I'm not an OS engineer but as a user I'm driven to ask questions towards anyone seeking to roll out a newer version over the current.

1. What is the intent of Windows 8 and how does it benefit the users? Keep in mind that benefits does not necessarily mean "features". I could care less about features if it doesn't benefit me.

2. We're aware of the need to focus on tablet integration however what improvements will the desktop/laptop users with no touch interface stand to gain over Windows 7 users?

3. The goal with an OS is to be able to do more (with less), as securely (and better than before) as possible all while minimizing inconveniencing the user in the process. How does or does Windows 8 accomplish this?

4. Windows is a big target for malware, what improvements were made to ensure better resistance/mitigation that isn't available/possible for Windows 7?

I believe in the idea of keeping things as simple as possible and not fixing something that isn't broken. Sony has made this mistake for years coming out with newer models of everything other than for cosmetic reasons. This frustrated users having to re-learn every new product version.

Regarding the changes to the Windows/Start button and other things.... I ask myself was it necessary or did MS do it just to add to the idea that Windows 8 is something radically newer (and different) from Windows 7.

Even Mac OSX is guilty of this between Snow Leopard and Lion (version 10.6 and 10.7 respectively). Although Lion doesn't look much different on the desktop save for a few icons and a different wallpaper, as soon as you scroll the mouse you'll find that it's inverted (which Apple calls Natural Scrolling). I too asked "was inverting the mouse necessary, would it have been better to simply add an option to invert it or was it just to add to the illusion that it's much different from 10.6"? After upgrading to Lion I had thought for a moment that I might've installed the OS incorrectly since the mouse scrolled in the opposite direction.