netflix streaming on my new laptop last night, hooked up to the TV (W8 running classic start) and the screen dimmed while we were watching. I swiped my finger on the touchpad and Windows switched applications & opened a COMPLETELY EMBARRASSING picture that I had on the computer. I didn't even have the picture viewer running! It started the app on its own & opened a picture w/out me doing anything except swiping my finger! And there isn't even a 'close' button on the picture app, so it took me a while to figure out how to close it. I'm P!SSED at Microsoft for that bullsh!t !!! We don't need to blend our entire life with our Windows experience. What if I was giving a presentation at work and that happened????? This 'feature' SUCKS!
It remains to be seen if the coming changes aren't more of the same. Why doesn't windows 8 apps run on the desktop also? Why wasn't a windows 8 tile just a more elaborate desktop icon? Why force the user to use the metro interface instead of allowing him to customize his desktop for the metro parts that he wants? Metro is very clearly a big brother effort to support tablets. Creating content requires using a keyboard. How did Microsoft improve creating content?
@plasmana. I agree with you on the apps. I have a couple apps installed like the WeatherBug app (for the live tile only), but other than that I don't use any of them. I stick to the desktop versions. There shouldn't even be an app store on 8. I think more people would've got the point that Surface Pro is actually a full PC and not a kiddie tablet if there wasn't one. I've had so many people ask me "wait ... so this is a full PC then?". It's obvious Microsoft isn't getting the point across.
Internet Explorer app ... I prefer the desktop version.
Skype app ... I prefer the desktop version.
Camera app ... Horrible. I use YouCam which is also desktop.
WeatherBug, YouTube, ESPN, CNBC apps .... I have a full web browser. Other than the live tiles for quick glance of information why would I ever use these on 8?
List goes on.
I don't see what the problem is, Eugen M. I gave my $2,000 Gaming PC I built away and got a Surface Pro. My Surface Pro is now my desktop and tablet. I own my own business and I love to travel so it was a no brainer. Since the Surface Pro has Bluetooth I don't even need a docking station. My speakers and keyboard/mouse are Bluetooth. The only thing I have to plug into the Surface Pro is the power adapter and Mini DisplayPort cable to my 24" monitor. From a business owners prospective you can't go wrong. I can't believe anyone can complain considering the only other options are the iPad and Android tablets. There is no way I could get any WORK done on those. Mobile hardware, mobile apps, and mobile internet browsing. No thanks. Quit complaining.
I have been a dedicated Microsoft and Windows advocate ever since I said goodbye to my Apple 2+ in the late 1970's. But I am very sorry, I cannot follow the Windows 8 path or recommend that my business continue with Microsoft OS's. I have a big challenge to upgrade all the hardware on our aging XP, Win 7, and Win Server network, but Windows 8 is not a business friendly hardware or software option for us. Win 8 may be an elegant solution for some devices and some users, but it's not appropriate or affordable for our small business. I know we will experience a learning curve to migrate to Linux, but at this point, for our business, a Linux apps server, mail server, and Linux desktops for our employees make a lot more sense. With all the incredible and extensive resources Microsoft has to offer not just the US but the planet, is Win 8 really the OS that meets MS customers needs?
If this is an update and not a service pack does what does that mean for people that are running media center edition.
Excited!! Absolutely love WIndows 8 and I cant wait to see what Blue has in store, especially being a windows phone Lumia owner!
Nice! it's official now. Awaiting the update.
Please Forward this to the respective team -
Important Feedback regarding tile logic in windows 8.1
Everyone knows you're introducing smaller square tiles in 8.1 like in wp8 but there are some serious FLAWS with the tile-logic on windows 8/8.1
1. Tiles always have to fit a horizontal wide tile space.
What I mean by saying that -
you can't have odd number of columns of square tiles with the 5th column having anything more than 1 tile. You automatically move the 2nd tile on the 5th column to the 6th one, such that they fill up the space of 3 wide tiles.
2. Smallest tiles don't get a space of their own, they always need to be in fours to fill up the bigger square. Otherwise, the space is left empty.
A heterogeneous tile arrangement is hence not possible with windows 8.1 tiles.
Hope you solve this before release. Blue team, please get in touch with the wp8 team.
See this screenshot. -
Love windows 8 and wp8,
All the best.
I have absolutely loved Windows 8..... I can't wait for Windows 8.1.
