Refining Windows8

[ACTCMS]

Hi all

My daughter has just got a Window8 laptop...:eek:

In the unlikely event that she needs technical support, I'd appreciate any advice or warnings about...
* Avast or other free AV software
* M$ Office 2003 Pro
* That Start8 thingy
* Anything else which makes W8 look like XP or W7

Alex

[pcostanza]

W8 comes with Windows Defender which is using Microsoft Security Essentials for antivirus and some spyware. If you want to run something else, you'll need to remove it.

I can't say is Office 2003 will work with W8, haven't tried it.

I use Start8 but Classic Shell isn't bad either. You can use Start8 in W8 mode or W7 mode. They do a good job of showing you options on the web site and youtube.

Really, once you get use to it, it's not so bad but I wouldn't see a reason to update from 7 to 8 though I think it's faster and its definitely a MUCH faster boot up.

[mikeh49]

They (?) say Office 2003 does not work with 8, but I haven't tried it (no 8 box) and haven't looked for independent confirmation. I set up a friend's with Classic Shell to get a start menu like XP, worked great and free. Also, set up a task to load the desktop at boot so it skips the Modern interface. A scheduled task that runs at boot that runs explorer. Works fine as well. Looks just like XP/7 now.

[Lao Pan]

Microsoft say you need to upgrade to Office 2010 or 13 - but give 2003 a try if you have it already I seem to remember seeing it works - 2007 definitely does, I use it.
I am using 8 on my main computer & HTPC and am happy with the way it is performing - It is worth downloading the Trial of Start8 - after about 3 weeks they gave 20% discount off the $4.99 It takes you directly to the desktop and looks as though it is part of the OS.
I would stay clear of Avast or any other AV software for the time being. I used it on my main computer with Comodo Firewall to start with and had a lot of problems - had to disable network protection and add a lot of exceptions and still really slowed down the puter. I uninstalled Avast and then could not get Defender to work - Avast had totally disabled it. In the end I did a OS refresh and reinstalled all the software and added malwarebytes to the native Defender & Firewall

[smajor]

Windows is generally like Star Trek movies. Every other one is good. I'll wait until 9.

[pcostanza]

I am not sure but I think you have to turn WIndows Defender/Security Essentials on in W8 as I'm not sure store bought versions have it on by default. I've not had any problems with this antivirus though I'm careful what I open.
I was just told by someone today that you need Office 2010 to work on W8 and 2013 is due out the end of this month. If you buy 2010, you get a free upgrade to 2013 when it comes out. I have 2013 from TechNet and it's not worth updating from 2010.

[Lao Pan]

Did a bit of research - Office 2007 works fine - indeed I have it installed and up to date on the updates.

Looks as though Office 2003 installs but breaks Windows update - you may be able to install it but leave update set to Windows only (not -and other products from Microsoft)

[ACTCMS]

Thanks for the replies folks - much appreciated - very useful and clears up a lot of stuff.

Alex