How do I get W8 RTM? [Archive]

Dave \Crash\ Dummy

October 14th 12, 06:24 PM

SC Tom wrote:
>
>
> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
> ...
>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but
>> every download I see in Microsoft requires a username and password.
>> Can someone direct me to a download that doesn't require a sign
>> in?
>>
>
> You don't need a TechNet or MSDN subscription to get it, but AFAICT,
> you still need a MS Live, Passport, or Connect username and password.
> I guess when they say "everyone", it's just short for "everyone who
> can log in to MS." Kinda like "UPS Ground" is short for "UPS, Ground
> to friggin' halt" :-)

I actually have (had?) a LiveID account I set up awhile back so I could
access the forums, but it bounced. I haven't used it for some time.
Maybe it expired. Anyway, I gave in and set up a new "Microsoft account"
using the same password, and the RTM is currently downloading using the
Akamai download manager that was also forced on me. Whatever happened to
the good old hyperlink??

--
Crash

"In politics, stupidity is not a handicap."
~ Napoleon Bonaparte ~

SC Tom[_3_]

October 14th 12, 09:26 PM

"Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
...
> SC Tom wrote:
>>
>>
>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but every
>>> download I see in Microsoft requires a username and password.
>>> Can someone direct me to a download that doesn't require a sign in?
>>>
>>
>> You don't need a TechNet or MSDN subscription to get it, but AFAICT, you
>> still need a MS Live, Passport, or Connect username and password.
>> I guess when they say "everyone", it's just short for "everyone who
>> can log in to MS." Kinda like "UPS Ground" is short for "UPS, Ground
>> to friggin' halt" :-)
>
> I actually have (had?) a LiveID account I set up awhile back so I could
> access the forums, but it bounced. I haven't used it for some time.
> Maybe it expired. Anyway, I gave in and set up a new "Microsoft account"
> using the same password, and the RTM is currently downloading using the
> Akamai download manager that was also forced on me. Whatever happened to
> the good old hyperlink??
>
I don't know, just seems like you have to jump through hoops to get one
file.
My ISP must be loving me right now; I have 32-bit going to one machine, and
64-bit to the other. Thought I'd clone my drive, then install it and see if
there's any improvement over the two previous releases. Probably won't be; I
have a feeling I'll be running Win7 for almost as long as I had XP ;-)
--
SC Tom

...winston[_2_]

October 14th 12, 09:51 PM

"Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message ...

> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but every
> download I see in Microsoft requires a username and password. Can
> someone direct me to a download that doesn't require a sign in?

General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.

Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version' ?
- 90 day trial
- not upgradeable to the final GA licensed version

--
....winston
msft mvp mail

Norm Fowler

October 14th 12, 10:32 PM

....winston submitted this idea :
> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message ...
>
>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but every
>> download I see in Microsoft requires a username and password. Can
>> someone direct me to a download that doesn't require a sign in?
>
> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>
> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version' ?
> - 90 day trial
> - not upgradeable to the final GA licensed version

I think you may be getting the evaluation version that will expire, but
it should give you enough of an idea if you want to keep using it. I
have tried all three of the last versions released, including the RTM
from TechNet and I will be staying with Windows 7. I don't see enough
of an improvement for what I do to change, and I was not able to
install Visual Basic 6 on the 64 bit version, although it did install
on the 32 bit.

Norm

Dave \Crash\ Dummy

October 15th 12, 12:57 AM

....winston wrote:
>
> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message
> ...
>
>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but
>> every download I see in Microsoft requires a username and password.
>> Can someone direct me to a download that doesn't require a sign
>> in?
>>
>
> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>
> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version' ? - 90
> day trial - not upgradeable to the final GA licensed version

Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is more than
enough time to decide if I want to install it permanently. If I do, I'll
pick up a copy of the educational release at the university IT
department when it is available.
--
Crash

"Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable."
~ Laurence J. Peter ~

G. Morgan[_7_]

October 15th 12, 04:04 AM

Dave "Crash" Dummy wrote:

>Whatever happened to
>the good old hyperlink??

It's there for MSDN & TechNet subscribers. The eval. is being pushed
via Akamai to save bandwidth I reckon.

FD[_4_]

October 15th 12, 09:45 AM

G. Morgan wrote:
> Dave "Crash" Dummy wrote:
>
>> Whatever happened to
>> the good old hyperlink??
>
> It's there for MSDN & TechNet subscribers. The eval. is being pushed
> via Akamai to save bandwidth I reckon.
>

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx

FD[_4_]

October 15th 12, 09:55 AM

>
> http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx

I have been using this as may main system for about 40 days.

It activated automatically.

I will remove it on October 26 and restore an image of Vista that
I have and then purchase the win 8 professional upgrade for 40 dollar,
burn the iso and do a fresh install.

This is a new ivy brigde processor computer built by my computer guy from scratch
with some components from my old computer.

I love win 8 and do not find the start an intrusion despite spending most
of my time on the desktop. The start screen gives has only a few tiles
DATE, WEATHER, CURRENCY EXCHANGE, DESKTOP, BING NEWS and a few small desktop
program tiles

FD

SC Tom[_3_]

October 15th 12, 11:46 PM

"Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
...
> ...winston wrote:
>>
>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message ...
>>
>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but every
>>> download I see in Microsoft requires a username and password.
>>> Can someone direct me to a download that doesn't require a sign in?
>>>
>>
>> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>>
>> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version' ? - 90
>> day trial - not upgradeable to the final GA licensed version
>
> Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is more than
> enough time to decide if I want to install it permanently. If I do, I'll
> pick up a copy of the educational release at the university IT
> department when it is available.

