I got my hands on one of these new OS's, being in the IT field helps. And of course, most of you have to wait until October 18th. I'm happy to say that I was one of the few people that was able to get Windows 8.1 Professional before the general public. I mean, before I just had 7 Home Premium--and to go to Windows 8.1 Pro, yeah, it's been over 2 years, it's time for clean up and re-install.

Here's my review:

It's definitely a lot like Windows 8, so don't start thinking it's something "magically" different. One of the main things that is different is that there's a "Start" button on the left hand side--on your desktop, kind of like Windows 7. Then you arrow down to see different programs that are running, or programs that you may want to run in the future. I like it for having something different, but Windows 7 is still a prime OS, and a lot of people don't like the 8. But, because of the changes from 8, people may have a change of heart.

I have no problems going around the different views from the from part of the computer screen. You do have like 25 different boxes to choose from: Your Desktop, Weather, Store, IE, Calendar, Photos, alarm clock, games, calculator, movies, headline news, sports, and whatever different types of apps you may have added to it.

Still in essence, it's still a lot like Windows 7, but with lots of extras. The arrow in the left hand side is where you go to all of your programs. It's kind of like having the tablet on your PC. I guess if you don't like change, then stick with Windows 7--it's great and I still like it, I just like learning it. And, because I fix and repair computers, set up, etc, it's always great to know what's there, and it's installed on all the laptops today, and desktop computers that are sold--that's unless you buy a custom computer, in which I build--but we're not talking about that now.

The Great news is that for you people that already have Windows 8 on your computer, it's a a free update--and yes, it should be. No need for you to be concerned about purchasing more software from Microsoft. In fact, on Microsoft's website you can get that download for free. But is not going to have it's full release until October 18th, 2013--Only about a week away. You've waited this long, it will go quickly and you will have it.

Start up times are supposed to be faster, and for those who have a laptop, the battery time should go longer--depending upon the manufacturer of the battery.

Extra special perks: IF you have a touch screen, it's really cool on what you can do. Literally, touch it, move things around on your screen, just like a tablet--but if you got a large 24"-Inch screen such as I, well, that's like 4 iPads all together--and of course, did I tell you I have 2 monitors--and some people have 3!

It's a cool OS, I think in my opinion. So, here's the Pros and Cons:

Pros: It's New and exciting, has different options, is quoted to give better speed, less energy, and the option of the "start" button on the desktop. It's performance is to be sensational, and for change, I like it myself.

Cons: Compatibility on some programs. It is new, and a lot of people don't like that. So, if you don't like change, you may not like it. That's OK, for those who have PC's with older OS's, stick with Windows 7, XP, heck, even go with your 2000 or 98!

Bottom Line: IF you're going to buy a new laptop, most likely it's already going to have it on there. There's no getting around it. If you're buying a desktop, unless you have a custom specialty computer made, then you don't have much choice. You can buy the operating software, but why? If after a while you don't like it, then wipe it off your computer and go back to Windows 7.

Some other thoughts: After having this new OS for a while, I would like to say that it may not be ready or compatible for all products out there. I can't use my VMWare 10.0 on it, which made it a little frustrating. I have other computers that still have Windows 7 on them, and I recommend that when you get this new OS, that you consider having another computer with 7 still on it. But, on the most part, you won't have to worry about compatibilities. I am sure that within the next upcoming months, that there will either be a patch or update to become more compatible with your favorite "7" programs.

Just another note: IF you purchase a customer computer, make sure you have the COA, or Certificate Of Authentication on it, otherwise you could be getting a pirated operating system on your investment.