₦airaland Forum

This morning, Microsoft released Windows 8.1. Windows 8 users can upgrade for free by visiting the Windows Store; if you have another operating system, the upgrade will cost you the same price as Windows 8 itself: $120 for the normal version, or $200 for Windows 8.1 Pro. Windows 8.1 is a fairly major update for both tablet and laptop/desktop users, providing a better experience both within the Metro interface on touchscreens and with the mouse and keyboard on the Desktop. Using the mouse and keyboard within the Metro interface, however, still sucks — and the Start button and menu, though technically reinstated, are not back in spirit.


Downloading and installing Windows 8.1

To download and install Windows 8.1, visit http://www.extremetech.com/computing/168685-how-to-download-and-install-windows-8-1-for-free. For the most part, installing Windows 8.1 is quick, painless, and risk-free, so you don’t need to worry about backing up or other preparatory measures. Do make sure you have plenty of free hard drive space, though (20GB+), and if you’re coming from Windows 8.1 Preview, be sure to read the caveats in our guide.

New features and major changes in Windows 8.1

As the name implies, Windows 8.1 is more of a revision to Windows 8 than a major update. The new Metro interface is still front and center, and still awful to use with a mouse and keyboard — but, as a concession to those without touchscreens, you can now configure Windows 8.1 to boot straight to the Desktop. The Start button also makes its illustrious return, but all it does is bring up the Metro interface. The Start button can be configured to bring up a rejigged All Apps view, which is kind of like a full-screen Start menu, but it’s still a piggish to navigate with a mouse. If you make extensive use of the real Start menu in Windows XP/Vista/7, you will want to install a third-party Start menu replacement (which still work perfectly with Windows 8.1).

On the Metro side of things, there are extensive updates to configurability and usability. The Metro Control Panel (“PC Settings”) can now be used to change most important settings. You can now split-screen multiple apps, and you’re not restricted to the size and location of the splits — apps can be any width, including 50/50. Multi-monitor support for Metro has improved, too, allowing you to have multiple apps split-screened on multiple monitors.

The Start screen is more configurable, the Lock screen is more functional (it now makes a great digital photo frame), and lots of stock apps have received much-needed updates. The Windows Store has been tweaked, but it’s still pretty rough.

Bridging the Metro and Desktop divide, Windows 8.1 brings built-in SkyDrive integration (to Metro and Libraries in Explorer), and Search has been significantly bolstered, especially when it comes to web-based search results. There’s also a new option to show your Desktop wallpaper behind the Metro Start screen, which makes a surprisingly big difference when it comes to the jarring juxtaposition between the two interfaces.


Why did we have to wait two years for this?

In short, Windows 8.1 takes Windows 8 — which really was an abomination for mouse-and-keyboard Desktop users, and only slightly better on tablets — and makes it usable. The irony, though, is that almost all of the changes made to Windows 8.1 were originally pointed out two years ago by beta testers of the original Windows 8 Preview.

When you consider that Windows 8 and 8.1 have been in development for a grand total of five years, and Microsoft has been making operating systems for more than 20 years, and Windows 7 was one of the best OSes ever released, it’s really hard to imagine how Microsoft got the original release of Windows 8 so, so wrong. (Personally, I think Microsoft only implemented the Metro interface very late into the development of Windows 8, when Apple’s iPad started to blow up… but that’s another conversation for another day.)

Still, I suppose the main thing is that Windows 8.1 is finally usable. Better late than never, and all that — but it would’ve been a lot better if Microsoft had released Windows 8.1 last year. It’s now a matter of whether Windows 8.1 is strong enough on the tablet to unseat iOS and Android, and a big enough upgrade on the desktop to encourage Windows XP and 7 users to upgrade. I am uncertain on both counts.

http://www.extremetech.com/computing/168737-windows-8-1-released-how-to-download-for-free-and-a-guide-to-the-new-features

Funny thing is nobody cares what the man would have wanted. These clowns seems to be more interested in outdoing the other in their flamboyant display of love and affection for Achebe now that he is dead.

The greatest tribute anyone can pay to this icon is by doing things right and doing your bit to better this country after all that's what he fought for.

tonididdy: who nor go church...no food for em

erm.....what food are we talking about here?

Caracta: It doesn't make a difference. We say these things because we wish the dead would "rest in peace". It's just like saying "Merry Christmas". We hope the christmas would be "merry". Lol. Though prayers and positive words can make a difference to the living, the dead is dead. IMO.

GBAM! enough said

lol i can see that Good ole Nairaland hasnt changed

Another reason to check the excesses of those (S)elected into public offices early enough. Until the citizens realize that the power lies with them and take back control, nothing will change. it is curious though that all these issues are now cropping up now that Amechi has fallen out of favour with GEJ. Lets see how this plays out.

i've always been suspicious of that dino guy.

i wouldnt be surprised to find out he staged this to get media attention and public sympathy!

20pounds: Insecured ppl are always quick to show their beauty, car, abs, six pack, money, clothes e.tc, without bothering about positive contribution to humanity.

GBAM!!! I couldnt have said it better

i keep wondering the point of this and why the other passengers looks so calm.

afrobaby: Hello, pls who has an idea of the test structure for kpmg for help desk position, invited for a test on monday, thx

i got the same text earlier today but havn't received the mail. would also love to know what the test structure would be like.

