I remember exactly the same arguments being made when Windows 3, Windows 95, the Mac, and OS X were first released. Those who had memorized all the control commands in WordStar just couldn't see the point of these new fangled, mice, menus, and windows. But, whilst it is true that a few people do have difficulty with new paradigms, most are pretty sensible and soon get used to change. And youngsters who never used the old systems wonder what Grandpa is grumbling about when he goes on about "the good old days".

Rumours of the demise of Microsfoft are greatly exaggerated.

Rumours of the demise of Microsfoft are greatly exaggerated.

Time will tell and it is far too early to call on this one.

In reply to a post by gomezz:

That sounds like The Gadget Show. Which is on Five.

That as well.

I've not forecast the demise of Microsoft. I have forecast the Mr Balmer will be spending much more time with his family though.

In reply to a post by Desmond:

I think 8 on PCs has now developed a well earned reputation for being pointlessly different, inefficient, confused, confusing and plain pig ugly. If the cosmetic and interface changes had actually made Windows easier to use or brought users substantial advantages over Windows 7 then I'm sure people would be busy buying it.

Yes I agree.

I have no intention of buying Windows 8 and not just because I wouldn't be able to use the new Metro interface as I haven't got access to touch screen technology.

The Metro UI supports legacy mice.

Win8 works perfectly fine without touch. As it happens, I think Windows 8 is far easier to use than OSX.

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

The Metro UI supports legacy mice.

Not much of an incentive to upgrade from Windows 7 though !?

I think it looks drab compared to Windows 7

In reply to a post by Pipexer:

Win8 works perfectly fine without touch. As it happens, I think Windows 8 is far easier to use than OSX.

I've never used OSX

I saw an article on Click saying that as so many people use androids, smartphones, etc for internet access that the PC and laptop market will just die making it not commercially viable for Microsoft to put in the R & D costs.

The thought of being condemned to watching postage stamp sized screens on machines I cannot build or upgrade myself is very depressing. Windows XP was good ... but come on ... once you've used 7 for a while going back to XP would be like going back to side-valve engines. So far I've been impressed with Windows 8 once you've made it look how you want it (and no, touch screens on a desktop are NOT practical, anybody who has ever worked in a school will know that.)