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Looking to optimize Windows 8, are Apps gimmicky?

(21 posts)
  • Started 6 months ago by mindstormer
  • Latest reply from raphoenix
  • Topic Viewed 1074 times

1 2
mindstormer
Posts: 24

I am looking for ways to optimize Windows 8 performance-wise. If you guys have any guides you use for that, that would be nice. Anyway, the problem I have with Windows 8 is the Start Screen that displays as soon as you log on. Normally, I have several startup programs that run as soon as I log in on Windows 7, but now I have to click something after logging in just to have that happen again on Windows 8. My question is: Is the start screen gimmicky and are the Apps actually useful? Would the tech-savvy user disable the Smart Screen and prefer to have the desktop run automatically after signing in along with their startup programs?

I feel like Windows 8 Apps are sub-par and only appeal to users who are not good with computers.

Thanks.

Posted 6 months ago #
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afuhnk
afuhnk
Posts: 309

I like using them (I have a PC, no touchscreen), evven though I spent most of my time (95%) on regular desktop apps (I'm a gamer). Think of them as Microsofts' version of Android or iOS apps.
Of course not all of them are useful or interesting (for me) but I don't see them as gimmicky or for someone who knows nothing of computer.
Some people do not like using it and bought Stardocks' Start8 app which can "remove" / disable the Start Screen altogether and use the Start8's Windows 7 Start Menu.
As far as running tasks at startup, you can create tasks in the task scheduler that will run almost anything at startup (or after the user has logged in), and can even be executed "as administrator", should your scripts / files need to be executed that way.

http://technet.microsoft.com/e.....21871.aspx

Posted 6 months ago #
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vistamike
vistamike
Posts: 10945

mindstormer hi, we do have a win 8 forum and there is much discussion about the new OS:

http://www.howtogeek.com/forum/forum/windows-8 much interest has been posted as members tested

And here for the guide; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009VZFN4I/?tag=htgsky-20

Posted 6 months ago #
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ispalten
ispalten
Posts: 6259

Hmm, on my W8 machine Startups run even with the Live Tile desktop up?

The Start Desktop of course would be better suited for tablets. Full touch capability for one, and most of those Live Tiles are like apps on other tablets in content. Some duplicate PC applications, like Skype that MS owns.

Right now, I for one wouldn't mess with any 'optimization' or 'cleaning' program unless I know they are W8 compatible.

There are programs available (open source and Stardock) that will bypass the new start screen and take you directly to the desktop. I've not installed these yet, but I problem will soon.

Irv S.

Posted 6 months ago #
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raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

I LOVE Windows 8 !!

After Clearing ALL 400 Event Logs BEFORE shutting down machine for the night, I get this in the Administrative Master EVENT Log on First Cold Boot the next morning HOWEVER does NOT hurt machine Performance in any way just like the other (5) Warnings and Errors in the Event logs.

=========================================================================
Am just going to have to start hitting the books again. (LOL) (LOL) :) :)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/searc.....=618072011
Appears I have MUCH reading and re-configuration to do. :) :)
=========================================================================

Log Name: Application
Source: Microsoft-Windows-User Profiles Service
Date: 11/14/2012 10:17:53 PM
Event ID: 1530
Task Category: None
Level: Warning
Keywords:
User: SYSTEM
Computer: ASUS50
Description:
Windows detected your registry file is still in use by other applications or services. The file will be unloaded now. The applications or services that hold your registry file may not function properly afterwards.

DETAIL -
17 user registry handles leaked from \Registry\User\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001:
Process 852 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\svchost.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 852 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\svchost.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Connections
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\SmartCardRoot
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\Disallowed
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\TrustedPeople
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\CA
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\Root
Process 1000 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\svchost.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\trust

Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-User Profiles Service" Guid="{89B1E9F0-5AFF-44A6-9B44-0A07A7CE5845}" />
<EventID>1530</EventID>
<Version>0</Version>
<Level>3</Level>
<Task>0</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x8000000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2012-11-15T04:17:53.166097200Z" />
<EventRecordID>3905</EventRecordID>
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="852" ThreadID="3860" />
<Channel>Application</Channel>
<Computer>ASUS50</Computer>
<Security UserID="S-1-5-18" />
</System>
<EventData Name="EVENT_HIVE_LEAK">
<Data Name="Detail">17 user registry handles leaked from \Registry\User\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001:
Process 852 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\svchost.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001
Process 852 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\svchost.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Connections
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\SmartCardRoot
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\Disallowed
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\TrustedPeople
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\CA
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\Root
Process 1000 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\svchost.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
Process 604 (\Device\HarddiskVolume1\Windows\System32\lsass.exe) has opened key \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-3205829359-1692845512-2140531458-1001\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\trust
</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>

Posted 6 months ago #
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Scott
Scott
Posts: 5618

I'm liking Win8 too and as suggested above, bought Stardocks app for $4.99 to mimic some Win7 on-screen behaviors. And as noted above some apps are particularly worthy, some worthless, and your mileage may vary.

