Windows 8.1

[arjay]

I am considering purchasing a Dell laptop to replace my 6 year old Inspiron 1545.
It has Windows 8.1. installed
Some months ago I remember people telling of operating problems with this.
Can anybody please let me have their opinions on it, either good or bad?
Thank you
(Am off to bed now ,so if you reply please excuse my lack of response)

[david small]

Windows 8.1 has to update a huge amount of data. Over one and a half gigs.
Seems to update all the time. Runs OK. BUT SILLY SIZE.
good news, Windows 10 will be a free update for 8.1 users. I prefer windows 7. But if you have not got that option...its usable, though frustrating at times.

[murraymints]

Type Your Answer Here...I have 8.1 and have no problems whatsoever..the format is very different to pre 8..a tile opening page presenting instead of the usual where you select all programmes etc....but you can set up a desktop page and have your icons there for regular options ..ie browser, word mail, etc etc..( i have office installed too ) there is a store tile for downloading apps, many of which are free....I find the touch screen the better option with this version of windows ..stick with it..after a few hours I was very comfortable with it..had xp prior to 8 and 8.1

[arjay]

Thank you,david small and murraymints for giving me just the sort of answer I was looking for.

[Hopkirk]

You get used to it, but you feel like a beginner again - it is so different to previous windows systems.

I will never be a fan, but to be honest you don't have a choice.

[Mick-the-Miller]

I've got Windows 8.1 and had a bit of confusion when I first started to use it, it's obviously Micrososoft's response to Apple and they've tried to have Apps etc.

The Start feature was what I missed so I installed the Classic Shell which gave me the old Vista, XP and Windows features and control, I set up a Desktop which was virtually the same as my XP versions.

I have to admit that I don't really use the 'new' features of Windows 8.1 but you're forced to use it so what can you do!

[Kathyan]

I run windows 8.1 and as others have said, it's different. It took me a while to figure it out but I google anything I'm not sure about. To be fair, now I'm used to it, it's better than any other windows I've used!

[1ozzy]

Once I'd made "8" work like previous versions, no worries.
Took a bit of time and swearing but I got there.

[berniecuddles]

8.1 took getting used to now love it

[arjay]

Thank you all. I'll probably come yelling for help on Thursday.