[CommieCutter]

I have 8 but have gotten used to it.

Please tell me I can simply update to 8.1 for free?

I live with 8 if I have to pay for another operating system.

[McGruff]

I don't have Windows 8 so I can't say but

How to Get Windows 8.1

For Windows 8 users, Windows 8.1 is completely free. It will be available as a download from the Windows Store — that’s the “Store” app in the Modern, tiled interface.

Assuming upgrading to the final version will be just like upgrading to the preview version, you’ll likely see a “Get Windows 8.1″ pop-up that will take you to the Windows Store and guide you through the download process.

You’ll also be able to download ISO images of Windows 8.1, so can perform a clean install to upgrade. On any new computer, you can just install Windows 8.1 without going through Windows 8. New computers will start to ship with Windows 8.1 and boxed copies of Windows 8 will be replaced by boxed copies of Windows 8.1.

[knarf]

I’m on XP and I’m comfortable with it (though I ReAlLy loved W98) ... how much of a surprise is 8 over XP ?