The Case of the Missing Nine

WHAT HAPPENED? WINDOWS 7 WINDOWS 8 & 8.1 WINDOWS 9 WINDOWS 10

WHAT HAPPENED? An announcement was forecast for September 30 th Expected to be either Windows 8.1 Update 3 OR Windows 9 Turned out to be the “Insider” [Beta] release of Windows 10 Production release: No firm date – anywhere between April 2015 & December 2015

WHY? Various reasons stated None of them seem truly convincing Likely a desire to put as much distance from Windows 8 as possible

WHAT?

The major feature is the re-introduction of the Windows 7 style Start Menu The Desktop will be primary for PC’s/Laptops and is combined with the “Metro” style Other changes mainly for business users Will replace Windows Phone for Smart Phones Will be more “Windows 8” for Tablets, Smart Phones Will “sense” type & install/run accordingly

WHERE ARE WE TODAY? Windows 8.1 Upgrade 1 & Upgrade 2 have been released These make MINOR improvements; especially with regard to touch pad & security Effectively no change yet

SOME GENERAL NOTES Explanation of 8.1 & 8.1 RT: – Windows 8.1 is the version for “conventional” devices – i.e. Desktops & Laptops – Windows 8.1 RT is the version for “mobile” devices – i.e Tablets – Windows Phone for Smart Phones – Windows 8.1 automatically installs Internet Explorer 11 – this appears mandatory

SOME GENERAL NOTES Windows 8.1 includes “Skydrive” storage During install, you have to have or create a Windows Live account. Two versions of Internet Explorer, Skype etc.

CONCLUSIONS We still do not see any major benefit to the average club member in Windows 8.1 – If you are OK with what you have now – stick with it – If you need or want to get a new machine [or just feel adventurous] Windows 8.1 is not as big a learning curve as you might think – You can make it similar – BUT NOT 100% IDENTICAL – to Windows 7

3 rd PARTY START MENU A version of the Windows 7 Start Menu can be added at no or low cost So why not? – Third party software may not always work when changes are made to Windows – The Metro style will continue on some devices: Better to get familiar with it; you may want to add another device [Tablet etc.] in the future – Can get the best of both in 8.1

TODAY WE WILL LOOK AT: How to start at the Desktop as in Windows 7 What is where in 8.1 The two versions of Internet Explorer 11 The built-in application Name changes – “Windows Defender”, “File Explorer” & “This PC” Building the Desktop & Start Menu LEARNING 8.1 – IT’S REALLY NOT SO DIFFERENT

WINDOWS 8.1 UPDATE 2

WINDOWS 7 START