Windows 8.1 and Windows XP sees drop in market share, Windows 7 gets a slight increase

[geeteam]

The month of July has ended and it is now time to take a look at how well Microsoft's Windows operating system has fared in terms of market share. According to new data from NetApplications, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 has seen a slight decrease in combined market share as of July 2014, while Windows XP also drops in share. Windows 7, on the other hand, sees a slight increase.

Windows 7 continues to be the top desktop operating system with a 51.22% share. This is up from the previous month's 50.55% share. The month prior saw a 48.77% share. Clearly Windows 7 is seeing increased share as the months go by.

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, on the other hand, saw a combined share of 12.48%. This is down from the previous month's 12.54%, which is lower than the 12.64% share from the month prior. Windows XP remains the second most popular Windows browser with a declining share of 24.82% as of July 2014.

Diving deeper into the stats, we can see that Windows 8.1 had a 6.61% share in June, but saw a decline to 6.56% as of July. Comparatively, Mac OSX 10.9 has an operating system share of 4.12% while Linux owns a 1.68% share.

Interestingly enough, we are beginning to see a declining trend with Windows 8/8.1, while Windows 7 continues to grow in market share. Are Windows 8 users reverting back to Windows 7? It could be.

Source

[Paft]

As we all know by now this is only because people don't know about 3rd party start menus. Classic shell etc.

Where I work (small business) we don't tell them this so we can charge them if they want 8 removing for 7 on new laptops...

Some random comment:

"nothing wrong with windows 8 apart from one of the worst UI design choices since forever?"

[geeteam]

As we all know by now this is only because people don't know about 3rd party start menus. Classic shell etc.

Where I work (small business) we don't tell them this so we can charge them if they want 8 removing for 7 on new laptops...

Some random comment:

"nothing wrong with windows 8 apart from one of the worst UI design choices since forever?"

Do you think the decrease in Windows 8/8.1 is because of the Start menu?

[Bausch]

As we all know by now this is only because people don't know about 3rd party start menus. Classic shell etc.

Where I work (small business) we don't tell them this so we can charge them if they want 8 removing for 7 on new laptops...

Some random comment:

"nothing wrong with windows 8 apart from one of the worst UI design choices since forever?"

Why won't Microsoft re-implement them back, I see no reason in fighting their customers!

I don't like using third party UI extensions, and I will not give windows 8 another shot unless they fix the UI.

[Paft]

As we all know by now this is only because people don't know about 3rd party start menus. Classic shell etc.

Where I work (small business) we don't tell them this so we can charge them if they want 8 removing for 7 on new laptops...

Some random comment:

"nothing wrong with windows 8 apart from one of the worst UI design choices since forever?"

Do you think the decrease in Windows 8/8.1 is because of the Start menu?

Without question.

If 3rd party start menus didn't exist I wouldn't still be on 8. People don't like change as it is...especially when it is that bad of a change. The Metro interface is a step backwards in terms of productivity on a laptop/pc. It makes simple tasks frustrating. It also looks and feels like alpha work and experimental.

As we all know by now this is only because people don't know about 3rd party start menus. Classic shell etc.

Where I work (small business) we don't tell them this so we can charge them if they want 8 removing for 7 on new laptops...

Some random comment:

"nothing wrong with windows 8 apart from one of the worst UI design choices since forever?"

Why won't Microsoft re-implement them back, I see no reason in fighting their customers!

I don't like using third party UI extensions, and I will not give windows 8 another shot unless they fix the UI.

They actually are, apparently:

[dcs18]

Why won't Microsoft re-implement them back, I see no reason in fighting their customers!

I don't like using third party UI extensions, and I will not give windows 8 another shot unless they fix the UI.

Most folks who have personally used the Microsoft Start Menu in Window 7 and leading 3rd party Start Menu alternatives for Windows 8+ such as StartIsBack and Start 8, as well - would not want Microsoft to implement their native Start Menu on any present or future release of Windows.

The native Microsoft Start Menu on my Windows 7 Ultimate, sucks when compared to StartIsBack and Start 8.

[Bausch]

As we all know by now this is only because people don't know about 3rd party start menus. Classic shell etc.

Where I work (small business) we don't tell them this so we can charge them if they want 8 removing for 7 on new laptops...

Some random comment:

"nothing wrong with windows 8 apart from one of the worst UI design choices since forever?"

Do you think the decrease in Windows 8/8.1 is because of the Start menu?

Without question.

If 3rd party start menus didn't exist I wouldn't still be on 8. People don't like change as it is...especially when it is that bad of a change. The Metro interface is a step backwards in terms of productivity on a laptop/pc. It makes simple tasks frustrating. It also looks and feels like alpha work and experimental.

As we all know by now this is only because people don't know about 3rd party start menus. Classic shell etc.

Where I work (small business) we don't tell them this so we can charge them if they want 8 removing for 7 on new laptops...

Some random comment:

"nothing wrong with windows 8 apart from one of the worst UI design choices since forever?"

Why won't Microsoft re-implement them back, I see no reason in fighting their customers!

I don't like using third party UI extensions, and I will not give windows 8 another shot unless they fix the UI.

They actually are, apparently:

Please pardon my ignorance, I haven't checked it again since I tried win8 when it first came out.

Is this the native start menu?

So the start screen is no longer a replacement/must?

What build is this?

Thank you in advance, if this is real, then I may give 8 another shot and see how it goes!

[Ashish]

^^ the above "supposed" start menu is rumored to be implemented in win 9, it's still not available and will be not available in update 2 as well

[dcs18]

Is this the native start menu?

