The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/238379
B-12 The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, January 1, 2014 Tech solutions Are you unhappy with Windows 8? By Scott A. Hartley Technology Columnist Rachel beamed with excitement on Christmas morning when she unwrapped the shiny new laptop her husband, John, purchased for her as a gift. The box boasted a large hard drive, plenty of memory, and a fast processor – all of which would allow Rachel to surf the Internet at lightning speed, edit her family photos with ease, and type letters and emails to all her family and friends. John and Rachel's current computer was ancient – at least in technological years. Their six-year-old desktop had the Windows XP operating system and operated very slowly. Rachel could literally turn it on and call and talk to a friend for 20 minutes before it was ready to use. Then when she opened the web browser, it seemed like an eternity before a page would fully load. This new laptop would make life so much easier! Later Christmas Day, when Rachel sat down to play with her new toy, she was completely confused. How in the world do I use this thing? She muttered to herself as she clicked and pressed buttons. NOTHING looked familiar. If you purchased or received a new computer recently, chances are you're just as confused as Rachel in how to use it. What used to be simple, easy-to-do tasks, are now more complicated because you can't figure out HOW you're supposed to do what you want to do. • A steep learning curve. Tasks that took you two clicks of the mouse to do on Windows 7 will take you longer to do. It will require HOURS for you to figure out how to perform simple tasks. • Compatibility issues. W hile most new hardware and software will work with Windows 8, most older and some relatively newer ones will not. This could mean additional money you have to spend. Just to be clear, I'm not opposed to change. I believe change is good in many areas of life. However, Microsoft really screwed up when they totally redesigned the Windows 8 operating system because all of us had grown to be expert users of a common interface over the last 10 to 20 years. But there is hope! While you may be tempted to hurl your new computer out your car window as you speed down the highway, some modifications can be made to your new computer to make it more userfriendly, more familiar, and easier to use. Over the past four months, my staff has thoroughly researched and tested Windows 8 to discover the most common headaches and problems people experience in using it. Then they have developed a set of tweaks that solve those problems and make your Windows 8 computWelcome to er MUCH easier to use, inWindows 8! cluding: • Remove the ugly SeatRegular readers of this column have heard me warn tle start-up screen that does of all the bad things about nothing but require an extra mouse-click before you Windows 8: • No more start button. can do anything with your The classic user interface computer • Bring back the Start you've been used to in Windows XP, Vista and 7 is gone button and programs menu to easily access your pro(or at least hidden). grams • Allow the ability to have multiple windows open so you can easily work in or view more than one program at a time • Easily access and perform system maintenance tasks • Bring back the familiar desktop and icons to easily open commonly-used programs All of these tweaks can be done on your own if you want to spend countless hours researching, testing and figuring out the bugs. But we've done all the "heavy lifting" and can make using your Windows 8 computer a more enjoyable experience. If you're tired of being frustrated using your new computer, I invite you to call our office at (812) 386-8919 and ask about our Make My Windows 8 Easy-To-Use! Service. Scott Hartley is the President/CEO of Calibre Computer Solutions in Princeton. For more computer tips, information, and free software tools, check out our website at http://www.calibreforhome.com. • NOTICE • At this time, Petersburg Moose Lodge #1617 is cancelling Monday Night Bingo. We wish to thank our patrons for your support. This is effective as of Jan. 6, 2014. ##1617 Moose Lodge 354-9480 TUESDAY JANUARY 14, 2014 FROM 2PM-7PM BLOOD DRIVE Immanuel Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 295 West Main St. • Petersburg, IN All blood types are needed. Each donation can help save 3 lives!!! Celebrate the new year. Give blood today. 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