Recently, Microsoft released Windows 8.1 Preview Release. There are some improvements. Our old friend the Start button is back. A right-click gives us the familiar menu accessing the control panel, shutdown controls and other features. You no longer have to pat your head, rub your tummy, and stand on your toes to access familiar functions.You also have the option to boot to the desktop or the app interface.
Another thing I like about Windows 8 is that it does an even better job than windows 7 of installing system drivers. Even on my laptop, networking both wired and wireless is up and ready to go by the time Win 8 is fully installed, along with sound and video. If you are using an SSD, you should appreciate the optimizations for solid state hard drives.
I should point out though that 8.1, at least in its current state, seems to require that Win 8 / Win 8 Pro already be installed. At least the upgrade won't cost anything.
Still, I am wondering why I should give up Win 7. Even in beta, win 7 was so obviously superior to XP or the Vista. At least I can now live with 8 and maybe there are new features worth looking at.
