Why I’m Not Upgrading to Windows 8

A few weeks ago, Microsoft released the Windows 8 Consumer Preview for the world to download. Like many other technology enthusiasts, I installed the operating system on a spare machine. After using Windows 8 for a few hours, I have come to the conclusion that I will not be upgrading to Windows 8. My reason for this decision is not necessarily due to bugs or glitches. It is, however, due to Microsoft’s failed attempt at innovation and smart implementation.

I’ll admit that Microsoft did make a small amount of positive UI changes to the operating system. However, these small changes do not compensate for the abomination of an interface known as Metro. If using a mobile device, Metro is tolerable. On the desktop, however, it simply does not fit. The navigation process is awkward, it’s completely counter intuitive, and a waste of screen real estate. My primary method for launching applications is via the start menu. On a typical day, I must open my start menu at least 150 times. If I upgrade to Windows 8, I will be watching tiles fly across my screen all day while aimlessly moving my cursor to different sides of the screen. I am currently under the belief that this is Microsoft’s attempt at being innovative and trying to merge the mobile version of Windows with their desktop version. I am not an Apple fan boy but Microsoft does seem to be taking the same path as Apple by trying to merge iOS with OSX. Although, if Microsoft wants to minimize the number of versions available, why are they releasing nine of them?

If you have not heard already, it has been confirmed that Microsoft will be releasing nine versions of Windows 8. Home Premium, Professional, Professional Plus, Ultimate, Enterprise, Enterprise EVAL, Starter, Home Basic, and ARM. Deciding on a version of Windows Vista and Windows 7 was confusing enough. Now, before deciding on a version of Windows 8, we have to differentiate the differences between all nine versions. If I were Microsoft, I would release Windows 8 Ultimate, Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows 8 Mobile. If you are a home user, you buy Windows 8 Ultimate. If you run a business, you buy Windows 8 Enterprise. If you need to upgrade your mobile device, you buy Windows 8 mobile. There is absolutely nothing confusing about that process. It is apparent that Microsoft did not listen to our feedback on Windows Vista and Windows 7 when we told them we disliked the amount of versions released.

If you would like to share your own opinion on Windows 8, please feel free to post a comment below or send me an E-mail to [email protected].