**My Experience with Windows 8: A Breath of Fresh Air**
I must correct the common misconception that I dislike Windows 8. In fact, I find it to be a breath of fresh air, especially for tech-savvy individuals like myself who are willing to explore and customize their operating system. The user interface is sleek and modern, and I enjoy how things work for the most part. Of course, there are always areas where Microsoft could improve, but overall, I think Windows 8 is a solid product that has been unfairly maligned by many users.
**The Lack of a Start Button**
One feature that really got to me was the lack of a traditional start button in Windows 8. I know this one feature alone might seem like a minor thing to some people, but for those who are used to the familiar interface of earlier Windows versions, it's a major letdown. I remember how much I missed seeing the old start menu, and I couldn't help but feel that Microsoft had taken a step back with its decision to remove this iconic element from the operating system. However, as I continued to explore Windows 8, I began to appreciate the flexibility of the new start screen and the option to use it or revert to the traditional start menu.
**Using Alternatives to Replace the Start Button**
As I delved deeper into Windows 8, I discovered that there are several third-party programs available that can help replicate the feel of a traditional start button. These alternatives range from simple plugins to full-fledged applications that offer a range of customization options. One such program that caught my eye was called "Start Menu 8," which allows users to switch between the Windows 8 start screen and the traditional start menu with ease. Another popular alternative is "Windows 7 Start Button," which offers a similar interface to the old start menu, complete with a search box and user shortcuts.
**The Good and the Bad of the Start Screen**
While I did enjoy using the new start screen, there were moments when I felt like it wasn't intuitive enough for my needs. As someone who uses Windows 8 on a desktop, I found that navigating to different apps and windows required some getting used to. However, I was thrilled to see how well Netflix and other popular apps played in full screen mode, as well as the integration of social media widgets like Facebook and weather forecasts. These features made me appreciate the modern design language of Windows 8 and its focus on accessibility.
**My Thoughts on Microsoft's Leap**
I have to give credit where credit is due – Microsoft took a huge risk by abandoning traditional interface elements like the start button in favor of something new and innovative. While it wasn't always easy for me to adjust, I appreciate the company's willingness to take a chance and push the boundaries of what we expect from an operating system. Service Pack 1 may bring some changes that would make the start menu more accessible, but I wouldn't hold my breath – Microsoft is known for being cautious, and it takes time for them to fine-tune their new features.
**A Happy Mac User**
As a user who has switched to macOS, I must admit that I'm not planning on going back to Windows anytime soon. Apple's approach to innovation feels more measured and thoughtful to me, and I appreciate the way they've incorporated iOS features into OS X without disrupting the traditional interface. However, my experience with Windows 8 has been enlightening, and I believe that Microsoft is taking a solid step forward by embracing change and trying new things.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, my experience with Windows 8 was more positive than I expected. While there are certainly areas where it could be improved, I appreciate the modern design language and the flexibility of the start screen. If you're a tech-savvy individual looking for a new operating system to try, I would definitely recommend exploring Windows 8. And who knows – with Service Pack 1 on the horizon, maybe we'll see some changes that will make it even more appealing to users like me.
**Free Audiobook Giveaway**
If you're interested in learning more about Paul Allen and the history of Microsoft, be sure to check out "Paul Allen: Idea Man," a free audiobook available through Audiobooks.com. With an audible trial account, you can access this book and many others for free, with no commitment required. Just click on the link below and start listening!
