View Full Version : This new computer and Windows 7.........ACH!!!
Our previous computer was getting very old and limping along. I believe it was Windows XP. Please excuse my ignorance of computer stuff.
Anyhow.......I spend a fair amount of time on the computer. I use it as a reference library for lots of things, take and store lots of pictures, talk to lots of people, etc., etc.
DH transferred everything he could from our old machine to this machine. DANG! It's like being in a huge maze.
It's all so complex. I can hardly get anywhere from here to there.........at least not directly.
Maybe it's worsened by my difficulty reading and learning new things in a traditional manner. Plus, DH is a horrible communicator/teacher. Also, with my ADD, I am so totally overstimulated by all the incoming visual choices.
I am so very frustrated and feel so disabled now, in terms of my getting around in cyberspace.
Anyone else have this trouble/frustration with new systems?
I feel bad for older people who aren't used to computers and are trying to learn this stuff.
Maybe the complexity of the new Windows 7 makes it tons more versatile, but I find it just totally maddening!! :(
From a user perspective, Win 7 isn't that much different from XP, but Win 8....that's another story.
I don't have Windows 8, but I believe there's a way to switch between the new format and the old windows format, if you're not comfortable with the new one.
iris lilies
2-9-15, 11:57am
We've been using Windows 8 for more than a year. It's pretty bad (I.e. Different) We use the shell that acts like Windows 7.
I will retire from work before we have to use Windows 8 at work. Hallelujah.
I would hate to have to use Windows 8 for work where I have to be productive.
I'm pretty sure it's Windows 7 professional. It's awful. It's just so danged busy and complicated. I looked in "computer" then "properties" and came up with it saying the system was Windows 7 professional. Do most people get the "professional" part? Maybe that's the problem.
Even just making a list on Microsoft word is a pain.
It's very frustrating to need this so much and be thrown a curve like this.
I can't imagine that if there isn't much difference between Windows 7 and XP, that I would have this much difficulty.
It's like all of our society today.........just too many choices for everything. Once I learn my way around this I'll probably appreciate it. But for now.........I'd like to take a hammer to it. :0!
See, you should have gotten a Mac ;)--user-friendly after all these years.
I'm pretty sure it's Windows 7 professional. It's awful. It's just so danged busy and complicated. I looked in "computer" then "properties" and came up with it saying the system was Windows 7 professional. Do most people get the "professional" part? Maybe that's the problem.
Even just making a list on Microsoft word is a pain.
For the most part, the 'Professional' designation in Windows 7 just means that it has networking functions not typically included in a 'Home' version. It sounds like your frustration isn't so much with the operating system as it is with a newer version of Microsoft Office. I believe it was version 10 of Office that had enough significant changes to make it seem less intuitive to people accustomed to previous versions. It takes some getting used to.
iris lilies
2-9-15, 12:28pm
I'm pretty sure it's Windows 7 professional. It's awful. It's just so danged busy and complicated. I looked in "computer" then "properties" and came up with it saying the system was Windows 7 professional. Do most people get the "professional" part? Maybe that's the problem.
Even just making a list on Microsoft word is a pain.
It's very frustrating to need this so much and be thrown a curve like this.
I can't imagine that if there isn't much difference between Windows 7 and XP, that I would have this much difficulty.
It's like all of our society today.........just too many choices for everything. Once I learn my way around this I'll probably appreciate it. But for now.........I'd like to take a hammer to it. :0!
No, you won't appreciate it. I don't appreciate the changes because they aren't made for me.
Window 8 is made for touch screens. Hello, I don't use touch screen on my computer. Thank you very much for nothing, Bill Gates.
Truly advanced technology would have exactly the system I need, and no more. At work I could do fine with Word 2003 and Excel from that era, but database tools need to be state of the art (and few others at work give a rip about that.) So, I am Hi-Lo, High need in some areas, Low need in others. The day that technology can address that is the day I'll be dead, anyway, since it's so far into the future.
Oh yeah, and there was the upgrade at work. With that new version of database software, my most efficient workflow slowed by 20% - 30%. This is the workflow that we push everything through because it is the fastest. It's slowed to a crawl. Our IT people tinkered and talked, tinkered and talk. No improvement. My staff were asked to make productivity timings, keep detailed notes and times. It went on and on. We had conference calls with the software company, yadda yadda, no improvement, they said maybe it would be fixed in the next release of the software. Finally, I told my employes: this is the way it is, sorry, we'll have to forget about the good old days when the machine supported efficiency. Poor response time is the new reality.
After nearly a year, someone at the software company figured out it was an internal setting in our system that was switched with the software upgrade, simply an ON button that turned on a function we didn't use. That simple thing slowed my operation down for nearly a year. And stupid chit like that happens all over the country, day in, day out.
