Windows 8 Revisited by punto G
For those of us who have had an opportunity to use Windows 8, I’m sure we can agree that our primary sentiment is overwhelmingly, frustration. But, if you can hold out for a couple of months, serious relief from Microsoft is on the way. As I wrote in an earlier article, Windows 8 suffers from an identity crisis. Since it is designed for both the tablet/mobile environment as well as the PC/Desktop environment, it leaves most users confused as to how to do something as simple as turn their devices off. In my personal opinion, I don’t consider the operating system a flop per se, because it’s actually pretty smart – especially if you have touch capabilities built into your device.
Furthermore, simply by its design it’s much more secure than Windows 7. The problem is the learning curve required in order to feel comfortable using the new Operating System's interface. As a forward-thinking computer professional, I totally understand and agree with where Microsoft was trying to go, because the future of computing is undoubtedly headed towards touch and voice being the primary means of interacting with our electronic toys. However, Microsoft’s assumption that the new interface would be warmly embraced by the general public has proven to be a very wrong-minded assumption indeed!
Therefore, in response to the outcry of resistance to the new Modern (Metro) interface, sometime before the end of August, Microsoft will release a revamped version of Windows 8 to be named Windows 8.1. This major update will see a return of the popular Start Button (but not the Start Menu), as well as the beloved desktop environment which has been around since the mid 1990’s. In the meantime, if you are the proud owner of a new Windows 8 computer and simply cannot wait two to three months to get your Start button back, there are third party applications which will kindly do the trick for you, such as the $4.99 Start8 or the free ClassicShelll. Keep in mind though, being third party programs, they are not supported by Microsoft in any way.
In the meantime, if you are unsuccessful with trying to navigate through the new Windows 8 environment, Punto G is here for you. Just call or stop by to make an appointment for a Windows 8 class, or to take a look at some of the cool new toys we have in stock. You can reach me, Vera at 6911.8760. Also, you can call the store directly at 345.3877. In case you didn’t know, Punto G stocks unique products – many of which can’t be found elsewhere – such as laptops with English keyboards and Operating Systems, commercial-grade wifi range extenders, premium bluetooth headsets, and kick-ass bluetooth speakers. Additionally, we routinely repair whatever damage other self-proclaimed “computer techs” may have caused because we are the only licensed computer repair shop in the area. Collectively, we have over five decades, as compared to a few months, of experience.
Don’t forget to stop by on Saturday, 18 May between 1p.m. and 4p.m. during our Grand Re-Opening in our new location between Asados Del Campo and California Burger. Free Champagne and some great food from Café Coronado will be served!!! Look for the big sign that says “Coronado Computer Whisperer.” Hope to see you on Saturday.
