Why the new Windows 8.1 still isn’t greater than 7.
One year ago, Microsoft released Windows 8, which was the most dramatic departure yet from previous versions. Not only did 8 put a nail in the coffin of the iconic START button, but it also was clearly geared toward mobile users navigating the operating system with a touchscreen.
Unless their workforce primarily used tablets and smartphones, and they were willing to justify the difficult learning curve, small businesses skipped Windows 8 for the most part. And Microsoft understood, if not expected, small businesses’ unwelcoming arms. Though Windows 7 was no longer for sale in big box stores, it remained available on commercial workstations purchased through commercial retailers.
Windows 8.1, introduced in late October, slightly lowers the opportunity cost associated with upgrading for small business owners, which is what everyone was looking for (and expecting). The latest version doesn’t eliminate mobile vs. desktop and learning curve issues altogether, but 8.1’s functionality and features makes it more like 7 than its predecessor. For business owners who were waiting to see what 8.1 brings, it’s a step in the right direction, but it’s still only halfway there.
Non-STARTers
Windows 8.1 does not resurrect the beloved START button. Sure, the new release includes a START button, but it doesn’t work like the one most users know and love.
The START button’s functionality needs to be restored. After all, Microsoft has spent nearly two decades building the START button’s menus, and users are highly familiar with them. The original START button works and shouldn’t be taken away over a little mobile and tablet competition.
The 8.1 version does not give back 32-bit compatibility mode in Internet Explorer (IE10) either. IE10 is the first 64-bit only browser in the IE family. As such, it is not compatible with older 32-bit add-ons, which are still prevalent website functions and will be for some time if history indicates the future.
It would have been nice had Windows 8.1 given users the option to use the new metro or the traditional desktop interface. Both interfaces are there, so it should not be difficult to offer. Users like options, especially the option they are most familiar with instead of being forced into using the metro interface.
Hyper-V is one of the most attractive features of 8.1. It allows users to run Windows 8, yet a virtual 7 desktop appears when Hyper-V is opened. It is a huge improvement over the virtual PC implementation from Windows 7.
Mature and Stable, but a Bad Fit for Small Business
A year after its release, Windows 8 adoption has been slower than every version of Windows except Vista, even though Vista was a lackluster product riddled with serious performance problems. Windows 8 is a mature and stable product that performs well, but 8.1 still suffers serious user interface problems.
While Windows 8.1 is closer to 7 than 8 was, small business owners may consider skipping it until Microsoft acknowledges that what works for touchscreens does not translate well, if at all, to a mouse and keyboard, which are what most small businesses still use.