I bought a new computer with Windows 8 in January and just hate it! Sure hope Windows 8.1 will be more user friendly.
artduane service pack (SP) is a Windows update, often combining previously released updates, that helps make Windows more reliable. Service packs, which are provided free of charge on this page, can include security and performance improvements and support for new types of hardware.
Clearly 8.1 is not a service pack.
I'm a long time Microsoft user and developer. Been an advocate ever since I gave up developing in Delphi for C#. I currently use Windows8 RT on a Surface, and Windows8 Pro on my desktop PC. I love it on the Surface. I want to love it on the PC, but I slowly admitting to myself that I feel let down. The Metro apps just arent that great for a mice and keyboard user, which is fine. I don't have to use them, I can stay in desktop mode and there's plenty of software available there. My problem is that the desktop got hit by the ugly stick for the sake of Metro design philosophy. With Windows 7, I felt like Window not only caught up competitors UI design but actually surpassed it. The Windows 8 desktop felt akin to going back to Windows 3.1. It is just so uninspiring, and in my opinion detracts from the perceived quality of the product. There it is! My 2 cents.
@danielgr Wow, thanks for the tips about groups! I don't think many people know about these extra features while zoomed out, in fact I have seen blogs report tile group names as a new feature in 8.1 because of what they saw in the videos of leaked builds. I've been wanting to do this for quite a while.
How is this even news? We're waiting for Windows 8 Service Pack 1 and its arriving on June 26th. Just because you package it differently and rename it 8.1 doesn't change the fact that its a service pack.
Not just that I expect SP2 and SP3 to be free as well.
Hope windows 8.1. will change a lot!
Eugen M is right: you tried swiss army knife, but only for one purpose.
1. work on ppt->try to adjust a picture -> look for program "paint" -> go back to live tiles -> search -> open "paint"
2. Acrobat Reader opens in live tiles, when you are in desktop mode
My wife (consultant) has HP spectr. its to much of a stretch. Internal IT said, she is crazy to purchase windows 8.
Hope you will get it right. best of luck!
I would suggest some cool features that you can incorporate: [Would be great if you do so]
1. Cloud Connect
2. TFS Connect/Everywhere
3. File Version Controller for Windows - Client Edition
4. Little tweaked Hyper-V enhancements
5. One Click Upload for files to Dropbox, SkyDrive, YouTube, Facebook.
these features can be added as a part of the Windows 8 Update 1 release.
Hope this sounds good. Awaiting at the best.
Eugen M you're welcome!
Brandon LeBlanc, thank you for your reply, looking foward to see windows8.1 improvements.
@DrXym As true as it is for other haters, you simply didn't take the minimum time required to learn something new.
To move groups around (obviously without altering their internal structure) simply zoom out (pinch gesture with touch, CTRL+wheel otherwise), then drag and drop groups at will.
The same goes if you want to rename groups, etc. Basically all the "groups handling" is done in the zoomed out version of the Start Screen, which I find pretty consistent and easy to understand behaviour.
Hope that helped.
@Brandon, what I mean is that I should be able to drag and drop tiles onto each other to make a group. A group of tiles which stays together and can be manipulated together. Like a folder, which can be collapsed or expanded, maintain their order while being moved around. The "groups" in metro at the moment are nothing more than a crude linear arrangement of tiles and frequently very frustrating (e.g. to move 4 tiles at once requires 4 move operations and fiddling around to sort them). That's just one obvious example.
Another I mentioned is that metro putting enormous tiles on my large monitor and smearing them horizontally over several virtual screens. Why can't I ctrl+wheel to zoom out a bit and see them all? Why is it inflicting all this mouse travel on me?
The UI is replete with little annoyances which probably don't bother tablet users with their limited number of apps but are incredibly annoying on a full desktop.
This is awesome news!!! Can't wait to try it out..
Well, having battled to get to grips with Windows 8 for sometime I have recently started to make headway - so particularly encouraging to hear the news of "8.1".
I know many people are crying out for the inclusion of / u-turn to the Start Button.. but I'm not so sure. Yes, it took some getting used to not having it there - but it was a bold, brave move my M$ to go through with it - so personally I'll see it as a climb-down IF (and it is *IF* any such u-turn is made).
Roll on the end of June.. let's see what you have in store for us!
Eugen M, I am confused, how does it not work for you? I love the live tiles for both work and personal use, actually being able to see updates vs. just a number indicating there is an update, saves me time everyday.
