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Windows 8, 8.1 & 10 versus Windows 7
I have been a power user of Microsoft Windows based desktop operating systems for 20 years, starting with Windows 3.1. I will be honest and state immediately that I strongly dislike Microsoft's most recent OS releases, which obviously includes Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 (Technical Preview). In terms of daily usability, I find Windows 7 to be greatly superior; for me Windows 7 is, by far and away, the best Microsoft OS release. Perhaps my opinion is shared by the overwhelming vast majority of Windows users, since it presently holds a hugely dominating market share compared with all other Windows operating systems.
After installing the latest Windows 10 Technical Preview on a virtual machine, my initial impression is that Microsoft is endeavouring — a bit too much — to compete in the mobile-centric computing market. Furthermore, I dislike its design and the superfluous features. As regards the extraneous features, it appears to me that Microsoft is dumbing down the interface. For example, the system applications, including the Control Panel, are becoming increasingly obscured with each new release.
To users who presently utilise Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 installed on a desktop PC or laptop), what do you feel are the benefits of these operating systems in comparison with Windows 7?