Windows 8.1: improvement or step back? (part 1)
A few days ago Microsoft released a preview of the new Windows 8.1 available for download.
I have tested the new Microsoft operating system.
Windows 8 had disappointed users who were more accustomed to the older versions. Windows 8 made radical changes to the traditional Windows GUI (Grapic User Interface). They removed the Start button and the Start menu, and replaced it with a new interface called "Metro", based on tiles instead of the traditional windows. Those people who are more used to the new Windows phones, on the other hand, were already familiar with the new interface and touchscreen and have surely enjoyed having them on their desktops, too. This new interface requires a bit of training time, but it can be fully customized according to one's needs. You can delve into this subject reading PCWorld's review.
Windows 8.1 steps back somewhat, introducing new functionalities that allow the user to customize the operating system (OS) and return to the traditional interface.
Most important changes
I'll delve into details with coming posts, but I can state beforehand that the major changes of this new version are the following:
Go to part 2 of the review
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| The Metro interface with the new Start button |
I have tested the new Microsoft operating system.
Windows 8 had disappointed users who were more accustomed to the older versions. Windows 8 made radical changes to the traditional Windows GUI (Grapic User Interface). They removed the Start button and the Start menu, and replaced it with a new interface called "Metro", based on tiles instead of the traditional windows. Those people who are more used to the new Windows phones, on the other hand, were already familiar with the new interface and touchscreen and have surely enjoyed having them on their desktops, too. This new interface requires a bit of training time, but it can be fully customized according to one's needs. You can delve into this subject reading PCWorld's review.
Personally, I've never been a big fan of the Metro interface, because its functionalities are ridiculously hard to handle without the touchscreen, nor did it make Windows more user-friendly.
Microsoft clearly attempted to appeal new customers, especially millennials, overlooking the fact that most of its users are companies and professionals who are more interested in performance and reliability than in graphic improvements.
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| Desktop Mode |
Most important changes
I'll delve into details with coming posts, but I can state beforehand that the major changes of this new version are the following:
- Users can choose to boot directly into Desktop mode, bypassing the main Metro interface.
- The Start button has been brought back (but not the Start menu)
- Apps can be grouped for better multitasking
- There is an improved cross-system search, with the possibility to include cloud-based SkyDrive storage into the Search options.
Go to part 2 of the review
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