OpenCPN and Windows 8

[HotRod]

First off. Windows 8 works like a champ and is far more reliable and faster than Win7.
Use 64bit version W8 and more than 4GB of ram. 32bit W8 is not good.

To ease the use of W8 - install Classic Shell (Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements) this brings back the good old fashion start-menu.

Most manufacturers has kept up with making drivers for win8, so this should not be an issue.

Disable UAC on Win8 (also on Win7), this solves many issues with permissions.
How to:

Windows 8 Disable User Account Control (UAC) - YouTube

Win8 might be a bad thing on low end (older) computers that is not 64bit capable.
But with a 64bit capable system with 64bit Win8 and more than 4GB ram it works really well - easy to use and manage when you install ClassicShell.

AND i have never had any problems running OCPN on Win8...

PS! GlobalSat is a pain - they have not made drivers for BU-353 on Win8. Last driver update was in 2011.
Workaround: http://www.usglobalsat.com/forum/ind...14023#msg14023

[phiggins]

Disable UAC on Win8 (also on Win7), this solves many issues with permissions.

Do you also disable your automobile alarm?

[wmgysi]

Originally Posted by janp391

I fully agree, also the USB port will not power down when you shut down the computer.
To cure all this there is a program Start8 that give you back the start button and the W7 look.
Driver problems will be there because you are still running W8.
My Holux GR-213 GPS will not run in W8. The chip version is outdated and there will not be a new driver for W8
Have to buy a new one, don't know which one yet. Any suggestions?

Open CPN works on Windows 8 using Serial to USB adapter and install drivers, connected to a Garmin 72. Use 4800 baud on computer and Open CPN, and set it to receive in Garming mode in Open CPN under Connections. I bought the serial/USB adapter at Best Buy. I then hooked up the AIS from Standard (included in their VHF radio) according to their instruction (had to buy a 9 pin serial plug, female and do some precision soldering on the boat). Use the same serial to USB adapter and set it up with 34800 baud. Worked for some time under Windows 8 (Acer tablet W 510) and then stoped till resetting port. Haven't found out yet why but obvious Windows 8 problem as the exact same set up works on the laptop Acer, using Windows 7. However, in this case, the GPS is not set to be running under Garmin Mode. Hope that helps