It is believed that Microsoft’s new launch Windows 8 signifies the end of WinNT era and the beginning of the WinRT (Windows RunTime) programming model.
I am certain that many people will still continue to run Win32 for years to come (I still know many people running Windows XP even though it is end of life 🙂 ).
Windows 8 is a technology shift! DOS command line technology lasted about 8 years, approx 1993 to 2001. Then Windows XP began the WinNT technology era which lasted a bit longer.
Gartner predicts that by the year 2020, less than 10% of people will be on Win32 apps (WinNT) and they will be running the WinRT based apps running on Microsoft’s Metro interface. However their overall market share will decline.
I wonder though if this major technology shift will cause people to reconsider continuing with the Windows platform. Due to this major decision they need to make, why not go over to another platform or drop desktops completely… perhaps only use personal devices (smartphones, tablets, etc)?
Are you going to embrace Windows 8?
I personally love Windows 8, although I really don’t find myself using the WindowsRT apps at all, most of my activity is still on the desktop using traditional WindowsNT applications. I think saying by 2020 only 10% will still be using WindowsNT is a little optimistic, but I guess only time will tell!
I think any kind of technological change must be done so at a slow pace. The public has to adapt and accept the change before companies have the chance to push out something drastically different.
I don’t believe the general public feels the need to switch as often as they use to when it comes to technology. Think about it, the majority of the population are not large power users. This is why tablets and mobile devices have become so popular. Most people only need their computers to do basic functions such as: general web browsing, checking social media and utilizing Microsoft Office functions. These tasks don’t require an absurd amount of power. There was a time in the late 90s and early 2000s that your computer would be obsolete the day you bought it, but that is no longer the case.
I am extremely happy with Windows 7. I feel Windows 8 is a waste of money if wanting to upgrade. It’s mainly meant for tablets and touch screen pcs. I stick with something that works and for me Windows 7 works, it was a huge difference from XP. However this doesn’t seem like it beats Windows 7.
I can relate totally. I’m also quite happy with Windows 7. i have an HP laptop that’s almost 5 years old that uses Windows 7 Home Premium. In all that time, it has crashed on me maybe three or for times. This is actually the longest I’ve ever had a laptop computer and Windows 7 has given me the least problems.
In contrast, my previous HP laptop with Windows Vista crashed virtually every week and finally expired completely after just a couple of years.
So I’m not in any rush to upgrade to Windows 8. When I need a new laptop, I’ll then decide. Just as those who still use XP — who knows? — I might seek out another Windows 7. Haven’t decided yet.
I think Windows 8 is a huge shift just in the way it looks and runs. I’m still using Windows 7 – I’m in no hurry to try Windows 8.
I’ve tried Windows 8 and I’m not impressed. I have heard about people raving it but with other choices being available, it hasn’t really won me over. I’ve been using Ubuntu for maybe 3 years now and I like it. If I want to use Windows-only programs or play games, I’d use my sister’s Windows 7 desktop.
As for other platforms, the only reason I entirely switched to mobile devices is that the programs I’m using are optimized for the desktop. I’m going to wait for mobile technology to get more powerful before I can form a definite decision on which platform I’d stick with.
Windows is just going with the current flow of technology, but, please don’t throw away desktop computers. I still feel the need to use them though we’re starting to live in a world where you wouldn’t be holding your device anymore; just takes command from your voice or thoughts. Windows 8 isn’t a major shift,it’s just a branch.
The good thing about it is people are not restricted to Windows 8. I’ve used Ubuntu Linux and it works wonderfully as a desktop OS. The latest Ubuntu shouldn’t feel too alien to Windows users, easy to use and best of all, very customizable.
I downloaded a free trial of Windows 8 to my laptop and then almost immediately removed it. Because Windows 8 has been designed for touch screen tablet use, every single function seems to require a huge amount of mouse movement when working with the operating system stationed at a desktop. I can see the operating system causing desktop users to develop sore wrists pretty quickly.
RIP winNT I guess. Of course many people still run on windows XP. I am planning too fresh install on an old desktop just to have one running.
Windows 8 is not too popular in my circles. Most people go with Apple or are still on Windows 7. And boy do I agree that people will just run on tablets in the future. Even laptops are soon to be obsolete.
I got a new laptop that has windows 8 as default some months ago and I’m so loving it. Although, I’m not a kind of person that rushes to embrace new technology. But, since it came on my new laptop as default, I’d no choice but to accept and like it. I’ve been using majorly the windowsNT apps and some of the RT apps. I must confess that I’ve ran and still run into errors due to compatibility issues, but as time goes on the issues would be reduced.
