Windows 8 Pissed Me Off Again

As I previously stated, I hate constantly griping over anything. However, Windows 8 just keeps on piling on the stupidity. Every consumer I know buys a computer for their use and convenience. Over the years, computer users have become addicted,(yes, addicted)to using their computers to handle routine tasks. From writing letters, answering their mail to balancing their checkbooks, computer users have allowed their computers to handle such matters. That is one of the reasons that laptop computers have become so widespread. They allow people to keep in touch and to speedily execute routine or business tasks. So, imagine my surprise when I could not use my brand new laptop to help a friend. Microsoft locked me out of my computer. I could not sign in to my desktop. Mind you, I am a computer tech. I bought this laptop to facilitate my work, personal as well as business. I am always doing research, writing and solving computer problems presented to me,(sometimes, unexpectedly). I also bought a Windows 8 system specifically because it is Microsoft's latest operating system and I wanted to be fully prepared to assist my customers. But damn! Microsoft's designers and engineers have hit rock bottom on the glaring stupidities of this system's design. Everyone knows that a laptop's main attraction for the consumer is its portability. You can work on the go, almost anywhere. You don't need an internet connection unless you want to do some internet work. Well, not until now. Windows 8 forces you to stay connected to the internet if you want to access your computer! Heaven help you if you have major work pending and you do not have access to a random wifi connection where you are. If you believe (as I did) that a password protected your computer from unauthorized access by others, think again. Windows 8's sign-in account protects your computer from access by you unless you can connect to the internet. Can you tell why I'm pissed off?

I have already written about the inconvenience of Windows 8's indiscriminate automatic updates and the practice of locking you out of your machine in the midst of whatever you are doing at the time. Other consumers have complained to me about other inconveniences they have suffered, and I know that Microsoft has received a lot of criticisms from other consumers and techs around the world. As usual, Microsoft continues to release unfinished programs on the world because it can and to hell with consumers. This practice is not new and, apparently, Microsoft has no intention of changing this behavior any time soon. Although I am not an elite program designer, I do know that designing a computer program should begin with a flowchart outlining the problems to overcome and steps to take to do so. The flowchart should take into consideration the needs of the consumer for whom it is being prepared. To design an operating system that will be used on mobile equipment without considering ease of access is unforgivably inconsiderate. At least inform potential consumers that they will be unable to access their computers if they sign in only with a Microsoft account. That option is not presented to consumers on setup, so many consumers are currently oblivious that they are being held hostage by Microsoft. And many city-dwellers will never become aware of this fact because of the abundance of wifi hotspots in heavily populated areas. My advice to everyone who has only set up a Microsoft sign-in account on their systems is to also set up a local sign in account. This is in the event of having to use your computer in areas without wifi connectivity. Hopefully, you won't find yourself in my shoes; wasted time and effort and unable to complete routine tasks. My advice to Microsoft is to carefully consider the inconveniences they are causing their customers around the world and remedy them as soon as possible. Remember, you are never too big to need your customers.