Microsoft Windows 8 Professional 64-bit (Full Version) - OEM

Pros: None at all, the interface changed completely, and their little option of desktop mode, basically was like saying "here, watch the operating system you know and love die before your eyes"
I mean what the hell microsoft

Cons: is definitely not as fluid as they say, metro ui is just a punchline to windows 8, they got rid of the start button, and does not work on a laptop

Other Thoughts: If windows doesn't change back, I'm switching to mac (yes i know, apple sucks, but at least they know how to please their customers, and they don't make stupid changes to a familiar ui, look at it, it hasn't changed in 30 years)

Pros: It's quick and smooth, much more so than Vista, which I upgraded from. Of course, coming from Vista, I probably would have been happy with anything else. I have used 7 plenty at work, school, and other computers around, and I still say that 8 is much faster.

Boot time is real short, and the new task manager is far better than what we had before. Everything feels real clean.

Cons: I won't lie, it is an annoyance that 8 boots to the start screen. For a desktop computer, there is no excuse for this. There are ways to make the computer boot to the desktop, but ultimately, us consumers shouldn't have to do that.

I don't think I can place a link here, but hop on the mighty Google and search for "skip metro suite ui" and you will find a softonic link.

Shutting down the computer could be made easier as well. We used to have a button from the start menu, but now we need to activate the charms bar, from the bottom right or left side of the screen. This bar can be annoying if you toss your mouse to a corner to read, as the bar will pop up automatically. Again, Skip Metro Suite UI can disable those charms spots.

It would have been nice to have a button to open the start screen, but lets be honest, most of the time, we would throw the mouse to the bottom corner to open the start menu anyway. But, if you just plain want a button again, you can find one from the folks at 7tutorials.com.

Also, closing apps run from the start screen isn't made as clear as it should be. To do so, grab from the top of the screen and pull down. Even if you don't, these apps don't take too much system memory and they won't be a major hog.

I don't mind digging around to fix little things I don't link, but these problems shouldn't even be an issue. Microsoft threw out 20 years worth of interface familiarity because of the ipad, and that was just plain dumb. Regardless, the desktop lives and these complaints haven't ruined the operating system for me yet.

Other Thoughts: With a longer list of complaints than praises, you would think I wasn't happy with Windows 8. While I admit that these things need to be addressed, and darn well better be when the 8.1 update is released, I can't say they've made using my computer difficult. Everything just runs so much smoother and faster than it did before.

If you aren't sure, you should try it out before you buy it. I don't mean 20 minutes at a department store, but see if a friend with a laptop can loan it to you for a day or so. Changes come with every generation, and while they can be scary at first, you do adapt. Some changes are small, this one was juts a big leap.

Pros: I like it but it is going to take some time to get used to it but when I think back to when I went form Win3 to Win411, I thought I would ner get used to it but I did. I only wish they allowed you to boot up onto the desktop with the good ole start button.

Cons: I guess the way of the future is the android type gui with all the bells and whistles barried. I am sure my 4/5 score wont make any difference in the next ver. but it's the principle.

Pros: i dont know if i can list any pros as it doesnt really offer me anything better then what Windows 7 already had. theres a few cool things but the cool factor runs out quick

Cons: the biggest con which is shows what direction microsoft is going in is auto-forced restart. you do an update it will tell you your pc WILL restart even after clicking restart later. how stupid can you be... make sure you save all important work... no Windows 8 start button, replaced with metro start screen which i personal hate with a passion. laptop does not need a mobile OS, tablets do, smartphones do... there is a lot about this OS that is awful and if i had an extra copy of windows 7 i would overwrite this OS and be done with it.

Other Thoughts: this OS is not meant to be used by folks who are used to the original windows style of navigating around. if your helping an older family member make a decision about a new laptop or computer i would suggest finding an option to get rid of windows 8 because of how different it is and will take a bit to learn for a non technical person.

Pros: FAST. Updated to match pc trends. All functionality in previous versions still exists.

Cons: could have included a couple minute tutorial to let me know the key gestures.

Other Thoughts: I am a computer programmer and this is my first experience with windows 8. I cant lie, I was lost for the first hour.. but once I realized it was similar to other tablet OSs it was easy to use, and it made sense. It just makes sense for windows to move in this direction.

