Yes, another version of Windows has arrived. The Windows 8 beta download has been out for a while. Let’s not bother with all the hype and hysterics of Windows 8 themes, support, driver downloads, forums and the like. You want to know whether you should download it or not. It is a very simple question. This article is the answer to that. Yes, you will probably need a new computer if you have not bought a new one in the last 12 months.

You might have just gotten used to using Windows 7, or you might be using Windows XP. Whatever is the case, Windows 8 has arrived. It can be a little exhausting to adapt to yet another update of your operating system, but what will make it easier is doing it as soon as possible. Windows 8 is more than an update. It is a change in the way you use your computer. A change for the better. From Windows 8 themes, easy downloading, smooth use, and your computer doing what you want it to, relax and enjoy what it is. So ‘Yes’, you should download the Windows 8 update. Here is a clear, concise, and step-by-step look at the reasons why, and more importantly, an explanation of what the changes are, so you will better understand why it is best to choose to step-up to the newest and freshest operating system ever.

• Computers are changing. Back in the beginning of home computers, you needed to be able to program or write code to get anything done. Then we developed our operating system so that you could select, trash, or decide something to do. Our operating system is our product to help you tell a computer what to do. Admittedly, we have not been very good at making it easy for people to understand and to use. Today that concept is called being ‘user friendly’. In essence, that means, easy for humans to use the way they want to. Over time, we have improved. Windows 8 is the next step. In fact, it is a huge leap in the evolution of computers. If only we had come up with this way to let you use your computer in the first place. For once, your computer will be simple to use. Actually, coming to think of it, we did make Windows difficult to use in the beginning. Understand we are tech-geeks who know how the electronics of the thing actually works. That was a pretty good attempt for everyone else.
• Before You Download. If your computer is a couple of years old, it is probably already way out of date. Computers are not like a sofa you can buy and enjoy for years to come. They are the best that can be made at the time, and they are striving to make the best Operating System to push them to the limit. The skill and technology of the manufacturers improve, and their ability to build on what they have built as an operating system improves. The better they are at delivering an Operating System, the more we can push a computer’s ability to the limit. Manufacturers improve their technology and release computers with better and faster processing power. This gives us more room to extend our pressure on the machines with our latest and newest operating system. This is a continual cycle. It happens very fast. 10 years ago this cycle would take around 2-3 years. Now it is happening every 6 months. At least they are improving our product. It is not because they are not giving you what they have got, and making you wait another year. Car companies can only update their models with a maximum rate of one new model per year, at best, and not every year. Computer manufacturers are in such intense competition, and we are developing at such a pace, Operating Systems and updates are being made available as soon as they can make them. Windows 8 is a step forward, and it will require a new or very recent model home desktop computer or laptop to function. Think of your old computer as a middle-weight boxer who has just been thrown into the heavy-weight category. Invest in a new computer, and if you want to enjoy the full features of Window 8 on your desktop at home, get a touch-screen when you do. Just like your phone, and just like your tablet (and soon you will be able to touch the screen of your laptop), using Windows 8 will be as easy as touching what you want. You can still use your keyboard and mouse if you want, but it will not feel the same.

Let it Finish. If you are not very experienced with computers, and you still feel it is a struggle to use one, do not download and install the Windows 8 beta download. ‘Beta’ means the release is the first release, and it is yet to be fully finalised. Chances are, there will not be a problem. It is the first version to be released to the public, and those who can deal with any problems understand and can give us feedback. We are just taking care, just in case there is a problem that we have not foreseen. The Windows 8 update is available as we speak. All you need to do is search for Microsoft on Google. Click on Windows 8, and click on update. Once it has started, don’t stop what you are doing until it is finished. Imagine turning the power off when someone was in the middle of a heart transplant. Patience is important. It is very easy to feel that the download and installation are taking a very long time when you are sitting there in front of the screen. Have a shower, make dinner and get yourself a cup of tea. When it is done, you will know. If you have followed read the information above, it will tell you what to do.

Author Bio: Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics, including Windows 8.