Ok. I know what you are thinking. Why in the world am I even mentioning it here.
But lets accept when something has been polished and good enough. In the Linux community, we have tolerance for being second fiddle before we wake up. So cutting to the chase. Windows 8. 1 has pushed some new updates(they are probably old). These updates have made the OS somewhat more usable on the desktop.
To highlight just a few
Default start
Default start up screen on the desktop is actually, the desktop. Its no longer the start overlay of live tiles. I did kind of love the previous, but I have to admit it makes sense to have the changes.
Start up screen
On the start up screen overlay of live tiles (allow me to call it that for now at least), there is a power button that was previously hidden in right edge menu. I think it is also a sensible addition to the start overlay.
A search button has also been added to the live tile overlay. Making it more relevant for the desktop that relies heavily on the pointing device (in this case being the mouse).
Windows 8 apps
Windows 8 apps can be managed from the desktop side. Finally! This trashes the disconnect between the desktop and the said apps. Not to forget, the apps now behave well. That is, when I switch to an application like blender, I have no worries that my the market app will somehow misbehave and go back to its start menu. the apps now freeze to the last point of use by the user.
Close and minimize header
Again a point of relevance for mouse users, Microsoft have decided to add a close and minimize header that is hidden in the to edge.
Newly installed applications
I think its also wise for Windows to tell you of the newly installed applications right from the start overlay.
Advise
So, I know most of you have decided to ignore that ‘annoying’ Windows Update Advisory. I can tell you for free. Being a Linux junky, I was a bit OK with the fresh breath as a result of my ginormous 2.7GB update. 🙂
Disclaimer
I have to say though, Microsoft should consider the 3rd world when pushing updates the size of some peoples hard disks.