What is it you think isn't designed in the interface to make Win8 suitable for a tablet or a desktop, I mean you do realize that even apple is moving towards the flat interface of Win8 for iOS7 right. It is easy to drop generic, I don't like something, but without actual examples of what doesn't work for you, you end up coming across as whiny.
I know that Win8 isn't perfect but no software is, but I find the generic it sucks comments to well suck. I have used my Surface Pro everyday, it has replaced both my iPad and my Galaxy Tab 10.1 in every aspect, so please tell me what is wrong with the interface? I have used Win 8 on my laptop (which is docked and serves as my main home computer) and it does everything that it did when it ran windows 7 and more, I can quickly and easily switch between tiles and apps to desktop and icons, it runs every program I had installed before, only quicker. So what are your real issues, or are you even using anything running Win8>
does this means that the start menu is back ?
I am happy to see a new free update of Windows 8 for sure as all of us. BUt behind this I am expecting real improvment based on so simple thing like for instance the possibility to view SilverLIght video on my Slate !!
I was so frustrated with my old Ipad that I caould not see any Videos from Microsoft site, that I was expecting at least this from Win8.
Now does that 8.1 version will be also a kind of similar update for WinRT or it is just for Desktop version ?
DrXym - you can group your apps (tiles) on your Start screen into groups of your choosing and named whatever you wish to name them. You can customize the Start screen this way. I have many groups today on my Start screen. I organize my apps and pinned stuff by categories like "entertainment" and "reading" for example.
I'm actually pretty happy with Windows 8 but looking forward to 8.1. Hey, do you think maybe we can have mouse click/drag scrolling for Metro? This would seem obvious to me, but mouse should mimic touch in Metro apps but mouse users have to use a clumsy wheel or fumble around for a scroll bar.
Also, a traditional mode switch back to the Windows 7 Start Menu will make several of my friends happier though I personally like the new menu but I think it needs more customization options. For instance, folding/unfolding groupings or tab groups, spacers (that work horiz/vert) to make better layouts.
Nobody can say with a straight face that Windows 8 "was built for a world that blends our work and our personal lives". It was built to get Microsoft the foot in the door for tablet devices and it woefully undelivered on other kinds of devices (i.e. the majority of machines with mice and keyboard). I hope with a year's worth of reflection and listening to criticism that 8.1 fixes these shortcomings. It's not that Metro is wrong per se on the desktop, more that it was immature, clunky and seriously retrograde in some basic ways (e.g. why can't I group tiles or zoom out the interface to my liking?). 8.1 is long overdue and it has to deliver.
Windows 8 has put me in the odd position of being an advocate for Microsoft. Maybe because I was never particularly inspired by prior versions of Windows, I do find Windows 8 to be quite satisfying. To the haters out there, such as Eugen M, I find no validity to your assertion that Windows 8 impedes productivity. In my view, if you're not satisfied, it because you're not learning to use it. You probably should go back to a prior version of Windows rather than complain with a lot of unsubstantiated assertions.
If 8.1 has the Classic Start Menu and Desktop, no Charms or Store, I would buy it.
Otherwise, Windows 7 is the best OS Microsoft has made, and there is no reason to change.
This is awesome news, I have windows 8 since the official release day in October and I think it's really the best OS ever. It's really nice to hear that it will be free and I'm also really excited for the preview.
Very much looking forward to more information, but excited nonetheless!
As an IT Admin, will Win8.1 discs/isos be available for clean installations? Nothing slows me down like having to apply a huge update after a full install.
"Windows 8.1 will be a free update to Windows 8 for consumers through the Windows Store."
So, does this mean that the update would not be delivered through Windows Update? Do we need to update it manually then?
So will there be advanced color options added to the UI to change Active Window Text color, or will we be stuck not being able to read our text in dark color schemes?


text:
One Million Moms for Gun Control announced Wednesday that it will now be known as Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
The fast-growing grassroots movement is changing its name two months after it was formed in order to better define its mission: to urge legislators to take action now on new and stronger common-sense gun laws. In addition, the new name will help reduce the likelihood of any confusion with similarly named organizations.
"Getting weapons of war off our streets is an uphill battle, but the only way we're going to get this done is if members of Congress hear directly from parents, teachers, law enforcement and doctors – the citizens who understand all too well what gun violence is doing to our country," said California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, author of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013. "I applaud the leadership of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I am grateful for the grassroots commitment of moms all across this country to saving lives and helping to pass common-sense gun laws. Now is the time for action."
