[cryptoz]

> and has almost no points that I really want changed.

Most of the wealthy people in Europe probably felt that way in the 18th century about their society. But it's a good thing that this particular opinion is silly and holds no water, right? Something existing to your level of liking is perhaps the best reason to change it.

[revscat]

> Something existing to your level of liking is perhaps the best reason to change it.

This seems... ridiculous to me.

Computers are tools enabling us to do certain tasks with greater ease. If the computer does this fluidly and with minimal effort then it is a good tool. On the other hand, if a new version of the tool adds to the effort required to achieve the same or similar tasks then the new tool is not as good as the old.

This has nothing to do with resisting change, but resisting change for change's sake.

[cryptoz]

> If the computer does this fluidly and with minimal effort then it is a good tool

I strongly disagree that Windows 7 matches this description. I find managing windows to be very difficult, for example: no Always on Top, no Focus Follows Mouse, etc. Multiple monitor support is lacking (no option for second taskbar, etc.) Windows 7 also defaults to Reboot without explicit user permission. Some of this is fixed in 8, some of it is not. The point here is that Windows 7 is most definitely NOT "minimal effort" or "fluid". At least, not for me.

> On the other hand, if a new version of the tool adds to the effort required to achieve the same or similar tasks then the new tool is not as good as the old.

Is there any evidence that Windows 8 adds to the effort required to achieve the same task compared to Windows 7? I don't think so.

Also, huge swathes of the world are starting off their computing experience as Mobile-Only. Kenya has very few desktop computers as compared to cell phones, for example. Microsoft is preparing for the new paradigm while not forcing it on anyone (desktop mode, you could keep using Windows 7, etc).

The point is that just because the Windows-7-using elite of the world are happy right now DOES NOT mean that the product is good to leave as it is. There is huge room for improvement.

[bad_user]

Oh wow, you're comparing the industrial revolution to a minor OS upgrade. I guess we feel the need for revolutions in our lives, but this is a bit too much.

[cryptoz]

I didn't intend on comparing to the industrial revolution specifically. I more meant it that the wealthy are happy and content with the way things are, the poor are not (and not merely because they are poor, but because there are better ways of doing things for everyone, not just the poor).

The comparison was meant to open the discussion to the idea that many of the world's future computer users are not familiar with, nor care about, the workflow in Windows 7. Windows 8 may be better for them to use.