For those of you that have switched to Windows 8 and hate it because of the lack of user friendly accessibility, it looks like the 8.1 update (Windows Blue) will not do much to keep the blues away. The good news with Windows Blue is that they are bringing back the Start button. The bad news is that it will not contain the user friendly start menu. All it will do is take you to the new app based Windows 8 new start screen. It appears that Microsoft is not listening to its users. One addition that is useful is that you will be able to boot directly to your desktop instead of the new Start screen.
In our tests, we have found that Windows 8 runs considerably slower then Windows 7 when tested in the same make and model of computer. That new Start screen that, you most likely will not use unless you are mobile, appears to slow down the entire system . Web surfing is much slower along with most basic operations. Windows 7 still excels in all these categories.
Windows Blue also offers some new features like new desktop customization options. In addition, it introduces the Snap view option, similar to Windows 7, where you can have several apps all running next to each to each other.
If you cant wait to try it, A developers preview of the new release will be available at the end of June. The main release will not be until the end of the year.
In general, Windows 7 is still the best option. You can still purchase copies of Windows 7 if you are building your own system and computer vender’s such as Dell will ship many of their computers with Windows 7 upon request.
If you are in the market for a new computer or you are going to build one yourself, now is the time to buy so you can get the many benefits of Windows 7. Do not be one of the millions who now have Windows 8 and totally hate it.
