If you are a Windows 8 user, then you should have no problem with the new version of Windows. 8.1 is the first update since Windows 8 hit the market, and boasts a ton of app updates and some other interesting features. First, you'll want to head over to Microsoft and find the update. Or if you aren't a Windows user or still rocking XP, then do absolutely nothing.
If you can't manage to instal new software yourself, head over to your local Staples where their EasyTech employees will install Windows 8.1 for a small fee. Related, Staples is already advertising their incoming stock of Surface Pro tablets, starting at $999 for the 128GB model in-store and online October 22nd. If you already have your Surface device, or a laptop running Windows 8, then installing 8.1 should be just a click of the button. Of course, then you may have to reinstall your apps if you had the 8.1 preview, or reinstall 8, then install 8.1. Hence why some people are content to pay a fee to figure it out.
The Mail, Calendar, Xbox Music, Movie Moments, SmartGlass and Fresh Paint apps have gotten overhauled. The Fresh Paint update includes the ability to print your painting to an actual canvas. There are many more app upgrades, including a place in the Microsoft store just for Windows 8.1 specific apps.
Windows 8 was a very controversial product for Microsoft, as they tried to appease both the tablet and the PC market with a hybrid operating system. While it works fantastic on tablets, it can be a little heavy on the PC. Without the touch, the apps are basically useless and all you need is the desktop. Recognizing this ridiculous inability to adapt to the future of computing and responsive operating systems, users should be happy by the reappearance of the start button in the lower left hand corner. Because it was so difficult to pull up the start menu with a click.
Windows 8.1 is what Windows 8 should have been, but doesn't begin to capture the mobile market. Android and iOS are still going to dominate that, but the hybrid market is for the taking. An operating system that can meld between hand-held devices and desktop devices — if done correctly — would be pretty awesome. Windows 8.1 is a sure step in that direction, but they still have a little ways to go to get the blessing of the tech community at large.
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