I installed it yesterday (Enterprise Eval 64-bit), and had a few devices
that weren't picked up, or updated. One was my wireless, but I managed to
find a work-around on line.
After fixing the rest of the devices, I installed Classic Shell, and kinda
like it (Win8). I probably won't buy it when it's released, since I haven't
seen it being any faster on anything I've done with Win7, but I have to
admit that the RTM is definitely better than the two preview versions I
tried.
Part of the driver problem is that Acer hasn't released any for my Aspire
V3-731 yet. I was able to shotgun a couple of Win7 drivers in, and the
others came directly from Intel and Qualcomm-Atheros. I don't like the
tiles, but with Classic Shell I can bypass that and add a start menu. There
are still some things that won't get added that way, so I have to drop out
to the tiles to do them (one is Solitaire). Then it gave me grief using my
Live ID sign in <sigh>.
I'll keep it for a while and test it out, but unless I see something radical
that I haven't seen yet, I'll pull that drive and put my Win7 one back in.
--
SC Tom

G. Morgan[_7_]

October 16th 12, 04:03 AM

FD wrote:

>G. Morgan wrote:
>> Dave "Crash" Dummy wrote:
>>
>>> Whatever happened to
>>> the good old hyperlink??
>>
>> It's there for MSDN & TechNet subscribers. The eval. is being pushed
>> via Akamai to save bandwidth I reckon.
>>
>
>http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx

That link still goes to Akamai's Java based download manager:

http://www.mediafire.com/view/?kbjn028v2z08d2i

The URL you posted re-directs to this:
http://care.dlservice.microsoft.com/download/5/3/C/53C31ED0-886C-4F81-9A38-F58CE4CE71E8/9200.16384.WIN8_RTM.120725-1247_X86FRE_ENTERPRISE_EVAL_EN-US-HRM_CENA_X86FREE_EN-US_DV5.ISO?lcid=1033

From MSDN the URL is:
http://subscriptions.downloads.msdn.microsoft.com/dl/download/release/msdn/en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso

G. Morgan[_7_]

October 16th 12, 04:08 AM

FD wrote:

>I love win 8 and do not find the start an intrusion despite spending most
>of my time on the desktop. The start screen gives has only a few tiles
>DATE, WEATHER, CURRENCY EXCHANGE, DESKTOP, BING NEWS and a few small desktop
>program tiles

Try moving them around to make it more to your liking (drag & drop).

Also the "App Store" is a royal PITA to search manually. You have to
hit the 'Windows key' + 'w' to get a search box.

FD[_4_]

October 16th 12, 04:27 AM

> hit the 'Windows key' + 'w' to get a search box.
>
>

'Windows key' + 'x' covers a lot of ground

FD

G. Morgan[_7_]

October 16th 12, 04:30 AM

FD wrote:

>
>> hit the 'Windows key' + 'w' to get a search box.
>>
>>
>
>'Windows key' + 'x' covers a lot of ground

Nice! Thanks.

...winston[_2_]

October 16th 12, 07:53 AM

"G. Morgan" wrote in message ...

> From MSDN the URL is:
> http://subscriptions.downloads.msdn.microsoft.com/dl/download/release/msdn/en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso

That link should yield a 403 Forbidden error with or without being logged on to MSDN

Win8 on MSDN uses Akamai

--
....winston
msft mvp mail

R. C. White

October 16th 12, 02:17 PM

HI, FD.

> 'Windows key' + 'x' covers a lot of ground

Thanks for that! ;<)

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX

Microsoft Windows MVP (2002-2010)
Windows Live Mail 2012 (Build 16.4.3505.0912) in Win8 (RTM Ent Eval)

"FD" wrote in message ...

> hit the 'Windows key' + 'w' to get a search box.
>
>

'Windows key' + 'x' covers a lot of ground

FD

Dave \Crash\ Dummy

October 16th 12, 04:31 PM

SC Tom wrote:
>
>
> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
> ...
>> ...winston wrote:
>>>
>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>
>>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but
>>>> every download I see in Microsoft requires a username and
>>>> password. Can someone direct me to a download that doesn't
>>>> require a sign in?
>>>>
>>>
>>> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>>>
>>> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version' ?
>>> - 90 day trial - not upgradeable to the final GA licensed version
>>>
>>
>> Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is more
>> than enough time to decide if I want to install it permanently. If
>> I do, I'll pick up a copy of the educational release at the
>> university IT department when it is available.
>
> I installed it yesterday (Enterprise Eval 64-bit), and had a few
> devices that weren't picked up, or updated. One was my wireless, but
> I managed to find a work-around on line. After fixing the rest of the
> devices, I installed Classic Shell, and kinda like it (Win8). I
> probably won't buy it when it's released, since I haven't seen it
> being any faster on anything I've done with Win7, but I have to admit
> that the RTM is definitely better than the two preview versions I
> tried. Part of the driver problem is that Acer hasn't released any
> for my Aspire V3-731 yet. I was able to shotgun a couple of Win7
> drivers in, and the others came directly from Intel and
> Qualcomm-Atheros. I don't like the tiles, but with Classic Shell I
> can bypass that and add a start menu. There are still some things
> that won't get added that way, so I have to drop out to the tiles to
> do them (one is Solitaire). Then it gave me grief using my Live ID
> sign in <sigh>. I'll keep it for a while and test it out, but unless
> I see something radical that I haven't seen yet, I'll pull that drive
> and put my Win7 one back in.

