Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Upgrade

Pros: Clean, solid operation.
No install or driver issues.
Fast boot.

Cons: Lacks easy access to shut down (solved by adding a shortcut to Shutdown to the desktop and Metro).

Could have used a "Quick Start" guide to get started explaining the new features (was able to find the answers I needed on web though)

Other Thoughts: I use my system to do Office work and to edit photos and videos. Win8 works fine with SSD and Intel based 4HDD array.

I've bought 2 copies of this upgrade and installed them over WinXP and Win7 so that I could be on the same operating system as my 83yo father and be able to assist him with his computer needs over the phone. I'd say it was really worth it to upgrade over WinXP and the system does have some nice perks over Win7 but not a huge difference. And I don't really see a downside when I compare 8 to the other versions.

I've been a user of Win 7 since it first arrived and I am not sure what the complaining is all about with Win8. What did people expect, Win7 with updated graphics? There is a learning curve involved but not all that much more than the XP to Win7 one I went through, if memory serves me correctly. Don't like Metro, click the Desktop tile and there you are, Win7.

The more I use it and learn what it is capable of, the more I like Win8. My 83yr parent likes it too... go figure.

Pros: As with EVERY version upgrade of Windows, it is more secure, more current and better than the last, including the best browser, Internet Explorer 10, the ONLY browser to be 100 percent compatible and current with the internet. I have used them all without any crashes or issues. Much of the negative or undeserved ratings are from consumers that cannot understand the important of keeping the version of Windows up to date, security, progress and better change. Plus you simply cannot upgrade to Windows 8 unless your computer is 100 percent compatible. You cannot keep the same hardware forever. That is the point behind Windows 8. It is progress naturally, and better to. They would not have released it, had they not tested it completely, with consumers and business people alike. Apple and Linux pale in comparison, including the Windows 8 cellular phones. And by the way the Windows 8 phones are the ONLY cell phones that do not share your personal information with 3rd parties, which is a privacy no-no. It has been proven Apple and Google (Android) are guilty of that and more, which is also why I never use Google to search, but rather Bing from Microsoft. Also, you need the Windows 8 Professional 64-bit version to be guaranteed compatibility across the board, so the Professional full or upgrade from Windows 7 is really mandatory in my educated experience and everyday use.

Cons: None.

Other Thoughts: Do not judge what you cannot take the easy and clear cut path to see the benefits here. I use the same code you do!

Pros: suppose to be upgrade

Cons: only upgradable through certain pentium 4 computers. have older dell running XP which had issues so I figured upgrade to solve Windows continuing problems?? took code then locked computer up with error message everytime it booted. Ended up installing Ubuntu for free and I know have my laptop up and running with no problems or lockups.

Other Thoughts: bought because of rebate, which I have never recieved.

Pros: None that I can see, at least from previous Windows releases.

Cons: For the everyday user, Windows 8 looks like every other release. They simply added a Start page containing tiles for all your programs. It's not only useless, it's as ugly as sin. Windows 8 makes Windows 3 look absolutely elegant.

Other Thoughts: Just pass on Windows 8 and see what happens in the future releases.

Pros: For a normal laptop, not much different than 7 besides the lack of a real programs menu. It doesn't matter because the find files easy just as quick to find what you need.

Cons: Miss the programs menu. Metro tiles are useless on this laptop.

Pros: Very intuitive user interface for a tablet -- swipe from the edges to reveal menus. Nice apps. Ability to occasionally run full Windows programs on my Iconia W500 tablet makes it an iPad killer in my book. Usable on a desktop too (but with issues). Improved boot performance.

Cons: Retail price for an upgrade is way too high -- all you're really getting is some minor tweaks, a bunch of removed features (DVD playback + Media Center), and a new revenue-generating model for Microsoft (they get 30% of the purchase price for an app). It was worth the $40 promotional price but I refuse to pay any more than that.

The Media Center pack (I got it free during the promo but now it's $10) gives you the exact same version of Media Center you already own if you have Windows 7. Considering that it's a paid upgrade they could have at least given it a more "Metro" theme.

Won't run Modern apps on more than one monitor (my desktop has 3). Somewhat awkward to use on a desktop -- yes, you can "get used to it", but it really doesn't offer much more than Windows 7 in that area.

Other Thoughts: I've been using it since the Developer Preview released last year.

I highly encourage it if you have a touchscreen. If you have an older Windows 7 computer with no touchscreen, it's not worth the upgrade.

Pros: NONE

Cons: Start icon removed from desktop.
Right click drop down menu removed.
Very confusing to find anything.

Other Thoughts: Try before you buy, i wish i didnt install it.
Now i am trying to figure out how to install Win & without loosing all my info and files

Pros: Nothing

Cons: It said it has USB3.0 support but not for me I had to force it to install the Windows 7 drivers to get my external USB3.0 drive to work Windows 8 default drivers won't even work Windows 7 drivers work just fine, next Windows 7 works just fine with my Raid 10 setup but install Windows 8 and the array keeps loosing drives all the time and needs to rebuild lets not talk about programs they run way better on Windows 7.

Other Thoughts: If you buy a new computer Windows 8 is somewhat OK but if you plan on upgrading an older system watch out.
I have been building computer systems for over 10 years and this is the worst OS Microsoft ever came out with Windows Vista is better then this garbage lets hope they learn from the mistake when they create Windows 9

Pros: At first I found Win 8 to be frustrating. I installed StartisBack. That helped me get used to Win8's interface. I pretty much ignore Metro and just use the desktop. I find it to be the best version of Windows ever. It's fast and very stable. Despite all the griping, it's an impressive product.

Cons: I just wish Metro would go away, but as long as I can jump to the desktop, Metro barely exists for me.

Other Thoughts: I have gotten very comfortable with the new start menu. I don't miss the old one at all. A few things are a bit more awkward, such as shutting down, but what's the big deal. How often do you shut down your computer?

Pros: Improved performance, 64 bit version. Improved stability over Windows 7.

Cons: Usability is terrible, too much useless junk that gets in the way of getting things done.

Other Thoughts: I must admit this release of Windows performance wise is an improvement, finally! From a usability standpoint, I really hate Windows 8. As is their direction, Microsoft is too focused on "cutsy" instead of real world usability. Microsoft also likes to stir the pot, taking commonly used things and moving them, sometimes burrying them under two or more layers of cute junk and in the case of Win 8 some OS tools have been renamed. Things that were not broken were fixed anyway. Very aggravating.