Windows 8

When Windows 8 was first released two years ago, I must admit that I found the user interface a bit flat-looking and difficult to navigate. I would try it out at our local stores and always left feeling frustrated because I couldn't figure out how to move around within this new operating system.

Well, about two weeks ago, my main desktop computer croaked suddenly. This computer was my main workhorse for graphics, art and photography so it takes much more of a beating than most people's computers. The computer was suddenly non-responsive. It didn't even sound right to me.

To make a long story short, I needed a new computer and I needed it as quickly as possible. Two weeks later, I finally have a new desktop computer up and running and configured for my own needs. 

I had the option of buying another computer with Windows 7 or I could opt for the newer Windows 8. It really seemed silly to be buying a new computer with a considerably older operating system so I did some research before jumping into the new operating system...

Wow... a lot of people were complaining about Windows 8... it is terrible... it is atrocious... it is useless... etc. Nobody really complained providing facts why or how they felt it was so terrible so I decided to go for Windows 8 rather than be stuck with an older operating system on a new computer. 

Opting for Windows 8 was definitely the way to go!

This operating system boots up in seconds. I think it takes even less time to boot up than my new Kindle Fire HDX 8.9... actually, I would say Windows 8 boots up in a fraction of time that it takes my Kindle Fire! 

Does this new operating system require a little bit of time and effort in watching very short orientation and how-to videos? Yes, but remember all those things we always felt were wrong with Windows for the past two decades? Those frustrations are gone! What we are left with is a streamlined, fast, responsive and highly personalized operating system.

My main Start screen has collections of my apps and programs organized the way I want them to be organized. Easy access to all my stuff! I installed older programs with absolutely no problems whatsoever. And some of these older programs even had updates immediately available utilizing this new operating system. 

My point here is that I feel Windows 8 is, without a doubt, Microsoft's best operating system to date. It is sleek... it is fast... it is responsive... the user can arrange their Start screen tiles any way they wish and include or exclude any programs or apps they wish... I quickly connected my Kindle Fire to my desktop using Bluetooth capabilities built into Windows 8... and I had no problems installing any of my older programs. 

This is the first time I have upgraded to a new Windows operating system that I didn't immediately feel the need to find third party customization hacks to get the system to do what I want and need.

I highly recommend taking the time and effort to get acquainted with Windows 8...  I did, and I love it.  Sheila also spent some time at my new computer last night and was amazed, envious and wished she had a workstation like this at work!