Category: Geeks r Us
Good morning everyone!!!!
I'm wanting to install windows 8 later this evening, and was wanting to get some tips from those who are more experienced in this realm. I am a perficient computer user, and consider myself relatively technically savvy. The big question is, can I do this with no sighted help? I've looked at doing an audamated install, but that's just a touch over my head. Does anyone have any tips?
Thanks so much!!!!!
Chris Harrington
I'd say if you've not installed an OS before and don't have the things a totally blind person would need you'll need sighted assist.
If you are running Windows 7 or Vista the upgrade process will be easy, and all your files and settings will come with. From XP it will be different.
The person helping you doesn't need to be a computer person just have the ability to read the screen for you. Read the instructions explaining the install, and get a helper.
Last, and this is a personal thing. If your computer is not cleaned, or hasn't been updated update it and clean it first.
If you are running a Mac, however, and this is your only computer, make sure to install on a PC that you don't use everyday. That way, if something goes wrong with Jaws, you can still have a computer to mess with. Thanks for the tips for real!! I might have to just use an old Sony Laptop, whose motherboard has a flaw but it is not huge. The power just doesn't stay on if the battery completely dies. Perfect test PC! Isn't the upgrade $14?
Nathan.
Another way you could install Win 8 is in a virtual machine using a free tool, VMWare Player. This is a perfect way and safe method of using Win 7 and 8 on one computer. Or, you could just partition the drive? If you choose the VMWare Player and VM route, you really don't need sighted assistance that much except to enter the product key. Also, you have to ensure that your processor supports (hyper threading and virtual technologies.) Most newer computers do however. If this is not enabled, however, you will have to get someone to go into the BIOS, press the delete key to enter, then, you have to enable VT. So, a VM is the easier way to avoid most sighted help. It also is the easiest and does not require much time. You need an OS disc however, or you have to mount an .iso image on a flash drive. You could also boot 7 from an external HDD or FD. That way, you always have a copy with you? Someone, please correct me if I am wrong?
Nathan.
Sure, you can have a dual boot, but if the posters not up to doing such things I'd just say install 8 directly.
On this one I can't be sure of the posters skill level, and saying you are pretty good with computers doesn't tell me.
If I just wanted
Windows 8 I'd get a sighted person to assist. The install isn't difficult, and the instructions are laided out, so anyone that can read and do the clicking until the poster has the screen reader going is just best.
Now as to the price, if you purchased your computer about may or June of this year the cost is $14. If you download it no matter what the cost is $39. If you want a regular version, packaging and disc that depends on your shopping. About $59 I've seen it for.
Personal I'd download it and make my own disc, or backup copy. While installing you are offered the option, and in my opinion it is a good thing to do. You never know when you might need to repair Windows, and having a disc, or USB copy is just handy.
I like the opinion to install it on a second computer if you can to see how it works for you. You can go back, but that is a hassle.
I agree with you totally.
So how did it come out?