Unfortunately, yes - check out the previous post by Ashish.

So the start screen is no longer a replacement/must?

It never was a must . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advanced Users. 8)

[Rivenson]

The native Microsoft Start Menu on my Windows 7 Ultimate, sucks when compared to StartIsBack and Start 8

...Have you ever "play" with Clasic Shell?

i've just found a comparison table btw

http://www.classicshell.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2399

[dcs18]

The native Microsoft Start Menu on my Windows 7 Ultimate, sucks when compared to StartIsBack and Start 8

...Have you ever "play" with Clasic Shell?

i've just found a comparison table btw

http://www.classicshell.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2399

Yep, someone else had also posted the same link - unfortunately, that comparison chart is a Classic Shell representation which is grossly incorrect (either, from prejudice - or possibly, due to having grown outdated.)

[Paft]

Yeah. sorry. I keep forgetting the the start menu is apparently going to be in 9 and not a 8 updated like once presumed.

I don't see a reason not to move to 8 now. It "feels" (slightly) leaner than 7 and I have had zero problems with it. I've been on it since RTM. I always chose to install 8 over 7 on my systems now.

-Download a 3rd party start menu. Classic Shell, Start 8, StartisBack+. Classic Shell is free (just uncheck the Explorer and IE options during install).

-Disabled the 'active corners' in the Classic Shell options.

Windows will ask you once about file associations, you pick your preferred programs instead of default apps.

-Done. All the annoyance of 8 gone.

The metro stuff isn't bad but it's just stupid the way it is implemented. Switching between your desktop and a full screened tiled interface....no no no.

Edited August 1, 2014 by Paft

[steven36]

The native Microsoft Start Menu on my Windows 7 Ultimate, sucks when compared to StartIsBack and Start 8

...Have you ever "play" with Clasic Shell?

i've just found a comparison table btw

http://www.classicshell.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2399

Yep, someone else had also posted the same link - unfortunately, that comparison chart is a Classic Shell representation which is grossly incorrect (either, from prejudice - or possibly, due to having grown outdated.)

Out dated ? I was the one that posted that before and that post was posted back in April 2014

The last time Start Is Back was updated was May and they didnt even add any thing new to there program

• Version +1.6.2 15 May 2014
• Fixed: incorrect start menu position on some multi-mon configurations
• Fixed: problems to install on Windows 2012 R2 Terminal Server

Classic Shell 4.1.0 Apr 20, 2014

Here’s what’s new:

• Improved support for Windows 8.1 Spring Update
  • You can pin and unpin apps to the taskbar from the start menu
  • The start button scrolls together with the taskbar when they show on the start screen
• Improved checks for new versions
• Minor stability fixes

Start is Back and Classic Shell most likely both will update affter Windows 8.1 Update 2

The thing about Classc shell I didnt like was the default strat buttons were ugly so I went and found one at there fourm and added it that matches What I use for a back ground now its pretty -_-

Edited August 2, 2014 by steven36

[Lite]

A number of posts in this topic have been removed.

[petok]

dcs18 StartIsBack or Start 8 of these which is better?

[dcs18]

dcs18 StartIsBack or Start 8 of these which is better?

Hi petok!!!

I have been trying out Start8, for over a month - however, I find that StartIsBack is the best third-party alternative.

Both, StartIsBack (best) and Start8 (second best) leave the Classic Shell trailing far behind in their dusty trail, to lick its wounds.

[Zigen]

I think Windows 9 can't come soon enough. Hopefully Microsoft have learnt what their users really want. I actually quite like Windows 8.1 but I think the damage has already been done since the release of windows 8.

[xpclient]

Yep, someone else had also posted the same link - unfortunately, that comparison chart is a Classic Shell representation which is grossly incorrect (either, from prejudice - or possibly, due to having grown outdated.)

Hi. I made that chart and it is very accurate. Please point out what's wrong and I will clarify how you may be misunderstanding. :)

The thing about Classc shell I didnt like was the default strat buttons were ugly so I went and found one at there fourm and added it that matches What I use for a back ground now its pretty -_-

Yes the default Start buttons are ugly but you don't even have to replace the Start button on Windows 8.1 if you don't want to. It can use the original Windows 8 logo. Or you can download the Windows 7 button from our forum. We tried bundling the Start button images but Microsoft sent their lawyers after us and forced us to remove them!

Both, StartIsBack (best) and Start8 (second best) leave the Classic Shell trailing far behind in their dusty trail, to lick its wounds.

Start8 is the worst of the lot, very buggy and slow too and does not even offer all the features of the original Windows 7 menu. StartIsBack is a clone of the Windows 7 menu with some extra functionality. Classic Shell is a clone of the Windows 7 menu with a LOT MORE extra functionality, and anything you don't need can be turned off. It's the most customizable and feature-rich and FREE. So Classic Shell leaves others in the dust. :lol:

Edited August 5, 2014 by xpclient

[dcs18]

Yep, someone else had also posted the same link - unfortunately, that comparison chart is a Classic Shell representation which is grossly incorrect (either, from prejudice - or possibly, due to having grown outdated.)

Hi. I made that chart and it is very accurate. Please point out what's wrong and I will clarify how you may be misunderstanding. :)

Before we start - are we clear on the true meaning of very accurate?

[xpclient]

Before we start - are we clear on the true meaning of very accurate?

Yes but to the best of my knowledge :) I will gladly correct the comparison if there is indeed an error. I don't mind if you point out something wrong, it will only increase its accuracy.

Edited August 5, 2014 by xpclient

[Bausch]

Waiting for windows 9 then, unless they mess up something else! :frusty: