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Tech Report: Does Windows 8 Have Microsoft In Trouble?

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Analysts are continuing to hammer Microsoft following the release of its Windows 8 operating system, saying its partly to blame for slow PC sales. First of all I'm not a Microsoft basher and I like Microsoft. In fact, I just wrote a column regarding the recent upgrade from my Windows 7 PC with Microsoft Word, which I love.

Having said that, I think Windows 8 is confusing because it comes in different flavors there's an RT version, which runs on lightweight tablets and the pro version that runs on PC's and desktops. When it starts out you have a tile interface, which works okay on a touch screen, but if you have a regular PC with a mouse or a track pad, it's just a layer of complexity.

KCBS Tech Report:

You don't get the same multi-tasking capacities. For that you've got to go into desktop mode and then it looks a lot like your regular Windows, except that it lacks a 'Start' menu. If you want the start menu you have to download a third-party application.

At the end of the day I don't think it adds any value; certainly not for the traditional desktop or laptop. It's great if you've got a touchscreen, but most people don't have touchscreens and I'm not even sure they want them. Keyboards are really good for productivity, touchscreens are great for tablets, but they're kind of different animals.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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