Windows 8.1 will be released soon when Windows 8 is still making its debut
I haven’t even been able to post my rant about Windows 8 and a new Windows 8.1 will be released. I don’t know about anyone else, but I wasn’t that excited about Windows 8. Now, on October 17, a completely new operating system is coming out.
Being up to date with the latest technology is equivalent to feeling totally inept half the time. When determining the right candidate for the technology field, I would recommend ditching degrees and certifications. Look for patience, and that dreaded phrase in a job title “must have a sense of humor.” Or better yet, “It’s okay to feel like an idiot half the time.” In the field of technology, there will always be new and better software to learn. You can not avoid it. It rears its ugly head both at work and at play. It’s okay; keeps me humble. Though I do need to feel some kind of dominance/competition or I get…well…grouchy…
I have always been a fan of Microsoft. Last spring, after some incredible research and pressure from my technoson, I took the plunge with Mac. I liked it. One day I decided I could use a new PC for some software I needed to run. So I bought my new PC. Oh well! A new operating system!! I love learning new technologies! I love crossing that fine line from frustration to confidence. How different was it to Windows 7? Well, it seems that everything.
First of all, the entire home screen is different. I went to my familiar left corner for the home button. I was not there. All my life (I’m exaggerating, but it seems like all my life) I would sail to my left corner. Now I have learned to go to the opposite corner, I think. I continued to find my way through this maze. My excitement quickly turned to dread; my usual quick skills morphed into clumsy acts of confusion. I had to suffer the jokes of my non-technical friends; (The ultimate humiliation). The Windows 8 screen is similar to the Windows Phone screen. Which, by the way, I don’t have one, so I don’t care. Oh no, I’m sounding bitter. What else would this new foreign creature bring me?
Touch screen options: Windows 8 has a touch-friendly interface. This speeds up the process and increases navigation along with the built-in intelligence of Windows. I could do without. Frankly, the screen is a stretch of my keyboard and I’m lazy. Speed is wonderful in technology. On the other hand, so is laziness. My laziness is the reason I want speed. Also, if I time the learning curve, I’d say it’s a wash. Not to mention, how about I’m having some cheese curls? Screen cleaner is expensive these days. I admit that these are not strong arguments. Maybe once I know what I’m doing I’ll love it… maybe
Best multi-monitor options: Now we are talking!!! I love having as many monitors as I can! Too many are not enough! This is a great advantage! Wait, didn’t I do this on Windows 7? Yes, but this offers enhanced features, including the ability to customize your desktop, side-by-side application support, and improved taskbar usability.
Windows charms: They work in different applications and allow you to share files quickly and easily. This is a nice bonus. That’s how I found the home screen… I guess… I’d compare it to a lifeline between hurricanes, but again; I took it!
Search screen: Windows 8 has made a search screen available. (I tried searching for Windows 7 but no luck.) Feeling like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz (I want to go home, I want Windows 7); I was able to search within any app, even my social apps. This contextual feature is nice to have!
Windows 8 arm support: Windows 8 supports devices on ARM architecture. Previously, Windows 8 only supported x86-based Intel and AMD PCs. ARM’s chip designs are used in more and more devices. This will allow Windows to compete with Android and iPad tablets.
In the Windows Store: Hmmm… sounds familiar from another store… can we say “not original!”. This is a great option and new apps are always being added. Now, in addition to all the apps I buy for my Mac and iPhone, I have a whole new place of unsupported apps to buy. I hope my kids don’t find out about this. Though as a side note, my tech-savvy kids have ditched the nice new Windows 8 PC. Surely that means something.
Windows 8 cloud integration: Interesting cloud integration, again sounds familiar. Now you can sync data with SkyDrive; In addition to the data, you can also save your settings. Again, this is not original, but a much needed feature to compete in today’s tech world.
Windows 8 has given us many new features to compete in the market. Is it just about me?? Has my frustration with learning new technology finally reached its breaking point? I wouldn’t say that. I loved Windows 7. There was nothing wrong with it. Oh sure, it would be nice to have new features. I understand the need to compete, but that doesn’t mean doubling down. It means being original to the users who loved you. I can appreciate the differences between my PC and Mac. Like one of red and white wine. I say change everything you want, but at least make it better.
Is better? I really do not know. I haven’t gotten much past the home screen before grabbing my Mac.
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