I haven’t even been able to post my rant about Windows 8 and a new Windows 8.1 will be released. I don’t know about anyone else, but I wasn’t thrilled with Windows 8. Now, on October 17, a whole new operating system is coming out.

Keeping up with the latest technology is the equivalent of feeling totally inept half the time. When determining the right candidate for the technology field, I would recommend forgetting about degrees and certifications. Look for patience, and that dreaded job posting phrase “must have a sense of humor.” Or better yet, “It’s okay to feel like a jerk half the time.” In the field of technology, there will always be new and better software to learn. You can not avoid it. It rears its ugly head at both work and play. It’s okay; it keeps me humble. I do need to feel some kind of mastery/competence though or I get… well… cranky…

I have always been a fan of Microsoft. Last spring, after some incredible research and pressure from my technoson, I jumped on Mac. I liked it. One day I decided that I could use a new PC for some software that I needed to run. So I bought my new PC. Oh well! A new operating system!! I love learning new technologies! I love crossing that fine line from frustration to confidence. How different was it to Windows 7? Well, it seems like everything.

First of all, the entire home screen is different. I went to my familiar left corner for the home button. I was not there. All my life (I’m exaggerating, but it seems like all my life) I would sail to my left corner. Now I’ve learned to go to the opposite corner, I think. I continued to find my way through this maze. My excitement quickly turned to dread; my usual quick skills morphed into clumsy acts of confusion. I had to suffer the jokes of my non-technical friends; (The ultimate humiliation). The Windows 8 screen is similar to the Windows Phone screen. Which, by the way, I don’t have one, so I don’t care. Oh no, I’m sounding bitter. What else would this new foreign creature bring me?

Touch screen options: Windows 8 has a touch-friendly interface. This speeds up the process and increases navigation along with the built-in intelligence of Windows. I could do without. Frankly, the screen is a stretch of my keyboard and I’m lazy. Speed ​​is wonderful in technology. On the other hand, so is laziness. My laziness is the reason I want speed. Also, if I time the learning curve, I’d say it’s a wash. Not to mention, how about I’m eating some cheese curls? Screen cleaner is expensive these days. I admit that these are not strong arguments. Maybe once I know what I’m doing I’ll love it… maybe

Best multi-monitor options: Now we are talking!!! I love having as many monitors as I can! Too many are not enough! This is a great advantage! Wait, didn’t I do this on Windows 7? Yes, but this offers enhanced features, including the ability to customize your desktop, support for side-by-side applications, and better taskbar usability.

Windows Charms: They work in different applications and allow you to share files quickly and easily. This is a nice advantage. That’s how I found the home screen… I think… I’d liken it to a lifeline between hurricanes, but again; I took it!

Search screen: Windows 8 has made available a search screen. (I tried searching for Windows 7 but no luck.) Feeling like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz (I want to go home, I want Windows 7); I was able to search within any app, even my social apps. This contextual feature is nice to have!

Windows 8 Arm Support: Windows 8 supports devices on ARM architecture. Previously, Windows 8 only supported x86-based Intel and AMD PCs. ARM’s chip designs are being used in more and more devices. This will allow Windows to compete with Android and iPad tablets.

In the Windows Store: Hmmm… sounds familiar from another store… can we say “not original!”. This is a great option and new apps are always being added. Now, in addition to all the apps I buy for my Mac and iPhone, I have a whole new place of unsupported apps to buy. I hope my children don’t realize this. Though as a side note, my tech-savvy kids have given up on the nice new Windows 8 PC. Surely that means something.

Windows 8 Cloud Integration: Interesting cloud integration, sounds familiar again. Now you can sync data with SkyDrive; In addition to data, you can also save your settings. Again, this is not original, but a much-needed feature to compete in today’s technological world.

Windows 8 has given us many new features to compete in the market. Is it just about me?? Has my frustration with learning new technologies finally reached its breaking point? I wouldn’t say that. I used to love Windows 7. There was nothing wrong with that. Oh sure, it would be nice to have new features. I understand the need to compete, but that doesn’t mean doubling down. It means being original to users who loved you. I can appreciate the differences between my PC and Mac. Like one of red and white wine. I say change all you want, but at least make it better.

Is better? I really do not know. I haven’t gotten much past the start screen before I grabbed my Mac.