Buy Windows 8.1: A detailed look at the operating system
Windows 8.1 was an evolution of the innovative but controversial Windows 8 operating system. In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at Windows 8.1, its features, improvements over Windows 8, and why it was an attractive choice for some users.
The genesis of Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 was released by Microsoft in October 2013 and was a direct update to Windows 8, designed to address some of the criticisms of Windows 8 and improve the user experience.
The most important features and improvements of Windows 8.1 are as follows
- Start button returns: one of the most noticeable changes was the return of the Start button. This change accommodated those who had grown accustomed to and missed the classic Start menu.
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Improved customization: Windows 8.1 allowed users to customize the Start screen more. Tile sizes could vary, and there were more background images and color options.
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Improved search function: The search function was improved and could now search local files as well as web content.
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Multiple apps in Modern UI: Windows 8.1 allowed users to view multiple apps simultaneously in Modern UI (formerly Metro), which greatly improved the operating system's multitasking capabilities.
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Improved performance: Windows 8.1 was faster and more efficient than Windows 8, resulting in improved overall performance on various devices.
The Modern UI controversy
One of the most controversial changes in Windows 8 and 8.1 was the introduction of Modern UI, which took some getting used to for many traditional desktop users. The tile interface was optimized for touchscreen devices, which made it less intuitive on traditional desktop computers.
Adapting to Modern UI
Despite initial skepticism and criticism, some users adapted to and even appreciated the Modern UI. It provided a new, dynamic way to access applications and information, especially on tablets and touchscreen laptops.
Enterprise and desktop use
For enterprise and desktop users, Windows 8.1 offered the ability to largely bypass the Modern UI and focus on the classic desktop. This helped ease the transition period from older versions of Windows.
Why choose Windows 8.1?
Although Windows 8.1 had some challenges with the introduction of Modern UI, there were good reasons to choose this operating system.
Improved performance and security
Windows 8.1 offered better performance and security compared to Windows 7 and even Windows 8. It was more resource efficient and offered advanced security features like Windows Defender to protect users from threats.
Integration with Microsoft services
Windows 8.1 was tightly integrated with Microsoft services such as OneDrive, Outlook, and Xbox Live, allowing seamless use of these services on Windows devices.
Support for modern hardware
The operating system was better suited to modern hardware, especially touchscreen devices. This made it an attractive choice for users looking for new features and capabilities.
Conclusion
Windows 8.1 was an important evolution of the Windows operating system. Although there were some initial challenges, it offered a variety of features and improvements that many users appreciated. The ability to switch between the Modern UI and the classic desktop made it versatile and suitable for different usage scenarios. Nevertheless, it is important to note that Windows 8.1 is now no longer actively supported by Microsoft, and users should upgrade to newer operating systems like Windows 10 or 11 to benefit from the latest security updates and features.
