Windows 8 Learning Curve: All true or all hype?
Having used Windows 8 since the launch date, personally I do not see any hurdles for computer literate or tech savvy users. Not productive? Hardly. Windows 8 store contains a number of productivity apps to help a business that does not have a large IT budget. From OneNote and Evernote Modern UI apps to open source software such as GIMP and Paint.NET that are Windows 8 desktop apps, there is a little bit for everyone. Machines boot faster and are more secure than Windows 7 (Still room for improvement of course). The only issues I have seen relate to drivers (Multi-monitor was buggy at first, so was Wi-Fi).
When it comes to regular users, the fact that many of them litter their desktop with numerous documents does not mean that they are necessarily endeared to the Start Screen displaying apps in their face. Many users do not know how to use file explorer. So, the fact that they have to click a Metro UI tile to go to the desktop is already a bother. Also, being unfamiliar with starting Microsoft Office and then opening a file, there could be some users who could get frustrated with the process (may not realize that they can pin a doc to start screen).
People will adapt, but it will take time. By offering some help in Windows 8.1 should allow users to better ease into the new UI.
