People choose Windows for its user-friendly interface, wide software support, and extensive online resources.
People choose Windows for its user-friendly interface, wide software support, and extensive online resources.
There are numerous reasons to express dislike for Windows, particularly its aggressive promotion of its products. It’s disappointing! Windows can serve as a strong tool for creators. If you wish to voice your dislike, consider shifting the topic to “Why you shouldn’t use Windows” and post there. My intention is solely to highlight the positive sides of Windows that often go unnoticed by regular users. As I mentioned earlier, there are many valid points against Windows, but please keep the discussion respectful. If you have any helpful programs that expand the Windows environment or registry techniques that work well, feel free to share! I understand some may view registry editing as risky, and that’s understandable; however, it’s manageable if you stay alert. The Windows registry is essentially a collection of settings organized into “hives.” Always back up your registry before making changes. Before applying any .reg file, observe what modifications are being made. Contrary to popular belief, the Windows registry can be quite efficient. Also, avoid relying solely on “registry cleaning software” unless there’s a real issue (even tools like CCleaner). They often remove more than necessary and introduce additional complications. Shrinking your registry isn’t as impactful as you might think.
Folder Icons
I appreciate platforms like Plex when I need to stream movies or browse media on my living room TV or iPad. But if I have access to a PC, I prefer MPC (let’s be honest, Plex sh!*s the best option anytime there’s even a hint of file corruption—especially when none exists). The standout feature of Plex is effortlessly scrolling through movie posters and pulling media info from the web. Personally, my media library doesn’t require Windows to function; I can browse my Movies/TV Shows directly using Windows search. For searching by actor, genre, or other filters, I rely on Windows’ built-in search capabilities. I tag all my media files with MetaX (see useful programs below).
The best part? With access to my media server, this works across nearly any Windows version since it’s based on a consistent “desktop.ini” file:
[ViewState] Mode= Vid= FolderType=Videos Logo=FolderIcon.ico
Another advantage is that Plex can fetch meta data from the internet.
Useful Tools
MetaX (http://www.danhinsley.com/metax/metax.html) – A powerful video tagging application with an intuitive interface (worth the $10 investment).
Context Menus
In my view, the Windows context menu system is one of the most versatile features available. Programs like 7-Zip take advantage of this, offering a dedicated context menu for zip files. But have you tried crafting your own? It can significantly simplify tasks. For example, managing media files in my library used to be cumbersome—adding a movie required using MetaX to tag it and generate an icon. I eventually built a custom context menu that automates this process, saving me hours.
Tools for Customization
- **Default Programs Editor** (http://defaultprogramseditor.com/) – A versatile tool for editing file extensions in context menus.
- **ShellNewHandler** (https://sourceforge.net/projects/shellnewhandler/) – Useful for removing unwanted menu entries.
- **ShellExView & ShMnView** (http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html) – Excellent for managing and cleaning context menus.
Remember, if you encounter issues like the “Up Directory” button in Windows 10, it can disrupt navigation. Fixing it and adding new context menu entries—such as opening folders in new windows or opening parent folders—can greatly enhance your experience. The possibilities are limited only by your creativity.
I prefer Windows because of its Snap feature and developer support, especially on x86 and 64-bit systems.
Essentially similar to the previous version, but broader in scope and compatible with drivers, not limited to gaming. No specific focus on 2, but a solid Linux experience is excellent. Suggestion: If you don’t like Plex, consider Kodi?
I previously enjoyed using Ubuntu for everyday browsing and coding, but now I'm primarily on Windows 10. I have a triple boot setup with both Ubuntu and Windows 7 for performance testing. Although I don't use it often, I still have seven for comparison purposes. I appreciate the ability to personalize my desktop with unique skins and colors, which other operating systems don't offer. Plus, it's great for gaming too.
I continue using it for gaming like Overwatch and Osu! Since it functions smoothly on my current PC, the main barrier is installing Linux without a V2P setup, which isn't reliable and requires extensive effort. This often leads to frustration and gives me up quickly.
I appreciate Plex for its flexibility and offline movie storage options. The main concern is the lack of recent updates to the PS3 app, which feels outdated and buggy. My partner got frustrated after watching Friends three times in a row, and it really affected her mood. I own a powerful PC and prefer not to switch consoles unless they improve their software. Perhaps a Raspberry Pi could be a better long-term solution?
I’ve invested a lot into building this high-end OS. From my perspective at work, the preferred choice for our clients is Windows—it performs flawlessly and saves us a lot of time. That’s the only truth here. There’s nothing further to discuss or arguments to raise about it. If time were unlimited, I’d be using Linux everywhere, but it isn’t.
I completely overlooked mentioning desktop widgets! Just take a look at my desktop—I think the image captures it well. I have a monitor set aside for just widgets and fences. It really simplifies things. Useful Tools 8gadgetpack.net (http://8gadgetpack.net/) – a solid widget collection for Windows 10 Fences (http://www.stardock.com/products/fences/) – helps organize your desktop icons.