Moms Demand Action's middle-ground solutions to the escalating problem of gun violence in the United States are straightforward:
1) Ban assault weapons and ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
2) Require background checks for all gun and ammunition purchases.
3) Report the sale of large quantities of ammunition to the ATF, and ban online sales of ammunition.
4) Counter gun industry lobbyists' efforts to weaken gun laws at the state level.
Since forming on Dec. 15, 2012, Moms Demand Action has received important input from stakeholders on its name and mission. This input will enable the organization to achieve its long-term mission to build support for new and stronger gun laws at the federal and state levels.
"This name change recognizes that reducing gun violence requires a comprehensive approach that focus on everything from background checks and assault magazine limits to mental health and our culture's glorification of violence," said California Rep. Mike Thompson, chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. "Working together, we can put policies in place that both respect the Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners and make our schools, communities and country safer."
Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said, "We are heartened by how quickly we've grown and how central we have become to 'gun sense' efforts in America. Like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, our mission is to motivate and mobilize moms to encourage their legislators to support common-sense legislation. Our new name and the term 'gun sense' reinforces that there is a middle ground on solutions to the epidemic of gun violence in America."
First references to Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America in articles should use the formal name. Secondary references can use the shortened version, Moms Demand Action.
About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (www.momsdemandaction.org) was created to build support for common-sense gun legislation.
The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families.
In just two months, the organization has tens of thousands of members with more than 80 chapters across the United States.

subset: commoncrawl


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No Offer
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I applied through an employee referral and the process took 2 weeks - interviewed at New York Life in February 2010.
Interview Details – A formal interview process with the director, not manager of the department. The interview could have been more balanced if members of the department, from different levels of the employment hierarchy, were included in the process.
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Maui Topaz Goldsmith Offers Unique, One-of-a-Kind Jewelry Pieces That Will "WOW" Your Family and Friends
Because Maui Repair & Design Studio has a goldsmith artisan on staff, in David and Ted, they often create unique jewelry unlike anything available elsewhere.
On this page we will begin to showcase some of their more unique creations. If you see something you like, or if you would like to custom order an exquisite work of art to your own specifications, by all means, please contact us.


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4. Seattle Mariners
This is a top heavy division that includes what I think are the best two teams in baseball entering the season. The Angels are stacked and have it all. The addition of Albert Pujols drives them over the top.
American League Wild Cards:
Yankees over the Rangers
Angels over the Rays
World Series:
Angels over the Diamondbacks
NL MVP: Joey Votto, Reds
AL MVP: Evan Longoria, Rays
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Phillies
AL Cy Young: Dan Haren, Angels
NL Rookie of the Year: Yonder Alonso, Padres
AL Rookie of the Year: Matt Moore, Rays
NL Manager of theYear: Ozzie Guillien, Marlins
AL Manager of the Year: Joe Maddon, Rays
NL Batting Champ: Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
AL Batting Champ: Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox
NL Home Run Champ: Jay Bruce
AL Home Run Champ: Nelson Cruz


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We had some impressive wind and waves in the northern Chicago suburbs as a result of Superstorm Sandy, but none of the devestation people along the East Coast are experiencing.
Patch has gathered some local resources if you want to help in relief efforts:
The American Red Cross is collecting funds and coordinating blood donations. The organization sheltered more than 3,000 people across nine states during the worst of the storm. You can donate $10 by phone by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.
Sandy has caused the cancellation of about 300 American Red Cross blood drives.
"Patients will still need blood despite the weather," said Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer of the Red Cross, in a statement.
To schedule a blood donation at a center near you or for more information about giving blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) takes donations to rescue and shelter animals affected by the storm. Nearly 300 animals are staying with their owners in shelters in the New York City area, the agency said.
The ASPCA is also setting up a distribution center in Syracuse, New York with 4,000 sheltering units, which contain pet food, crates, food bowls, toys, and anything else an animal may need.
The Salvation Army: You can donate $10 to the Salvation Army by texting "STORM" to 80888. If you are already volunteer-certified, you can sign up to help out with disaster relief.
AmeriCares: You can donate to AmeriCares' relief fund to help the organization, which is distributing supplies to 130 clinics in the 13 states affected by Sandy.