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't installed it, yet, but when I do it
will be as a dual boot with Win 7. You said you "kinda like it." What is
it you like, compared to Win 7?
--
Crash

"When you want to fool the world, tell the truth."
~ Otto von Bismarck ~

SC Tom[_3_]

October 16th 12, 07:15 PM

"Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
...
> SC Tom wrote:
>>
>>
>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> ...winston wrote:
>>>>
>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>
>>>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but
>>>>> every download I see in Microsoft requires a username and
>>>>> password. Can someone direct me to a download that doesn't
>>>>> require a sign in?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>>>>
>>>> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version' ?
>>>> - 90 day trial - not upgradeable to the final GA licensed version
>>>>
>>>
>>> Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is more
>>> than enough time to decide if I want to install it permanently. If
>>> I do, I'll pick up a copy of the educational release at the
>>> university IT department when it is available.
>>
>> I installed it yesterday (Enterprise Eval 64-bit), and had a few
>> devices that weren't picked up, or updated. One was my wireless, but
>> I managed to find a work-around on line. After fixing the rest of the
>> devices, I installed Classic Shell, and kinda like it (Win8). I
>> probably won't buy it when it's released, since I haven't seen it
>> being any faster on anything I've done with Win7, but I have to admit
>> that the RTM is definitely better than the two preview versions I
>> tried. Part of the driver problem is that Acer hasn't released any
>> for my Aspire V3-731 yet. I was able to shotgun a couple of Win7
>> drivers in, and the others came directly from Intel and
>> Qualcomm-Atheros. I don't like the tiles, but with Classic Shell I
>> can bypass that and add a start menu. There are still some things
>> that won't get added that way, so I have to drop out to the tiles to
>> do them (one is Solitaire). Then it gave me grief using my Live ID
>> sign in <sigh>. I'll keep it for a while and test it out, but unless
>> I see something radical that I haven't seen yet, I'll pull that drive
>> and put my Win7 one back in.
>
> Thanks for the heads up. I haven't installed it, yet, but when I do it
> will be as a dual boot with Win 7. You said you "kinda like it." What is
> it you like, compared to Win 7?

I guess I should have said I kinda like the fact that it's not any slower
than Win7. It does seem leaner, but I can't truly explain what I mean by
that. It's very responsive, but that may be because it's a fresh
installation with no third-party software installed yet.

I dislike the whole tile thing, though. Even with Classic Shell, sooner or
later, you have to drop out to the Start tiles to get to things. I may
uninstall Classic Shell (or just reinstall Win8) and see if I can get used
to the tile system, but since I couldn't stand it in the two previews I had
installed, I doubt seriously if I'll like it any better even if it reacts
faster and more smoothly.

I probably will buy it, even if I don't install it right away. I had
forgotten about the new PC $15 upgrade until I saw it in another newsgroup.
Since I just bought a new laptop last month, I qualify for it. $15 for a new
operating system? Hard to pass *that* up :-)
--
SC Tom

Dave \Crash\ Dummy

October 16th 12, 07:43 PM

SC Tom wrote:
>
>
> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
> ...
>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> ...winston wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message
>>>>> ...
>>>>>
>>>>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone,
>>>>>> but every download I see in Microsoft requires a username
>>>>>> and password. Can someone direct me to a download that
>>>>>> doesn't require a sign in?
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>>>>>
>>>>> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation
>>>>> Version' ? - 90 day trial - not upgradeable to the final GA
>>>>> licensed version
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is more
>>>> than enough time to decide if I want to install it
>>>> permanently. If I do, I'll pick up a copy of the educational
>>>> release at the university IT department when it is available.
>>>
>>> I installed it yesterday (Enterprise Eval 64-bit), and had a few
>>> devices that weren't picked up, or updated. One was my wireless,
>>> but I managed to find a work-around on line. After fixing the
>>> rest of the devices, I installed Classic Shell, and kinda like it
>>> (Win8). I probably won't buy it when it's released, since I
>>> haven't seen it being any faster on anything I've done with Win7,
>>> but I have to admit that the RTM is definitely better than the
>>> two preview versions I tried. Part of the driver problem is that
>>> Acer hasn't released any for my Aspire V3-731 yet. I was able to
>>> shotgun a couple of Win7 drivers in, and the others came
>>> directly from Intel and Qualcomm-Atheros. I don't like the tiles,
>>> but with Classic Shell I can bypass that and add a start menu.
>>> There are still some things that won't get added that way, so I
>>> have to drop out to the tiles to do them (one is Solitaire). Then
>>> it gave me grief using my Live ID sign in <sigh>. I'll keep it
>>> for a while and test it out, but unless I see something radical
>>> that I haven't seen yet, I'll pull that drive and put my Win7 one
>>> back in.
>>
>> Thanks for the heads up. I haven't installed it, yet, but when I do
>> it will be as a dual boot with Win 7. You said you "kinda like
>> it." What is it you like, compared to Win 7?
>
> I guess I should have said I kinda like the fact that it's not any
> slower than Win7. It does seem leaner, but I can't truly explain what
> I mean by that. It's very responsive, but that may be because it's a
> fresh installation with no third-party software installed yet.
>
> I dislike the whole tile thing, though. Even with Classic Shell,
> sooner or later, you have to drop out to the Start tiles to get to
> things. I may uninstall Classic Shell (or just reinstall Win8) and
> see if I can get used to the tile system, but since I couldn't stand
> it in the two previews I had installed, I doubt seriously if I'll
> like it any better even if it reacts faster and more smoothly.
>
> I probably will buy it, even if I don't install it right away. I had
> forgotten about the new PC $15 upgrade until I saw it in another
> newsgroup. Since I just bought a new laptop last month, I qualify for
> it. $15 for a new operating system? Hard to pass *that* up :-)

I have friends in low places, like the university IT department, so I
can get it cheap. I didn't pay anything for Windows 7 Ultimate.

