OK I may be jumping the gun but after playing around with Windows 8 I've come to the conclusion that eventually all programs will become native Windows 8 programs that will run only through the "Modern" interface. So the question is . . . "What kind of update will we be getting when it comes to Windows 8?" Will it be something that would run on a "Surface" tablet windows 8 RTM version, or will it be just an update that runs from the desktop with windows 8 tweaks? What do you think?

I don't think that will happen any time soon. Apps are not programs and I don't think there is a need for programs to become apps. 

What you hasve is an OS that at the moment is able to use both with ease. Just enjoy it.

As far as Sonar X2 is concerned what the patch is said to offer is touch on touch screens. Keep in mind Windows 8 is touch able already. This includes the desktop.  

> Windows 8 programs that will run only through the "Modern" interface.

Unlikely unless all apps are to become touch friendly needing big fat fingers to press and we throw away our mice, Kinect and keyboard. But if Microsoft has it's way - they maybe. Certainly not any time soon, of course all angry birds apps will be this way forever.

Well they will have to take my mouse from my cold dead hands! 

well, "apps" are programs; "app" is an abbreviation of "application" as the modern world has trouble with multiple syllables

pwal


well, "apps" are programs; "app" is an abbreviation of "application" as the modern world has trouble with multiple syllables

True as far as you go. But I am making a distinction as is MS. Apps are not meant to have the same abilities as normal programs. Further they are meant to be reliant on the internet and a touch surface.

One example is the Calender in Vista. Its a full program with the ability to be printed and configured to the users needs. The one in Windows 8 is an app only and can do no printing or other basic stuff. Stuff we take for granted with programs. 

Perhaps someday when apps take over the world programs like Sonar will be one. Until then apps are not programs. 

apps cannot use any outside code. a sonar app could not use external vsts. apps pay for a Microsoft code review and are only available from the Microsoft store. they must comply with inactive and shutdown guidelines. if your sonar app loses focus, it will lose ability to save state within ten seconds.

yes,  sorry john, i was being pedantic as per, though i hope when apps take over the world they will have a better name... it'll be interesting to see how things pan out wrt to touchscreens etc, i'm not entirely convinced it's not just a halfway house to something else (help us obi-wan!)

There's metro "apps" and standard applications (they are both "programs" if you like,and both are applications). Either way both will contain executable files.

Metro apps will be easier to compile/build on the Windows mobile platform for developers and access similar programming libraries (cutdown version of .NET I suspect), consequently it's unlikely these "apps" are going to consume much horse-power for now.

pwal


yes,  sorry john, i was being pedantic as per, though i hope when apps take over the world they will have a better name... it'll be interesting to see how things pan out wrt to touchscreens etc, i'm not entirely convinced it's not just a halfway house to something else (help us obi-wan!)

I hear you loud and clear. I have much the same concerns.