"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enhey guys this David Franco from geop.com as well as geop.com forums I'm very proud to say that we recently surpassed 500 members that's pretty cool and there are posts just about every day I think that's a very good thing so if you're looking for more Tech conversations discussions all that good stuff be sure to head on over to geop.com fors and sign up link is right below now while the heck am I talking about gearbot forums well one cuz I'm proud of them and two I saw a bunch of windows8 topics over there and got me thinking I haven't really created another video about Windows 8 in probably a couple weeks now for those not aware I did recently get a free PC which I'm very fortunate for U that I installed Windows 8 on which I did bu myself it was I forget how much I got it for it was like $49 39 I'm not totally sure but I do know this Windows 8 now costs at least $119 for a new copy that's kind of crazy in my opinion I'm not sure why Microsoft is charging so much I think they should really dropped the price considering what I'm going to talk about in today's video all right so let's jump right into the topic what do I think of Windows 8 and honestly most of you guys well not most of you a good portion of you probably think I'm going to diss Windows 8 and that I hate it no that couldn't be more like further from the truth I mean I actually like Windows 8 very much it's a breath of fresh air I enjoy the user interface I enjoy how things work for the most part and guys overall I think it's a solid product it's really not that bad for techies like myself I should say for people who are willing to go out of their way and download plugins or applications programs extensions whatever you want to call them to better improve my Windows 8 experience because I have to be honest I was really really let down and yes I knew this going in obviously I was really let down by the fact that there is no real Windows 8 start button Microsoft what are you thinking you need to put the windows 8 start button SL start menu back where it was in Windows 7 I'm telling you this one feature alone is going to turn so many people away now again I do have to really put this into people's minds for people like myself and Geeks watching this video right now this isn't a huge deal the only thing we have to do is go to Google type in Windows 8 start menu Alternatives or whatever you want to call it and download any programs that appeal to your liking I mean that's what I did I found two programs that I really like um one of them I eventually deleted because I found another one thanks to someone on Twitter I forget who it was but I will put both those product names right below and yes they are free what this does is it basically just puts a Windows 7es uh start menu back where it was in previous versions of windows but in well Windows 8 and yes what's really awesome about this is it gives you the option of using the Windows 8 start menu or the brand new Windows 8 start screen because guys I got to say the Windows 8 start screen is really nice I really did did enjoy it very much but you got to keep in mind I'm using it on a desktop so the user experience wasn't intuitive I guess you could say and I would really enjoy to use it on a tablet such as a surface or the Surface Pro but for what it is and for what I'm using right now it's really not that bad I mean it was really cool seeing Netflix in full screen um form and my mail application which does support Gmail not just a Microsoft account which is really nice and it was really cool seeing like my weather widgets my Facebook widgets on my home screen I mean that I did enjoy very much however going beyond that in into the desktop view for the first time it killed me a little bit inside I really really missed seeing that Windows 8 start button I understand Microsoft is taking a huge leap right here and trust me I give them full credit for taking chances I fully re fully recommend that makes sense I fully support any company that takes a huge risk like Microsoft is doing but I honestly do think they had to step back a little bit look at what they're doing and make some changes now yes service pack one I believe is coming up soon so perhaps I could Implement a start uh menu again I'm not really counting on it so don't hold your breath but we can hope but then again I'm a very happy Mac User and I don't see myself switching back to Windows anytime soon I'm not saying that in a fanboy way it's the truth I switched away from Windows for a reason I was looking for a new uh type of experience and honestly I think Apple's taking a smarter approach and slowly implementing iOS features into OS 10 but it still looks like OS 10 in the process in my opinion that's the best way to go however guys with that said I really do enjoy Windows 8 for what it is and I give Microsoft major props for trying something new I mean that's not easy it's just I really do hope they pull it off all right guys to stay on topic with today's discussion on Microsoft I know this isn't an asking question video but I do want to give away free audio book go to Audi trial.com thecreative one and check this out it's called Paul Allen idea man it's all about the co-founder Microsoft how Windows was brought up to the where you know to the uh point of is today and all that good stuff so so if you like technology and you like free audio books why not check it out audible trial.com thetive one click that link copy and paste this title into a little search bar and this book is yours to keep forever and yes I am rushing because my T4 eyes batter is flashing guys thank you so much for watching let me know your thoughts on Windows day below I'm always interested in getting a good discussion going and I'll see you in my next video which I promise to