Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
Windows 8 may be tempting, but it's nowhere near ready for average consumers. Those who can't resist must assume the worst.
This is a question that I want to head off before damage has been done.
No.
No, you should not give Windows 8 a try.
Or, perhaps I'll put it this way: if you have to ask the question, the answer is no. If you're not sure, the answer is no.
I'll explain why I'm taking such a hard line about Windows 8 at this point in time.
•
Windows 8
As I write this, a Windows 8 "preview" edition has been made available for people to see what's changing in the next version of Windows.
Microsoft's goal in releasing this edition is presumably to get early feedback on proposed changes and there are many changes as Windows 8 appears to be improving its ability to target tablet computers.
I'm also sure that part of the reason for the release is to begin generating buzz about the upcoming version. I'd expect to see more incremental releases as Microsoft continues to ramp up to Windows 8's eventual release.
Why you should stay away from Windows 8 for now
A preview release isn't even a beta release.
In other words, it's going to have problems and it's going to change - possibly in significant ways - before it's formally completed and released.
In other, other words: running Windows 8 today puts everything on your computer at risk of loss. It could have serious security and privacy issues and it could have bugs that would cause significant data loss.
That's not a reflection in any way on Windows 8's eventual quality at release time.
It's the practical reality of one simple fact: Windows 8 isn't finished yet.
It hasn't even reached a stage where Microsoft is comfortable labeling a Beta version and I strongly recommend that you avoid those as well.
Preview and Beta versions aren't meant for daily use and they aren't meant for the average consumer.
Who should try Windows 8?
I believe that the Windows 8 preview release is aimed at two distinct audiences:
-
The press, technology pundits, and people that other people listen to. As I mentioned above, it's about generating buzz for the next version of Windows.
-
Software developers who are working on software that will run on Windows 8 and possibly take advantage of some of its new features. They need to begin writing and testing their applications to make sure that they work and testing Windows 8 itself to make sure that it works.
If you're in one of those two categories - a) you probably wouldn't be asking the question, hence the hard line that I'm taking in this article for everyone else, and b) you'll know how to work with it safely.
If you're not in one of those two categories, you shouldn't be thinking about Windows 8 at this time.
If you can't resist
If you can't contain yourself and absolute must play with this latest version of Windows before it's released, I have only one word of advice:
Backup.
Assume that your machine will crash and that everything on it will be lost.
That's the only safe way to play with pre-release versions of any software, particularly operating systems.
As for me, I'm not going to try. There's enough to do supporting Windows 7 and previous versions that I won't be answering any Windows 8 related issues until much closer to its release.
And I'm not even going to quote current estimates for when that'll be, simply because much like the software itself, it'll change.
Article C4929 - September 14, 2011
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
Sorry Leo but I disagree. I am running Win8 and so are a lot of my friends. None of us have really had any serious problems.
As with any experimental system, you should take some steps to protect yourself. I have imaged all the partitions in my system and update the images periodically.
But if you want to go double safe, Run Win8 in Virtual Box. There are plenty of tutorials on the web that show you how to do that.
That being said, I withhold my final judgement about Win8 until later. Up to now, I find it pretty awkward to operate on a PC. The Metro interface is clearly geared to tablets.
Posted by: whs at September 22, 2011 5:29 AMstumbled accross your comments on win8. I completely agree without even knowing it exists. My experience is that, if the computer didn't come with it, don't upgrade to it. Usualy related to hardware incompatibilities. If the hardware is new enough, still being sold, the vendor might publish updated drivers. Bottom line is that, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Thats all im saying. If you want 8 buy a computer that comes with it. OH NO! I have read stuff to know if this comment will be published. Good idea. Doubt that it will violate any terms but yes!! Good idea!
Ok then. I did try but, ROFLMAO, both links sent me right back to this page. Taking a chance here but, LEO, maybe you should check this out.
http://ask-leo.com/should_i_try_windows_8.html#top
Posted by: Gary Lutz at September 24, 2011 1:34 PMOne could use a virtualization system to safely install and try Windows 8. I would recommend using KVM for Linux, or Xen/VirtualBox to virtualize on Windows.
Posted by: Anonymous Administrator at November 9, 2011 9:14 PMI have installed the new Windows 8 trial on a spare computer that's just laying around, and I must say that I'm really impressed. IE 10 finally has a spell check, and all the gadgets are pretty neat to mess around with. As I sit here and say I'm impressed, I don't think a new operating system was needed already. I have computers with Windows 98, Windows XP, windows Vista, windows 7, and now the trial mode of Windows 8, & Ubuntu. I don't really like Ubuntu at all, but that's another story at another time. Too bad windows 98 is a thing of the past, because it, in my opinion was the best operating system. Long story short, I won't run out and buy it if I'm using an OS I'm happy with. Save your money for sure, and enjoy what you already have.
Posted by: David Trujillo at March 1, 2012 12:45 AMWhen you installed Win 8 on the spare computer, did the touch screen interface work properly with an older model computer.
Posted by: Jerry Noethen at March 13, 2012 9:37 AM