Replacement for Windows 8.1

[ato2]

I downloaded Windows Technical Preview, iso, which I understand to be the forerunner to Windows 10. (Ten, not nine.)Due to be  the eventual replacement for the dog of a thing called Windows 8, 8.1, 8.1 Update 1 etc.
Put it on a spare partition (80GB), used unetbootin to do the job- no trouble.
Installed a few programs- all smooth so far.
Behaves pretty much as Windows 7 plus easy relationship with apps. Much more pleasant experience than my time with Windows 8/8.1.
Still has the ugly GUI though, but at least there is a Start Menu and it is quite OK.
Easier to get around the Microsoft Account log in than with the the 8.1 upgrade.
Screen shot attached. Cmd shows it as Windows 6.4, and it is an evaluation version.

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[JennyLeez]

Looks ok.

Bringing back the Start Menu is the big plus.
That has been the biggest moan from my clients with windows 8, no Start Menu.

[ato2]

Yes, it is a proper Start Menu, too. Was ridiculous to have to use 3rd party software to create one in 8/8.1. In addition, the Start menu allows for the apps as well.
There seems to be a more unified approach to the apps/tiles/start screen/traditional desktop.
Usage of resources at rest (after a little bit of use is around the same as I got with 8/8.1)approx 900 MB of RAM

[ato2]

As you know, I think the default themes are horrible. I did a little fiddling. It is as easy to change things as is Windows 7.
This, to me, is more pleasant to look at than the pastels.

[Rwood]

Until they allow classic directory and file management as per Win 7 and earlier, I'm staying on Win 7 (new laptop but was regressed to Win 7).

[ato2]

I would have to say that I find Windows 7  more than adequate for my desktop needs. The Windows 10 preview is fine, and far better than the 8/8.1 thing but I can see no particular reason to upgrade yet, especially as Win 7 will be supported til 2020.

[ato2]

Just an update, years later....don't laugh: I use Windows 8.1 as my daily driver. Win 10, is a shambles of sorts....