Windows 8 Is Getting Ready For a Big Update YIKES!

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If you like the majority of Windows users who updated to Windows 8 in all likelihood you are less then pleased with the new operating system. Many folks who have bought Windows 8 have upgraded to Windows 7. Notice I used the word upgrade and not downgrade! Windows 7 remains to be the best of all operating systems. It is faster then XP and it is faster and much more user friendly then Windows 8. With all the complaints that have been made to Microsoft, we are really wondering if they are listening.

On October 18, 2013, Microsoft is releasing the newest update to Windows 8 and is simply slated as Windows 8.1. Although lots of changes are listed, the one biggest change that everybody was hoping for was simply not on the list. That change I am talking about is the addition of the Windows 7 style start button. So I guess the answer to the previous question has been answered. Microsoft is not listening to its customer base and is just doing what it wants to do. What an excellent way to run a business.

Some of the changes that we did notice in this new version will not be a good enough incentive to update. One of the added features is a better search integration with your computer. You can search for things from both the web and your computer from one location. You do not have to use multiple locations to get your search results. If you do a lot of searching for files etc. on your computer, this addition will be a plus.

One of the biggest changes is the addition of SkyDrive as the default location to save files. That’s right, when you save a file the default location is not even on your computer. In fact, in order to install the new update, you are required to have a Windows Live account. If you do not want or need this feature, I would recommend keeping your current Windows 8 version.

The next feature might be nice if you have several computers that you want to keep identical. Personal settings for backgrounds, favorites documents etc can be synchronized between devices. This technology already exists with certain browsers such as Maxthon and Firefox. In addition, the update claims to improve connectivity to printers and other peripherals that connect to the computer.

One huge complaint about Windows 8 was how difficult it was to do a simple operation like shutting down the system. You can now do it with a couple of clicks from the desktop by using the Windows button. This is, of course, where the old Start button used to be that everybody misses so much. One other feature is that it will now be easier to set up multiple screens with the new update. If you have never used 2 monitors on your computer, you have no idea what you are missing. Once you try a multi-monitor set up, you will never want to look at just one screen again.

In a nutshell, there are some new features but if you want a Windows 7 like Start button, you will have to install a third program to get it. If it is so easy for a third party program to add it, why can’t Microsoft just include it as an option? Come on guys; just listen to your customers.

If none of the above looks appealing, just stick with the best and use Windows 7. It will still be available for a couple more years and it will be supported for many years to come as well.