Using W8 as W7?

[Woodworker]

Just a quick question from a non-techy.

 

I'd understood that it was possible to make windows 8 appear as if it were Windows 7. However, I'm now confused, as I've read somewhere that to do that, it's necessary to upgrade to Windows 8.1 which is something I don't want to be faced with due to having to download many updates.

 

The thought of having to master Windows 8 is deterring me from buying a new computer, so I'll be grateful if one of you can kindly clarify the matter.

 

Many thanks, David :)

[KenB]

Hi David

 

Windows 8 ( 8.1 ) isn't too bad once you get used to it.

If you are buying a new machine you have little option - there are very few Win7 machines available now.

 

I found this that may explain your question. - click here

I have not tried it.

[Woodworker]

Thank you Ken,

 

Yes, I realise that practically any new PC I buy will come with Windows 8 pre-installed and, having read what you've told me, I'll go ahead when the time comes and see how I get on.

 

A gauge of my ignorance for things technical is born out by the fact that I bought - basically as a toy - a Samsung Galaxy Mega phone which has been put aside because attempting to master the beast drives me to distraction - Haha! I really need one of my friend's young granddaughters to give me some tuition :)

 

I've no intention of buying a touchscreen PC and really wish, if at all possible, Microsoft would produce a basic operating system for people like me who don't want all the bells and whistles which appeal to the enthusiasts who I admire. I still have Vista on my Dell desktop machine which rarely presents any problems. I recall that my first PC had Windows 3.1, a 0.4 gig hard drive and 20 mb of Ram which I had upgraded from 8 MB.

 

It would be so nice to be able to take a new lappy out of a box and use it rightaway but I fully realise that won't be possible.

 

Thanks again, David :)

[KenB]

Hi David,

 

I too have a Samsung Phone and when I first got it it would ring but I could never get it so that I could answer and speak to the caller.

Eventually they rang off.

It took me a while to realise that the Green button had to slide to the right to answer and not just tap it like my old one :)

 

my first PC had Windows 3.1

I was clearing out rubbish in the loft recently and came across some cassette tapes.

These were used to load games onto our Sinclair Spectrum

It took longer to load the games than it did to play them !!

 

Don't let other people put you off Win 8.

Yes it is different - yes it is designed for touch-screen - but you get used to it .......eventually :)

 

To get Win 8 to look and act like Win 7 looks too much trouble to me.

It is easier to work with what I have.

 

I know Nev has a touch screen - he would be able to give you a run-down if you waned more information on this :)

[Plastic Nev]

Hi,

being prompted to reply regarding touch screens, they do have their uses, handy for shifting things around on screen quickly and a few other odds and sods, however do not expect much in the way of accuracy if for example drawing or art working with graphics programs, even the later ones supposedly designed for touch screens are not as good as the hype. Don't be afraid of a touch screen, however you will still find the keyboard and mouse will still be in use to a large extent as they are more ergonomic, in other words, long and continuous use of the touch screen will make your arms ache.

 

Nev.

[Woodworker]

Thank you Plastic Nev,

 

As I said earlier in the thread, I've no intention in buying a touchscreen. I'm definitely a keyboard and mouse man myself but hope your comments will help others.

 

As it happens, my old lappy which I thought was breathing it's last went into a disc check upon booting it, displayed loads of text for about half an hour and is now working again - Hoorah!

 

Regards, David :)

[Plastic Nev]

Hi David, sometimes the disk check is enough and all will be OK, however when Windows itself asks for and starts a disk check on its own, that can sometimes be a warning that the hard drive is struggling and may be on its way out.

To protect your data, please back it up on either DVD disks, or better an external hard drive, just in case the internal hard drive fails suddenly.

 

Nev.

[Woodworker]

Indeed Plastic Nev, I always have back-ups of important files both on my desktop and flash drive, especially so after having had a lappy stolen in a burglary. I would advise anybody else to do so, especially regarding digital images which can be a sad loss.

 

All the best, David :)

[Woodworker]

Hi David, sometimes the disk check is enough and all will be OK, however when Windows itself asks for and starts a disk check on its own, that can sometimes be a warning that the hard drive is struggling and may be on its way out.

 

Nev.

 

You were right Nev. A couple of days' later my old lappy suddenly died and I ordered an ACER Aspire E1-570 15.6" from Curry's - I don't buy from them unless I know what I want and the price is OK - and it arrived ten days later, ie yesterday. It seems well made and Acer provide a lot for not a lot of dosh - £379:99 for 8GB ram and an Intel processor etc.

 

I had a play with it last night and this morning and, although I don't like Windows 8, it's not as bad as I'd imagined and I think I'll get used to it. Things I miss are favourites and being able to right click on a web page to move back or obtain a URL. It doesn't come with a word processor but I've succeeded in downloading Open Office along with the junk which needs to be deleted afterwards. I've also downloaded Windows Live Mail which I would have thought would have been included.

 

All the best, David

[KenB]

Hope you enjoy your new machine David :)

[Plastic Nev]

Acer are pretty good and usually reliable, I hope it is OK for you.

 

Nev.

[Woodworker]

Thank you Ken and Nev and I'm now particularly pleased that I've stumbled upon a programme called Classic Shell that makes Windows 8 look like Windows 7. I can now use favourites in I.E and right click to obtain URLs - I'm excited!

 

Regards, David

[KenB]

Hi David

I can now use favourites in I.E

It is there with Win 8 and 8.1 too.

Click on the star top right after opening I.E.

 

Can you post a few screen shots after Classic Shell has been installed ?

It would be interesting to see the changes.

[Woodworker]

Hi David

 

It is there with Win 8 and 8.1 too.

Click on the star top right after opening I.E.

 

Can you post a few screen shots after Classic Shell has been installed ?

It would be interesting to see the changes.

 

Thanks Ken,

 

I'm afraid I'm not up to scratch with screen shots but here's the URL of the official Classic Shell site which should fit the bill: http://classicshell.net/

I had looked for the favourites star in Windows 8 but I'll have another go later now the stress has been lifted from me - haha!

 

Out of interest, how do you obtain a URL from a web page in Windows 8? I often paste them in e-mails to friends in the way that I have done above.

 

Thanks again, David :)

[KenB]

how do you obtain a URL from a web page in Windows 8?

It is not Win 8 that you get the URL from - it is from your browser. I E / FireFox / Chrome / Opera

From the address bar at the top - as you have done.

Or have I misunderstood the question ?

[Woodworker]

It is not Win 8 that you get the URL from - it is from your browser. I E / FireFox / Chrome / Opera

From the address bar at the top - as you have done.

Or have I misunderstood the question ?

 

No Ken, you didn't misunderstand my question which I've since realised was a daft one. I'm assuming I'm missing a tool bar from the top of I.E which I'll investigate later. I rarely type addresses into I.E and I'm used to right clicking on the page and copying the URL from Properties. Now I have Classic Shell, I shall continue as a dinosaur - Haha!

 

I'd be interested to hear your opinion and that of anybody else about Plastic Shell which appears too good to be true.

 

Best wishes and thanks, David :)

Edited January 22, 2014 by Woodworker