The 32-bit Windows 8.1 OEM System Builder DVD from Microsoft brings the return of the Start button. While it is not quite the Start Menu from Windows 7, it still adds more functionality to the desktop. Right-click on the Start button to open up a menu with several options, such as Control Panel, Network Connections, Task Manager and more. For access to programs, a simple left click on the Start button will bring you to the redesigned Start screen introduced in Windows 8.1. Here, you can resize tiles to your preference.
You also have more ways to see multiple apps at a time. When displaying multiple apps at once, you can resize the width of the app window to suit your needs. Depending on screen size and resolution, you can even share the screen with up to four apps at a time. Windows 8.1 also allows you to boot directly to the desktop screen instead of the Start screen. This allows you to get right to work as soon as you boot your computer.
Cloud connectivity is another major feature found in Windows 8.1. Simply set up a Microsoft account, and you can access and manage various aspects of your account from any Windows 8.1 device. Utilize the Mail and Messaging apps to keep in touch with friends, family, and co-workers by linking to other social networking accounts such as Facebook and Twitter. You can also take advantage of Microsoft SkyDrive to upload your files.
Along with cloud connectivity, apps help make Windows 8.1 stand alone as an intuitive, customizable operating system. SkyDrive, Xbox, Video, Music, Mail, Calendar, Photos, People, Messaging and Reader make up the apps that come standard with Windows 8.1. Each of these apps helps you to get the most out of your Windows experience.
With SkyDrive, you can access files virtually anywhere on a Windows 8.1 device. The Xbox, Video and Music apps enhance your multimedia experience helping to streamline your music, video, and games access across multiple devices including the Xbox 360. Mail, Calendar, People, and Messaging apps keep you in touch with friends and family while keeping you on schedule. Place all of your photos in one place with the Photo app, making it possible to see your photos on any Windows 8.1 device. The Reader app makes it possible to read a variety of different documents in PDF, XPS, and OXPS file formats. These are only some of the apps that Windows 8.1 provides.
If your computer is already running Windows 8, you can visit the Windows Store for a free update to Windows 8.1.
The tiles on your Start screen are brimming with content, and they change and update in real time so you can see what's going on and stay on top of things. You can share and connect with other people in a couple of clicks, and get real-time updates about things like news, sports, and what your friends are up to. Check your schedule or get the latest weather forecast. Tiles are a quick way to see it all. Launch apps, switch between tasks, and check notifications without digging for information.
Windows 8.1 also incorporates the PC desktop that you're already familiar with. In the desktop, you'll see that the settings and features you used in Windows 7 are still there
On touch-enabled PCs, you can do the same things you could with a mouse and keyboard with touch. You can switch between apps, organize your Start screen, and pan and zoom. With the touch keyboard, you can navigate, type, and interact on the go. Because you work in different ways depending on which app you're using, Windows 8.1 makes it easy to use whichever method works best for you.
The touch keyboard has two modes designed to suit a variety of needs. Take advantage of a full-sized keyboard with large buttons, or a handy thumb keyboard that splits the keys on either side of the screen, making it easy and more comfortable to use on the go. Typing feels natural whether you're sitting down or walking around.
On touch enabled PCs, the keyboard layout automatically adjusts to the language you choose for Windows, so your language settings apply to the whole PC rather than just certain apps. Whether you want to type and click, swipe and tap, or do a combination of both, you can navigate and work easily and efficiently in the language of your choice with Windows 8
Start a project on one PC, and finish it on another. When you use the cloud to store your information, the boundaries between devices dissolve. Your apps, games, music, photos, files, and settings aren't stored on one device because they're in one place: the cloud. Sign in to any of your Windows 8.1 PCs and access all of your stuff from virtually anywhere