My patience for this crap is exhausted, it is gone. I am retiring in a few weeks. Younger people have a whole lot more patience for this, as they should. It is as it should be.
All of that said, The little I-Pad mini I got last month has been a joy to work with. Nothing unexpected or stupid has come up that I couldn't get around with minimal research. Maybe APPLE products ARE better, after all.
You might be on to something Alan. When DH switched computers, he's upgraded probably all of the programs. Maybe it's just overwhelming to have all my programs different at the same time.
Wish I could understand this. If I had a PET scan, it would show a black space where computer-understanding is located.
Everything looks different, on every program. I don't even know if I should call something a program. For example, I have tons of pictures that I've taken. I used to be able to click on "pictures" and see at least the first 4 pics in every folder. That way I would know roughly what the rest of the pics might be on that certain date. But now, when I call up "pictures" it has a bunch of folder icons. A week ago, they at least had 1 little picture showing, but now there's no pictures and it's just images of half-opened folders with dates under them. I go by the pictures most of the time, not by the dates.
And the visual look of everything on the computer is so sterile. There's no longer a envelope in the bottom tray that lets me know when I have gmail. There's lots of little things like that, that makes it all time-consuming and frustrating. I can't think of some other examples right now. But as far as the pictures.........what program handles that? I have Zoombrowser, and that's totally different now too.......but I think my "pictures" is a different thing.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm a high-functioning retarded person. I'm so smart with some things, and so un-smart with others.
Can you tell I'm having a bad day? (at least cyber-ly). :(
Oh....here's another example in pictures.....when I used to click on a folder, it would open up to those particular pictures. Now when I click on the folder about 15-20 little boxes come up with funky stuff in them that has nothing to do with the picture (that isn't anywhere to be found).
From a user perspective, Win 7 isn't that much different from XP, but Win 8....that's another story.
I found XP to Windows 7 an easy transition but Windows 8/8.1 was awful until I just got used to it. I prefer Windows 7 and saw no need for Windows 8 other than it was just time but then I don't like change much. It's just something we have to get used to.
Like most things in my life, the old computer has become something i baby along and consider more valuable than gold, because I'm just done, fed up with using up my precious remaining life figuring out how to do what I already know how to do instead of moving forward, because some for-profit a-hole moved the cheese again.
I SO HEAR YOU, CATHY!!!
cow-hi
Oh man, I feel the same way Kib.
We were sort of forced into changing, since our old computer was VERY old and struggling horribly. We had to clean it up and restart it constantly. You could hear it chugging along like an old steam engine.
However.....because I voiced my horror at having to upset the apple cart, the old one is still running right behind me......in case there was something in the near future that I couldn't get to (because it was too dang complicated). I'm trying to force myself to stick with this one, so it hopefully becomes easier.
I do think that it's a composite problem......meaning that all the programs had to be updated, and that made EVERYTHING different and more complicated.
It just sickens me to think of the no-doubt financial motivation to be constantly changing things that people depend on.
I have trouble sometimes just finding all the right buttons on my smart phone to actually make a call!
I saw an ad awhile back for computers for old farts. hahaha........ They supposedly were very simple. Maybe I should look into one of those??
I've always thought Apple products were unnecessarily overpriced, but maybe you're paying for simplicity of operation. Food for thought.
ToomuchStuff
2-10-15, 2:57am
There were changes from XP, to Vista. Some continued on, while others would change again. Classic Shell, is a freeware program that can be used to make Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 look like XP again. (one option)
That won't help with the other software that has changed, like the office programs.
Miss Cellane
2-10-15, 7:58am
I've always thought Apple products were unnecessarily overpriced, but maybe you're paying for simplicity of operation. Food for thought.
Well, that's how I've justified buying Apple computers since 1989.
Cathy, I've been given an "upgraded" Windows computer at work. About the icon that lets you know if you have new email:
Somewhere on the dock (I think that's the same as the "tray at the bottom" you mention) there's a tiny little button you can click. I think when you hover your mouse over it, it says something like "show hidden icons."
Click on this tiny icon.
At the bottom of the dialogue box, it should say something like, "Customize." Click on that.
There should be a list of several names of software. Look for "Outlook," which is most likely the software you are using to get your email. Click on the little menu bar to the right of "Outlook."
There should be an option to "Show notifications." Click on that.
This *should* then allow the little envelope to appear in the dock when you get a new email.
I share this with you because it took me *three* freakin' weeks to figure this out on my new computer. Something that simple should not be that hard to find out and do. And my boss was beginning to think I was never at my desk, because it was taking me hours and hours to respond to emails--because I had no notification that I had new ones!
