Microsoft Steps Up Their Game with Windows 8.1

Change is risky. Microsoft decided to go for it a year ago with the release of Windows 8, bringing users a whole new feel to the interface design and straying from the path of the previous twenty-year-old template. Microsoft has addressed the feedback of its users, made improvements, and recently released an improved version: Windows 8.1.

What are the Improvements?
Windows 8.1 was upgraded with an awesome principle; improve the things that customers want improved. The most noticeable difference between Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 is the improvement to intuitive navigation, making the interface react to how people think it should. Here are the biggest renovations and improvements:

• Brought back the Start button.
• Shut down, restart, or put your PC/mobile device to sleep easier with the Power User menu.
• Improved mouse and keyboard interaction with touch screen interface.
• Top settings displays the settings you adjust most frequently, so you don't have to keep digging for the same ones.
• Fixed toggling issues between the new UI and classic style UI.
• Windows Store lists apps that you may enjoy, depending on which ones you currently have open.
• Allows direct boot into classic style UI, giving quick access to software like Microsoft Office.
• Search results now include files from both your local network and the Internet, and are presented in a convenient menu containing graphics and videos with a new feature called Search Hero.

Should Your Business Upgrade?
Windows 8.1 can be a great tool for your business operations. In fact, the software was built around the needs of modern business. Microsoft has armed Windows 8.1 with better IT controls, security features, and device management capabilities. However, one of the biggest criticisms of Windows 8 was the idea that it was a product designed exclusively for mobile devices, then subtly adapted to fit PCs. Windows 8.1 will likely abolish these criticisms with its new and improved features for PCs.

Good news! If you already have Windows 8 installed on your workstations and mobile devices, the upgrade to Windows 8.1 is free. If you are looking to upgrade from any other operating system contact Ferrum Technology Services and they will point you in the right direction with a tailor-made solution for your business.

With the end of support date for Microsoft XP rapidly approaching this coming April, an upgrade may be in store for your business, and Windows 8.1 shouldn't be ignored as a top contending solution. For assistance upgrading your operating system on your business' workstations and mobile devices, call Ferrum Technology Services at (847) 697-3282.