Initially skeptical, now like it as much as possible

As mentioned in the title, I was initially skeptical about long Windows 8 or 8.1. The PCs for not very friendly tile view, the associated additional changes and innovations (introduction of apps, etc.) and more such things did this rest. I was not completely averse, but would not even occurred to me to buy Windows 8 for my PC. Well, has after then bought a PC with Windows 8.1 recently an acquaintance (perforce) and as far as I have set it up, of course, I have taken the opportunity to look more closely to me the whole. Long story short: was as bad as ever thought or heard the whole largely not at all!
Shortly thereafter, I have then bought and thought that it no longer makes sense to re-install the proven Windows 7 and Me Windows has 8.1 but then irritated, also because yes this year Windows 10 with noticeable a new SSD and a new hard drive Improvements on the market comes.
Well, as the whole then arrived, first packing by read (All the talk of for OEM version), have rolled his eyes, put away the mop and inserted the included DVD. The installation simply proceeds, is constructed the same, in principle, to first start as of previous Windows versions already known. After the first start you can already see the changes, however: The menu for initial configuration is the new Windows tile design with a bright color (which you can choose yourself) kept in the background. Then I signed up with some skepticism with my Microsoft account (no longer have to now), had to make a few settings and then, after the brief my desktop and the user interface, it could go about it.
The desktop is actually the same design as well as previously, only a few small design adjustments were made (turning away from the old Aero theme). So that all looks familiar. If, however, on the Windows button click below left, which is now displayed larger than with Windows 7, no longer the familiar Start menu, but the new one with the tile view opens. But he who seeks his or inserted frequently genutzen programs there will not find it: There are tiles with content, such as news, the content of which may change, for example to display in the mail tile a short preview of the latest mail (s).. This screen you can set up yourself and possibly further expand to additional apps from the Windows Store. If you click on the little arrow in really round border at the bottom, you can see installed programs and apps. This is, however, ordered and chaotic sort and own regulation and simplification is hardly possible. There are programs and apps, what two things are to be treated differently, not mixed together. However, some programs intallierte partially missing in the list, so this is not suitable for finding installed programs. Then one is my criticisms of that Windows 8.1 would like to be a system for example. Tablets and computers, it is not but both, and may be. But this has already improved somewhat with regard to the original version. An example: Several pre-installed Windows programs and apps are redundant, ie there is a program for the well-known computer in return but also a calculator app, which is completely new. The same applies to a photo-viewing program, and the list can be continued for a long time. Above all, I was but at two things confused: There is the Control Panel, as well as the PC settings, and here I open up the meaning or the use of non-splitting really. There is not so, that does not distinguish the two things in functionality, yet it is not just made the end user easy. One could also easily be integrated in an other. But one must also say: Although much then leads, use the tile view is not mandatory. With a simple right-click on the Windows key to get to the main functions (Control Panel, Shutdown, computer, etc.), which was known in advance from the Start menu.
The use of the desktop and the 'normal' user interface has remained as of previous versions of Windows known similar. The 'Computer'-view now' is called This PC 'has been expanded to include additional indicators, for example. Network and the libraries of music, photos and videos. The Windows Explorer was extended by functions and these were placed easily accessible as it already from other Microsoft programs, such as Office, has been known since the 2010 version. Here additional functions for various file types such as pictures, music and video, specially marked made, offered. Otherwise there are no particular changes, of which there would be value to report. Some features included, such as the view when copying files have been enhanced with additional identifiable information and was better visualized. The Task Manager has been changed and expanded to include various displays. Some Microsoft services such as Skype are already preinstalled. If one signs up with his Microsoft account this includes OneDrive. The Control Panel has been changed somewhat in some functions, remains basically the same.
In addition, Windows 8.1 is also interesting for players, because it has resulted in some games to a noticeable improvement and run the games better.
The apps mentioned above are as mentioned not directly comparable with programs because they are limited in their functionality. In addition, you can use any programs and apps side by side in split screen, both of which are only screened from each other usable. However, this is set to change with the release of Windows 10. Windows 10 also brings an updated version of the familiar Start menu back (finally!): It will then be possible to add free selectable tiles next to the famous Start menu functions and use. Since then the already useful weather-tile is a quick look at example. Be even faster. So, that was now only a brief overview of Windows 10 ;-).
I have to say definitely that the tile view has its positive aspects: The already mentioned weather-tile for example, or the short view of the sport tile, and if there is an interesting article that clicking on precisely those when. then the associated app is opened and the article is completely displayed.

Now I'm doing but even a point and draw a conclusion: Windows 8.1, I have to agree, not really fish and not really meat. It has in addition to the negative excesses of this fact, good approaches on both sides, which will be hopefully well resolved fuse together to form a whole in the future (Windows 10). The famous view of Windows can still be used autonomously and without restrictions. It has been extended to the practical in some things, but often problems and confusion pin end tile view. For some user groups, such as players, Windows 8.1 is of particular interest in any case. It must also not be misled by its name OEM version to be. All in all, I like Windows 8, but it has shortcomings in these areas. The tile view I use only occasionally in person.

More ergängzende and points to be mentioned (not an exhaustive list!):
Positives:
+ Functionality was enlarged
+ Modern hardware is better supported and can be more easily set up (eg SSDs)

Negatives:
- Splitting of programs and apps; Double-existence of pre-installed applications and Apps
- Insufficient tailored to the PC