Not Another Windows 8 Review

I have been reading a lot of articles and blog posts about Windows 8 and Office 2013 this year.  Some love it and some hate it.  Personally, after installing the Windows 8 release candidate I found I did like it.  It made my system more stable (I have 3 kids that like to use my PC so any stability that can be added is welcome!).  I have not had the opportunity to preview Office 2013.  I am, however, looking forward to using it.  This is not a review of either Windows 8 or Office 2013.  It is more a gripe about the people who give negative reviews.

Let me clarify what I mean by negative reviews.  When I am saying negative review I am not referring to a well thought out observation of the functionality of the software.  I am referring to the single-minded posters and the people that post comments that talk about how much Microsoft sucks just because they are Microsoft.  I have had my ups and downs with Microsoft.  They have moved things around and removed features or hidden them so well it takes an archaeologist to find them buried in menus (or ribbons).

I see lots of comments about how difficult it is to use Windows 8 or how the new modern UI in Office 2013 looks like an old version of Lotus 123.  I have read that Microsoft has jumped the shark with Windows 8.  All simply do to the fact these people refuse to let go of their antiquated ideas of what software should be.  They hold fast to the old is always better than the new.  These paradigm pioneers need to wake up.

The future is hand held devices.  PCs are going out the door.  It may not be in a year or two, but PCs as we know them will be gone.  It will not be long before there won’t be PCs at your work.  You will come to work and dock a phone or tablet.

Do I believe Microsoft has jumped the shark with Windows 8?  No.  I believe they have done something innovative.  Microsoft has brought a single user experience to all three devices in our lives: phone, tablet and PC.  I think all those people griping because Office 2013 running on Windows 8 doesn’t look and behave like Office 2003 on Windows XP are simply afraid of change.  They let that fear control their digital lives.  Fearing change of technological advances only dates you.  I’m not saying being on the bleeding edge is for everyone, but don’t knock something until you try it and really give it a chance.

Windows 8 is here to stay.  Griping about it being the next Microsoft OS is not going to stop it.  It will only serve to hinder your ability to enjoy it to the fullest.