CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/","20141016060021","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1413439221"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <title>How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8.1</title> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"/><script type="text/javascript">(window.NREUM||(NREUM={})).loader_config={xpid:"UwMGUFVbGwIAXVVaAQcO"};window.NREUM||(NREUM={}),__nr_require=function(t,e,n){function r(n){if(!e[n]){var o=e[n]={exports:{}};t[n][0].call(o.exports,function(e){var o=t[n][1][e];return r(o?o:e)},o,o.exports)}return e[n].exports}if("function"==typeof __nr_require)return __nr_require;for(var o=0;o<n.length;o++)r(n[o]);return r}({QJf3ax:[function(t,e){function n(t){function e(e,n,o){t&&t(e,n,o),o||(o={});for(var a=i(e),s=a.length,c=o[r]||(o[r]={}),f=0;s>f;f++)a[f].apply(c,n);return c}function o(t,e){s[t]=i(t).concat(e)}function i(t){return s[t]||[]}function a(){return n(e)}var s={};return{on:o,emit:e,create:a,listeners:i,_events:s}}var r="nr@context";e.exports=n()},{}],ee:[function(t,e){e.exports=t("QJf3ax")},{}],3:[function(t){function e(t,e,n,i,s){try{c?c-=1:r("err",[s||new UncaughtException(t,e,n)])}catch(f){try{r("ierr",[f,(new Date).getTime(),!0])}catch(u){}}return"function"==typeof a?a.apply(this,o(arguments)):!1}function UncaughtException(t,e,n){this.message=t||"Uncaught error with no additional information",this.sourceURL=e,this.line=n}function n(t){r("err",[t,(new Date).getTime()])}var r=t("handle"),o=t(4),i=t("ee"),a=window.onerror,s=!1,c=0;t("loader").features.err=!0,window.onerror=e,NREUM.noticeError=n;try{throw new Error}catch(f){"stack"in f&&(t(5),t(3),"addEventListener"in window&&t(1),window.XMLHttpRequest&&XMLHttpRequest.prototype&&XMLHttpRequest.prototype.addEventListener&&t(2),s=!0)}i.on("fn-start",function(){s&&(c+=1)}),i.on("fn-err",function(t,e,r){s&&(this.thrown=!0,n(r))}),i.on("fn-end",function(){s&&!this.thrown&&c>0&&(c-=1)}),i.on("internal-error",function(t){r("ierr",[t,(new Date).getTime(),!0])})},{1:4,2:7,3:5,4:15,5:6,ee:"QJf3ax",handle:"D5DuLP",loader:"G9z0Bl"}],4:[function(t,e){function n(t){i.inPlace(t,["addEventListener","removeEventListener"],"-",r)}function r(t){return t[1]}var o=(t(1),t("ee").create()),i=t(2)(o);if(e.exports=o,n(window),"getPrototypeOf"in Object){for(var a=document;a&&!a.hasOwnProperty("addEventListener");)a=Object.getPrototypeOf(a);a&&n(a);for(var s=XMLHttpRequest.prototype;s&&!s.hasOwnProperty("addEventListener");)s=Object.getPrototypeOf(s);s&&n(s)}else XMLHttpRequest.prototype.hasOwnProperty("addEventListener")&&n(XMLHttpRequest.prototype);o.on("addEventListener-start",function(t){if(t[1]){var e=t[1];"function"==typeof e?this.wrapped=e["nr@wrapped"]?t[1]=e["nr@wrapped"]:e["nr@wrapped"]=t[1]=i(e,"fn-",null,e.name||"anonymous"):"function"==typeof e.handleEvent&&i.inPlace(e,["handleEvent"],"fn-")}}),o.on("removeEventListener-start",function(t){var e=this.wrapped;e&&(t[1]=e)})},{1:15,2:16,ee:"QJf3ax"}],5:[function(t,e){var n=(t(2),t("ee").create()),r=t(1)(n);e.exports=n,r.inPlace(window,["requestAnimationFrame","mozRequestAnimationFrame","webkitRequestAnimationFrame","msRequestAnimationFrame"],"raf-"),n.on("raf-start",function(t){t[0]=r(t[0],"fn-")})},{1:16,2:15,ee:"QJf3ax"}],6:[function(t,e){function n(t,e,n){var r=t[0];"string"==typeof r&&(r=new Function(r)),t[0]=o(r,"fn-",null,n)}var r=(t(2),t("ee").create()),o=t(1)(r);e.exports=r,o.inPlace(window,["setTimeout","setInterval","setImmediate"],"setTimer-"),r.on("setTimer-start",n)},{1:16,2:15,ee:"QJf3ax"}],7:[function(t,e){function n(){c.inPlace(this,d,"fn-")}function r(t,e){c.inPlace(e,["onreadystatechange"],"fn-")}function o(t,e){return e}var i=t("ee").create(),a=t(1),s=t(2),c=s(i),f=s(a),u=window.XMLHttpRequest,d=["onload","onerror","onabort","onloadstart","onloadend","onprogress","ontimeout"];e.exports=i,window.XMLHttpRequest=function(t){var e=new u(t);try{i.emit("new-xhr",[],e),f.inPlace(e,["addEventListener","removeEventListener"],"-",function(t,e){return e}),e.addEventListener("readystatechange",n,!1)}catch(r){try{i.emit("internal-error",r)}catch(o){}}return e},window.XMLHttpRequest.prototype=u.prototype,c.inPlace(XMLHttpRequest.prototype,["open","send"],"-xhr-",o),i.on("send-xhr-start",r),i.on("open-xhr-start",r)},{1:4,2:16,ee:"QJf3ax"}],8:[function(t){function e(t){if("string"==typeof t&&t.length)return t.length;if("object"!