Windows 8 and Office 2013: The Good and the Bad

When it comes to Windows 8, I am not a fan. Maybe it's just because I'm used to the Windows set up that I've used pretty much since the 5th grade. The new Windows 8 has a lot of complicated gadgets that I feel are unnecessary when it comes to using a computer; these gadgets are merely for aesthetic value.

Two things I like about the new Windows system is the picture password and ability to still use a somewhat traditional desktop.  I feel the picture password is a really creative way to keep unwanted eyes from entering your computer, as long as your picture doesn't have an obvious password combination. The use of the desktop I think is really good, because some people might not like a lot of the new features. You could essentially have the same computer without all the fancy stuff Windows 8 has.

Two things I do not like about Windows 8 is the four corners system and the applications. I feel like the corners are unnecessary and somewhat complicated. To me, it would take too much effort to learn these tricks. As for the applications, I think that constantly having these little extras running on your computer would run down your laptop's battery. I've also heard that this keeps you from shutting down your computer properly (if this was refuted in the video, I may have missed it).

Overall, I think I wouldn't have a problem learning it, but compared to what's on my computer now I don't think I would want the change. It's just something to get used to, I suppose.

As for Office 2013, I think I would purchase Office for Home and Student. This Office has just Word, Powerpoint, and OneWord which is pretty much all I ever use and need. Publisher and Excel and whatnot just seems unnecessary for my family and myself. I like this new method of purchasing Office, since it lets you buy what you really need, rather than you wasting an extra $100 on things you will never use and probably don't understand. 

Useful Coursemate Tools

I always find that simpler is better, so I think for me that the Key Terms section of Coursemate will help me the most. I am a pretty good reader, but I find in textbooks that if I have to read a lot, then I will probably forget half of it! Having just the key terms laid out for me is perfect and will most likely ensure long-term retainment of the information that I don't know.

I also think the Activities and Tutorials will help. In any class, hands-on practice is best and I like the way every step is spread out for me. I am pretty good with computers, but I've learned this class wants things done a certain way and that's not always how I do it! It's nice to know the technical way to complete common tasks.

I like under Student Labs that there is a section on using Windows because it wasn't until this class started that I realized some important things that I don't know how to do! I can't wait to see what I learn and I hope I can get used to using Coursemate quickly!