Windows 8 Release date October 26th

It's now official. The next version of Windows, Windows 8 will arrive on October 26th 2012.

If you're thinking of a new computer now is a good time to see if you can wait. Yes there will be a low priced upgrade if you buy now, but keep in mind there is time involved in installing the upgrade software.

Before rushing out and buying a new computer or the upgrade, keep in mind with every upgrade there are things which stop working, such as attached hardware. As an example it took nearly a year before drivers were available for the very expensive HP 4700 colour laser with Vista.

The upgrade won't work with all Windows XP computers based on my testing of the Release Preview. Ten's of millions of Windows users will potentially be irate they can't upgrade their computer even though it is more than powerful enough to run Windows 8. To me Microsoft will alienate a lot of current users who will gladly move to a Mac or tablet as a sign of their annoyance.

For most users I'd suggest waiting until the hype dies down. I'll learn what works and what doesn't work as I install and upgrade computers and this knowledge will assist other clients.

With the upgrade, if you have an older computer, see if you can get a test version first. The upgrade is only around $40, but if it doesn't work it's a waste of money. I hope Microsoft offers a money back guarantee, otherwise there could be a lot of complaints to consumer affairs.

Whilst there will be some negatives with the upgrade, there will be plenty of positives. Those with Vista should now have a cheap upgrade option to a faster operating system at last.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.