To follow news from some of the most affected areas and see how local residents are faring, here are links to Patch sites:
Greenwich Patch (CT)
Do you know of any groups in the Chicago area organizing supplies or donations for Superstorm Sandy victims? Tell us in the comments.


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Z-Bar Mini LED Desk Lamp
Also featuring the award-winning three-bar design for maximum reach and flexibility, Gen 3 Z-Bar Mini is designed for smaller desks and workspaces. The super-adjustable LED head can spin in its socket, sweep side to side, and rotate around the end of the arm to point in any direction. The touchstrip is located near the LED head for easy access. Slide your finger along the strip to dim gradually, or touch the strip anywhere to jump directly to any brightness, including off. Finish available in metallic black, red, white, purple, blue, orange, green and silver. Cool white color temperature version available only in black and silver. Z-Bar lamp is also available in a regular, slim, mini and solo option as well as a floor lamp version. Includes 9 foot cord. Features a warm white (3500K) or cool white (4500K) color temperature. CRI of 85. Rated average life of 50,000 hours. Includes 28 LED lamps totalling 6.5 watts. Task light distribution. c/UL listed. 7.5W x 12.7H x 26.64L.
|Dimensions: 25.64"L x 12.7"H x 7.5"W
|Lamp Source: LED
|Bulb: 1 x LED/6.5W/120V LED
LED module included
|Dimmer: Dimmable
|Lamp Color: 4500 K
|Color Rendering: 85 CRI
|Lamp Life: 50000 hours
About Koncept Lighting
With years of experience in manufacturing and industrial design, the founders established Koncept in 2002 to design and develop innovative products for home and business. Koncept's flagship product, the Z-Bar LED desk lamp, has been featured in a number of media including U.S. News & World Report, Samsung's DigitAll Magazine etc. In 2006, it won "Best of Category" in International Design Magazine's 2006 Annual Design Review in the category of Furniture and was selected into Die Neue Sammlung's permanent collection. The Annual Design Review is America's largest design competition, and Die Neue Sammlung is Europe's largest museum of modern everyday objects of exemplary design, comparable only to the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
On Aug 19, 2013 by Carmen K. from Waterbury, Connecticut (Customer)
LOVE IT! I just saw this lamp on Oprah's O list. Been in the market for a desk lamp for a while, and this zbar just called out to me. Its awesome.
On Aug 12, 2013 by Ian F. from Raleigh, Illinois (Customer)
Love the compact size and adjustability of this great desk lamp. It's stylish, but unobtrusive and provides bright, good quality light. I would definitely purchase more products by Koncept in the future.
Sales Consultant Recommendation
On Jul 30, 2013 by Xavier Yager (Staff Lighting Consultant) View Profile
A truly clean contemporary design with the energy savings of LED. Years ago I was given a sample of these lamps to evaluate at my desk in the showroom. Wow, was I impressed the very first time I used it. Excellent light distribution for my workspace and multiple ways of adjusting to have the light right where I wanted it. I remember when I was brought another to look at and I wouldn't let them take the Koncept fixture I was using......I loved it that much.
On Jul 22, 2013 by Greg C. from Montreal, Outside US (Customer)
love it!!! just wish i had one in every color now!


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Almost a year after Orange County's largest city was rocked by street protests, civic leaders again have decided to hold off asking voters whether the structure of future council elections should be altered in an effort to diversify representation.
Anaheim has seen a dramatic ethnic shift in recent years, and now about 52% of the city's 336,000 residents are Latino, though only a few Latinos have ever won council seats. The city is the largest municipality in California without council districts.


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Police release map showing dispersal zone (From Harrow Times)
Get involved: send your pictures, video & news by texting Harrow Times to 80360, or upload here
News RSS Feed
Harrow Police release map showing dispersal zone
11:00am Wednesday 2nd January 2013 in News By Emma Innes
South Harrow people can now see exactly where is covered by a new dispersal zone brought in to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Police have been given additional powers to tackle nuisance youths in South Harrow after complaints about unruly behaviour.
Within the zone, which covers Northolt Road and neighbouring streets, officers can break-up groups suspected of anti-social behaviour and ask them to leave the area.
Young people under the age of 16 who are unaccompanied by a responsible adult between 9pm and 6am can be returned to their home.
Failure to comply with police could lead to a fine, up to three months' imprisonment or both.
To deter youths from gathering, thirteen six-foot high steel gates will be put up at the end of every alleyway along Northolt Road from Roxeth Grove to Parkfield Road.
