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The Trouble with Gerrold: Let’s fix Windows

By David Gerrold

January 1, 2013 — (Page 1 of 3)
Apparently, Windows 8 is failing the Vista test. Let’s recap:

Vista was a rugged improvement over XP, but a lot of manufacturers did not have drivers ready when it launched, so this created the illusion of a troubled start. And while Vista had a lot of significant under-the-hood improvements, customers didn’t see anything in the front end to justify the upgrade.

Windows 7 was built on the Vista kernel. It addressed most of Vista’s issues, and it offered useful and compelling improvements to the user interface. Users fell in love with it, and the public perception hardened that Vista had been a flop.

Now, here comes Windows 8. It’s a rugged operating system, and it’s supposed to provide consistency across a wide variety of platforms. It is intended to generate some serious competition to the iPad’s dominance of the tablet market.

But there’s little in it for those who use keyboards and mice. Those users are still a majority of the PC market, and they see the lack of integration between the tile interface and the desktop as a stumbling block. So the widening perception of Windows 8 is that it’s another Vista.

Call it the “Star Trek” phenomenon. According to the fans, only the even-numbered “Star Trek” movies are any good. The odd-numbered ones are dreadful. Microsoft does it the other way around. The even-numbered releases of Windows are frustrating; the odd-numbered releases are worth the upgrade.

Redmond-watchers say that Windows 8 is a (necessary) stepping stone toward the next iteration. Windows 9 will be the operating system that finally pulls it all together. The user community is giving Windows 8 mixed reviews. Some like it, some don’t. Some say they’ll wait for Windows 9. Others are even more taciturn, saying they see no need to upgrade at all from an operating system that works just fine to one that will certainly require an uncomfortable change in their work habits.

In the meantime, there’s a niche opportunity here. Companies like Stardock are producing products like Start8 to address some of Windows 8’s shortcomings. (Start8 restores the Start button to the desktop, and also provides some customization options.) That Microsoft hasn’t fully addressed the usability issues of the tile interface creates a lot of opportunities for talented programmers to create add-ons and fix-ups.

Related Search Term(s): Windows 8

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Comments

01/07/2013 06:03:24 PM EST

This is definitely the worst assessment of Windows 8 I've ever read. Nothing for keyboard and mouse users? come on.... ribbon in explorer makes tasks easier. Native ISO mounting is also a boon. storage spaces. file history brings shadow copies to the forefront. a revamped task manager that uses heatmaps for rapid visual identification if errant processes. device integration from the modern side of the OS makes Windows 7 Device Stage look laughable by comparison. That's just for starters. Just because your wish list items didn't make the cut doesn't mean you need to perpetuate the myth that there's nothing for desktop users. It's so called technical fellows like yourself that make it break every release of Windows. You are doing your part to put a negative slant on the latest iteration. I feel sorry for anyone who values your opinion.

CanadaMark

01/07/2013 07:47:10 PM EST

For seeing folder sizes, have a look at Directory Opus. It is a windows explorer replacement (if you want it to be), and shows the folder sizes in the same column as file size. It does much more also that makes working with files so much easier. I'm lost without it these days.

AustraliaBrent

01/09/2013 05:45:21 PM EST

In many workplaces, several people share a PC - they have their own logins and such. However, Windows doesn't give each user their own "sandbox" to play in; for instance, the desktop has at least part of it shared. I would like to see every user have a completely separate desktop from every other person's desktop when they log in. That way my preferences won't impact someone else's.

United StatesBecca Putman

01/09/2013 05:46:10 PM EST

Running Win8 on a new Acer touchscreen and the principle problem so far is that either the hardware or the software is loosing the wifi. Really, really tired of having to reestablish contact.

United StatesPam T

01/09/2013 06:26:18 PM EST

You're right about folder sizes; too often I'm calling up the properties window to find out how much stuff is in a folder. Sometimes I want to control some trivial tiny thing which doesn't have a quick menu option on the GUI...but letting users do that would probably involve a CLI, and that's just not done any more. For something both easy and useful, how about multiple desktops, as linux has supported for so many years? People are even used to them on smartphones now; there's no reason for Windows to be stuck in the 1990s.

United StatesScott Sanford

01/09/2013 07:31:34 PM EST

Stop making everything break when OS upgrades. Make it really virus-proof security. Make it reliable enough that we don't need dozens (hundreds) of patches a week. [Hint: the previous OS that Cutler built before Windows had all this over 3 decades ago]

United Statesbob

01/10/2013 02:13:19 AM EST

In comparisons, Windows 8 seems to be slower than Windows 7 to open basic accessories and applications, even with similar processors. It looks to be a memory handling issue, but I am not certain. I would definitely like to see Windows 8 manage its resources at least as well as Windows 7.

United StatesDan Akers

Ballmer announces Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 betas
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer used the CES 2009 spotlight to announce the availability of betas for the upcoming version of Windows. Preview versions of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have been distributed to testers, with general availability coming tomorrow Read More...