And if you've upgraded all your programs at the same time, you are probably dealing with Microsoft's new "ribbon" of commands across the top. The ribbon stinks, IMHO. They've basically hidden all your familiar commands and you have to go hunting for them.
Google for "free Word X tutorial," with X being the version of Word you are now stuck with. And "free Windows 7 tutorial," as well. Microsoft has some, and there are a lot of others out there on the net. There's a good chance that you can get the pictures back on your photo folders. It's probably just a setting somewhere that you can change. But you have to know where it is before you can do anything, and that's the sort of thing Microsoft hides very well.
SteveinMN
2-10-15, 10:44am
I've always thought Apple products were unnecessarily overpriced, but maybe you're paying for simplicity of operation.
I've used Macs for years (DOS/Windows, too, over the years). Yes, simplicity is part of the cost. So is the design, the use of higher-quality components, and the world-wide support. Not every computer maker offers that. Not every computer user wants that. Compare the cost of a Mac to an equivalent top-tier Windows computer equipped similarly and the Mac competes pretty well.
I've been fortunate to avoid the scourge that is Windows 8.x on a home computer. I hear Windows Phone is pretty good, but I'm still not convinced that user interface makes sense on a desktop/laptop computer. On the other hand, there are plenty of features of Mac OS X 10.9 I'm not using and really haven't even played with yet. The terrain does change quickly.
Thanks for that tip Miss Cellane.
I think I found the place you were talking about, but it had nothing about an email location or notification option. It's for Gmail. I have the feeling that Google has discontinued that envelope at the bottom that gets an "M" in it when you have mail.
I'll ask DH tonight if he knows anything about your suggestion, since he knows more than I do.
I believe you've helped me with my computer in the past, and I appreciate it!
This is why I run Unix on computers I do real work on. Some of the tools I use everyday haven't changed much since the 1970s/1980s.
There's no longer a envelope in the bottom tray that lets me know when I have gmail.
Maybe this would help? Get GMail Alert in Windows Taskbar (http://www.blogtechnika.com/get-gmail-alert-in-windows-7-taskbar/)
I've got Windows 7 and I haven't noticed much difference from previous versions. I'm not looking forward to Windows 8, however--or that thing where they want to charge you a fee every year to maintain Office. I'm running Open Office simultaneously with a "free" edition of MS Word that they keep trying to cut off/charge me for. Unix is sounding pretty good, though when I worked with it, the only command I could remember was the "back" one.
ToomuchStuff
2-12-15, 8:20pm
With Windows 10 being given away at the start, and some of the things I have learned about MS over the years, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the first OS from them, to go to an annual subscripton (windows 365) model.
With Windows 10 being given away at the start, and some of the things I have learned about MS over the years, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the first OS from them, to go to an annual subscripton (windows 365) model.
So buy Apple stock now (or last week, maybe...)
I hate windows 8.1. Shortly after I got this computer I went online to figure out how to mostly disable that stupid screen with all the tiles. From the few articles I've read Windows 10 looks better, but I won't be upgrading. If I were going to make any changes I'd be considering downgrading to 7, but I've gotten used to how I've set things up on 8.1 so I'll just stick with that. I most definitely would not go with an annual subscription to any operating system.
ToomuchStuff
2-13-15, 12:38am
So buy Apple stock now (or last week, maybe...)
Google stock maybe, at least it is Linux based.:laff:
There's just more and more. It has a solitaire game that is visually too hard for me to enjoy (I know....it's just a minor inconvenience.......but it let's me do something while I'm on hold on the phone for hours trying to sort out Medicare stuff.) Then last night I took some pics with my digital camera and began the process of downloading them to my computer through zoombrowser.....like I've done a million times before on our previous machine. It didn't even have a selection for "Browse and download", even after I put the SD card into the machine. Not only that, but now my 4GB SD card is corrupted. This is insane........to make so much of today's world a cyber one, yet make it so complicated and difficult. I'm not a happy camper. :(
With Windows 10 being given away at the start, and some of the things I have learned about MS over the years, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the first OS from them, to go to an annual subscripton (windows 365) model.
I installed the Windows 10 Technical Preview on a laptop a few days ago. Keeping in mind that it's a Beta product, I'm pretty impressed so far. The latest build, 9926, has Cortana (Microsoft version of Apple's Siri) installed albeit with very few commands available on this initial preview. I've gotten accustomed to talking to my phone but it seems kinda weird to talk to my laptop, of course in a good way.