The zone will be in effect for six months and has been introduced by Harrow Council and police after residents and businesses complained of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Harrow Council leader and Roxeth Ward councillor Thaya Idaikkadar said: "Those who choose to behave in an aggressive and threatening manner can make people feel anxious and nervous – and can even drive residents and visitors away from an area.
"These powers will allow the police to nip this sort of behaviour in the bud before it escalates and causes more trouble."
The scheme has been brought under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and will run until June 11, 2013.
Comments (7)
Please log in to enable comment sorting
7:30am Thu 3 Jan 13
surfnutt says...
11:25am Thu 3 Jan 13
Harrow Rani says...
9:05pm Thu 3 Jan 13
surfnutt says...
10:05am Fri 4 Jan 13
Harrow Rani says...
1:01pm Sat 5 Jan 13
DimSum says...
8:06pm Sat 5 Jan 13
jackdaw says...
I agree with Independent Councillor Husain Akhtar that one hour would not allow enough time for policing in Harrow to be discussed.
It will not be a true consultation with any depth but just a box ticking exercise to say that Stephen Greenhalgh had visited Harrow and spoken to residents. Will he take any notice at all about what residents have to say. I feel Harrow taxpayers will not get value for money from this visit.
You only have to read the pages of the Harrow Times to be aware of residents' concerns and a brief visit from Stephen Greenhalgh would seem to be cheating residents of their chance to make their views and questions known.
It seems this is a shabby charade which is being paid for by Harrow taxpayers."
8:09pm Sat 5 Jan 13
jackdaw says...
Consultation? I smell a rat."
Comments are closed on this article.


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#25 - saxtasticnick (04/20/2013) [-]Even if OP did this and it wasn't just a repost from Reddit, the fact remains that throwing away your daughter's things just because you don't like Bieber is cruel and poor parenting. That's like a mom throwing away her son's Pokemon cards because she hates Pokemon, which I'm sure you would all rage about. Granted, I'm no fan of Bieber's actions or his music, but that doesn't mean I should make sure no one else does, either. Believe it or not, it's okay to let little girls like Bieber, just don't let them base who they are off of him or any other celebrity.


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General Message Board
New H2H Baseball league
My two friends and I have decided to create our own baseball biding league with salary cap, 24hr waivers with claims, restricted free agents including compensation bracket, prospect draft and a end of year draft lottery. The leagues every day will be run on a free forum site so it is preferred that anyone joining either has knowledge of that site or has instant chat so i can walk you through it even though its relatively simple. The actual games will be played in Yahoo, where it is expected that every owner will set up their line-up daily.
We are looking at this league for the long term as I have over five years experience running a similar league for hockey so i understand what is needed to be a successful Commissioner. The roster and scoring categories are listed below plus this will be a head to head league but if you have any other questions and are interested in joining, please contact me quickly as there are only three, possibly two posts left to be filled.
Roster Positions: C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, C, RF, Util, SP, SP, SP, RP, RP, P with 10 bench plus DL & IR
Batters Stat Categories: Runs (R), Home Runs (HR), Runs Batted In (RBI), Stolen Bases (SB), Batting Average (AVG), (OBP)
Pitchers Stat Categories: Wins (W), Saves (SV), Strikeouts (K), Holds (HLD), Earned Run Average (ERA), Innings Pitched (WHIP)
Max roster size for MLB team: 25
Max roster size for Minors: 10
mexjan27 at yahoo dot see ASort: Newest | Oldest | Most Replied Expand all replies
The chosen one The chosen one Dec 17, 2012 5:19 PM Flag
hey is the league still open i would love to join thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving.
now only two spots left open
- 1 Reply to Iceman57
A Yahoo! User Dec 7, 2012 1:15 PM Flag
OK let me ask a few questions is this a keeper league ? Is it a dyansty 1 ? If not a dyansty 1 can I get some more info on it


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Knights Contract Review
Review Score
- PSU Review Score
- 4.0
- Avg. user review score:
- 6.0
You must be logged in to rate a game
Knights Contract is essentially one, giant escort mission plagued by a myriad of gripes including horrendous AI. and repetitive combat. Despite its interesting concept, there is not enough on offer to salvage the game from the sheer magnitude of problems encountered throughout.
