I have recently been asked by people “Should I upgrade to Windows 8?”  Before you Apple fans chime in, this is “not about you” (although you may find it interesting).   It’s for those people who have Windows computers,and/or phones, and have heard about this new Windows 8, but don’t have much information.  There is a new look in town, and a whole lot more.

There are lots of things you can do with your computer:  work, write, interact with other people, play games, watch videos, listen to music, and organize your life.  Most people started with a desktop computer, but have since used mobile devices ( phones, tablets, netbooks, laptops)  for some of these activities.  Until now, these devices have all been rather isolated, perhaps sharing some data, but not really tied together.  People have obtained a variety of apps ( software programs ) that work independently to do a number of tasks.  Some are specific to their computers, while others work on their mobile devices.  Most don’t really work together, so people have a large collection of apps to handle their various needs and interests.

With Windows 8, Microsoft has changed the whole process.  Here are some key points that you may find appealing, and this will help you answer the title questions for this post.

It’s Consistent

In the past, devices had independent appearances and functionality and thus it was necessary to learn how to operate one.  With Windows 8, you learn one system, and apply it everywhere:  desktop, notebook, tablet, phone.  Though each can have different programs highlighted, you can go to any WIn 8 device and instantly know how to use it. 

It’s Integrated

On previous systems ( and those of other systems ), to get something accomplished you need to run a series of applications.  In Windows 8, applications work together transparently, giving you features in one common location that might involve technologies from several different sources.  For example, a single button allows you to look up food places in your area.  Selecting a restaurant, you have instant access to directions from where you are, reviews, and reservations, or can call them instantly, even if the information comes from different applications you installed.  Try looking up a person in your contacts list.  You can get all of your notes, plus see their Facebook or Twitter activity ( posts, photos ), contact them by phone, email, or post to them on a social network, and all from the same screen.  This weaving of applications is done throughout Windows 8.

It’s Connected

Create a document, save it in SkyDrive, and access it from any other device.  Keep your contacts, emails, photos, videos, documents, music, notes, calendars all synchronized from any device.  Working on a document at home, get a call, run to the office, continue working on it there, head off to an appointment, think about something that needs to change in the document, access it on your phone, make the changes, then head home, and of course its current on your computer.  Everything you have is instantly available from any device.  Unlike other services, you control the content and can leave it there as long as you want.  Microsoft provides 7 GB of storage in Sky Drive for FREE, or you can get more for a very low fee.

It’s Secure

Now all malware protection is totally integrated into Windows 8.  You only know its there if someone tries to harm you, and you get a notification that Win 8 protected you from the threat. 

It’s Fast

Windows 8 is the fastest operating system ever released by Microsoft.  Its starts quickly, its programs run quickly, and its integration / organization allow you to get your tasks done far more quickly.

It’s Very Readable

I love all those apps that show me news, However, on most devices, there is so much space taken up with the trim, and ads that it is often hard to follow the text, especially in my smaller devices.  Windows 8 take away the decorations, giving the emphasis to content.  This makes it easy to see beautiful pictures and read the content.  Also, the navigation controls are hidden unless I want them.  I get to see what I want and not put up with all the things which do not matter.

This is a long post, and its still a short list of all the new benefits of Windows 8.  If these highlights are appealing then you may well want to consider upgrading your current computers to Windows 8.  You will have all the capabilities you currently possess, but you will also have access to additional features which are amazing.