talk slower in maybe peacehey guys this David Franco from geop.com as well as geop.com forums I'm very proud to say that we recently surpassed 500 members that's pretty cool and there are posts just about every day I think that's a very good thing so if you're looking for more Tech conversations discussions all that good stuff be sure to head on over to geop.com fors and sign up link is right below now while the heck am I talking about gearbot forums well one cuz I'm proud of them and two I saw a bunch of windows8 topics over there and got me thinking I haven't really created another video about Windows 8 in probably a couple weeks now for those not aware I did recently get a free PC which I'm very fortunate for U that I installed Windows 8 on which I did bu myself it was I forget how much I got it for it was like $49 39 I'm not totally sure but I do know this Windows 8 now costs at least $119 for a new copy that's kind of crazy in my opinion I'm not sure why Microsoft is charging so much I think they should really dropped the price considering what I'm going to talk about in today's video all right so let's jump right into the topic what do I think of Windows 8 and honestly most of you guys well not most of you a good portion of you probably think I'm going to diss Windows 8 and that I hate it no that couldn't be more like further from the truth I mean I actually like Windows 8 very much it's a breath of fresh air I enjoy the user interface I enjoy how things work for the most part and guys overall I think it's a solid product it's really not that bad for techies like myself I should say for people who are willing to go out of their way and download plugins or applications programs extensions whatever you want to call them to better improve my Windows 8 experience because I have to be honest I was really really let down and yes I knew this going in obviously I was really let down by the fact that there is no real Windows 8 start button Microsoft what are you thinking you need to put the windows 8 start button SL start menu back where it was in Windows 7 I'm telling you this one feature alone is going to turn so many people away now again I do have to really put this into people's minds for people like myself and Geeks watching this video right now this isn't a huge deal the only thing we have to do is go to Google type in Windows 8 start menu Alternatives or whatever you want to call it and download any programs that appeal to your liking I mean that's what I did I found two programs that I really like um one of them I eventually deleted because I found another one thanks to someone on Twitter I forget who it was but I will put both those product names right below and yes they are free what this does is it basically just puts a Windows 7es uh start menu back where it was in previous versions of windows but in well Windows 8 and yes what's really awesome about this is it gives you the option of using the Windows 8 start menu or the brand new Windows 8 start screen because guys I got to say the Windows 8 start screen is really nice I really did did enjoy it very much but you got to keep in mind I'm using it on a desktop so the user experience wasn't intuitive I guess you could say and I would really enjoy to use it on a tablet such as a surface or the Surface Pro but for what it is and for what I'm using right now it's really not that bad I mean it was really cool seeing Netflix in full screen um form and my mail application which does support Gmail not just a Microsoft account which is really nice and it was really cool seeing like my weather widgets my Facebook widgets on my home screen I mean that I did enjoy very much however going beyond that in into the desktop view for the first time it killed me a little bit inside I really really missed seeing that Windows 8 start button I understand Microsoft is taking a huge leap right here and trust me I give them full credit for taking chances I fully re fully recommend that makes sense I fully support any company that takes a huge risk like Microsoft is doing but I honestly do think they had to step back a little bit look at what they're doing and make some changes now yes service pack one I believe is coming up soon so perhaps I could Implement a start uh menu again I'm not really counting on it so don't hold your breath but we can hope but then again I'm a very happy Mac User and I don't see myself switching back to Windows anytime soon I'm not saying that in a fanboy way it's the truth I switched away from Windows for a reason I was looking for a new uh type of experience and honestly I think Apple's taking a smarter approach and slowly implementing iOS features into OS 10 but it still looks like OS 10 in the process in my opinion that's the best way to go however guys with that said I really do enjoy Windows 8 for what it is and I give Microsoft major props for trying something new I mean that's not easy it's just I really do hope they pull it off all right guys to stay on topic with today's discussion on Microsoft I know this isn't an asking question video but I do want to give away free audio book go to Audi trial.com thecreative one and check this out it's called Paul Allen idea man it's all about the co-founder Microsoft how Windows was brought up to the where you know to the uh point of is today and all that good stuff so so if you like technology and you like free audio books why not check it out audible trial.com thetive one click that link copy and paste this title into a little search bar and this book is yours to keep forever and yes I am rushing because my T4 eyes batter is flashing guys thank you so much for watching let me know your thoughts on Windows day below I'm always interested in getting a good discussion going and I'll see you in my next video which I promise to talk slower in maybe peace\n"
