Windows 8 Shutdown Button

Tired of wading through the menus to do something as simple as shutting down your Windows 8 computer? There’s a better way. Two better ways, in fact.

1.) Remove Windows 8 and install Windows 7 (You knew this one was coming).
2.) Create a batch file that allows you to shutdown by simply double-clicking it on the desktop.

To perform the second method, simply right-click anywhere on the desktop and choose New> Text document. Press the enter key once, which will automatically name the newly created file something like “New Text Document,” and then open it up in notepad. Add the following text to the blank file without the quotes: “shutdown.exe -s -t 00″ and go to File>Save As, then under the “Save as type” drop-down menu, select “All Files.” Change the File name to something recognizable like “Shutdown Windows.bat” (once again, without the quotes–you can change the shutdown windows part–just make sure it ends in .bat), then click Save. There you have it! Just double-click it to shutdown your computer–take that, frustrating Windows 8 GUI!

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Windows 8: The Touch-OS

As an IT Consultant and OEM, I’ve had my hands on Windows 8 for the better part of a year now and can say—I’m impressed. Sadly for Microsoft and its customers—not in a good way. Windows 8 builds on the solid foundation of Windows 7 and adds improved security features (plus) and a total overhaul of the already solid driver base that made 7 so easy to install (plus). It fails to impress, however, in that it is not in any way designed for users who don’t wish to make use of touchscreens. Microsoft designed the entire product around the idea that all users want a touchscreen interface—this is simply not the case, especially since so many of us already have tablets that fill the touchscreen niche. As such, there is no provision for those who wish to simply use the traditional desktop model when it comes to business and everyday office applications. Menus, options, controls and administration tools are simply too hidden and I found myself simply wading through a rather non-intuitive interface to find things I’ve used since Windows 3.1. In brief, Windows 8 might be a good option for those purchasing a new tablet (remains to be seen) but it is simply terrible for the everyday business/office user. In my opinion, Microsoft has really made a blunder this time. I find myself saying what I did years ago when Vista hit the shelves, “Better wait till the next one.”

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