=typeof t)return void 0;if("undefined"!=typeof ArrayBuffer&&t instanceof ArrayBuffer&&t.byteLength)return t.byteLength;if("undefined"!=typeof Blob&&t instanceof Blob&&t.size)return t.size;if("undefined"!=typeof FormData&&t instanceof FormData)return void 0;try{return JSON.stringify(t).length}catch(e){return void 0}}function n(t){var n=this.params,r=this.metrics;if(!this.ended){this.ended=!0;for(var i=0;c>i;i++)t.removeEventListener(s[i],this.listener,!1);if(!n.aborted){if(r.duration=(new Date).getTime()-this.startTime,4===t.readyState){n.status=t.status;var a=t.responseType,f="arraybuffer"===a||"blob"===a||"json"===a?t.response:t.responseText,u=e(f);if(u&&(r.rxSize=u),this.sameOrigin){var d=t.getResponseHeader("X-NewRelic-App-Data");d&&(n.cat=d.split(", ").pop())}}else n.status=0;r.cbTime=this.cbTime,o("xhr",[n,r,this.startTime])}}}function r(t,e){var n=i(e),r=t.params;r.host=n.hostname+":"+n.port,r.pathname=n.pathname,t.sameOrigin=n.sameOrigin}if(window.XMLHttpRequest&&XMLHttpRequest.prototype&&XMLHttpRequest.prototype.addEventListener&&!/CriOS/.test(navigator.userAgent)){t("loader").features.xhr=!0;var o=t("handle"),i=t(1),a=t("ee"),s=["load","error","abort","timeout"],c=s.length,f=t(2);t(4),t(3),a.on("new-xhr",function(){this.totalCbs=0,this.called=0,this.cbTime=0,this.end=n,this.ended=!1,this.xhrGuids={}}),a.on("open-xhr-start",function(t){this.params={method:t[0]},r(this,t[1]),this.metrics={}}),a.on("open-xhr-end",function(t,e){"loader_config"in NREUM&&"xpid"in NREUM.loader_config&&this.sameOrigin&&e.setRequestHeader("X-NewRelic-ID",NREUM.loader_config.xpid)}),a.on("send-xhr-start",function(t,n){var r=this.metrics,o=t[0],i=this;if(r&&o){var f=e(o);f&&(r.txSize=f)}this.startTime=(new Date).getTime(),this.listener=function(t){try{"abort"===t.type&&(i.params.aborted=!0),("load"!==t.type||i.called===i.totalCbs&&(i.onloadCalled||"function"!=typeof n.onload))&&i.end(n)}catch(e){try{a.emit("internal-error",e)}catch(r){}}};for(var u=0;c>u;u++)n.addEventListener(s[u],this.listener,!1)}),a.on("xhr-cb-time",function(t,e,n){this.cbTime+=t,e?this.onloadCalled=!0:this.called+=1,this.called!==this.totalCbs||!this.onloadCalled&&"function"==typeof n.onload||this.end(n)}),a.on("xhr-load-added",function(t,e){var n=""+f(t)+!!e;this.xhrGuids&&!this.xhrGuids[n]&&(this.xhrGuids[n]=!0,this.totalCbs+=1)}),a.on("xhr-load-removed",function(t,e){var n=""+f(t)+!!e;this.xhrGuids&&this.xhrGuids[n]&&(delete this.xhrGuids[n],this.totalCbs-=1)}),a.on("addEventListener-end",function(t,e){e instanceof XMLHttpRequest&&"load"===t[0]&&a.emit("xhr-load-added",[t[1],t[2]],e)}),a.on("removeEventListener-end",function(t,e){e instanceof XMLHttpRequest&&"load"===t[0]&&a.emit("xhr-load-removed",[t[1],t[2]],e)}),a.on("fn-start",function(t,e,n){e instanceof XMLHttpRequest&&("onload"===n&&(this.onload=!0),("load"===(t[0]&&t[0].type)||this.onload)&&(this.xhrCbStart=(new Date).getTime()))}),a.on("fn-end",function(t,e){this.xhrCbStart&&a.emit("xhr-cb-time",[(new Date).getTime()-this.xhrCbStart,this.onload,e],e)})}},{1:9,2:12,3:7,4:4,ee:"QJf3ax",handle:"D5DuLP",loader:"G9z0Bl"}],9:[function(t,e){e.exports=function(t){var e=document.createElement("a"),n=window.location,r={};e.href=t,r.port=e.port;var o=e.href.split("://");return!r.port&&o[1]&&(r.port=o[1].split("/")[0].split(":")[1]),r.port&&"0"!==r.port||(r.port="https"===o[0]?"443":"80"),r.hostname=e.hostname||n.hostname,r.pathname=e.pathname,"/"!==r.pathname.charAt(0)&&(r.pathname="/"+r.pathname),r.sameOrigin=!e.hostname||e.hostname===document.domain&&e.port===n.port&&e.protocol===n.protocol,r}},{}],D5DuLP:[function(t,e){function n(t,e,n){return r.listeners(t).length?r.emit(t,e,n):(o[t]||(o[t]=[]),void o[t].push(e))}var r=t("ee").create(),o={};e.exports=n,n.ee=r,r.q=o},{ee:"QJf3ax"}],handle:[function(t,e){e.exports=t("D5DuLP")},{}],12:[function(t,e){function n(t){if(!t||"object"!=typeof t&&"function"!=typeof t)return-1;if(t===window)return 0;if(o.call(t,"__nr"))return t.__nr;try{return Object.defineProperty(t,"__nr",{value:r,writable:!0,enumerable:!1}),r}catch(e){return t.