Classic Shell for Windows 8
Oct 7, 2013 16:13:35 #
Does anyone have any comments on the free "Classic Shell" for Windows 8 program that makes the Windows 8 start menu look and work like the on in Windows 7?
Oct 7, 2013 16:22:50 #
I have used it for several months now. If it weren't for the Classic Shell upgrade I wouldn't use Windows 8 at all.
Oct 7, 2013 16:32:23 #
My wife has been using it since January this year. Haven't heard a complaint at all. She uses her laptop all the time for work.
I do not like using her laptop, I like Win 8 on mine.
Both our desktops are Win 7.
I do not like using her laptop, I like Win 8 on mine.
Both our desktops are Win 7.
Oct 7, 2013 21:55:59 #
Totally hated the interface for windows 8. I couldn't find anything. Took the computer back to the place I bought it and asked for my money back. Instead they installed the Classic Shell and now I'm happy....despite the fact that you click on the "Start" button to turn it off. (Never did understand the logic of that move!) Win8 is very stable.
Personally, I think Microsoft stumbled on this one. They were expecting people would get used to it. Instead, I know of no one who has Win8 that hasn't installed the classic shell and I know of no one who has either a windows tablet or phone. The idea was to have a common interface across devices.
Personally, I think Microsoft stumbled on this one. They were expecting people would get used to it. Instead, I know of no one who has Win8 that hasn't installed the classic shell and I know of no one who has either a windows tablet or phone. The idea was to have a common interface across devices.
Oct 8, 2013 09:01:45 #
i have been using windows 8 since it started. It is a solid operating system... pain to close... like all changes... you need to change your method of operation... it will get better with 8.1 coming out later this month.
Oct 8, 2013 09:44:02 #
Thanks for all of the replies! Big help. I had trouble closing as well. Couldn't find anything is a "Windows Made Easy" book nor on the internet. The tutorial videos were either too simple or hard to understand, depending on the topic. Any recommendations on a tutorial you have found to be helpful?
soda
soda
texased42 wrote:
i have been using windows 8 since it started. It is a solid operating system... pain to close... like all changes... you need to change your method of operation... it will get better with 8.1 coming out later this month.
Oct 8, 2013 10:53:09 #
MT Shooter wrote:
I have used it for several months now. If it weren't for the Classic Shell upgrade I wouldn't use Windows 8 at all.
How much does Classic Shell upgrade cost? Where do you get it?
Oct 8, 2013 14:36:04 #
Heard a rumor today that Win 8.1 is due any day and will have a Win 7 type start menu option. Anyone else hear or know anything about this?
Oct 9, 2013 04:22:05 #
I have been using it for weeks now, it's quite good. I have been using W8 since day one so I have got used it it now. Personally I think most camera controls are far more complicated than using Windows 8. I suppose if you have spent a lot of money on a camera the incentive is there to make it work.
Oct 9, 2013 11:08:29 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
sodapop wrote:
Does anyone have any comments on the free "Classic Shell" for Windows 8 program that makes the Windows 8 start menu look and work like the on in Windows 7?
I've been using Classic Shell for several months on two Windows 8 desktops. Makes Windows 8 look and work almost like Windows 7. Hard to tell the difference. The option to boot directly to the desktop is not on by default. You must set it yourself.
Oct 9, 2013 11:15:38 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
sodapop wrote:
Heard a rumor today that Win 8.1 is due any day and will have a Win 7 type start menu option. Anyone else hear or know anything about this?
Windows 8.1 will be available later this month. There will be a Start button available in the desktop and there is an option( although somewhat buried) to boot directly to the desktop. However, the start button will open a Windows 8 Metro style start menu window rather than the Windows 7 style menu. It remains to be seen how well it will be accepted.
Oct 9, 2013 11:20:17 #
Good Morning,
My understanding is the Windows 8.1 start menu they are adding back in is not fully functional in style of the old start menu from Win 7 and will drop you back in the Metro menu system, however my information maybe incorrect. I would seriously entertain the idea of using the classic shell.
Another alternative is http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/. It is only $5 and gives me a functioning start menu with good control. I find that I have forgotten how to use metro because I stay in and boot to the desk top 100% of the time.
My understanding is the Windows 8.1 start menu they are adding back in is not fully functional in style of the old start menu from Win 7 and will drop you back in the Metro menu system, however my information maybe incorrect. I would seriously entertain the idea of using the classic shell.
Another alternative is http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/. It is only $5 and gives me a functioning start menu with good control. I find that I have forgotten how to use metro because I stay in and boot to the desk top 100% of the time.
Oct 9, 2013 12:56:32 #
A couple thoughts for those just learning . .
Tiles=Apps=Desktop Icons=Shortcuts. Programs, folders, etc can all be 'pinned' there (or removed). Make it your own.
You still move the mouse cursor to the corners like you did in Win 7 or XP, but it will cause confusion at first, the function is hidden and different. It is a change in muscle and mental memory. Take some time and just 'bop' to the corners for awhile.
The 'start' menu is still bottom left, hidden and opens to a whole page not just a small dialog box.
To 'Search' just start typing when in the Metro/Start (Search) screen. It is now divided into Apps/Settings/Files (upper right).
Just start typing your password when the welcome screen shows up when starting the computer. No need to click to the password screen.
To turn off go to lower/upper right corner.
There are plenty of tips and trick websites. Check them out to greatly shorten the learning curve.
Tiles=Apps=Desktop Icons=Shortcuts. Programs, folders, etc can all be 'pinned' there (or removed). Make it your own.
You still move the mouse cursor to the corners like you did in Win 7 or XP, but it will cause confusion at first, the function is hidden and different. It is a change in muscle and mental memory. Take some time and just 'bop' to the corners for awhile.
The 'start' menu is still bottom left, hidden and opens to a whole page not just a small dialog box.
To 'Search' just start typing when in the Metro/Start (Search) screen. It is now divided into Apps/Settings/Files (upper right).
Just start typing your password when the welcome screen shows up when starting the computer. No need to click to the password screen.
To turn off go to lower/upper right corner.
There are plenty of tips and trick websites. Check them out to greatly shorten the learning curve.
Jan 5, 2014 15:14:56 #
I have another question re Classic Shell. When installing it will it remove all of my current desktop icons or will it be necessary to reinstall them?
Thanks for any help
soda
Thanks for any help
soda
Jan 5, 2014 15:38:23 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
sodapop wrote:
I have another question re Classic Shell. When installing it will it remove all of my current desktop icons or will it be necessary to reinstall them?
Thanks for any help
soda
Thanks for any help
soda
I assume you are talking about installing it on Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. In either case, it will have no effect on any desktop icons. It will not change anything in any way other than presenting you with a Windows 7 style start menu on your desktop which is fully configurable in the settings. Everything else on your desktop will stay exactly the same. One of the available options in the tabbed settings window is to skip the metro screen on boot up and go directly to the desktop. You can even disable the Windows 8 active corners on the left side since they can be an annoyance when you use a Windows 7 style start menu.
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