The Start screen may in time feel like a gimmick but for right now I enjoy watching live tiles more than a dead desktop. I do fondly remember the active desktops in XP and immediately looked for ways to tweak Vista.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto.....for-vista/

Posted 6 months ago #
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raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

The "Live Tiles" are constantly updating whether one is in Desktop Mode or not.

Tip:

If using only Desk Top Mode, Right Click twice on the Tiles and Disable Live Mode.

Conversely, if using only Start Screen Mode, Enable and Configure all the Live Tiles.

OR if the machine is using A/C and not battery, don't worry about it. :)

Posted 6 months ago #
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mindstormer
Posts: 24

Hmm... that's kind of what I'm saying. Downloading an application and having it to run on your computer JUST to provide you with the familiar Windows 7 feel is really lame. I don't mind tinkering with the registries to accomplish this task because it keeps the OS free of "unneeded" applications.

The way I see Windows 8 Apps is it's like iOS on iPod Touch/iPhone--you can only deal with one task at a time on a screen. While it may give you that multimedia experience you want, it just isn't very efficient for multi-tasking. I don't want to jump to a new application just to view my email or open an image when I can accomplish that with a click or two in the traditional desktop mode.

I really haven't dealt with Windows 8 Apps though, but this is just an impression. If it is indeed less efficient than the traditional desktop mode, is there a way to disable Windows 8 Apps altogether? I set my Default Programs to desktop applications, but I feel like maybe there is a way remove Windows 8 Apps, which is a huge feature I will probably never use.

Posted 6 months ago #
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raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

@mindstormer,

I feel sure Windows 8 can be dealt with, Just need to study the books and learn how the operating system is built.

Much like the change from DOS to a GUI Windows interface long ago, it will just take a lot of reading and study as we move forward!

Rick P.

Posted 6 months ago #
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ispalten
ispalten
Posts: 6259

You can both switch Live Tiles or close them easily. To switch you need to go to the top left corner with your mouse (or I guess touch) and you'll see a small version of those open. Select the one you want, more complicated than a single mouse click on a partially hidden window or taskbar (it app not fullscreen), but you can do it.

You can also CLOSE a Live Tile using ALT-F4.

What is more annoying is that you must 'disable' the Live Tiles if you don't want them updating, even if you are not on that screen. So some this could be an internet load.

Things have moved and usually it is 'harder' to get to them than it was before. Some things appear to have disappeared (besides the Start Orb). Without the Start Orb I can't seem to find the list of ALL PROGRAMS, although on the start screen you can Right Mouse Button and it will then show what it calls all programs, but some are clearly missing. Also can't find the FULL MAP of the network that had been a link on the Network and Sharing Center????

Irv S.

Posted 6 months ago #
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raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

Irv and Others,

Don't try to be heroes.

Install this FREE program to put the Start button back on to the Desktop so you can configure the machine properly BEFORE trying to learn the 8 Start Screen.
http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/

The program is just the code that was taken out of the Windows 7 Desk Top View for the Start Button, etc ..

Rick P.

Posted 6 months ago #
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ispalten
ispalten
Posts: 6259

@Rick, a change from DOS to a GUI isn't the same here going from W7, XP, or Vista to W8. This is a major change how the old interface appears and works. Going from DOS to GUI was a change in how you do things. Now it is a change in how to do what you did before on a similar GUI.

There is change to go forward to a new frontier, and this Wx to W8 is not that unless you get basically the Surface RT or a Windows Phone. They would have the situation you describe. PC's are forced into that area when what was there was OK. If you had a choice, would you use the original Skype or the Live Tile version? If you have an RT or Phone you don't have a choice, but on a PC you do.

Did you see where MS was sued over the RT? It says it has 32GB's of storage in the spec's, but in actuality it has around 16GB's useable (http://www.digitaltrends.com/m.....age-space/)? Same thing will have with the Surface Pro too. My iPad has a lot more user space almost close to the stated memory in the spec's. My 64GB model has 57.3GB's, and the OS takes even less space on 16GB models. Now I never expected FULL useable memory but to lose 1/2????

Makes one think about the Lenovo Yoga too, it only comes with a 128GB SSD (although you can add external cards and devices)...

Irv S.

Posted 6 months ago #
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ispalten
ispalten
Posts: 6259

@Rick, have you found the FULL NETWORK MAP yet that was on the W7 Network and Sharing Center?