What some people don't get is that there are Places that has been enjoying Premium power supply from the same NEPA/PHCN long before Yaradua came into power due to the caliber of people residing there. They are given preference by NEPA/PHCN due to one reason or the other to the detriment of the Average Joe. they also enjoy quality & prompt maintenance service cos of the amount of money they can shell out n bribes or otherwise. places like Asokoro, Maitama & even wuse 2 in ABJ enjoy more power supply than most places in Nigeria. i was in Asokoro for a week and i could count on the fingers of one hand the number of times we experienced power failure which didn't even last for more than 10 mins. so i don't blame the rich for saying power has improved cause it has never been that bad for them.

Now I don't believe God is deaf so why shout? What matters most is a sincere heart.

its stereotypes like "all men are dogs" & "all ladies are gold diggers" that ensures the vicious cycle of deceit between guys & ladies continues. one thing i've learnt over time is to never generalize/assume & to give everyone the benefit of doubt cos we sometimes find the best people in unexpected places. just my 2 cent

Most electronics and other products are produced in china by the manufacturer cos of cheap labour but they ensure that their products meet the quality control set by different governments.

yeah they all come with warranty but warranty centers are setup to service warranties for specific regions. What most people dont know is that a laptop meant for the US market wont be serviced by the warranty centers in Nigeria. so its actually adviceable to buy one thats meant for whatever region the laptop is meant to be used in if u want warranty. Redington is one of the major service centers for HP,DELL,TOSHIBA....in nigeria and would usually give you such warranty information. all they'll require is the product & serial number of the laptop

Holy are you Lord
All creation call you God
Worthy is your name
We worship Your Majesty

Awesome God, how great thou art
You are God, mighty are Your miracles
We stand in awe of your holy name
Lord we bow and worship You

Holy are you Lord
All creation call you God
Worthy is your name
We worship Your Majesty


King of kings, Lord of lords, everlasting Kind
Savior Redeemer, Soon coming King
King of kings, Lord of lords, everlasting Kind
Savior Redeemer, Soon coming King

Awesome, awesome, You are awesome
Awesome, awesome, You are awesome

…..X
Awesome is your name.

Chinom: That's really nice. But i no fit do am. Kudos to the man. He should save the pic for the child when he or she grows up.

dont see myself doing it either, musnt carry a child on my back to show i care & yes i dont have a problem helping out with the house chores

would have been shocked if this was true. am sure the man doesnt have a death wish

[quote author=Mrs.Chima]Why do men think we want ugly partners? [/quote]well antecedents madam!

how are u? long time!

Good work you're doing here. Pls I'll need d code for mine

9700 (Tmobile)

IMEI : 356543031951428

MEP: 04104-007

Thanx a lot!

[quote author=Peter C.]Is it wrong for a guy to call and text you all day Amaka G29[/quote]why in God's name would you want to text her all day? a Job would suffice u know

mistakes right? here are a few

- being clingy (there's nothing like too clingy! clingy is clingy)

- trying to be his mum & not his partner (he already has a mum who's most likely doing a perfect job in that dept and wldnt want another)

- not having an opinion on any matter

- using sex as a bargaining chip or as a way of getting back @ him

- holding sex up as a prize (little wonder guys do anything to win that prize)

- not giving a 100% to the relationships (how then does he take it seriously if u wont?)

- how can i forget LIES!!! (he shld be able to trust u above all)

- being too docile, inactive or quiet int the relationship

- Pretense! (believing he'll love u better if u're someone else)

- giving him the impression you're doing him a favour by being in a relationship with me

- being self centered (self! self!! Self!!!)

- Not having regard for your partner's feelings or emotions

- Disrespecting your partner

@op

it depends on what you mean by crazy. different strokes for different folks

whats with the whole "desperate to get married threads" of late?

is marriage going out of fashion or is "something" about to expire?

the truth is desperation will scare even the most daring guy.

chill and make something of your life first.

Joeblis:
Abu zaria is so corupt to the extent they cheat students who usauly sits 4 d post ume.the thread is based on a true life story of a boy who scorced 292 in jamb and also 80 in the aptitude test, and stays in d cacthment area. I jst demand an explaination why dat was not offerded admision. D hapenings in d skul would nt jst size to amaze me. I wish 2 be in a high position and lay litral sanctions on dis corupt skul.

why do people make sweeping generalization based on the experience of 1 person or that of a minority?

every school in the world is engaged in the practice of "Selective admissions" ie offering admissions to people who are not generally qualified to get them for one reason or the other (justified or not) but for most schools, the bulk of these admissions are usually offered on merit

This might make ABU corrupt but it certainly does not make ABU the most corrupt school in Nigeria.

The matter has been resolved & things are returning back to normal.

@op

why not if she's got all the qualities i'm looking for

Sagamite:
Speak to your husband ASAP.

If you are starting work at 8am and finishing at 6.30pm, it is unreasonable to expect you to cook or even do major childcare task after work.

You should both sit down together and see if you can hire some to do the cooking. Even if it is someone that will come in for 2 hours a day Monday to Friday to cook you guys dinner and get paid anything from N200 - N1000 per day.

I bet there are thousands of people in Nigeria that will bite your hands off to do it and be employed. Maybe even University or Polytechnic students that need to supplement their schooling funds.

If you work that much, you should only cook in the weekend or on special occasions.

Sit him down and talk to him reasonably.

u took the words right off my mouth.

The word Slavery comes to mind while reading this!

[quote author=Inked_Nerd link=topic=870007.msg10200404#msg10200404 date=1329302751]
Oxone, your such a cutie pie [/quote]Thanks dear!