Windows 8

Pros

• Windows 8 provides improved performance and fluidity compared to Windows 7.
• Optimization for touch-enabled computers and tablets is a welcome change.
• Quite a few user interface tweaks make sense and produce a better experience.

Cons

• Windows 8 has now been superseded by Windows 10.
• Many users will prefer the interface from Windows 7.
• Changes to the Start Menu are controversial to say the least.

Windows 8 is the successor to Windows 7, Microsoft's iconic operating system. Various changes have been made to the OS from version to version this time around. In fact, not everyone will love the changes Microsoft has made here. The fact remains Windows 8 is one of the best versions of Windows to come around in years. Criticisms of the operating system are overblown to say the least. Therefore, users willing to give the OS a chance will be rewarded with a fluid experience that works quite well.

Major Changes Make Windows 8 Seem Unfamiliar At First

When users boot up Windows 8 for the first time, they might let out a gasp of surprise. The operating system is unmistakably Windows, but differences are immediately apparent. In Windows 8, Microsoft has implemented the "Metro" design philosophy. Major tweaks have been made to the Start Menu, Windows Explorer, and other elements of the UI. Users will encounter more colors and fluid animations throughout the entire interface.

Unfortunately, longtime Windows users have expressed criticisms of the new UI in Windows 8. Quite a few people seemed unhappy with the new Start Menu and live tiles. A focus on touch-enabled devices also upset the community to no end. However, Windows 8 is much more fluid and smooth compared to Windows 7. Navigating through menus and settings couldn't be easier in Windows 8. The whole experience just works better.

Most users will notice Windows 8 runs better than Windows 7 in various ways. For starters, the operating system runs in a more stable environment. Crashes and unexpected glitches shouldn't happen nearly as often here. Windows 8 happens to utilize fewer resources than Windows 7 while performing the same actions. The latest version of Windows trounces its predecessor in speed, overall performance, and stability.

Undoubtedly, Windows 8 changes a lot of what users expect from the Windows operating system. Each change to the OS makes sense in the grand scheme of things, though. A focus on touchscreen navigation is due to the proliferation of touch-enabled devices. Windows 8 attempts to do everything well on every device, and the operating system mostly succeeds on that front.

Is Windows 8 Worth Downloading?

The release of Windows 10 has made Windows 8 and 8.1 obsolete nowadays. Regardless, Windows 8 remains active on many devices today. It's a great upgrade from Windows 7 and will receive security updates for the foreseeable future. Most people will opt for Windows 10, but Windows 8 still does some things better than the newest OS. In the end, Windows 8 is a fantastic operating system in most aspects.

Pros

• Windows 8 provides improved performance and fluidity compared to Windows 7.
• Optimization for touch-enabled computers and tablets is a welcome change.
• Quite a few user interface tweaks make sense and produce a better experience.

Cons

• Windows 8 has now been superseded by Windows 10.
• Many users will prefer the interface from Windows 7.
• Changes to the Start Menu are controversial to say the least.