Pros: The Metro view looks more appealing.
The old desktop is an option.

Cons: Many administrative tools from previous Window version are hidden away and must be unlocked.
Very Buggy.
It is TOO user friendly, and tries to tell you what to do, rather than you telling it.
Many other cons exist for this.

Other Thoughts: I bought this for my new PC, within a month of having it downloaded I reinstalled Windows 7, I would just pass on this version of Windows if possible. If the next Windows is the Metro version only, I will be swapping to Linux, not only would it be better, but it would be free.

Pros: It does have a fast startup from when you push the button. To be fair I have a grass roots high end system that I built and spent 3 grand on. I did the same with windows 7 and vista, so I am saying that this is quicker than both in general. That is it, I cant think of anything else, or any reason why you would buy 8 if you have 7 or why you would get the pro version. I got the pro version because it was only 10 bucks more when I bought it. I read that you needed the pro version if you wanted to use windows media player to the max or something. I dont and I did not get the lowest level of the microsoft office suite, which I should have, for buying the pro version.

Cons: Annoying interface and weird learning curve for any system builder. Yes you can get to the old school window look if you want but if you want to boot into that you need third party software. Even if you do that viewing pictures or just getting around is annoying using a traditional mouse and keyboard. As a builder that owns an iphone and an ipad I can see what microsoft is trying to do. I am annoyed though. Windows 7 was awesome, the versatilaty was great. As a gamer this operating system sucks. Just make a tablet os and a pc os. When you combine that stuff it just makes 2 mediocre products.

Other Thoughts: If your a new builder save money and buy the home version and download free media players of your choice. The pro version offers nothing. Get it over 7 just because and then download one of the many free programs that make it look normal when you boot up.

Pros: Once you get used to it you will love it. I use it primarily in desktop mode just as I did with windows 7. Except it is SO much faster with the touch screen. All you people complaining probably don't have a touch screen. Get a touch screen and there will be no looking back.

Cons: You need to buy Windows Media Player separately for $20. Otherwise you can't watch dvds. And the start menu is needlessly hidden - it is there in its basic form but you will need to look for it. Also, there is somewhat of a learning curve regarding switching between apps and going to desktop mode.

Other Thoughts: Apple is SO toast. Really.

Pros: Quick question, does Win 8 Pro come with Media Center? I want to use this on an HTPC. I already have it on my laptop, but I got it when they were offering it on the cheap and Media Center was a free upgrade.

Cons: Start Screen. I want the Start Menu back!

Pros: I'm the biggest cheerleader of Win8 and I will defend it to anyone clinging to their old, faithful Windows 7 just because they hated 8 before they were properly introduced. 8 is faster, both in performance and in the user interface, with either a touch interface or mouse and keyboard.

It takes between two minutes and two days to get used to using 8 with a mouse, but once you do, you'll find yourself switching between apps, putting them side-by-side and adjusting everything from your Start Screen to the screen brightness like you've done it all your life.

I have it on my old laptop, soon will have it on my new gaming PC (neither of which are touchscreen) and I also have a Surface RT. If you have multiple devices with 8, they go together like a horse and carriage. Compatibility of programs and drivers so far is better on 8 than it was on 7, and some drivers auto-install, making a clean installation a breeze.

While the Windows Store isn't quite jam-packed with a variety of apps, or tightly quality controlled, there are many gems and generally the ones I download are awesome. One thing to note: you can have THE SAME EXACT apps on your desktop and laptop as you have on your tablet, and many of them work with Windows Phone (and probably XBOX One).

I also love the new sounds in Windows 8.

Cons: Some of the apps are designed by people who've never seen or used a computer or tablet in their life. Namely, the Photos app, which is utterly useless for browsing pictures from a flash drive/SD card/external hard drive. And the Messaging app makes it impossible to chat with two people at the same time. Other than that the built-in apps are generally good.

Other Thoughts: I look at 7 now and it's like going back to XP. Sure, it was good in its day, but we've moved on to better things. I applaud Microsoft for pulling an Apple and saying to the consumer: "You don't like the new product? Too bad. Get used to it. It's good for you."