Windows 8 available Friday, October 26

Geoff Rasmussen

25 Oct 2012

The major new upgrade from Microsoft, Windows 8, will be available for your computer or tablet starting Friday, October 26, 2012. While I am usually first in line to upgrade to the latest and greatest, I may hold off a little while on this one. But again, I might not.

Windows 8 is so completely different than what we are used to – it does not even have a Start button anymore. And since it is optimized for computers and tablets with touch screens, many early testers recommend to stick with Windows 7 if you do not have a touch screen or tablet.

Legacy Family Tree works well on Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. It does not (now) run on tablets running Windows RT. For a comparison of the three versions of Windows, click here. Or take a tour of Windows 8 here.

Having said all this, you will probably find me at the computer store early Friday morning. What about you? Are you taking the plunge, or will you wait for a while?

Comments (7)

Well, I upgraded to Windows 8 (Pro) on my desktop where I do all my Legacy work. Not only Legacy 7.5 Deluxe runs fine; but also a couple of Mapping programs that were designed for Windows XP or earlier (96 or 98)that I use to verify locations also work fine…. Miss the ‘Start Button’ and CNTL-Alt-Del / Task Master/manager does not have all the ‘bells & whistles’ that Windows 7 had. They are now Apps… If you liked some of the Games (preloaded with Windows 7) make copies in order to reload them in Windows 8 – Windows 8 erases them…. Howard htm92941@aol.com

Iwe just upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 8. There is no ned to waít. It runs like a charm. Easy upgrade process
/Ole

It just doesn’t look like something I’d use, at least the “razzle-dazzle” video, left me flat! Apps and more apps, must be showin’ my age. I don’t think I’ll upgrade anytime soon. Thanks for the information.

I’m using Legacy with Windows 8 and so far I’ve had no issues. I did miss the Start button at first, but I have grown to like the changes. If you really need to have a Start button you may want to try Start8 from Stardock Corporation. It will give you a Windows 7 style Start menu. I haven’t tried any others, but I know they are out there.

We have just lost our VISTA PC and are about to upgrade to a Windows 7 computer. We wont upgrade to Windows 8 until (if and when) it becomes necessary.
The funny thing is that our older computer – the one with Windows XP on it – is still working just FINE!!!!!

I have Windows 8 on my computer and it works great with Legacy.
Much faster than 7.

I used the Windows 8 Beta version that i download for free to try out. I did not have much difficulty in migrating from windows 7 to windows 8. yes I missed the stat button. Windows 8 was fast and I liked it. I will not be moving to Windows 8 immediately. I’m going to wait till its about 6 months old and a few updates in the bank.
No Windows is not only for for touch screens and tablets. It works excellently well on a desk top computer and lap top with a conventional mouse and keyboard.

HM
Howard Mayhew

12 years ago

Well, I upgraded to Windows 8 (Pro) on my desktop where I do all my Legacy work. Not only Legacy 7.5 Deluxe runs fine; but also a couple of Mapping programs that were designed for Windows XP or earlier (96 or 98)that I use to verify locations also work fine…. Miss the ‘Start Button’ and CNTL-Alt-Del / Task Master/manager does not have all the ‘bells & whistles’ that Windows 7 had. They are now Apps… If you liked some of the Games (preloaded with Windows 7) make copies in order to reload them in Windows 8 – Windows 8 erases them…. Howard htm92941@aol.com
O
Ole

12 years ago

Iwe just upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 8. There is no ned to waít. It runs like a charm. Easy upgrade process
/Ole
CD
Cynthia Dooley

12 years ago

It just doesn’t look like something I’d use, at least the “razzle-dazzle” video, left me flat! Apps and more apps, must be showin’ my age. I don’t think I’ll upgrade anytime soon. Thanks for the information.
DS
David Smith

12 years ago

I’m using Legacy with Windows 8 and so far I’ve had no issues. I did miss the Start button at first, but I have grown to like the changes. If you really need to have a Start button you may want to try Start8 from Stardock Corporation. It will give you a Windows 7 style Start menu. I haven’t tried any others, but I know they are out there.
FT
Francesca Thomas

12 years ago

We have just lost our VISTA PC and are about to upgrade to a Windows 7 computer. We wont upgrade to Windows 8 until (if and when) it becomes necessary.
The funny thing is that our older computer – the one with Windows XP on it – is still working just FINE!!!!!
CB
Clyde Brinley

12 years ago

I have Windows 8 on my computer and it works great with Legacy.
Much faster than 7.
GR
George Rego

12 years ago

I used the Windows 8 Beta version that i download for free to try out. I did not have much difficulty in migrating from windows 7 to windows 8. yes I missed the stat button. Windows 8 was fast and I liked it. I will not be moving to Windows 8 immediately. I’m going to wait till its about 6 months old and a few updates in the bank.
No Windows is not only for for touch screens and tablets. It works excellently well on a desk top computer and lap top with a conventional mouse and keyboard.