ToomuchStuff
2-14-15, 1:51am
I installed the Windows 10 Technical Preview on a laptop a few days ago. Keeping in mind that it's a Beta product, I'm pretty impressed so far. The latest build, 9926, has Cortana (Microsoft version of Apple's Siri) installed albeit with very few commands available on this initial preview. I've gotten accustomed to talking to my phone but it seems kinda weird to talk to my laptop, of course in a good way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hShY6xZWVGE
SteveinMN
2-14-15, 12:12pm
The latest build, 9926, has Cortana (Microsoft version of Apple's Siri) installed albeit with very few commands available on this initial preview.
I probably could dig up articles explaining why, but why would Cortana on the desktop have fewer commands than the mobile version? I'd guess that telephony commands might be "grayed out" but I thought the big thing with 10 is that it was essentially the same code base/services for all platforms? Is Cortana all handled locally (that is, no network connection needed)?
ToomuchStuff
2-14-15, 1:11pm
Steve, the Windows phone is NOT running Windows 10. Think of it this way, they developed the voice stuff, to compete with Apple for their phones which are being outsold by both Apple and Android OS, phones. Now that tech is being brought into the desktop, laptop, tablet, (all in one) OS. The basis is the same (started working on that going back to NT, which would run on other architectures), but it is a program that is added on top of. There are other commands that are going to be needed, and it will be expanding.
Steve, the Windows phone is NOT running Windows 10.
Got it. Thanks for the clarification. :)
From a user perspective, Win 7 isn't that much different from XP, but Win 8....that's another story.
Yes, same here. Win 7 is so similar to Win XP. Win 8, on the other hand, needs to be put out of its misery.
ToomuchStuff
2-14-15, 5:36pm
Yes, same here. Win 7 is so similar to Win XP. Win 8, on the other hand, needs to be put out of its misery.
Now towards the end of last year, I bought a new pc with Windows 8.1, because I figure if I change jobs I am probably going to have to be used to MS again. I also picked up a book, which I have partially gone through (enough that I feel more comfortable, but didn't complete it).
But I don't blame the tool, I simply adapt it to fit me if needed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQGI-hETmpA
I expect I will put that on 8.1 rather then doing the "free" upgrade (if it is what I think it is), and I may end up making that system dual boot (Linux, which I normally use, or maybe a BSD)
Gingerella72
2-17-15, 12:27pm
From what I've read (techies, correct me if I'm wrong), Windows 10 is supposed to go back to more of a traditional desktop format because so many people complained about 8, and even 8.1 (which was supposed to "fix" it), while still having the option of the app tiles that 8 has for those that want it. The change to app tiles was a huge mistake, IMO. Microsoft overestimated how many people had switched to mobile touch devices and completely threw traditional desktop users under the bus. My dad, who is 83, has used computers since his first one in 95 that he taught himself how to use, and has kept up with technology better than even I have - but windows 8 was just too much for him to take. He despises it and calls me every night to complain about it.
We upgraded our ten year old home computer that still had XP in December, but chose to go with Windows 7 (desktop) because I had heard so many horror stories of 8. Fortunately I have 7 on my computer at work so I'm used to it, so that made the transition easier.
The newer versions of Office do take some time to get used to, if you're used to the old 2003 versions - but it is doable.
Cathy, I hear you on the folders in Pictures not showing four distinct photos showing the contents - that is one change from XP to 7 that I DO NOT like!
SteveinMN
2-18-15, 10:22am
Microsoft has been retreating from the tiled interface since Windows 8 was released -- at least for non-mobile users. It was implemented poorly (it was only after a dot-revision update that an opt-out was even possible). Microsoft also got swamped by the same wave it had been surfing for more than a decade -- their installed base is huge. But installed bases are hard to move. Even more so for Windows users, who often are driven by the (perceived) lower cost of using Windows (and, therefore, unwilling to spend more than they feel they need to) and who often are in a work setting that does not just pick up and move wherever Microsoft moves. Apple faced the same kind of criticism 15-20 years ago for forcing new-Mac buyers onto USB before USB was mainstream technology, but USB brought a lot to the party that Apple's predecessor technology could not, so at least there were immediate bonuses to making the change.
Microsoft's former management also missed a couple of key industry trends (Internet and mobile), which left them with Windows and Office (and Xbox) as their moneymakers, making it necessary for them to somehow get users to update those products even if they really didn't need an update. IMHO the newer versions of Office are a perfect example of this: the Ribbon is not a bad idea in theory. Lots of good stuff under the hood. But, to many people, the parts they used just seemed to be changed for the sake of change and did not make the application easier to use.
The current Microsoft CEO, however, seems cut from a different cloth than Gates and Ballmer, and I think Microsoft has been chastened (i.e., punished by the market) for their previous hubris. Microsoft didn't get to be so dominant without paying some attention to customers. One hopes they continue to carry that message and makes some more world-changing products.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.