If these numbers are true, it is only because Win 8.1 is being forced upon users via new computer purchases — computers already loaded with 8.1 and set up for UEFI boot.
If users had a choice, the majority would choose Win 7. Win 8.1 is not well liked by the majority. And MS knows it.
That’s because Apple users are all using their iPad or their iPad Air and don’t use a desk top computer anymore….how last century
Yet XP continues to Rock On.
Windows 8.x is the suckiest OS going. It’s like having to use a telephone OS on a desktop computer. Until they bring back the start button (the real one) I will recommend Windows 7 or Windows 8 with the free Classic Shell add-on.
For all OSX fans, 10.9 dual screen still works like an afterthought.
Windows is far far ahead.
Most of my PCs were purchased as refurbs, loaded with XP Pro. We have 3 Windows 7 machines. I also have a couple of really old laptops with Win95 and 98 for some really old software and stuff that only runs on DOS. The balance are XP.
I presume that dropping support for XP simply means that updates and the like will no longer be offered. So be it. I have a number of apps that won’t run on 7, not to mention 8.
My general strategy is to not purchase any more proprietary software including operating systems. Most of everything I need is available as open source software and will run on Linux. Most of the balance will run on Linux under Wine. I think that there’s only one program that I use regularly that absolutely requires XP or 7 and fortunately that software only has to run on the newest PC with 7 Pro.
Bottom line, I don’t ever intend to purchase another MS product.
It's all about the UI. On the upside, having active areas and (heaven help us) the "Charms Bar" invisible in order to economize on screen real estate is fine if you know where they are, but you forfeit the ability to look at the screen and see something that looks like it might do what you want. If you're running multiple 27-inch monitors at full rez, you can afford the pixels, believe me. Not so much with tablets and cell phones.
But guess what? Just because all the marketeers are squealing that tablets and cell phones are the new computing paradigm doesn't make it so. In fact, the market, especially the business and professional market, is rather conservative when it comes to user interfaces. Training time and learning curves cost money and productivity. They also really tick people off when they're mandated by Momma Micro$oft (or Auntie Apple or anyone else, for that matter) who knows what's best for you, you technology illiterate.
8.1's OK, but just that. Linux on the same machine screams. And you get to choose your own UI. Micro$oft isn't going to keep me.
None of the new models we’ve seen, with 8 will not hookup to our traditional phone plug/jack. All will only take the thick cable plug, which won’t work with our traditional dialup.
We don’t want anything else.
Additionally, we understand that win8 takes too much loading for our regular phone line.
How is this a surprise? Windows is only like 85-90% of the desktops out there. Even if a small percentage upgrade it will still be more than Apple.
If Apple is such a technology leader and so on the cutting edge, then why aren’t *they* trying to converge the tablet & the desktop interface?
No, tablets are for content _consumption_, whereas desktops are also useful for content _creation_.
Microsoft is killing itself.