Microsoft switches to File Explorer name in Windows 8, bids farewell to Windows Explorer

[ShyWriter]

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Microsoft switches to File Explorer name in Windows 8, bids farewell to Windows Explorer

By Tom Warren on June 29, 2012 10:29 am

Microsoft wasn't kidding when it said there would be a few surprises for the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 8. While Aero is being killed off, the company has only dropped hints that there would be further changes to the final version of Windows 8. Win8china has spotted a change in some of the latest builds where Windows Explorer is renamed to File Explorer.

The change is fairly minor, the Explorer functionality remains regardless of its name, but it's another move away from the Windows legacy in Windows 8. The company used to use the File Manager name for an application in early versions of Windows that allowed users to create and manage files and directories. Windows Explorer replaced this functionality in Windows 95, and Microsoft also introduced its Start menu and Start button in 1995. With the removal of the Start button and menu from Windows 8, partly down to the fact people stopped using it, and the general overhaul of Windows — it's clear Microsoft is willing to do whatever it takes to freshen up its operating system. We expect to see further changes ahead of the RTM, which is tentatively scheduled for late July. A final copy of Windows 8 should arrive in stores for mid-October.

Thanks, UltraWindows!

SOURCE: http://www.theverge....indows-explorer

Steve

[DarkSnakeKobra]

Microsoft is making too many big changes that are completely unnecessary. Big disappointment. Goes to show that companies like MS take a corporate route by making changes they think are good rather then doing a ton of marketing and asking the general population what their thoughts are.

[daledoc1]

Microsoft is making too many big changes that are completely unnecessary. Big disappointment. Goes to show that companies like MS take a corporate route by making changes they think are good rather then doing a ton of marketing and asking the general population what their thoughts are.

OTOH, perhaps this will reduce what has always seemed like excessive confusion among non-computer-savvy newbies & home users between WINDOWS Explorer and INTERNET Explorer?

FILE Explorer does seem to a bit more clearly descriptive about what it is and does?

Having said all that, I tend to agree that, with many of these "improvements", Windows 8 seems as if it's trying to be all things to all users -- a tablet OS and a desktop OS.

As some brilliant pundit once wrote, "...straddling the fence can be a VERY painful experience!"

Only time will tell if they pull it off. <bad pun intended>

[DarkSnakeKobra]

OTOH, perhaps this will reduce what has always seemed like excessive confusion among non-computer-savvy newbies & home users between WINDOWS Explorer and INTERNET Explorer?

FILE Explorer does seem to a bit more clearly descriptive about what it is and does?

Having said all that, I tend to agree that, with many of these "improvements", Windows 8 seems as if it's trying to be all things to all users -- a tablet OS and a desktop OS.

As some brilliant pundit once wrote, "...straddling the fence can be a VERY painful experience!"

Only time will tell if they pull it off. <bad pun intended>

I didn't think about that. Then again when you view files and the like it doesn't say Windows Explorer in the title bar so I don't think most people will really notice unless they are aware of Task Manager and know the explorer.exe process name.

Yeah same here. I really don't like the tablet and standard pc(Desktop/Laptop/Netbook) idea as they are two completely different types of computer. Tablets are made for touching and moving around easily with only a screen and no keyboard if you are on business trips or need to carry something very light with you. A desktop/laptop/netbook are not. They are meant for standard usage and not on the go 24/7 like a tablet would be.

[Firefox]

As for newbies and oldies.... just the fact that it has the word explorer in both will be just as confusing to folks.... my 2 cents....

[ShyWriter]

It's a FILE manager so it should be labeled FILE MANAGER.. I have no idea who names these utilities at M$ but his need for speed should get some meth and reduce his use of weed..

Steve