We like
- The very basic story and concept
- The creatures and bosses look interesting
We dislike
- The broken AI that practically kills the game
- The glitchy camera
- Copious amounts of loading screens
See PSU's review on Metacritic & GameRankings
Knights Contract fails. If you want to know why, then keep reading. While I could list the game's vast array of problems in bullet point fashion, I'd rather not give you the impression that the game deserves a mini-dissertation. The fact is, people make bad games, and it's not always personal faults that create problems in any given title. For Knights Contract however, I can't help but wonder if someone at Namco Bandai had a great idea for a new game, but too many board-meeting style alterations changed that original concept into the tired and frustrating experience we've been lumbered with.
That great original idea I speak of is as follows. Imagine a time in history when witches performed magic and were executed in masses by a scared and angry public. Now fast forward a hundred years to a time when the deceased spell casters return to get their revenge on humanity. You play as Heinrich, a former executioner that was cursed with immortality by a witch. That witch, Gretchen, rises from the dead and now inhabits a goddess-like body. She joins up with Heinrich, who is now a hulking killer with a giant scythe, to put an end to all the witches who are ruthlessly massacring folk across the land.
Sounds pretty good, right? Well, the concept means nothing when the actual game is a heaping pile of frustration. The first and most noticeable flaw with Knights Contract (other than the grammatically incorrect title) is the fact it plays out like an enormous escort mission. Just about the entire game involves you playing Heinrich and leading Gretchen through the land. We've all played buddy games that worked; I think Enslaved had it down pretty well, for instance. Here though, and leaving aside the dreadful dialogue and the fact the pair shares no chemistry, the technical side of protecting Gretchen is one of the most irritating aspects of any game I've played in recent history.
Gretchen is a worthless companion through 90 percent of the game. She occasionally helps out by throwing up a spell or two, but for the most part she just stands there and takes a beating. I mentioned earlier that Heinrich is immortal and therefore invincible -- that is, until he receives too much of a pounding. When this happens players have to mash the X button to bring him back to life. While you are working hard to get Heinrich to stand up, however, Gretchen decides to run around, usually sprinting in circles directly front of marauding enemies.
To put it mildly, the AI in Knights Contract is terrible. This is really too bad because both characters have clear strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Gretchen has some awesome spells. Among these include spells and abilities that boost Heinrich's attacks, some of which throw a bit of sexual connotation into the mix. Meanwhile, Heinrich's giant scythe can grow even bigger when augmented with a certain ability, dealing out some real punishment to nearby enemies. Gretchen can also throw up a giant Venus flytrap to hold foes in place while Heinrich chops them down with his massive scythe. Cool, right?
The combat system is pulled directly from God of War (there are plenty of other similarities, but I give up believing Kratos is the only one who should be blessed with a fun and engaging combat experience), except you can't jump, you move terribly slowly, and you don't have much reach with your scythe. In terms of overall repertoire, Heinrich has the typical grab, weak and strong attacks, and finishing moves. Unfortunately, the problems with combat and AI are greatly exaggerated during boss battles. During these epic moments (and some of them are actually quite enjoyable), the camera moves into a fixed position and there are several random instant death features. Bosses have enormous layers in their health bar and once you figure out the pattern and wear them down, you'll get a God of War-like quick time event. If you fail to land these calculated button presses and analog stick movements, the boss will regenerate a substantial amount of their health back.
The level designs are adequate but repetitive (just like the enemies). The actual design of the game is pretty decent, while monsters and bosses ... (continued on next page)
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Strunz & Farah ConcertOct 6, 2012, 7:30 PM
Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center, McCready Hall
First installment of the 2012-13 Performing Arts Series
The Pacific University Performing Arts Series presents its first installment of the 2012-13 season: Strunz & Farah.
Performing together since 1979, Strunz & Farah are the innovators of an entirely new expression for the acoustic guitar. Decades ahead of their time, they originated an exotic style that now is widely followed.
From Costa Rica and Iran, respectively, Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah share the cultural riches of their native lands in their highly virtuosic, rhythmic and improvisation-rich original instrumental compositions.
Strunz & Farah's music is perhaps best described as original international acoustic instrumental improvisational guitar music, world guitar or ethnojazz. Their music is saturated with their cultural roots: Afro-Caribbean, Latin American folk, flamenco and Middle Eastern music, and draws heavily from the jazz concept of improvisation.
