Windows 7: Win 7 still tops

More bad news for 8 :

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



Windows 8 Sales Are Yet to Meet Expectations ? Sony Exec - Softpedia

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

Windows 8 has already met it's sales expectations. Low.

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.

Users will probably stay with Windows 7, even if it isn't supported by Microsoft, look at Windows XP it has had extended support, and is supposedly the second most popular operating system.

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.

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.