I know I won't ever like the tiles. I have been running with icon free
desktops since Windows 95. I use the task bar for my frequently used
items. I was disappointed when I discovered that Windows 7 no longer
allowed an active desktop, but I figured out how to work around it.
This serves as my living room clock:
http://crash.thedatalist.com/temp/desktop.jpg
There are also some hidden features that show up with a mouseover.
--
Crash

"The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion."
~ Arnold H. Glasow ~

SC Tom[_3_]

October 16th 12, 08:52 PM

"Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
...
> SC Tom wrote:
>>
>>
>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> ...winston wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message
>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone,
>>>>>>> but every download I see in Microsoft requires a username
>>>>>>> and password. Can someone direct me to a download that doesn't
>>>>>>> require a sign in?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version' ? - 90
>>>>>> day trial - not upgradeable to the final GA licensed version
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is more
>>>>> than enough time to decide if I want to install it permanently. If I
>>>>> do, I'll pick up a copy of the educational release at the university
>>>>> IT department when it is available.
>>>>
>>>> I installed it yesterday (Enterprise Eval 64-bit), and had a few
>>>> devices that weren't picked up, or updated. One was my wireless, but I
>>>> managed to find a work-around on line. After fixing the rest of the
>>>> devices, I installed Classic Shell, and kinda like it
>>>> (Win8). I probably won't buy it when it's released, since I haven't
>>>> seen it being any faster on anything I've done with Win7,
>>>> but I have to admit that the RTM is definitely better than the two
>>>> preview versions I tried. Part of the driver problem is that
>>>> Acer hasn't released any for my Aspire V3-731 yet. I was able to
>>>> shotgun a couple of Win7 drivers in, and the others came
>>>> directly from Intel and Qualcomm-Atheros. I don't like the tiles,
>>>> but with Classic Shell I can bypass that and add a start menu.
>>>> There are still some things that won't get added that way, so I
>>>> have to drop out to the tiles to do them (one is Solitaire). Then
>>>> it gave me grief using my Live ID sign in <sigh>. I'll keep it
>>>> for a while and test it out, but unless I see something radical
>>>> that I haven't seen yet, I'll pull that drive and put my Win7 one
>>>> back in.
>>>
>>> Thanks for the heads up. I haven't installed it, yet, but when I do
>>> it will be as a dual boot with Win 7. You said you "kinda like it."
>>> What is it you like, compared to Win 7?
>>
>> I guess I should have said I kinda like the fact that it's not any slower
>> than Win7. It does seem leaner, but I can't truly explain what
>> I mean by that. It's very responsive, but that may be because it's a
>> fresh installation with no third-party software installed yet.
>>
>> I dislike the whole tile thing, though. Even with Classic Shell, sooner
>> or later, you have to drop out to the Start tiles to get to things. I may
>> uninstall Classic Shell (or just reinstall Win8) and see if I can get
>> used to the tile system, but since I couldn't stand
>> it in the two previews I had installed, I doubt seriously if I'll like
>> it any better even if it reacts faster and more smoothly.
>>
>> I probably will buy it, even if I don't install it right away. I had
>> forgotten about the new PC $15 upgrade until I saw it in another
>> newsgroup. Since I just bought a new laptop last month, I qualify for
>> it. $15 for a new operating system? Hard to pass *that* up :-)
>
> I have friends in low places, like the university IT department, so I
> can get it cheap. I didn't pay anything for Windows 7 Ultimate.
>
> I know I won't ever like the tiles. I have been running with icon free
> desktops since Windows 95. I use the task bar for my frequently used
> items. I was disappointed when I discovered that Windows 7 no longer
> allowed an active desktop, but I figured out how to work around it.
> This serves as my living room clock:
> http://crash.thedatalist.com/temp/desktop.jpg
> There are also some hidden features that show up with a mouseover.

Oh, I know what you mean about desktop icons. I've been icon free since
98/XP (I don't recall I was any further back than that). I look at my SO's
desktop and wonder how she finds anything :-0

Does your background behind the clock change, or is it part of the clock? I
think I could get used to the clock :-) Where did you get it, or did you
write it?
--
SC Tom

Nil[_2_]

October 16th 12, 11:29 PM

On 15 Oct 2012, G. Morgan > wrote in
alt.comp.os.windows-8:

> Also the "App Store" is a royal PITA to search manually. You have
> to hit the 'Windows key' + 'w' to get a search box.

I'm getting the impression that Windows 8 is just about totally
unusable unless you have a Windows Key. I do not, and I don't care to
give up my beloved clicky IBM keybord just to get one.

Paul

October 17th 12, 12:10 AM

Nil wrote:
> On 15 Oct 2012, G. Morgan > wrote in
> alt.comp.os.windows-8:
>
>> Also the "App Store" is a royal PITA to search manually. You have
>> to hit the 'Windows key' + 'w' to get a search box.
>
> I'm getting the impression that Windows 8 is just about totally
> unusable unless you have a Windows Key. I do not, and I don't care to
> give up my beloved clicky IBM keybord just to get one.

Simple. Plug in a second keyboard. Leave it off
to the side of your normal sitting position. If
you need obscure keys, reach for the other keyboard.

If you only have to generate those sequences
infrequently, it wouldn't be a big deal.

Paul

SC Tom[_3_]

