Microsoft releases Windows 8

Microsoft released its new operating system, Windows 8, on Thursday, but some students who use Windows said they do not feel it’s necessary to upgrade right away.

Windows 8, the first update since Windows 7’s release in 2009, has several new features, including a redeveloped and redesigned “Start” screen and access to a Microsoft account, according to Microsoft’s website. The upgrade costs $39.99 to download and $69.99 to ship.

Sophomore Dan Plischke, a Windows 7 user, said he feels comfortable with his current operating system.

“If your computer works fine, there’s really no reason to upgrade,” Plischke said. “It’s good that they’re updating, but if you release something so soon after the first product, what are you trying to get at?”

The Windows 8 release reminded him of Apple’s updates, and he said he wishes companies included all planned software in the beginning so that there would be no updates. With all of this year’s announcements, including the iPhone 5 and the recent iOS 6 software upgrade for iPads, iPhones and iPod touches, Plischke said that the release of Windows 8 might have been overshadowed.

Freshman Amanda Kee said consumers are consistent in what they buy. She said the update will help Microsoft remain competitive in the technology market, but it doesn’t necessarily give them an edge with consumers.

“People will keep buying what they’ve been buying,” Kee said.

Charles Boncelet, a computer and electrical engineering professor, said people who are comfortable with the Windows interface might be apprehensive about having to learn a new system. He said this is mostly true for business people.

“Businesses have been generally reluctant to buying the latest operating system,” Boncelet said. “They like the one that they’re comfortable with, that their IT department understands how to manage, that their people understand how to use.”

Microsoft Office is here to stay, he said, especially since it’s also sold to Mac users, but it will be interesting to see if Windows can gain a share of the tablet market.

According to IHS iSuppli, a market research company, Apple dominated the tablet market in the second quarter of 2012, with a 69.6 percent share. Microsoft released their Surface tablet on Friday, Oct. 26, programmed with Windows RT software. Microsoft plans to release a Surface tablet with Windows 8 soon.

Daniel Chester, a professor and chair of the computer and information sciences department, said consumers are pretty much forced to upgrade to new operating systems. He said the benefits of new operating systems include new features and fixing permanent bugs rather than performing simple “patchwork" on the system.

Electrical and computer engineering professor Stephan Bohacek said people might not want to upgrade right away because they’re resistant to change. Since Windows 8 is new, he said, it’s different and people might not get used to it.

Bohacek said even though people might be hesitant, companies must upgrade.