I went shopping recently to look for a new computer for my
daughter. Don't know where my head has been lately, but I realized that I can
longer purchase a PC with Windows 7. They are all now pre-loaded with Windows
8. Now I am normally one for change. But I left the store frustrated. I have
been using Windows 7 for some time now and I am happy with it. I use my
computer daily. I do not want to waste my time learning something new. While
there have been many, many improvements, the Windows OS has been fundamentally
the same since Windows 95. It is what I am comfortable with. It is what I
know.
With Windows 8, things have been radically changed. One of
the most notable changes can be seen immediately. The new user interface makes
navigating the desktop difficult and finding your way back to the Start menu a challenge. The interface is designed with touchscreens and tablets in mind.
Well that is great if you own a touch screen. What if you don't? Although
Windows 8 supports a keyboard and mouse, it is not as friendly as it is in
previous versions. In order to get around in Windows 8, keyboard users will be
required to know short cut keys. Microsoft themselves even admit that “touch
is a first-class citizen in Windows 8 and it’s not as quick or pleasant to use
it with a basic mouse and keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts are the next best thing.”
The learning curve for Windows 8 is going to be huge. Do I want to take the
time to relearn an entire new operating system? Not really. If I did, I would
buy a Mac.
Windows 8 does promise some new features not found in previous
versions. New login features include using gestures on a pictures as well as a
promised 8 second boot time. There will be a push button reset and Windows to
Go which will allow windows to boot from a USB drive. Are these features enough
to make me move from my comfortable, easy to navigate Windows 7? Absolutely
not.
While
Windows 8 might offer some great, new features like faster boot times and
Windows to go, I am not sold on it yet. I guess the jury will be out on this
one for some time.
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