October 17th 12, 01:20 AM

"Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
...
> SC Tom wrote:
>>
>>
>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> ...winston wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message
>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone,
>>>>>>> but every download I see in Microsoft requires a username
>>>>>>> and password. Can someone direct me to a download that doesn't
>>>>>>> require a sign in?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version' ? - 90
>>>>>> day trial - not upgradeable to the final GA licensed version
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is more
>>>>> than enough time to decide if I want to install it permanently. If I
>>>>> do, I'll pick up a copy of the educational release at the university
>>>>> IT department when it is available.
>>>>
>>>> I installed it yesterday (Enterprise Eval 64-bit), and had a few
>>>> devices that weren't picked up, or updated. One was my wireless, but I
>>>> managed to find a work-around on line. After fixing the rest of the
>>>> devices, I installed Classic Shell, and kinda like it
>>>> (Win8). I probably won't buy it when it's released, since I haven't
>>>> seen it being any faster on anything I've done with Win7,
>>>> but I have to admit that the RTM is definitely better than the two
>>>> preview versions I tried. Part of the driver problem is that
>>>> Acer hasn't released any for my Aspire V3-731 yet. I was able to
>>>> shotgun a couple of Win7 drivers in, and the others came
>>>> directly from Intel and Qualcomm-Atheros. I don't like the tiles,
>>>> but with Classic Shell I can bypass that and add a start menu.
>>>> There are still some things that won't get added that way, so I
>>>> have to drop out to the tiles to do them (one is Solitaire). Then
>>>> it gave me grief using my Live ID sign in <sigh>. I'll keep it
>>>> for a while and test it out, but unless I see something radical
>>>> that I haven't seen yet, I'll pull that drive and put my Win7 one
>>>> back in.
>>>
>>> Thanks for the heads up. I haven't installed it, yet, but when I do
>>> it will be as a dual boot with Win 7. You said you "kinda like it."
>>> What is it you like, compared to Win 7?
>>
>> I guess I should have said I kinda like the fact that it's not any slower
>> than Win7. It does seem leaner, but I can't truly explain what
>> I mean by that. It's very responsive, but that may be because it's a
>> fresh installation with no third-party software installed yet.
>>
>> I dislike the whole tile thing, though. Even with Classic Shell, sooner
>> or later, you have to drop out to the Start tiles to get to things. I may
>> uninstall Classic Shell (or just reinstall Win8) and see if I can get
>> used to the tile system, but since I couldn't stand
>> it in the two previews I had installed, I doubt seriously if I'll like
>> it any better even if it reacts faster and more smoothly.
>>
>> I probably will buy it, even if I don't install it right away. I had
>> forgotten about the new PC $15 upgrade until I saw it in another
>> newsgroup. Since I just bought a new laptop last month, I qualify for
>> it. $15 for a new operating system? Hard to pass *that* up :-)
>
> I have friends in low places, like the university IT department, so I
> can get it cheap. I didn't pay anything for Windows 7 Ultimate.
>
> I know I won't ever like the tiles. I have been running with icon free
> desktops since Windows 95. I use the task bar for my frequently used
> items. I was disappointed when I discovered that Windows 7 no longer
> allowed an active desktop, but I figured out how to work around it.
> This serves as my living room clock:
> http://crash.thedatalist.com/temp/desktop.jpg
> There are also some hidden features that show up with a mouseover.

If you want the ultimate Win8 machine, here it is:

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-US

Bill's answer to the iPad :-)
--
SC Tom

G. Morgan[_7_]

October 17th 12, 01:26 AM

SC Tom wrote:

>I dislike the whole tile thing, though. Even with Classic Shell, sooner or
>later, you have to drop out to the Start tiles to get to things. I may
>uninstall Classic Shell (or just reinstall Win8) and see if I can get used
>to the tile system, but since I couldn't stand it in the two previews I had
>installed, I doubt seriously if I'll like it any better even if it reacts
>faster and more smoothly.

I can see it working great on a touch screen, but I don't have one!

Dave \Crash\ Dummy

October 17th 12, 02:01 AM

SC Tom wrote:
>
>
> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
> ...
>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in
>>>>> message ...
>>>>>> ...winston wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message
>>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for
>>>>>>>> everyone, but every download I see in Microsoft
>>>>>>>> requires a username and password. Can someone direct me
>>>>>>>> to a download that doesn't require a sign in?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation
>>>>>>> Version' ? - 90 day trial - not upgradeable to the final
>>>>>>> GA licensed version
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is
>>>>>> more than enough time to decide if I want to install it
>>>>>> permanently. If I do, I'll pick up a copy of the
>>>>>> educational release at the university IT department when it
>>>>>> is available.
>>>>>
>>>>> I installed it yesterday (Enterprise Eval 64-bit), and had a
>>>>> few devices that weren't picked up, or updated. One was my
>>>>> wireless, but I managed to find a work-around on line. After
>>>>> fixing the rest of the devices, I installed Classic Shell,
>>>>> and kinda like it (Win8). I probably won't buy it when it's
>>>>> released, since I haven't seen it being any faster on
>>>>> anything I've done with Win7, but I have to admit that the
>>>>> RTM is definitely better than the two preview versions I
>>>>> tried. Part of the driver problem is that Acer hasn't
>>>>> released any for my Aspire V3-731 yet. I was able to shotgun
>>>>> a couple of Win7 drivers in, and the others came directly
>>>>> from Intel and Qualcomm-Atheros. I don't like the tiles, but
>>>>> with Classic Shell I can bypass that and add a start menu.
>>>>> There are still some things that won't get added that way, so
>>>>> I have to drop out to the tiles to do them (one is
>>>>> Solitaire). Then it gave me grief using my Live ID sign in
>>>>> <sigh>. I'll keep it for a while and test it out, but unless
>>>>> I see something radical that I haven't seen yet, I'll pull
>>>>> that drive and put my Win7 one back in.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for the heads up. I haven't installed it, yet, but when
>>>> I do it will be as a dual boot with Win 7. You said you "kinda
>>>> like it." What is it you like, compared to Win 7?
>>>
>>> I guess I should have said I kinda like the fact that it's not
>>> any slower than Win7. It does seem leaner, but I can't truly
>>> explain what I mean by that. It's very responsive, but that may
>>> be because it's a fresh installation with no third-party software
>>> installed yet.
>>>
>>> I dislike the whole tile thing, though. Even with Classic Shell,
>>> sooner or later, you have to drop out to the Start tiles to get
>>> to things. I may uninstall Classic Shell (or just reinstall Win8)
>>> and see if I can get used to the tile system, but since I
>>> couldn't stand it in the two previews I had installed, I doubt
>>> seriously if I'll like it any better even if it reacts faster and
>>> more smoothly.
>>>
>>> I probably will buy it, even if I don't install it right away. I
>>> had forgotten about the new PC $15 upgrade until I saw it in
>>> another newsgroup. Since I just bought a new laptop last month, I
>>> qualify for it. $15 for a new operating system? Hard to pass
>>> *that* up :-)
>>
>> I have friends in low places, like the university IT department, so
>> I can get it cheap. I didn't pay anything for Windows 7 Ultimate.
>>
>> I know I won't ever like the tiles. I have been running with icon
>> free desktops since Windows 95. I use the task bar for my
>> frequently used items. I was disappointed when I discovered that
>> Windows 7 no longer allowed an active desktop, but I figured out
>> how to work around it. This serves as my living room clock:
>> http://crash.thedatalist.com/temp/desktop.jpg There are also some
>> hidden features that show up with a mouseover.
>
> Oh, I know what you mean about desktop icons. I've been icon free
> since 98/XP (I don't recall I was any further back than that). I look
> at my SO's desktop and wonder how she finds anything :-0