__nr=r,r}finally{r+=1}}var r=1,o=Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty;e.exports=n},{}],loader:[function(t,e){e.exports=t("G9z0Bl")},{}],G9z0Bl:[function(t,e){function n(){var t=p.info=NREUM.info;if(t&&t.agent&&t.licenseKey&&t.applicationID&&c&&c.body){p.proto="https"===d.split(":")[0]||t.sslForHttp?"https://":"http://",a("mark",["onload",i()]);var e=c.createElement("script");e.src=p.proto+t.agent,c.body.appendChild(e)}}function r(){"complete"===c.readyState&&o()}function o(){a("mark",["domContent",i()])}function i(){return(new Date).getTime()}var a=t("handle"),s=window,c=s.document,f="addEventListener",u="attachEvent",d=(""+location).split("?")[0],p=e.exports={offset:i(),origin:d,features:{}};c[f]?(c[f]("DOMContentLoaded",o,!1),s[f]("load",n,!1)):(c[u]("onreadystatechange",r),s[u]("onload",n)),a("mark",["firstbyte",i()])},{handle:"D5DuLP"}],15:[function(t,e){function n(t,e,n){e||(e=0),"undefined"==typeof n&&(n=t?t.length:0);for(var r=-1,o=n-e||0,i=Array(0>o?0:o);++r<o;)i[r]=t[e+r];return i}e.exports=n},{}],16:[function(t,e){function n(t){return!(t&&"function"==typeof t&&t.apply&&!t[i])}var r=t("ee"),o=t(1),i="nr@wrapper";e.exports=function(t){function e(t,e,r,a){function nrWrapper(){var n,i,f,u;try{i=this,n=o(arguments),f=r&&r(n,i)||{}}catch(d){c([d,"",[n,i,a],f])}s(e+"start",[n,i,a],f);try{return u=t.apply(i,n)}catch(p){throw s(e+"err",[n,i,p],f),p}finally{s(e+"end",[n,i,u],f)}}return n(t)?t:(e||(e=""),nrWrapper[i]=!0,nrWrapper)}function a(t,r,o,i){o||(o="");var a,s,c,f="-"===o.charAt(0);for(c=0;c<r.length;c++)s=r[c],a=t[s],n(a)||(t[s]=e(a,f?s+o:o,i,s,t))}function s(e,n,r){try{t.emit(e,n,r)}catch(o){c([o,e,n,r])}}function c(e){try{t.emit("internal-error",e)}catch(n){}}return t||(t=r),e.inPlace=a,e.flag=i,e}},{1:15,ee:"QJf3ax"}]},{},["G9z0Bl",3,8]);</script> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow"/> <meta name="description" content="If you're currently running Windows 7 and want to upgrade to Windows 8.1, the process is relatively easy using Microsoft's Upgrade Assistant utility. Howeve..."/> <meta name="keywords" content="Windows,Microsoft,Windows 7,How to,Software,Windows 8.1,Operating system,Computers"/> <meta name="news_keywords" content="Windows, Microsoft, Windows 7, How to, Software, Windows 8.1, Operating system"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@gizmag"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8.1"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="If you're currently running Windows 7 and want to upgrade to Windows 8.1, the process is relatively easy using Microsoft's Upgrade Assistant utility. However, there are a few things you need to kn..."/> <meta name="twitter:image:src" content="http://images.gizmag.com/hero/updatewindows7to81.png"/> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="gizmag.com"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/"/> <link rel="image_src" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/updatewindows7to81.png"/> <link rel="alternate" media="handheld" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://m.gizmag.com/article/29746"/> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021cs_/http://files.gizmag.com/static_styles.min.css?x=1413416432"/> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/web/20141016060021cs_/http://www.gizmag.com/css/dynamic_styles.php?x=1413416432"/> <script src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/css_browser_selector.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/xml/" title="Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine"/> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/web/20141016060021im_/http://www.gizmag.com/images/favicon.ico"/> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/web/20141016060021im_/http://www.gizmag.com/images/apple-touch-icon.png"/> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" href="/web/20141016060021im_/http://www.gizmag.com/images/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png"/>   <script type="text/javascript"> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; (function() { var gads = document.createElement("script"); gads.async = true; gads.type = "text/javascript"; var useSSL = "https:" == document.location.protocol; gads.src = (useSSL ? "https:" : "http:") + "//web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js"; var node = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; node.parentNode.insertBefore(gads, node); })(); </script>  <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { gpt_leaderboard = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/ca-pub-1607124478120364/Computers_Leaderboard_Top_728x90', [728,90], 'leaderboard') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_islandtr = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/ca-pub-1607124478120364/Computers_IslandTop_Right_300x250', [[300,250], [336,280], [300,600], [300,1050]], 'island_top_right') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_islandbr = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/ca-pub-1607124478120364/Computers_IslandBottom_Right_300x250', [[300,250], [336,280], [300,600]], 'island_bottom_right') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_skyscraper = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/ca-pub-1607124478120364/Computers_Skyscraper_Right_160x600', [160,600], 'skyscraper_right') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_article_fllwr = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/ca-pub-1607124478120364/Article_300x600_Follower', [300,600], 'article_follower') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_bottom_inc = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/ca-pub-1607124478120364/bottom_include', [1,1], 'bottom_include') .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().setTargeting('re', '1'); googletag.pubads().setTargeting('pt', 'a'); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.pubads().set('page_url','https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/'); googletag.enableServices(); }); </script> <script src="//web.archive.org/web/20141016060021js_/http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.7.1/jquery.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/global_public.js?1404869523"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> $jqr(function () { $jqr('#mobile-link').click(function(){ document.cookie="view=; expires=Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT; path=/"; location.reload(); }); $jqr('#desktop-link').click(function(){ document.cookie="view=desktop; path=/"; location.reload(); }); }); </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/articles_public.js?1404869523"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/related_article_log.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/jquery.sticky.js"></script> <script> $jqr(document).ready(function(){ $jqr("#article_follower").sticky({topSpacing:15, bottomSpacing:835}); }); </script> </head> <body> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/login_comments.js?1404869523"></script>  <div id="fb-root"></div> <script> window.fbAsyncInit = function() { FB.init({ appId: '38456013908', status: true, cookie: true, xfbml: true, oauth: true, channelUrl: window.location.protocol + '//web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/fb_channel.php' //channel file to avoid cross domain communication issues }); FB.Event.subscribe('auth.logout', function(response) { if(response.authResponse===null){ //user is logging out of facebook logoutUser(); } }); var $jqr = jQuery.noConflict(); $jqr(document).ready(function() { var fbuser = checkFBUser(); }); }; // Load the SDK Asynchronously (function(d){ var js, id = 'facebook-jssdk', ref = d.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;} js = d.createElement('script'); js.id = id; js.async = true; js.src = "//web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js"; ref.parentNode.insertBefore(js, ref); }(document)); </script>   <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-2235360-4']); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 1, 'Section','Computers',3 ]); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 2, 'Writer', 'Brian Burgess', 3 ]); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 4, 'PPV_test3', '1', 3 ]); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 5, 'ArticleID', '29746', 3 ]); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 3, 'View', 'Article', 3 ]); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageLoadTime']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://' : 'http://') + 'stats.g.doubleclick.net/dc.