indianacarnie said:

Windows 7 Is Still the Number 1 OS as Windows 8 Slowly Takes Off - Softpedia

The text and maths don't match (44.71 > 44.69).
I assume that they meant a slight increase?

I have my doubts whether Windows 8 in its current form, will ever replace 7 as the no. 1 OS on desktops.

x BlueRobot said:

LittleJay said:

I have my doubts whether Windows 8 in its current form, will ever replace 7 as the no. 1 OS on desktops.

Windows 8 needs to meet both markets; the desktop and the tablet/phone.

I can't speak as to the tablet/phone market, as I don't have either, but I do know that Windows 8 on a desktop computer will have an uphill battle for as long as 7 is supported.

Windows 8 can be configured to run like 7 with the addition of the 7 start menu. I can toggle between the 8 start screen (Metro) and the 7 start menu on my 8 installation. When using the 7 start menu, the 8 start screen isn't loaded so I actually have to log off to go into it and vice versa.

x BlueRobot said:

Don't you have to use a third-party program in order to achieve that configuration?

Yes. It is a tiny program that imports the Windows 7 start menu from a Windows 7 installation DVD. After that, its only function is to allow you to switch between the 7 and 8 desktops. With the added built in security of Windows Defender there is no need to install a third party AV unless you want to. Also, the upgrade is for Windows 8 Pro, so I now have access to some features than my Windows 7 Home Edition doesn't. So for me it is worth it. Right now, 8 works and pretty much looks the same as 7 and I haven't had a single issue with it. I still have another copy of Windows 7 installed on another SSD in my PC to fall back on if I do start having problems with 8.