Windows Visual Design

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I don’t know if anyone has commented on this issue, but it has become increasingly noticeable to me – and irritating. Current Windows visual design uses _lots_ of blank space. Compared to what used to be the case with XP, Windows now creates desktop windows with a lot of empty space. I suppose this is done because it does increase readability, but at the cost of taking up a lot of space on the desktop. I have a 24″ monitor (1920 x 1080), but it is hard to have more than two windows open on the desktop at the same time – and even then it seems that I have to “shrink” the windows to see the information I am concerned with. Even default icons on the desktop or the taskbar are larger (you can turn on smaller icons on the taskbar, but they are too small and the spacing doesn’t seem to change, wasting space.) The “ribbon” at the top of file manager windows also takes up a lot of space. In no way do I want to go back to XP, but the XP “style” for windows and the desktop would be welcome.

I also use Macs a lot, and OS X windows make much better use of windows and it is a lot easier to keep multiple windows open on the desktop. The Mac has its own set of interface irritations, but I think I prefer that approach.

I suppose there are third-party systems that modify this behavior, but I have managed to survive the Windows software updates by keeping my system as “standard” as possible (I do use Start 8 and look forward to a real start button in Windows 10.)

Anyway, just wanted to vent a little – just another irritation from the “modern” windows design.

David

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Are you using Win 8 or Win 7? I have Win 7 on my computer set to the “Windows Classic” theme in details mode. I like it, it’s fast, especially on older computers, and I can get more done in less time. I don’t know if this is available on Win 8, my guess would be no. I have always used Classic on my XP machines because I don’t like the standard XP theme. The Win 7 Aero theme is nicer, but as you say takes up more space and uses up a lot of system resources. I also miss all the information that used to be put in the “status bar”. Now, in Win 7 you have to use the “details pane”, which again takes up a lot more space. I also miss the red X in the tool bar to delete files. Guess I’m venting a little too.

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Even default icons on the desktop or the taskbar are larger (you can turn on smaller icons on the taskbar, but they are too small and the spacing doesn’t seem to change, wasting space.) The “ribbon” at the top of file manager windows also takes up a lot of space. In no way do I want to go back to XP, but the XP “style” for windows and the desktop would be welcome.

David, I use 8.1 without 3rd party apps. Changing the size of the icons on the toolbar on mine reduces the space they take up – but I agree they are too small. Did you know you can make changes to the ribbon – if you minimise it, you won’t see it unless you click on one of the menu items ‘File’, ‘Home’ etc, when it pops up and you can select whatever command you want (Including the red x – well the equivalent – to delete files). Is this what you’re after?

I’m not sure what you mean when you say about having multiple windows open, perhaps a screenshot, suitably annotated, might be helpful here.

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I simply meant having two File Explorer Windows open at the same time – for copying or moving files from one drive to another. They barely fit unless you re-size them.

Thanks for the tip about minimizing the ribbon. That helps some.

I confess I have been spoiled by my iMac Retina (27 inch). It is a lot easier to have multiple windows open in that environment.

David

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I have a 19″ widescreen and I can stack two File explorer windows without to much bother. Have you tried right clicking on the taskbar and choosing show windows side by side or stacked? That’s does it with all the windows you have open and I did this with two file explorers and a firefox window. Seemed readable to me (well side by side did, stacked wasn’t so good).

Mind you, I kept the 16″ non-wide screen monitor from my old PC and now have a twin monitor setup – you just have the two windows on different monitors and drag from one to the other!

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