that is not possible, until they completely change how Windows works.

right now in Windows 8 Metro is set as shell. you can just as well set any other executable as shell, such as explorer.exe (for your regular desktop).

the question is rather, wether it makes sense to use the regular desktopin the long rung as future apps (and more importantly the OS itself) may no longer use the notification area (system tray) but rather use live tiles.

$39.99?

Nope, they will have to pay me...

Ditto...ditto...ditto...and need I say......ditto?

Thing is, underneath that ghastly Metro abomination, Win 8 is a much faster and more refined Win 7... plus it better utilises multi-core CPU's and memory, even in the 32 bit iteration... though one would have to have rocks in their head to remain on that tired old path.  Furthermore, it will have native 3D and ISO management, a couple more reasons to think more about it given the revelation that Stardock is working on a way to bypass Metro and boot directly into the desktop.  And more importantly for me, is the better relationship that Win 8 will have with AMD's Bulldozer range of CPU's.

While some 'experts' said the initial benchmark tests of AMD's latest CPU range were not astounding, the word from AMD and MS is that Bulldozer [or FX] CPU's will perform considerably better in Win 8 than they did under Win 7... and right now I can pick up their top-of-the-line eight core [the FX8170 @ 3.9ghz - 4.4ghz at full load turbo] for under $200. So yeah, why not, I'm thinking.  While my initial thought regarding Win 8 was negative because of Metro, I'm now thinking it may be to my advantage, given the increase in performance... and that the Metro mess will be exterminated by Start8.

Found this on yahoo news.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/windows-8-redmond-problem-100000312.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CXX0fZPKzMAv7jQtDMD

Doesn't bode well for W8.

Yep, another Windows ME or Vista!  Good find Ross.

Sadly, it seems that MS is ignoring all the warning signs/negative reactions to Win 8 and will pursue its intended course, that of trying to make one size fit all. so to speak.  While that may work for socks and condoms, because humans are generally quite similar, a tablet is far too different a device to the desktop PC, which again is completely different to a smart phone.  Nope, I can't see it working at all well as is. 

Changes need to be made for Win 8 to have a hope in hell of surviving, much less succeeding... which is a pity when the regular desktop without Metro has potential to be a good OS.

  Funny you should mention this-   I was just thinking today about how impressed I am with Windows 7 Home Edition  after finally getting it a few months ago on a new HP desktop 'puter.    a  I also love Windows XP and will never give up that one either.      Was reading about how desktop computers are going to be phased out eventually for the hand held devices, and it will eventually just be laptops and hand-helds with Windows 8. I learned the hard way that if a hardware component breaks down, even the parts from the older computer are no longer made, nor can be replaced and Hewitt Packard (the maker of my existing PC) is phasing out all of thier desktops.    Thinking about the future,  I panicked and stopped over Best Buy this afternoon.

I found a really nice "out of box" clearance HP desktop with 8 Gigs and 1 TB  and WIFI connection, etc for only $388 after an additional 15% discount.   I bought it to set aside for when my present computer eventually dies-- because that's how much I do NOT want Windows 8, and how much I LOVE Windows 7 and desktop computers!

 -  the last time I did something like this was a few years ago when they phased out those little Sony TV's with the built in VCR's.   I am still using my little VCR/TV and my back up from Sears  (still in it's box) is stored away for when the other one dies

That may be the case with HP and other manufacturers, but people will always be building their own desktop machines.  Besides, companies like Intel, Nvidia and AMD would not be investing so heavily in high-end desktop components that would rarely find their way into proprietary machines if desktops were going away anytime soon.

While some vested interests may want portable devices to replace desktop PC's, there will be many users who prefer their desktop machine to other devices, as I do.... and if the big manufacturers cease building them, then people will do as I do and build them themselves.

That is a very good point -because I feel you're right-    I can forsee alot more $$$ for places like Tiger Direct, etc, in the future, with more people so disgusted with the big manufacturers, that they learn to build them themselves.  

Yep, higher quality components, far more options, lower prices and longer warranties. What's not to love?

I recall some time ago that PC manufacturers were complaining that sales were down... around about the same time as the component companies were registering increased sales... and I see that same scenario happening in the very near future.

There have always been those dissatisfied with off-the-shelf PC,s, but as more and more users become disenchanted with pre-built non-excellence, so will blossom more and more home-builders seeking better bang for their buck.... something truly of their own choosing, rather than what they're given in a box off the shelf.

Exactly.... and more importantly, better upgrade options if/when required.  Most OEM machines are 'closed' systems and cannot be upgraded to any degree, meaning users are stuck with below par non-excellence.

Now, MS has another special:

Upgrade to Windows 8 PRO for $40.

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/07/02/upgrade-to-windows-8-pro-for-39-99.aspx

As far as metro goes, (I'm using Windows 8 as I type this) it's not that bad after you get used to it. I can do a lot of my everyday tasks a lot quicker now with metro and all of that. I also like how everything is a lot faster, too. My computer's BIOS takes longer than Windows 8 to start up, lol.

Oh, and the forums are a bit bugged in IE10 (except in compatibility mode, of course).

not sure why everyone is hating that much on it...i can understand that ist strange to adapt to it but it doesnt take that long...the OS is blazing fast/the IE is the best i have seen so far ( the Metro IE ) i like the taskmanager a lot beeing able to set my startups and so on its great - I myself just recently installed the "rp" and i must say it is "damn good" and i can see benefits over 7 already ok Features have been removed but hey you still can have your dual boot if you will miss them... Im using the rp for 2 days now and i dont care about the missing startmenu i like pressing the Windows key and overviewing all my installed apps at once without klicking various Folders to see them. I dont like pulling stuff from top to middle to taskbar to close them( i would like to see some shutdown Buttons there) but hey that´s only for Metro so ist still ok... Also installed Start8 and ist working great while i still think there is room for improvement- the menu could strech a little more so you would not have to scroll but thats only me no pun intended i like it I think for that amount of money this upgrade is a great deal... AS far as i see - all i will be missing is a skinned Startmenu...The main Start ( Metro ) background can be skinned already but i think it doesnt have to be skinned since it should be clean and overviewable and it is. View flaws that i found so far in the rp are playing a game and watching a stream meanwhile on a dual monitor setup will cause the stream to lag contacted MS and waiting for an answer but thats the only issue i ran into so far...=)

That is just about what I was thinking.