This is the single license OEM version which means you can only install it on one PC (no license transfer allowed) and there is no tech support from Microsoft but if you're buying this version, you probably already know that. This version has the 8.1 upgrade patches baked in so you don't have suffer through the (free) update if you have the 8.0 version and that alone is worth it for me. Some of the highlights with 8.1 include the ability to boot to the desktop as well as customization tweaks with wallpapers and the app start screen.

I've docked it one star due to the confusing start screen/app screen/desktop layout. I don't think it really works that well and seems needlessly complicated.The modern/metro apps are often cartoonish and sort of a waste. Also, there is no easy way to set up an PC account unless you have a Microsoft account as well and that might very well be a deal breaker for some. On the plus side, the backup feature is simplified and works very well and... Read more

Windows 8.1 does a good job of polishing the new Windows functionality added in Windows 8. Windows 8 was a little rough around the edges in some ways.
Windows 8 and 8.1 are basically improved versions of Windows 7 that also have the ability to OPTIONALLY run Windows Store (tablet/touch optimized) apps as well. The benefit of this is that it gives you the ability to use one OS and set of applications on any device including a multi-monitor desktop, laptop, tablet, or some hybrid combination of those. There is a bit of a learning curve with Windows 8.x, but once you spend a little time with it and configure it for the device it's installed on, you can move seamlessly between traditional keyboard/mouse optimized desktop programs and full screen touch/tablet optimized apps on the same device depending on what you need to get done. You can even have a tablet that plugs into a docking station and becomes a multi-monitor desktop. This isn't something that can currently be done with... Read more

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