Windows 8

[green granite]

There is a strong rumour that the public beta of Windows 8 will be released this month........but don't hold your breath.

[Parapunter]

Anyone built it yet for a looksee? and so any good? I've got it, but haven't got round to it.

[Gonzo]

I've downloaded the dev preview, but haven't installed it.

Looking at some of the reports out there, many of the customisation tools (control panel etc) are disabled in the preview, so I'm not sure I'll try it on my main PC; I might try and have a go with my laptop instead. I confess I've not played around at all with the 'Metro' interface so I remain to be convinced.

[le Pingouin]

I've had a brief play with Win8 in a virtual machine (VirtualBox) & control panel is there but is accessed using the Metro interface, not the standard desktop.

Metro is clearly aimed at small screen touch devices (tablets & phones) & on first blush would appear to offer little to the keyboard & mouse brigade. Very much like running OS X & iOS on the one device.

[Mike-Bracknell]

I've had a brief play with Win8 in a virtual machine (VirtualBox) & control panel is there but is accessed using the Metro interface, not the standard desktop.

Metro is clearly aimed at small screen touch devices (tablets & phones) & on first blush would appear to offer little to the keyboard & mouse brigade. Very much like running OS X & iOS on the one device.

Metro doesn't replace the standard interface, but augments it. It's obvious that a lot of work from Win7->Win8 has been in putting the Metro interface into it and ensuring it works with non-Intel kit, so I wouldn't expect there to be much of an uplift for Win7 users on the interface level (and wouldn't be that bothered either way TBH)

[hellsbrink]

One has just acquired an AMD64X2 system which only needed a new power supply (spare one fitted, system running) so one is downloading the 64-bit beta to install on a "virgin" machine.

Will let you know how I get on, but wish me luck

[hellsbrink]

First impressions are "AAAARRRRGH" due to what pops up when you start the computer or hit the usual button to get to the "start" menu once you get to the desktop.

Sorry, Microsoft, but this is a PC I am using and not a cellphone.

[hellsbrink]

Looking at some of the reports out there, many of the customisation tools (control panel etc) are disabled in the preview, so I'm not sure I'll try it on my main PC; I might try and have a go with my laptop instead. I confess I've not played around at all with the 'Metro' interface so I remain to be convinced.

customisation tools working here, once you get to the desktop or hit the button that says "control panel" on that stupid "Metro" interface.

Methinks that they had better give the option to install Metro as it will drive people mad.

[green granite]

The release of the public beta of Windows 8 is now expected around the 10-13 January 2012