Got a new computer with Windows 8 - it's like landing on a different planet

[johnwash1]

Being not all THAT computer techie, we decided in the end it was best to go to a store where an expert could explain all the techno jargon, pros and cons etc. After all was said and done and tried, we went for another desktop tower computer. The all in ones and touch screen types were really cool, and, although laptops are very handy, we felt we didn't need one as we don't travel about to warrant having one, but in the end it was finances that kept us on the straight and narrow plus (and I keep repeating) we wanted at least 12gb RAM (that should keep us going, speedwise for quite some time).

You were right to reject the all-in-ones (more expensive than a desktop to fix faults) and touch screen ones. Touch is fine on a smartphone or tablet, you're holding it, but touch on a screen at arm's length on your desk is just insane. Your arm will get so tired. I know someone who's recently bought a 30" all-in-one with touch screen, I don't what he was smoking.

12GB of ram? That's a huge amount. If you're editing a lot of video or very high resolution photos I can see the point. Why 12, rather than 8 or 4, (since you mention finances)?

[cheaver]

I have a question about Linux, is it possible to run windows programs on Linux, perhaps by using an emulator?

Yes if you install Wine.

http://www.winehq.org/

But why would you want to when Linux is so good? lol!

[sherlock07]

Yes if you install Wine.

http://www.winehq.org/

But why would you want to when Linux is so good? lol!

Because I have certain specialist programs that only run under windows.

[cheaver]

Because I have certain specialist programs that only run under windows.

ahhhh, I see. That's interesting Sherlock. I haven't missed my Windows OS at all. I've just obliterated XP from lappy & replaced with OpenSuse. (Also got Mint on it).
Tower still has XP (soon to be axed) with Mint & Ubuntu.

[JanetB]

You were right to reject the all-in-ones (more expensive than a desktop to fix faults) and touch screen ones. Touch is fine on a smartphone or tablet, you're holding it, but touch on a screen at arm's length on your desk is just insane. Your arm will get so tired. I know someone who's recently bought a 30" all-in-one with touch screen, I don't what he was smoking.

12GB of ram? That's a huge amount. If you're editing a lot of video or very high resolution photos I can see the point. Why 12, rather than 8 or 4, (since you mention finances)?

Because we wanted to make sure our new computer will last another 8+ years (speed wise) to accommodate all those regular updates which seem to be getting bigger and bigger in mbs. I do use my Photoshop a lot with high resolution photos and a lot of the time I have quite a few windows and programs open at the same time.

[burgyeb]

Tend to hold on to things for as long as possible, so more capability seems a good choice.

[CopperLocker]

Congrats Jewels on the new system. The Mrs and I have been using it for a few months. I thought I wouldn't like it, but I love it. The Mrs installed an app that you can get at the app store for Win 8 that shows the cheats and short cut too. I've also updated to 8.1 and it seems to be pretty stable.

Good luck with the new works

[JanetB]

Congrats Jewels on the new system. The Mrs and I have been using it for a few months. I thought I wouldn't like it, but I love it. The Mrs installed an app that you can get at the app store for Win 8 that shows the cheats and short cut too. I've also updated to 8.1 and it seems to be pretty stable.

Good luck with the new works

Thanks

[johnwash1]

Because I have certain specialist programs that only run under windows.

Check compatibility by looking at http://appdb.winehq.org/

You may be unlucky, for example I use Visual Studio 2008, but Wine is unable to complete its installation, let alone actually run it. But my wife runs both Picasa and 3D Garden Designer DeLuxe by using Wine on Ubuntu Linux, and they're flawless.

You also need to check whether peripherals that are important to you are supported when moving to Linux. For example, it would be frustrating if you had to throw away your printer. But often such peripherals are supported better in Linux than on later versions of Windows!

[eBidSocial]

Most programs now run on ubuntu fine now as its the fastest growing operating system.
Its easy to use, powerful and no need to install drivers or software for your printers etc, it just works.
I just bought a new windows 8 laptop as it was a good deal, got home, and installed ubuntu in place of the windows 8. runs like a dream. i also have 2 older laptops, one with 1gb of ram and one with 2gb that both run ubuntu perfect.
in a recent study, 78% of users found ubuntu easier and better to use than windows 8, hense the reason windows has now lost its majority share in the electronics OS market and dropped below 50% this year.

You can download the ubuntu disc from their website and try using the live DVD without installing to see what you think.
Dean