As much as I
hate don't like Microsoft, I have to admit that, so far, I like the performance of Windows 8. I have been using the new OS for almost three weeks now and it was able to run all my programs with minimal issues and impressive performance. The only "major" problem that I had was installing and running Diablo 3. I was able to fix it by running the installer and the game in Windows XP compatibility mode:
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| Diablo 3 Compatibility Settings |
Here are some screenshots of the game:
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| Game Launcher (with some portion of our pre-nup pictures in the background!) |
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| My Level 52 Demon Hunter |
The "dual personality" issue is, surprisingly, really not a biggie. I was able to use my laptop comfortably without dwelling too much in Metro/Modern UI. All it takes is one additional click to launch the Desktop UI and I'm back to my familiar and much-loved interface. Even the lack of the Start button and Start Menu was also not a major issue for me. Once I found the "shut down" button (btw, it's in the charms bar, click settings > power), I really had no need for the start menu.
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| There you are! |
Finding a program that is not in my desktop or taskbar is also easy, just click the start key (on your keyboard), or click the lower-left corner of your screen (where the start button/start menu is usually located) to open the Start Screen. Start typing keywords for your program and Windows will search all related applications. Unlike my experience with previous Windows, searching programs in Windows 8 is significantly faster, much like Google Instant (shows results as you type).
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| Searching for Startcraft... |
I haven't really spent much time in Metro/Modern UI simply because there are very few applications that currently support it. Aside from Microsoft's own applications (e.g., Mail, Calendar, Contacts), the only Modern UI app that I have are Google Chrome, TED HD, and ARMED!
The Modern UI Chrome will automatically be installed once you install the desktop/normal version. I installed ARMED! because it is one of the "top games" in the Store, though personally, I really think that it's not a good game. This goes to show how very few apps are currently available for Win8's new interface. I believe (hope) this will improve once the OS is launched commercially this month.
There is, however, one Metro app that I am currently enjoying. This application is none other than... tan-tada-dan... Microsoft's face-lifted Solitaire game!
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| BTW, to close Metro apps, "drag" the app from top to bottom (or simply press alt-F4) |
The download size is quite big (around 150mb) for a "simple" card game. It is, however, technically a "collection" of solitaire games comprising of the familiar Klondlike, Spider Solitaire, FreeCell, Pyramid, and TriPeaks. You can also change the "theme" of your cards which gives your deck a very nice "look and feel".
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| Klondlike with Western Theme |
Note: while writing this blog, I noticed that the "xbox games" application is now working. This app previously shows a "not available in your region" notice. Now, it shows the following games in its "spotlight":
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| Hey, it's working now! |
It seems that the games at the bottom row (from Gears of War 3 to Kinect Sports 2) are exclusive Xbox360 games, while the other apps can be played in Windows 8. I'm going to download Adera (Free - 218mb) and Pinball FX 2 (Free - 124mb) and try them out later.
Note again: I read somewhere that Windows 8 will be released this month without full support from manufacturers (e.g., drivers are not yet fully available). I think I'm quite lucky since everything is working fine with my Asus laptop using the Windows 7 drivers.
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