Stick With Windows 7 or Upgrade to Windows 8?

Just recently Microsoft announced that Windows 8 was coming on October 26, 2012. A few days ago I explained how Windows 8 Brings More GPU Acceleration. The key questions for computer users is whether or not they should move to Windows 8 when it is released. Typically I move to the new operating system soon after release on at least one of my machines. Given the information I have so far on Windows 8, I will not be in a rush to "upgrade". I put the word in quotes as I'm not sure that is what I would consider it.

Now I'm sure many of you have chosen to stick with previous releases of Windows when a new version came out. The folks at ZDNet did an article entitled How to skip Windows 8 and continue using Windows 7. I've told you that support for Windows XP ends in 2014. Support for Windows 7 is scheduled to end in 2020. That gives you nearly eight more years to use Windows 7 as a supported operating system. For a full year after the release of Windows 8, you will still be able to buy boxed versions of Windows 7. Computer manufactures can pre-install Windows 7 for two years after the release of Windows 8. My guess is that many users will opt for the "old" version if given the chance.

We all remember that Windows Vista was not well received. Windows 7 has been lauded for being the best yet. I'm sure that if Windows 8 isn't the hit that Microsoft desires, they will correct the areas not liked and improve on it in a future version of Windows. I don't know about you, but I think I'll wait on the sidelines to see exactly what happens.