Except for the few items shown on the taskbar, I use the Start menu and
Explorer for everything.

> Does your background behind the clock change, or is it part of the
> clock? I think I could get used to the clock :-) Where did you get
> it, or did you write it?

The background is part of the clock, but it is selectable. I wrote all
the code for the clock, including a separate script that generated the
hands and dials, also selectable. The weather information is read from a
local weather website.
--
Crash

Today is the first day of the rest of your life,
and there's not a damned thing you can do about it.

Nil[_2_]

October 17th 12, 02:28 AM

On 16 Oct 2012, Paul > wrote in
alt.comp.os.windows-8:

> Simple. Plug in a second keyboard. Leave it off
> to the side of your normal sitting position. If
> you need obscure keys, reach for the other keyboard.
>
> If you only have to generate those sequences
> infrequently, it wouldn't be a big deal.

If you could see my desk, you'd know there wasn't room for another
keyboard.

Maybe I'll hire a servant to hold it quietly in the corner and press it
on my command. Or a trained monkey, if it can be taught to poop in a
box and not the floor. Or maybe this is a good reason to finally have
some children. Thanks, Microsoft for helping me to continue my
bloodline!

Is there any other alternative? Something that would let me use a key
combination to mimic the Windows key, or remap a little-used one such
as "Scroll Lock"?

SC Tom[_3_]

October 17th 12, 02:48 AM

"G. Morgan" > wrote in message
...
> SC Tom wrote:
>
>>I dislike the whole tile thing, though. Even with Classic Shell, sooner or
>>later, you have to drop out to the Start tiles to get to things. I may
>>uninstall Classic Shell (or just reinstall Win8) and see if I can get used
>>to the tile system, but since I couldn't stand it in the two previews I
>>had
>>installed, I doubt seriously if I'll like it any better even if it reacts
>>faster and more smoothly.
>
> I can see it working great on a touch screen, but I don't have one!
>
Here you go :-)

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-US
--
SC Tom

SC Tom[_3_]

October 17th 12, 02:50 AM

"Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
...
> SC Tom wrote:
>>
>>
>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>> ...winston wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message
>>>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but
>>>>>>>>> every download I see in Microsoft requires a username and
>>>>>>>>> password. Can someone direct me
>>>>>>>>> to a download that doesn't require a sign in?
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version' ? -
>>>>>>>> 90 day trial - not upgradeable to the final GA licensed version
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is more than
>>>>>>> enough time to decide if I want to install it permanently. If I do,
>>>>>>> I'll pick up a copy of the educational release at the university IT
>>>>>>> department when it
>>>>>>> is available.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I installed it yesterday (Enterprise Eval 64-bit), and had a few
>>>>>> devices that weren't picked up, or updated. One was my wireless, but
>>>>>> I managed to find a work-around on line. After fixing the rest of the
>>>>>> devices, I installed Classic Shell, and kinda like it (Win8). I
>>>>>> probably won't buy it when it's released, since I haven't seen it
>>>>>> being any faster on anything I've done with Win7, but I have to admit
>>>>>> that the RTM is definitely better than the two preview versions I
>>>>>> tried. Part of the driver problem is that Acer hasn't released any
>>>>>> for my Aspire V3-731 yet. I was able to shotgun a couple of Win7
>>>>>> drivers in, and the others came directly from Intel and
>>>>>> Qualcomm-Atheros. I don't like the tiles, but with Classic Shell I
>>>>>> can bypass that and add a start menu. There are still some things
>>>>>> that won't get added that way, so
>>>>>> I have to drop out to the tiles to do them (one is Solitaire). Then
>>>>>> it gave me grief using my Live ID sign in <sigh>. I'll keep it for a
>>>>>> while and test it out, but unless I see something radical that I
>>>>>> haven't seen yet, I'll pull that drive and put my Win7 one back in.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks for the heads up. I haven't installed it, yet, but when I do it
>>>>> will be as a dual boot with Win 7. You said you "kinda like it." What
>>>>> is it you like, compared to Win 7?
>>>>
>>>> I guess I should have said I kinda like the fact that it's not any
>>>> slower than Win7. It does seem leaner, but I can't truly explain what I
>>>> mean by that. It's very responsive, but that may be because it's a
>>>> fresh installation with no third-party software
>>>> installed yet.
>>>>
>>>> I dislike the whole tile thing, though. Even with Classic Shell, sooner
>>>> or later, you have to drop out to the Start tiles to get to things. I
>>>> may uninstall Classic Shell (or just reinstall Win8)
>>>> and see if I can get used to the tile system, but since I couldn't
>>>> stand it in the two previews I had installed, I doubt seriously if I'll
>>>> like it any better even if it reacts faster and
>>>> more smoothly.
>>>>
>>>> I probably will buy it, even if I don't install it right away. I had
>>>> forgotten about the new PC $15 upgrade until I saw it in another
>>>> newsgroup. Since I just bought a new laptop last month, I
>>>> qualify for it. $15 for a new operating system? Hard to pass *that* up
>>>> :-)
>>>
>>> I have friends in low places, like the university IT department, so
>>> I can get it cheap. I didn't pay anything for Windows 7 Ultimate.
>>>
>>> I know I won't ever like the tiles. I have been running with icon free
>>> desktops since Windows 95. I use the task bar for my frequently used
>>> items. I was disappointed when I discovered that Windows 7 no longer
>>> allowed an active desktop, but I figured out how to work around it. This
>>> serves as my living room clock:
>>> http://crash.thedatalist.com/temp/desktop.jpg There are also some hidden
>>> features that show up with a mouseover.
>>
>> Oh, I know what you mean about desktop icons. I've been icon free since
>> 98/XP (I don't recall I was any further back than that). I look
>> at my SO's desktop and wonder how she finds anything :-0
>
> Except for the few items shown on the taskbar, I use the Start menu and
> Explorer for everything.
>
>> Does your background behind the clock change, or is it part of the clock?
>> I think I could get used to the clock :-) Where did you get it, or did
>> you write it?
>
> The background is part of the clock, but it is selectable. I wrote all
> the code for the clock, including a separate script that generated the
> hands and dials, also selectable. The weather information is read from a
> local weather website.