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(ga); })(); </script>  <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/ga_social_tracking_min.js"></script>  <div class="index" id="top_index"> <div class="index_center"> <ul class="header_links float_left"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.youtube.com/user/gizmag" title="Gizmag's YouTube Channel"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/layout/icons/iconmonstr-youtube-icon-48.png"></a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://twitter.com/gizmag/" title="Follow Gizmag on Twitter"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/layout/icons/iconmonstr-twitter-icon-48.png"></a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.stumbleupon.com/to/stumble/stumblethru:gizmag.com?utm_source=GizMag&utm_medium=StumbleThru&utm_campaign=StumbleThruButton" title="Explore Gizmag" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/layout/icons/iconmonstr-stumbleupon-icon-48.png"></a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/xml/" title="Subscribe to Gizmag's RSS feed"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/layout/icons/iconmonstr-rss-icon-48.png"></a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://store.gizmag.com/" title="Shop at the Gizmag store"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/layout/icons/iconmonstr-shopping-cart-3-icon-48.png"></a></li> </ul>   <div id="search_form_top"> <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/search/" id="cse-search-box-top"> <div> <input type="hidden" name="cx" value="partner-pub-1607124478120364:cf1bgg5f284"/> <input type="hidden" name="cof" value="FORID:11"/> <input type="hidden" name="ie" value="ISO-8859-1"/> <input type="text" name="q" size="28" class="gsearch"/> <input type="submit" name="sa" value="Search"/> </div> </form> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.google.com/cse/brand?form=cse-search-box-top&lang=en"></script> </div> </div> </div>  <div id="top_strip"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/paris-motor-show-2014/" target="_blank">2014 Paris Motor Show highlights</a></div> <div class="center" id="main-content"> <div id="header"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/" id="logo"></a> <div id="leaderboard" data-cb-ad-id="Leaderboard"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("leaderboard"); }); </script> </div> </div> <div id="pushdown" data-cb-ad-id="Pushdown"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("pushdown"); }); </script> </div>  <div id="top_stories"> <ul> <li id="top_story0"> <a class="ts_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/top100-worlds-most-expensive-motorcycles/31958/" title="The top 100 most expensive motorcycles sold at auction"></a> <div class="ts_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/top100-worlds-most-expensive-motorcycles/31958/">The top 100 most expensive motorcycles sold at auction</a> </div> </li> <li id="top_story1"> <a class="ts_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/can-am-turbocharges-side-by-side/34249/" title="Can-Am turbocharges the all-terrain side-by-side market"></a> <div class="ts_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/can-am-turbocharges-side-by-side/34249/">Can-Am turbocharges the all-terrain side-by-side market</a> </div> </li> <li id="top_story2"> <a class="ts_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/samsung-galaxy-note-4-review/34216/" title="Review: Samsung Galaxy Note 4"></a> <div class="ts_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/samsung-galaxy-note-4-review/34216/">Review: Samsung Galaxy Note 4</a> </div> </li> <li id="top_story3"> <a class="ts_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/x-37b-landing-preparations/34256/" title="US Air Force awaiting landing of X-37B after top-secret space mission"></a> <div class="ts_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/x-37b-landing-preparations/34256/">US Air Force awaiting landing of X-37B after top-secret space mission</a> </div> </li> <li id="top_story4"> <a class="ts_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/easyrider-captain-america-chopper-auction/33976/" title=""Captain