Are you using 8.1 on your work machines?

[rich_tech]

using 8.1 enterprise since release on my machine here, just cannot be mucking about with Beta software on the main machine, I like it too, though I didnt have many complaints using windows 8 enterprise before it (yeah I know metro was awful), but I spend 99% of my windows time on the desktop anyway.

 

It has improved stuff, i.e. metro customisability was always a lacking must I felt, now its a much better experience, have 8.1 pro on my home machine too and it works well alongside my Ubuntu installation, only gaming its used for there though now with stuff that is truly awkward or OTT to make compatible i.e. too much faffing about with wine or playonlinux.

[robjduk]

Not using 8.1 yet because Kaspersky have not released their 8.1 update yet Using it at home thought and its just fine.

[Tall_Paul]

8.1 at home but still on 7 here. Can't deploy anything beyond 7 until I upgrade SCCM (which is a real problem given my current workload).

[liveman2]

I have dual-boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 (but not 8.1.... yet). I used Windows 7 for day to day work with RDP into Windows Server 2008.

[themightymrp]

Been using 8.1 since the official release day on my office PC - have to say its better than I expected! I held off on the upgrade to 8 after all the negative reviews but 8.1 seems to have addressed a number of issues

 

And its QUICK!! Actually got used to the new start menu now, my normal 'desktop' has all of 8 icons on it so much tidier - its so much easier to hit the Windows key and click the icon for my programs

[gaz350b]

As I was starting to spend more and more time using server 2012 I thought it was time to get my head around 8.1

 

made the jump today on my laptop (desktop runs mavericks). I can see its going to be very important to get users to customise their own start menus.

I've got about 10 apps pinned, for the rest I just hit windows and then start typing to search for them.

 

The only thing that is really annoying me at the moment, if desktop IE is open, it will open the desktop version, if it isn't my shortcut loads the metro version.

[rj_mayer]

I've been building new Server 2012 R2 VMs, but not 8.1, yet.

[MMPS]

gaz350b, if you look in internet options on desktop IE, under the programs tab there is a setting to choose which version of IE to use, You can set it to always use the desktop version or always use the metro version.

[gaz350b]

gaz350b, if you look in internet options on desktop IE, under the programs tab there is a setting to choose which version of IE to use, You can set it to always use the desktop version or always use the metro version.

 

cheers i knew there would be a way i had been looking in the Advanced tab

[ADMaster]

I upgraded to 8.1 for server manager and to get used to it. I have some 2012 servers and just upgraded a few of them to 2012 R2.

I think I’ll wait until it is hardware refresh time to move anyone else to 8.1, I have not tested any 8.1 gpos yet, or figured out how to handle store apps.

[rsydes]

We were waiting for better active directory functionality and control over desktop. Now discover that in order to access desktop control function we need ENTERPRISE version together with 2012 R2, thereby forcing us into an EES agreement that we do not want to enter into. Will probably stay with Windows 7 Pro - hopefully as long as we did with XP. Its functionality we are after, not fancy desktop graphics designed in haste and possibly in vain to gain lost ground by Microsoft in the mobile market.

[robjduk]

whats the weather like in the 80's?

[rsydes]

Harsh! I was only trying to broaden out the debate. I have been using Win 8 on my home/work desktop since it's release. I would like to take advantage of the improved engineering on the school network, but am frustrated by Micosoft's licensing and update processes.

[StevieM]

It'll be at least another year or two before we deploy Windows 8 across the school. I've made enough enemies upgrading from Office 2003 to 2013 this year. And the fact that I provided each member of staff with their own school email address is an offence punishable by death... apparently!

[FN-GM]

And the fact that I provided each member of staff with their own school email address is an offence punishable by death... apparently!

 

Wow, Our school staff have had email addresses since the 90's. I hope they don't take those years on anger out on us!

[ShawnIT]

We are using 8.1 in our school district. We have around 1000 of the going now. So far biggest issues been user training. We've started moving some older xp machines 2gb ram to 8.1 and are seeing performance benefits.

[ShawnIT]

We are currently running Server 2012 and downloaded the management admin console to my 8.1 pro laptop. I am able to edit the 8.1/ server 2012 r2 only policies on my laptop. This is working well for us so far.

[speckytecky]

I think you fairly sum up the position of many of us. Windows 7 was brought out to replace the heap of rubbish that was the hastily released memory hungry Vista. Windows 7 for most of us in Education I suspect does a fine and manageable job. I'm certainly in no haste to lurch down the Windows 8 road. Tried it on my DH's All in One and was told to get rid!! Delighted to give you your very first TY BTW.

 

We were waiting for better active directory functionality and control over desktop. Now discover that in order to access desktop control function we need ENTERPRISE version together with 2012 R2, thereby forcing us into an EES agreement that we do not want to enter into. Will probably stay with Windows 7 Pro - hopefully as long as we did with XP. Its functionality we are after, not fancy desktop graphics designed in haste and possibly in vain to gain lost ground by Microsoft in the mobile market.

[FN-GM]

We were waiting for better active directory functionality and control over desktop. Now discover that in order to access desktop control function we need ENTERPRISE version together with 2012 R2, thereby forcing us into an EES agreement that we do not want to enter into. Will probably stay with Windows 7 Pro - hopefully as long as we did with XP. Its functionality we are after, not fancy desktop graphics designed in haste and possibly in vain to gain lost ground by Microsoft in the mobile market.

 

You dont need EEES to get Enterprise, you require SA, you can get this on other agreements. Plus your servers do not have to be 2012 R2.

[Arthur]

Tried it on my DH's All in One and was told to get rid!

With ClassicShell or StartIsBack installed, they probably wouldn't have been able to tell it wasn't Windows 7.

[Simcfc73]

So what's the point??

[burgemaster]

Do you use it? Yes. Great OS. Really quick and stable.

Why? Server manager for our 2012r2 servers, hyper-v and making sure we are used to the latest software that I guess most staff/students will soon be using at home.

Will we roll it out school wide?

Possibly at some point. Maybe on some staff laptops, test with a couple of eager admin staff.

[FN-GM]

Our roll out slowed down. I had to wait for SCCM 2012 R2. That put me back, then when it was released BSF took over. The breathing space we did have i couldn't do it as SCCM was used for imaging new machines, didn't want to wreck it with an upgrade when we need it most!

 

We will be back on track in a few weeks

[Norphy]

Out of curiosity, why are you waiting for SCCM 2012 R2 to roll it out? 2012 SP1 with the latest CU and the current WinPE will push it out.

[FN-GM]

Out of curiosity, why are you waiting for SCCM 2012 R2 to roll it out? 2012 SP1 with the latest CU and the current WinPE will push it out.

 

1. Changing the WinPE inst supported.
   
2. Software updates with SP1 do not work with OSD. Right click one of your images and click "Schedule Updates" or install the updates during the TS. None of them work properly.
   
3. Installation of drivers during OSD will be problematic.