Strunz & Farah recorded their first self-produced project in 1980 and signed to the jazz label Milestone. It wasn't until almost a decade later, though, that their music gained a wider audience. The 1990 recording Primal Magic won Billboard's World Music Album of the Year and the 1992 Américas garnered a Grammy nomination. The pair started their own record company, Selva, as an artist-friendly alternative and has continued to release award-winning albums. Their most recent recording, Fanteseo, is a journey through folk and urbane Latin America, rustic Iran and includes an appriciative nod to American jazz.
Tickets available by calling the box office 503-352-2918 from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Posted by Paula Thatcher (email@example.com) on Sep 12, 2012 at 4:35 PM
Edited by Jenni Luckett (email@example.com) on Oct 1, 2012 at 8:31 AM


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GreatSchools Rating
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
This school is worse than any other school I have ever been involved with! The principal is incapable of quality leadership; the classroom and Special Ed teachers demonstrate a lack of competency. The atmosphere is unwelcoming and very cold to parents. Disorganization runs consistency throughout all departments most noticeably the 3,6 & elective classes! I would NOT recommend this school to anyone!
I'm so surprised to read the negative reviews about Roosevelt. This is a wonderful neighborhood school! I have now had two children attend, and with the exception of one teacher who has since retired, we have had a great experience. All of the teachers are very loving and kind. The administrative staff is responsive, open, and protective their students. The Principal, Ms. Bronner, is constantly in the halls interacting with students and knows each of them by name. Math comes easy to one of my children and his teacher has been super at supporting him through a more advanced curriculum. He is now mastering multiplication and division in the 2nd grade. There is a high level of parental involvement and many opportunities for parents to interact with your child and school staff. I will add that although there are families with quite a bit of money who attend Roosevelt, we are not one of them. And I have never felt that we are unable to access the best of what the school has to offer.
Although not perfect as no school is. I have found it to be a happy uplifting environment for my children. So far all the teachers are exceptional.
Last year at Roosevelt was positive for us due to a great kindergarten teacher. This year has been mundane at best. The Principal has been mocking and dismissive of my questions and concerns. Basically, the school's aim is to teach to the middle and they refuse to go above and beyond for individual kids unless forced to by outside testing. Be aware that the main demographic at this school is wealthy. Parents here have a lot of money to enrich their students with lessons and activities that are offered through the school and your child will be constantly reminded of the many activities that his/her friends attend but you perhaps cannot afford. In general, the staff is cold once you get to know them. Next year we're switching to a school with a community feel.
My childs first year with Roosevelt Elementary was close to having a nightmare. She often came home saying school was boring, too easy. I felt a great distance in relationship quality between us and the staff. Principal felt cold to us and was little interested in helping us figure out what the problem was. Our second year is going better, changed teachers, which is better, but retained the same principal, which has not changed, still cold.
Im glad someones year was warm sunshines and a cookie for every pat on the back. My kid got ignored by this school when she showed any sign of being smart their answer was to have her tudor kids. Isnt that the teachers job? They showed no interest in advancing her knowledge or encouraging her?
This school is disappointing. The staff is very codescending. They have never made me feel welcome. It seems they want to play more at this school Than actually learn anything. My neices and nephews from other school are learng alot more.
My child has had the best school year at Roosevelt! The teachers have been very supportive and the principal is friendly and a great communicator. My child attends through open-enrollment and our family is extremely grateful for the opportunities Roosevelt's staff has provided for core subject learning including music. Parents are also actively involved in the success of the school. Personal responsibility and achievement are encouraged and rewarded. Kudos and many thanks for a beautiful school year!
I have a 2nd grader at Roosevelt and LOVE IT! We are supposed to be at Adams Elementary but they didn't have room for any second graders. (Something to investigate if you are moving to a neighborhood for a specific school) What a blessing that was. Roosevelt is awesome. My 2nd grader enjoys the school very, he has a smile on his face every time he gets off the bus. The Pricipal is friendly and competent, the staff is warm and friendly, the seems to be a lot of school spirit and caring going on in this school. I think it is better than Adams which is rated higher (I have one kid in each school since Adams didn't have room of one child) and what a great way to see how both schools operate. If chosing between the two East End schools, I feel Roosevelt is much warmer and has more to offer. Very happy Mama!
The teachers and staff are very welcoming and supportive of the children. My kids feel happy and comfortable. Each seems to be challenged individually too, which is great. It provides an excellent learning atmospheres.
Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.
The Community Rating is the school's average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
908 East Jefferson St
Boise, ID 83712
Phone: (208) 854-6030
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