BTW, I still run windows XP on my desktop which I’m not going to be changing in any time soon.
I truly dislike windows 8 because it is meant to be used with a tablet or a touch screen device. I hope that Windows can provide updates on it to make it a lot less buggy and non touch screen compatible.
True, I mean, this time they don’t even thought about what they’re doing. They just went mad. They didn’t cared about the one that don’t have touchscreen. I really hope the next windows is like all the classic windows.
Not a fan! My sister’s and my mother’s computer run on Windows 8, but I was the one who first worked with them (adding an antivirus and so on…) and when I turned it for a first time I was all O.o
I don’t like it. It took my some time to find my way through and even now I still don’t like it. I miss the Start button, and I the whole thing just doesn’t feel comfortable. Well, good thing is that for now I am sticking with my good old Windows 7!
For a long time, I had not done anything with Windows 8. It wasn’t because I didn’t like it, but I did not need it. I have been using a Windows XP desktop for the past 7 or so years and haven’t needed to upgrade. Now, however, I feel that I do need to.
I won’t with a desktop, though. I’m upgrading via a Windows 8 tablet, and am hoping that with a keyboard and proper peripherals, it can replace my desktop, as I’m having issues with it.
I am also not a fan of windows 8. It tried to simplify things but it just made them more cumbersome. The program navigation is awkward. I’m not sure if I love or hate motioning my mouse to the lower right corner to turn off the pc or put it to sleep. It just feels like there were so many unnecessary changes with windows 8.
We don’t have a touchscreen for our PC and even if we do, I don’t think it would be very useful. I have cats who like rubbing against the screen and they already disrupt my work time by landing on the keyboard. No, I don’t want to be griefed by my cats more so I’ll stick with the Windows 7 on our PC.
I personally like Windows 8 a lot. The operating system is fast, has built-in protection (Windows Defender + Windows Firewall), boots up faster, and is stable. I am not a fan of the ‘Modern’ interface tiles, but I don’t mind them. In fact, I have used an app called OblyTile and pinned all my games into the Start screen and now my game library looks great.
I love windows 8. My laptop came with it already installed. It has great features and very organized.
I’m not a huge fan of Windows 8. It’s been particularly ill-received in the more technical end of the userbase, and I can sort of see why. Its “look and feel” is very tablet-like, as though Microsoft are attempting to move into the touch market.
In addition, it’s a very in-your-face sort of system. Personally, I like being able to just not pay attention to the OS’s UI, instead focusing on the programs I’m running. It feels as though Windows 8 doesn’t believe in this philosophy: it wants to be constantly on your mind as you’re using it.
You also gotta wonder what this means for the Desktop PC in general. If the majority of the userbase shifts towards more “touchy” interfaces, at what point will it just abandon the desktop in general, and move towards tablets? Makes me wonder if the general use (email, chatting, social media) PC is in decline.
Personally, I don’t like the colors and theme of the Windows 8 as it is very straining to my eyes. And for one, the missing start button has always been an issue for me although I know some shortcuts for this. Good thing they brought it back in the new Windows 10. Will be waiting for your article in that new launch of Windows.
I’ve toyed around with Windows 8 quite a lot, and I can say that initially, it has a steep learning curve with the new Start screen, but after you get used to that, you basically have what is Windows 7. It isn’t hard to get used to it, and the new start screen behaves pretty similar to what the Windows 7 start menu does. Press the start button and start typing to search for stuff. Scroll through to see pinned apps and all. Charms, however, I can say kinda sucks, but with Windows 8.1, Charms isn’t needed to shutdown/logoff. You can just right click on the start button and you’ll get a context menu for it.
I’ve been using Windows computers all my life and there is still no way I’d give them up over this major change they’ve made to their CPUs. Let’s also face it, people will get over the modification sooner or later and get on with the current times and the current programming model. And do away with desktops? I don’t see a majority of people ever doing that either, especially for the purpose of gaming and conducting other high performance tasks desktops can perform over a smartphone or tablet.
I like that we can quickly recognize what operating system is being used just by looking at the tiles and the color scheme. I don’t understand how is WinNT era ending and WinRT era is only just beginning. but based on conversations I have with other users of Windows, they actually like the changes they are experiencing with Windows 7 and 8. I like that Windows 7 and 8 can quickly detect problems and provide solutions to them. With options, too.
I believe that too many companies are attempting to jump on the “minimalistic” design. It is getting old quite frankly. Although I will be getting Windows 8, I feel like they should take into consideration function over appearance.