Kudos! That's a nice desktop!
--
SC Tom

Paul

October 17th 12, 03:42 AM

Nil wrote:

>
> Is there any other alternative? Something that would let me use a key
> combination to mimic the Windows key, or remap a little-used one such
> as "Scroll Lock"?

How about "On Screen Keyboard" ?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/Windows7/Type-without-using-the-keyboard-On-Screen-Keyboard

Paul

XS11E

October 17th 12, 05:19 AM

Nil > wrote:

> On 15 Oct 2012, G. Morgan > wrote in
> alt.comp.os.windows-8:
>
>> Also the "App Store" is a royal PITA to search manually. You
>> have to hit the 'Windows key' + 'w' to get a search box.
>
> I'm getting the impression that Windows 8 is just about totally
> unusable unless you have a Windows Key. I do not, and I don't care
> to give up my beloved clicky IBM keybord just to get one.

You don't have to. http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional/

--
XS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project:
http://twovoyagers.com/improve-usenet.org/

Nil[_2_]

October 17th 12, 06:10 AM

On 17 Oct 2012, XS11E > wrote in
alt.comp.os.windows-8:

> You don't have to. http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional/

That does look like a nice keyboard, but pricey at $135. Thing is, I've
got 3 genuine IBM keyboards that work perfectly. I love typing on them.
They're built like tanks and will probably outlive me. I'd hate to
replace a perfectly excellent keyboard just because of that damn
Windows key. It may come down to it someday, but I will resist it as
long as I can.

Morten Nygaard Åsnes

October 17th 12, 06:29 AM

On 2012-10-17, Nil > wrote:
> I'm getting the impression that Windows 8 is just about totally
> unusable unless you have a Windows Key. I do not, and I don't care to
> give up my beloved clicky IBM keybord just to get one.

The Windows key is a must to use Windows 8 effectively yes. What you can
do is map the CapsLock key as the Windows Key. Or even better, CapsLock as
Ctrl, and the left Ctrl key as the Windows key.

--
Morten Nygaard Åsnes
http://www.twitter.com/mortenaa

...winston[_2_]

October 17th 12, 07:40 AM

Windows Key - Character code 0xFF
Last key in the WingDings Font in Character Map.
Try copying it in Character Map and paste it into whatever you have (mouse, keyboard) to remap.

--
....winston
msft mvp mail

"Nil" wrote in message ...

Is there any other alternative? Something that would let me use a key
combination to mimic the Windows key, or remap a little-used one such
as "Scroll Lock"?

