What's In A Name?

A few years ago, I think just after the release of Windows 98 SE, the word that began to get passed around was, when ever Microsoft issues a new operating system, "always wait for service pack 1." It wasn't long after that, that I found that this was not a bad idea.

Windows 8 is said, at least by Microsoft, to be doing well. In fact, they say that 100 million licenses have been sold so far. However, over all sales for PC s have been slumping and it's being reasoned that Windows 8 is the culprit.

In order to keep pace with Apple, and make a connection with smart phone and tablet users, Windows 8 was designed to use apps on it's start screen. It's Metro Screen is laid out with large tiles that are apps that allow the user to use touch screen technology to access files and programs. This is fine if your computer has a touch screen, but if you're running Windows 8 on a slightly older computer, things can be a little confusing. In fact, that appears to be what has been happening.

Many Windows 8 users were disappointed to discover that the desktop and the start button were not readily available upon boot up. A start menu has replaced the start button and the desktop is accessed by clicking or touching the desktop tile. However, at some point when trying to use certain apps, you end up back on the Metro Screen.

After listening to many complaints from users, and seeing that businesses have been slow to adopt Windows 8, an update has been planned for release later this year. Code name Windows Blue, it will serve as a true update as opposed to a service pack release and will be made available as Windows 8.1.

With the release of Windows 8.1,  there is speculation that users may be given the option to to boot directly to the desktop, and the start button may also make a return. However, Microsoft has stated that they are not yet ready to consider the start screen of Windows 8 a failure. They admit that there is a learning curve, but go on to say that Windows 8 users report that they enjoy using the new interface.

I'd be willing to bet that even if the boot to desktop option and the start button don't make an appearance in this next release, they may return at some point in the future. They may come possibly as add ons that can be downloaded directly from Microsoft, as opposed to third parties that are already doing so. If Microsoft can address the user account controls problem of Windows Vista, surely they can give their users back their desktop and start button.