Irv S.

Posted 6 months ago #
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raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

@Irv,

See my above posting again for the Start Button.

The Windows 8 RT machine is going NOWHERE. It was forecast months ago to be DOA.

The Windows 8 PRO Machine and others like the Lenovo Yoga are what folks will purchase.

Edit: There are a few settings in the Windows 8 Desktop that have been dispensed with but nothing earth shanking.

@Irv, you can still Bridge Connections, setup Network Sharing, etc...

JUST TRYING TO GET RID OF THE EVENT ERRORS IS WHAT'S BOTHERING ME !!!!

Rick P.

Posted 6 months ago #
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afuhnk
afuhnk
Posts: 309

On a side note, just to be clear, it's Windows RT and Windows 8/8 Pro. There's no 'windows 8 RT'.
Yeah, I know. It's silly to be that 'anal' about it. But being in the industry we were told that it's very important to make sure everyone stays on the same page to avoid confusion.

And I don't think Windows RT is DOA yet. I mean.. people/companies will eventually code their already popular programs for ARM. And since ARM-based desktop are coming (eventually), there will be more and more ARM-compatible programs.

Posted 6 months ago #
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raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

@afuhnk,

Stay off of topics you don't know "squat" about please. :) :)

Posted 6 months ago #
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ispalten
ispalten
Posts: 6259

@Rick, "@Irv, you can still Bridge Connections, setup Network Sharing, etc...", yes but I am aware you can do that, but that isn't WHAT I want? I want to SEE the entire NETWORK, all devices connected? The OLD MAP showed me all devices attached and even how (wired/wireless). This APPEARS to be removed from W8?

W7 Network and Sharing Center

NOTE the red circle, missing from W8

What clicking on the circled link provides :

Note since I'm wired the wireless show as other devices

Now ALL DEVICES :

Irv S.

EDIT, see if this is right...

Posted 6 months ago #
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afuhnk
afuhnk
Posts: 309

@ raphoenix ... Please tell me where do you see WINDOWS 8 RT on there?
http://windows.microsoft.com/e.....ows-rt-faq

Posted 6 months ago #
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raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

@Irv,

True there are a few settings in the Windows 8 Desktop that have been dispensed with.

Mod Scott brought to my attention another also concerning resizing icons ...

I'm sure we'll find some more settings that are missing and may be some registry cures.

Right now the O/S code needs some work as evidenced by the (TWO) large Updates this past Tuesday.

It is "sink or swim" time for MS so the "big money" is on swim no matter what they have to do.

The Head of Windows 8 Development was "Fired or Quit" this past week so they will not go down without a fight to the finish I'm sure !!!!

Rick P.

Posted 6 months ago #
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ispalten
ispalten
Posts: 6259

@Rick, after using W8 (sparingly when my wife lets me) I find it on a desktop a dichotomy. Part PC, part Tablet. Now on a Surface RT and phones which operate as a tablet, the tablet part makes sense. On a PC, I don't think the Start Screen is anything but a 'gimick'. I didn't see anything on it that was needed, other then the desktop live tile? Yeah, I can build 'live tiles' for any program I wish, but that to me was MS's way of keeping me on the Start Screen. If I can launch any program and return start screen it all works for MS. In this case a Tablet and PC would 'look' the same. Feel, no way... Tablet apps will be ALL touch, PC apps may never be, will remain mouse driven (with a keyboard, but many tablet apps require a keyboard for serious input).

When you look at the various PC/Tablets out there, they do double duty, true, but sometimes you need 'uni-tools' which generally work better than multi-taskers. An iPad or any other tablet, provided it has the mix of apps you need, will probably be better at the job, lighter in weight, and have better battery life and any multi-tasker PC/Tablet machines.

That said, at some point in the future this WILL come to pass. All you'll probably want/need is Tablet possibly.

Consider yesterday when people took Camcorders and a camera on vacation... go back a decade or 2 and they camcorders were heavy and bulky, and the camera used film or very low pixel count. Today, my digital camera takes HD video and only limited by the size of the SD card I put in it. Ion Lithium batteries provide long usage, as do ones that have changeable batteries.

That is a good analogy on the possible state change on PC's.

I got a Dell catalog today. They have an ALL-IN-ONE touch screen that has a LOW angle on the display so you can basically look down on it. I'd surely prefer to do that with live tile content rather than have to move my arm up to eye-level and stretch across a keyboard to make something happen.

As for things 'dispensed with', who decided and why? What might not be important to you could be for me. I want that network map... and I'll probably get a 3rd party app to do it.

Irv S.

Posted 6 months ago #
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