The Windows 8 Disappointment

Microsoft – oh how the mighty have fallen! Once known as the only really popular operating system in the computing world, it seems like Microsoft has entered a period of stagnation while the rest of the major OS companies are beginning to innovate. New operating systems such as Google’s Android operating system, Chrome OS, Ubuntu’s latest works, and even the latest Mac OS, have managed to become known for more stable, more user-friendly, and even more secure.

Android’s latest version has fewer bugs, and has increased security measures. The new Mac OS, Mountain Lion, is even better than ever before, and is suited for more than just computers. Even the new Chrome OS and the newer forms of Linux have upgraded graphic user interfaces. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s new Windows 8 seems like a regurgitated form of its older Windows 7, with little or nothing to show for the new OS at all. Needless to say, people who have already tried the new Microsoft OS have been a little disappointed.

The fact is that Microsoft’s reputation has definitely suffered in the past decade or so. One of Microsoft’s biggest flops was Windows Vista, which was so unpopular that it not only damaged the company’s once-sterling rep, but also enraged consumers to the point that they retrograded to older operating systems because of all the problems they faced. It would have meant a lot to the ailing company to have a new, amazing operating system that is a hit with those who purchased it. Microsoft’s lagging profits could also speak to this fact. Sadly, the new Windows 8 was nothing but sheer disappointment for everyone who has tried it so far.

When compared to the new Mac Snow Leopard OS, the Windows 8 OS is painfully old world. Apple’s new Snow Leopard OS brings a new level of interaction to computer users, including real-time notifications, the ability to link your Mac with other compatible devices, and even gives users the ability to use a new OS chat system. Windows 8 doesn’t have much of that, and sadly, is still far more virus-prone than any other operating system in the world. (Ouch!)

Google’s Android and the new innovations from Linux both have a lot to show Microsoft in terms of what users want. Both Android and Linux users have lower rates of viruses, and also spend much less money when it comes to upkeep for their operating systems. This means that companies which care about security might switch to Linux or a similar OS in the future. Moreover, unlike Microsoft operating systems, both Android and Linux are freeware, making Windows 8 very overpriced in the eyes of those who are looking for something reliable. (Ouch, again!)

For those who are tech geeks, or even those who aren’t, it’s pretty clear what is happening to this company. Microsoft is running out of ideas, plain and simple. And, since it’s running out of ideas on how to keep up with some of the newer, trendier companies, the only thing that Microsoft has been doing is tightening the regulations on how you can use their software, which in turns means that consumers will have to pay more for the same product they’ve been using for a long time. If Microsoft wasn’t a software giant at one time, they would not get any profits whatsoever anymore. All that they are doing is riding out their fame while they still have some left.

Microsoft’s Windows 8 is glitchy, archaic, and a complete disappointment to even the staunchest of Windows fans. People who have tried out the new Windows 8 all have the same feeling when it comes to the future of Microsoft’s operating system empire: if Microsoft’s staff doesn’t come up with something that makes them a viable company again, they will end up losing their spot as the most common OS in the world, and soon.