Firstly I upgraded from windows 7 thinking 8 would be a a much better experience, well it isn't. I'm sure machines that have it installed fresh out of the box may perform better but Windows 8 isn't good a good upgrade as it killed certain functions on my machine. As for the new layout, I think Microsoft tried too hard to be 'in the market' with a the new metro screen and apps, all of which are pretty useless, yes it may look more modern but function wise I prefer Windows 7.

I really like this operating system, though designed to be used on tablets and touch screen monitors, even with the mouse can be used quite easily, very intuitive and very slick, it's much faster than the old ones and allot more reliable, and for those who don't like the look they can always switch the way it looks back to what Windows 7 used to look like but with the benefits and flexibility and upgrades of Windows 8. The selections of apps now offered by Microsoft is immense, and for those who love multimedia such as videos, pictures, music and all the rest this system is heaven.

Though this system is mainly designed to be used on tablets and touch screen monitors I enjoy using it with a normal computer with the mouse, it's the same thing if you know what you're doing, otherwise you can always switch back to the classic windows look as Window 7 used to be. The system is first of all fast, and secondly reliable, much more then they used to be. The look and style is completely changed and very modern, I like the look and feel. This is a new age operating system for those adaptable to changes.

This windows is perfect for pads, too bad i installed on my pc. It's really confusing at first but that usually happens when you switch the OS. Works smoothly tho.

Just as expected this operating system is nothing special, not so intuitive and not good looking neither, I would have never bought one but my sister has (I use mac) and she would not listen to me, but in my opinion it's not worth it.

I was given a new computer at work - and it came with Windows 8. It has been hard to adjust and several times, I have asked to go back to Windows 7, but my IT guys say it is nigh on impossible. Windows 8 has an odd interface. They should make it easy to not use it, but use Windows 7 instead.

Windows 8, the finger friendly operating system from Microsoft. Its Windows but not as you know it, and if you read some of the reviews here and elsewhere on the net you will see it has been slated for the new UI (User Interface for the none technical reader). I am an IT professional, I have worked with Microsoft Products since Windows 3.1 and we have a love hate relationship. To be honest I struggled for the first 10 mins playing with Windows 8, where to drag the program to close it, what tile did what etc... My 8 year old daughter took to it like a duck to water, intuitive functional, fast and most importantly fun. Having used Windows 8 for a while I must say I am overall very satisfied, there is a steep learning curve if your very technical but transversely it would appear to be simple for those who are not. If you are buying Windows 8, DO NOT buy a cheap non touch device, its a finger friendly OS (Operating System), it was designed for you use a combination of touch and traditional HID's (Human Input Device / Keyboard, Mouse). Can you imagine using a mouse to operate your smart phone? All in all, a fast, stable (so far) and intuitive system, once you get over the shock its well worth the investment. (My daughter would give it 5 stars but I am not that generous)

I have interacted with this OS for quit some time, it has bright features from screen appearance to the various applications in in the start menu, the view is just wonderful as compared to other OS's , it is fast and offers a variety of applications for downloads, it has made my office work easy in storage and retrieving of files. I recommend it for office work.

Vista mark 2 (only worse) enough said!!!!!!!

My sister asked me to go along with her to PC World to get a new laptop. Windows 8 was the only option available. We got it home and started to set it up. It took 3 attempts just to get Windows to recognise the details and load Windows for the first time. Once I saw it I knew it would be trouble. OK we managed to get it to recognise the wireless network at home. We successfully added Mozilla Thunderbird and got her emails through. However, Windows 8 does not come with media player. We had told the staff that the laptop would mainly be used for browsing, music and photos. It had Cyberlink media centre but the audio ripping did not produce MP3s. We tried for ages to get used to Windows 8. We even tried to download Windows 8 pro for an extra £24.99 because it's supposed to contain Media Centre - we got to the end of the order and it said the download was not available in this country! It is set up to look like apps rather than programs. I am used to an Android mobile but this was awful. We used the desktop view (one of the apps) but it was still nothing like any windows before - no start, no x to close. We took hours trying to figure it all out and then took it back to PC World and they agreed to change it for another laptop running Windows 7. I have the option of upgrading my recently purchased laptop for £14.99 but at the moment I will definitely be sticking to Windows 7!!!