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[Hunter]

Windows 8 preview spells trouble for PC




Q: I'm curious about Windows 8, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea to install the preview version of it on my PC. Would it be better to just wait for the final version?

A: I might not even bother with the final version, scheduled for release later this year. Windows 8, as currently constructed, is designed primarily for PCs and tablets that have touch screens. It features a desktop environment called "Metro" with large, colorful icons that look and act like those found on Windows smart phones. Microsoft clearly is trying to emulate Apple, which is unifying the look, feel, and user experience across all its products.

Microsoft also seems to have concluded that the traditional PC - on which most of its business is based - is a dying breed. So don't expect Windows 8 to be an improvement on Windows 7. In fact, a Windows 7 Desktop is built into Windows 8 almost as an afterthought. It even lacks a Start button - perhaps the most important feature of Windows for the past 15 years - so you're forced to use the Metro navigation tools whether you like it or not.

More to your question, the Windows 8 Consumer Preview spells trouble. Since it's a beta release, it might not work with some of your programs and peripheral devices, and Microsoft does not recommend installing it on a primary PC. Moreover, if you decide you don't like it, you'll have to reinstall your previous version of Windows using a recovery disc that came with your PC, or with a recovery disc you have created. You won't be able to do it via the computer's recovery system.

Oh, and one other thing. Windows 8 Consumer Preview will stop working on January 15, 2013, at which time you will have to buy the final version.

http://www.sfgate.co.../BUOK1NMS99.DTL