I didn't like the "in your face" Metro Interface of the Developers Preview, but since installing the Consumers Preview.....

Have been playing around with installing/uninstalling various programs & so far, haven't come across any problems (yet )

Metro Interface


Desktop


Win Explorer with new addition


Start


Anyone else tried it?

Not yet but if I can find a clean version to test - I can probably sacrifice a box to play with it.
How long have you been trying it Sirius?

About a week, been concentrating more on server "8". There was too much "fury" with the Developers Preview which surprised me as the title states it all.

If you try it, go here for the product key... Win 8 FAQ

I know it's only a beta but I'm hoping they clarify one problem by the next release. On opening any app, cannot see any way of closing it atm...

Thanks Sirius - downloading it this morning - hopefully get a rig loaded with it and then see how BOINC runs on it!

Boinc runs just fine (albeit only in protected mode). There is a way to run it as a normal user which is well covered in the boinc & win 8 thread over at S@H.

I didn't fancy going that route so installed as protected with no problem experienced.

I have been experiencing many problems with server "8" so am holding off testing that until I get those issues resolved, so I've been using win 8 CP more.

At this moment in time, I have WHS shutdown & have Win 8 attached to workarea with my workstation using a kvm, & so far, asides from the Metro interface, I cannot jusitfy my customers upgrading from Win 7.

There is supposed to be an increase in boot up times, but unless I'm doing something wrong, I can't see it. In fact it loads up a hell of a lot slower than Win 7.

Saying all that, I like it & think it'll take a little while to get used to the Metro & how/where MS has moved regular features to.

One advantage to me is that it is supposed to be released in Oct 2012 & if it runs true to form as Win 7 did, I'll get my 11 copies in July(MAPS), so I'll probably install it on one system at least (I don't think at this time, I'll be upgrading network as fast as I did with Win 7 - need a lot more playing around with it until I'm satisfied).

Already found one serious issue & posted on MS CP forum - Snipping Tool works ok in Metro, but in desktop it snips but does not give you the save option. As & when any other issues pop up, I'll post here as well.

Spot the difference (asides from the icons )

Win 7


Win 8


From the many comments on various threads in the MS CP Forum, it seems that many are having problems creating shortcuts on the desktop & have provided some "???" answers. One of which was to go through the control panel - WTH?

I've been using the same procedure since XP - right click anywhere on the desktop, select new, then either shortcut or folder - seems straight forward to me.

On the installation itself, have found a discrepancy - I used the PK as provided by MS yet Belarc shows a totally different key.

Metro All Apps view



On Metro Start, move mouse to bottom of screen & right click, then click all apps icon.

In case anyone else has a similar problem, go here...

Snipping not working

Currently running method 1

Edit: - Method 1 worked for me. Snipping tool now working ok in both modes.

For those trying out Win 8, here's a free cheat sheet.....

100 Win 8 Keyboard Shortcuts

For those that want the classic Start Menu on Win 8..... Try this, worked great for me.

Revive Classic Start Menu

Microsoft has confirmed the release date of Win 8 as 26th October.