A Linux user gives a tutorial about upgrading a new HP laptop running Windows 8, to 8.1. After learning how to "Pin to start" essential programs, the Metro Tile Start Screen performs as expected. Be sure to update critical AND optional updates after doing the upgrade to 8.1, as some hardware, like onboard audio speakers, may need updated drivers to function.
The big negative about Windows 8 is that program windows collapse and/or are activated merely by floating the cursor over the screen. Microsoft needs to get their head out of their rear on this one, because this behavior prevents the robust user from multi-tasking, with different programs running in the background.
Many Windows users, including business owners, are reverting back to Windows 7. More adventurous types are making the leap to Linux. My take, after going into this with an open, objective mind, is that Windows 8 has problems: from too many collapsible windows (GUI overload), to requiring user to sign into account with an EMAIL address, to programming the whole OS around SkyDrive (did not activate), a cloud platform whose namesake is an obvious rip-off of Google Drive, Microsoft has really screwed the pooch by rolling out this clusterfuq.