Dave \Crash\ Dummy

October 17th 12, 12:32 PM

SC Tom wrote:
>
>
> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
> ...
>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>>>>> ...
>>>>>> SC Tom wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" > wrote in message
>>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>>> ...winston wrote:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> "Dave "Crash" Dummy" wrote in message
>>>>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I have heard that Windows 8 RTM is available for everyone, but
>>>>>>>>>> every download I see in Microsoft requires a username and
>>>>>>>>>> password. Can someone direct me
>>>>>>>>>> to a download that doesn't require a sign in?
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> General Availability afiak remains Oct 26.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Sure you're not downloading Windows 8 RTM 'Evaluation Version'
>>>>>>>>> ? - 90 day trial - not upgradeable to the final GA licensed
>>>>>>>>> version
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Yes, I'm getting the 90 day evaluation version. 90 days is more
>>>>>>>> than enough time to decide if I want to install it permanently.
>>>>>>>> If I do, I'll pick up a copy of the educational release at the
>>>>>>>> university IT department when it
>>>>>>>> is available.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I installed it yesterday (Enterprise Eval 64-bit), and had a few
>>>>>>> devices that weren't picked up, or updated. One was my wireless,
>>>>>>> but I managed to find a work-around on line. After fixing the
>>>>>>> rest of the devices, I installed Classic Shell, and kinda like it
>>>>>>> (Win8). I probably won't buy it when it's released, since I
>>>>>>> haven't seen it being any faster on anything I've done with Win7,
>>>>>>> but I have to admit that the RTM is definitely better than the
>>>>>>> two preview versions I tried. Part of the driver problem is that
>>>>>>> Acer hasn't released any for my Aspire V3-731 yet. I was able to
>>>>>>> shotgun a couple of Win7 drivers in, and the others came directly
>>>>>>> from Intel and Qualcomm-Atheros. I don't like the tiles, but with
>>>>>>> Classic Shell I can bypass that and add a start menu. There are
>>>>>>> still some things that won't get added that way, so
>>>>>>> I have to drop out to the tiles to do them (one is Solitaire).
>>>>>>> Then it gave me grief using my Live ID sign in <sigh>. I'll keep
>>>>>>> it for a while and test it out, but unless I see something
>>>>>>> radical that I haven't seen yet, I'll pull that drive and put my
>>>>>>> Win7 one back in.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks for the heads up. I haven't installed it, yet, but when I
>>>>>> do it will be as a dual boot with Win 7. You said you "kinda like
>>>>>> it." What is it you like, compared to Win 7?
>>>>>
>>>>> I guess I should have said I kinda like the fact that it's not any
>>>>> slower than Win7. It does seem leaner, but I can't truly explain
>>>>> what I mean by that. It's very responsive, but that may be because
>>>>> it's a fresh installation with no third-party software
>>>>> installed yet.
>>>>>
>>>>> I dislike the whole tile thing, though. Even with Classic Shell,
>>>>> sooner or later, you have to drop out to the Start tiles to get to
>>>>> things. I may uninstall Classic Shell (or just reinstall Win8)
>>>>> and see if I can get used to the tile system, but since I couldn't
>>>>> stand it in the two previews I had installed, I doubt seriously if
>>>>> I'll like it any better even if it reacts faster and
>>>>> more smoothly.
>>>>>
>>>>> I probably will buy it, even if I don't install it right away. I
>>>>> had forgotten about the new PC $15 upgrade until I saw it in
>>>>> another newsgroup. Since I just bought a new laptop last month, I
>>>>> qualify for it. $15 for a new operating system? Hard to pass
>>>>> *that* up :-)
>>>>
>>>> I have friends in low places, like the university IT department, so
>>>> I can get it cheap. I didn't pay anything for Windows 7 Ultimate.
>>>>
>>>> I know I won't ever like the tiles. I have been running with icon
>>>> free desktops since Windows 95. I use the task bar for my frequently
>>>> used items. I was disappointed when I discovered that Windows 7 no
>>>> longer allowed an active desktop, but I figured out how to work
>>>> around it. This serves as my living room clock:
>>>> http://crash.thedatalist.com/temp/desktop.jpg There are also some
>>>> hidden features that show up with a mouseover.
>>>
>>> Oh, I know what you mean about desktop icons. I've been icon free
>>> since 98/XP (I don't recall I was any further back than that). I look
>>> at my SO's desktop and wonder how she finds anything :-0
>>
>> Except for the few items shown on the taskbar, I use the Start menu and
>> Explorer for everything.
>>
>>> Does your background behind the clock change, or is it part of the
>>> clock? I think I could get used to the clock :-) Where did you get
>>> it, or did you write it?
>>
>> The background is part of the clock, but it is selectable. I wrote all
>> the code for the clock, including a separate script that generated the
>> hands and dials, also selectable. The weather information is read from a
>> local weather website.
>
> Kudos! That's a nice desktop!

Thank you. You can see why I am not interested in a screen filled with
tiles.
--
Crash

"The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion."
~ Arnold H. Glasow ~

Zaphod Beeblebrox

October 17th 12, 01:12 PM

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:20:24 -0400, "SC Tom" > wrote in
article >...
>
> If you want the ultimate Win8 machine, here it is:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-US
>
> Bill's answer to the iPad :-)

Ordered one last night (I love my job!), should have it by 10/26. Then
I'll get to see for myself if Windows 8 is really any better on a
tablet than I've found it to be on a desktop workstation.

--
Zaphod

Vell, Zaphod's just zis guy, ya know? - Gag Halfrunt

SC Tom[_3_]

October 17th 12, 04:46 PM

"Zaphod Beeblebrox" > wrote in message
...
> On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:20:24 -0400, "SC Tom" > wrote in
> article >...
>>
>> If you want the ultimate Win8 machine, here it is:
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-US
>>
>> Bill's answer to the iPad :-)
>
>
> Ordered one last night (I love my job!), should have it by 10/26. Then
> I'll get to see for myself if Windows 8 is really any better on a
> tablet than I've found it to be on a desktop workstation.
>

I'll be waiting to hear how you like it. Since I don't have a need for a
tablet, I won't be getting one, but I can see where they would have been
useful when I was working IT way back when.
--
SC Tom

Gene E. Bloch[_2_]

October 17th 12, 08:38 PM

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 21:28:40 -0400, Nil wrote:

> On 16 Oct 2012, Paul > wrote in
> alt.comp.os.windows-8:
>
>> Simple. Plug in a second keyboard. Leave it off
>> to the side of your normal sitting position. If
>> you need obscure keys, reach for the other keyboard.
>>
>> If you only have to generate those sequences
>> infrequently, it wouldn't be a big deal.
>
> If you could see my desk, you'd know there wasn't room for another
> keyboard.
>
> Maybe I'll hire a servant to hold it quietly in the corner and press it
> on my command. Or a trained monkey, if it can be taught to poop in a
> box and not the floor. Or maybe this is a good reason to finally have
> some children. Thanks, Microsoft for helping me to continue my
> bloodline!
>
> Is there any other alternative? Something that would let me use a key
> combination to mimic the Windows key, or remap a little-used one such
> as "Scroll Lock"?

The trick is to find a way to mimic pressing a second key while holding
the Windows key down.

I'm not sure that the suggestions by Paul and ...winston would do that.

OK- here's what I did just now using Nil's idea - with the mouse I
clicked and held the on-screen Windows key, then pressed e on the
physical keyboard. It worked just like the real thing.

Cool.

I didn't try ...winston's idea, but it's surely worth a look.

--
Gene E. Bloch (Stumbling Bloch)