Microsoft Gets Ready to Reverse Course on Windows 8 Key Elements

Microsoft is preparing to reverse course over key elements of its Windows 8 operating system, marking one of the most prominent admissions of failure for a new mass-market consumer product since Coca-Cola's New Coke fiasco nearly 30 years ago.

"Key aspects" of how the software is used will be changed when Microsoft releases an updated version of the operating system this year, Tami Reller, head of marketing and finance for the Windows business, said in an interview with the Financial Times. Referring to difficulties many users have had with mastering the software, she added: "The learning curve is definitely real."

Analysts warned that changing course would be a significant admission of failure for Steve Ballmer, chief executive, who called the October launch of Windows 8 a "bet-the-company" moment as Microsoft sought to respond to the success of Apple's iPad.

"It's a horrible thing for this to happen to your flagship product -- he'll take a hit for that," said Mark Anderson, an independent tech analyst. "But he's also responsible for a renaissance inside the company. There's a level of risk and creativity going on that would never have happened two years ago."

Richard Doherty, analyst at tech research firm Envisioneering, said: "This is like New Coke, going on for seven months -- only Coke listened better." Coca-Cola dropped its New Coke formula in response to a consumer backlash less than three months after launch.

Windows 8 was an ambitious attempt to update the personal computer for the tablet era by moving to a new touchscreen interface based on colourful tiles, hiding the "desktop" launch screen familiar to white collar workers and consumers around the world.

The combination PC and tablet software was widely panned by reviewers and has been blamed by some analysts for worsening the slump in sales that has rocked the PC industry. Even before its launch, Tim Cook, chief executive of Apple, said Windows 8 would be like combining a toaster and a fridge -- something that, while technically possible, was "probably not going to be pleasing to the user".

Ms Reller refused to reveal details of the changes Microsoft would make to Windows 8. However, the clamour from reviewers has become overwhelming for a return to a more familiar PC interface. Ms Reller said PC users had faced difficulties adapting to the new software.

Pressure has been building for Windows 8 PCs to launch the familiar desktop view when turned on -- and to bring back the "start" button featured in the lower left corner of the screen in previous releases.

Microsoft has also admitted to a range of other slips with the launch of Windows 8, including failing to do enough to train retail staff and educate potential customers about the new software, as well as not focusing all of its financial incentives behind the touchscreen PCs that show off Windows 8 to best advantage. "It's very clear we could and should have done more," Ms Reller said.

Despite the slips, she said that Microsoft continued to view the software as suitable for both PCs and tablets and that "customer satisfaction with Windows 8 with touch is strong". [Source]

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Tutorial: How to Setup Multiple Monitors on Windows 7 And or Mac OS X [Screenshots Plus Step by Step]

Using multiple monitors is a perfect way to increase your productivity. The bigger workspace will help you accomplish more in less time, and it couldn't be easier to set up. With only nine simple steps, you can get two monitors working on either Mac OS X or Windows 7. Just a few minutes and a couple of clicks, and you're ready to multitask.

Mac OS X

Step 1. Plug in your monitors to your computer, and turn them on. 

Step 2. Launch System Preferences from your applications folder. 

Step 3. Click the "Displays" button.

Step 4. On your first monitor, you'll see a window with three tabs: Display, Arrangement, and Colour.

Step 5. On your second monitor, you'll see a window with two tabs: Display and Colour.

Step 6. Depending on what controls your specific monitors have available, you can alter the brightness, screen orientation, resolution, and underscan to fit perfectly. If everything looks right by default, there's no need to change anything.

Step 7. On your first monitor, switch to the Arrangement tab. From here, you can change where your screens line up virtually. For the best result, you want to position the two screens in the same configuration that they're arranged on your desk. If monitor one is on the left side of the desk, position it the same way on screen. That way, moving your mouse all the way to the right will take the cursor off the first monitor, and place it on the second.

Step 8. If you want to mirror your first monitor's display onto your second monitor, check the "Mirror Displays" button at the bottom of the window. Otherwise, leave it unchecked. (This is only useful for demonstrations and presentations — not for multitasking.)

Step 9. Close the window, and you're set.

Windows 7

Step 1. Plug in your monitors to your computer, and turn them on. 

Step 2. Launch Control Panel from the start menu.

Step 3. Click the "Displays" button.

Step 4. Click on "Change Display Settings"

Step 5. If Windows hasn't already recognized your display, you can click the "Detect" button. If they're both showing up already, you're set.

Step 6. You can now click and drag your displays. For the best result, you want to position the two screens in the same configuration that they're arranged on your desk. If monitor one is on the left side of the desk, position it the same way on screen. That way, moving your mouse all the way to the right will take the cursor off the first monitor, and place it on the second. 

Step 7. If you want to tinker with the resolution or orientation of your screen, both drop-down menus are available in this window. If everything looks proper, leave them as is. 

Step 8. For both monitors to work as one giant desktop, leave the "Multiple Displays" option on "Extend these displays". Only switch to screen mirroring if you're doing demonstrations or presentations. 

Step 9. Click "Apply," and you're good to go.

[Source]

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