Windows 8 is the latest operating system, which shall be released in October 2012, and comes in four variants. There is an RT version, which is designed for tablets such as Microsoft's upcoming Surface and exclusively runs Metro/Windows 8 apps (not older Windows apps), a plain consumer version simply entitled Windows 8, a Pro version for "Enthusiasts & Professionals/Businesses and an Enterprise version designed exclusively for businesses.

So far, whilst I am not brimming with knowledge on the OS, it has received positive feedback from the majority of critics and now Microsoft has set a rather reasonable upgrade fee of just $39.99 US dollars for the Pro version of Windows 8. You qualify for this upgrade if you own XP, Vista or 7 (who even still runs 98 or even older versions of Windows still I don't know). My question is: will you be upgrading to Windows 8?

Nope. I'm happy with 7, and I've never liked the interface of 8.

AMD Athlon II X2 64-bit processor P320 clocked at 2.1Ghz
Windows 7 Home Premium Service-Pack 1
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 with 256MB Dedicated VRAM
4GB DDR3 Memory/RAM
500GB HDD with 406GB presently available

Would anyone mind telling me whether or not my laptop could run Windows 8? I was going to get a new one sometime next year due to the poor gaming performance, but may just take advantage of the low upgrade fee, increase my RAM to 8GB and wait a little longer to get a new machine. Although I don't have a touch screen, Windows 8 is still appealing...

But, unless I am mistaken, Windows 8 still has a traditional Windows 7 desktop underneath the new Start/Metro (which they are renaming) interface?

I don't know, I kind of like how Win7 looks. I just don't see what I'd be spending 40 bucks on to be honest.

Happy with the desktop arrangements that I've got.

Nope. I don't see any reason to update, I'm satisfied with Win7.

Well, unfortunately, support for Windows 7 will eventually come to a close. So, having a new OS in that sense does have benefits merely because of longer support.

Windows 7?

Isn't Win8 introducing all sorts of garbage? I'd rather keep it somewhat simple, like my current Win7 Home Edition. I don't want to bother with the desktop arrangement again anyway.

Yeah, the whole "let's make our desktop interface like our mobile interface!" thing.... didn't like it when Apple did it, not a fan of it here either. Desktop computer =/= touchpad tablet/smartphone.

Upgrading to Windows 8? I thought it was a downgrade.

No. I am happy with Windows 7, and when Microsoft decides that Windows 9 won't cater to the tablet market I will be there.

True, but that won't happen for a while. XP is still being supported(although not for long) so I'm sure I can hold out for Win9 or Win10.

I fear that is an "if" But agreed, 7 works wondefully and is designed to be used with mouse and keyboard.

Windows 8 is more geared for tablets and touch screens, and is kinda clunky to use on a standard laptop/desktop. We have a win 8 machine at work, for the techs to play with, and I personally don't really care for it. For a tablet/touchscreen machine, it would be fine, but, not for my gaming desktop. The start button is gone completely, and rumor has it, even the code to re-implement it has been removed.... the interfaces are all minimalist, and a lot of the utility is gone.

I am running XP Pro still...... I will make the jump to 7 here in the not so distant future.... but, I have no plans to 'upgrade' to 8. See what 9 looks like.

So... Microsoft was inspired by Skyrim's UI?

Thank You. I can always use a good laugh in the morning. This remark certainly got it.

I think you are correct sir!

I have my moments

But seriously, what i have heard of Windows 8 has only made not want to get it, and not only because of the user interface.

I'm not upgrading to Windows 8.

And talking about Skyrim's UI makes me nauseated. So gross.

95, XP, Vista all are suited for the tasks I need to do.