So I am starting to get asked quite often, “Should I wait for Windows 8?”.  So I figured I write a quick article to let you know my opinion so far.  Essentially Microsoft’s goal with Windows 8 is to create a seamless operating system so that users of smart phones, tablets and PC’s would have a similar experience across all devices.  So how does this pertain to us traders?

Several weeks ago I downloaded and installed the developer copy of Windows 8.  After the download, I spent about 5 hours attempting to recreate my personal trading computer setup to test its functionality.  So how does it improve a trader’s experience?

Essentially, it does nothing to help us is the short answer.  In fact, so far my opinion is that Windows 8 makes it more difficult.  Serious traders are not going use smart phones and tablets for trading.  These devices simply do not have enough processing power and speed to handle the real time data and convert it into algorithms and indicators.  Serious traders are going to use powerful desktops and powerful laptops (as a minimum).  Traders can maneuver a mouse 10x more quickly than swiping an ipad or smart phone.  These devices might be nice to check quotes while on the road but forget about doing any serious trading.

Here are a few disappointments I noticed.  First of all, Windows 8 is just Windows 7 with a mobile user and social media shell around it.  There is a home screen that looks like your iphone or android home screen.  To get to the PC desktop you have to find the hidden button to take you there.  Second, once you get to the PC desktop, you will find that the Start button is hidden too!  How frustrating!  It took me awhile to figure this out.  Also it’s not really the traditional start button with all your programs.  The links are very unintuitive and not designed for mouse navigation.  It’s much harder to find commands and programs you need.  The third thing I noticed is that there were no improvements over Windows 7 whatsoever.   Again, Windows 7 is just embedded inside.  Bottom line so far (they could change these things in the final release scheduled for October), is that Windows 8 is a downgrade for traders.

So in conclusion, I find there is absolutely no reason to wait for Windows 8.  It was designed specifically so that Microsoft could compete with Android and the Iphone OS.  As is true since the departure of Bill Gates, Microsoft has become a follower.  They lack true innovation.  They too are jumping on the Tablet and Smart Phone bandwagon (way too late).   Lastly, the rumor is that you will be able to install Windows 8 on top of your existing Windows 7 installation, so you will not need to rewrite your entire drive.  So this would make Windows 8 just an upgrade (or downgrade).

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 800-387-5250.  And certainly feel free to get a copy of my Buyer’s Guide.