6/28/13 - Microsoft will be releasing windows 8.1 later this year. Microsoft says it will be bring back the start button, along with a bunch of new development tools. It looks like Microsoft is giving a way for windows 8 users to quickly upgrade there operating systems for free. Windows 8 has been meet with wide spread criticism, mostly for getting ride of the start button. I'm always the first one to try out one of there release candidates, I didn't do it with windows 8. I'm looking forward to 8.1, I just downloaded it form Microsoft now. Above is the link for the free download from Microsoft.
8/22/13 - I have been using Windows 8.1 RC for over a month now and I like it a lot. They did some simple changes with the navigation of the operating system that makes it a lot easier to use and understand. I am really glad Microsoft made improvements to Windows 8, I was thinking about getting a Mac and I do not like Mac's! The software I like to use and the things I do on the internet would cost me tons of money if I had a Mac, everything cost money when you own a Mac. Windows can easily be configured to run any program I want free of charge.
I was able to run all my old versions of Microsoft Office with Windows 8.1 including MS Front Page 2000, the server extensions worked fine. I had found with Windows 7 that I had to deactivate the MS Office assistant to get the program to run stable. I also had to run the program in Windows XP compatibility mode, along with administrator privileges. Making these system changes were as easy as pie with Windows 8.1 and I feel like its more stable then Windows 7, somebody in Microsoft did something right!
Making the transition to Windows 8 is a big one, having the right guidance will make all the differences. It took me a few days to get used to it, but now that I understand what Microsoft is trying to achieve I think its the best Operating System there is. This is good because fixing computers is the only thing I know how to do and if Microsoft gets to crazy I'll be looking for a new line of work.
All computers that came preinstalled with Windows 7 will have no problem upgrading to Windows 8.1. Most computers that came with XP should be able to run 8.1, if the computer has limited resources the OS will install with less features, but will still be fully functional.
10/25/13 - The official Windows 8.1 was released about a week ago, it has been slow coming into the stores. I did an upgrade for a customer a few days ago because their Windows 8 version was not working right. The new 8.1 OS upgrade fixed all the problems and left the old configuration, including the programs and data the way it was before the install. I was very happy about this, the customer was happy to. The hole process took a few hours, but was well worth the wait.
Windows 11
Windows 11 direct Microsoft download and installation page
3/11/2023 - Windows 11 over the past few years has proven to be a good stable version of the Microsoft operating system. Although I recommend it, it is not critical to upgrade to it form Windows 10. Microsoft clams it will stop supporting the Windows 10 OS in a few years, but this is unlikely, when MS ends support you can still use Win 10 long into the future, just like all there other operating systems. When support ends for Win 10 the new Windows 12 will just be coming out, it won't hurt to wait.