America" chopper from Easy Rider could sell for $1 million plus at auction"></a> <div class="ts_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/easyrider-captain-america-chopper-auction/33976/">"Captain America" chopper from Easy Rider could sell for $1 million plus at auction</a> </div> </li> </ul> <div id="more_top_stories"> <a id="mts_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/top_stories/"></a> <a id="mts_txt" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/top_stories/">more top stories</a> </div> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div> <div id="content" class="narrow_content"> <div id="article_top" class="summary_details" data-article="29746">  <div class="sd_top"> <a class="vsmall" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/computers/" style="float: left; margin-right: 9px;">COMPUTERS</a> </div>  <h1 id="ar_title">How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8.1</h1> <div class="summary_details_left"> <p>By <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/author/brian-burgess/" rel="author">Brian Burgess</a></p> <p><em>November 13, 2013</em></p> </div> <div class="summary_details_right"> <div class="has_comments"><a href="upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81#comments">18 Comments</a></div> <div class="has_pictures"><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures">9 Pictures</a></div> </div> </div> <div id="article_share_rail"> <div class="as_button"><div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/" data-send="false" data-layout="box_count" data-show-faces="false"></div><script type="text/javascript">_ga.trackFacebook();</script></div> <div class="as_button"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-via="gizmag">Tweet</a></div> <div class="as_button"><div class="g-plusone" data-size="tall" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/"></div></div> <div class="as_button"><iframe style="overflow: hidden; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; " src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021if_/http://badge.stumbleupon.com/badge/embed/5/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gizmag.com%2Fupgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81%2F29746%2F" width="50" height="60" id="iframe-stmblpn-widget-1"></iframe></div> <div class="as_button"><div class="pin-it-button" data-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021oe_/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/" data-image="http://images.gizmag.com/hero/updatewindows7to81.png" data-description="If you're currently running Windows 7 and want to upgrade to Windows 8.1, the process is relatively easy using Microsoft's Upgrade Assistant utility. However, there are a few things you need to know before going ahead with the upgrade. "></div></div> <div class="as_button"><script type="IN/Share" data-counter="top"></script></div> <div class="as_button" id="reddit_button_rail"><script type="text/javascript">reddit_newwindow='1'</script></div>  </div> <div id="hero_box"> <a id="hero_link" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/updatewindows7to81.png" title="Upgrading from Widows 7 to Windows 8.1? Here's how to make the experience as seamless as p..." alt="Upgrading from Widows 7 to Windows 8.1? Here's how to make the experience as seamless as p..."/> </a> <div class="pic_caption"> <p>Upgrading from Widows 7 to Windows 8.1? Here's how to make the experience as seamless as possible</p> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures" id="gallery_link">Image Gallery</a> (9 images) </div> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div> <div class="article_body"> <div id="top_unit"></div> <p>If you're currently running Windows 7 and want to upgrade to Windows 8.1, the process is relatively easy using Microsoft's Upgrade Assistant utility. However, there are a few things you need to know before going ahead with the upgrade. The main thing to know is that, unlike <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-8--to-windows-81/29394/" target="_blank">upgrading Windows 8 to 8.1</a>, your files and data will transfer, but you'll need to re-install all of your software applications. Here's a look at what you need to know, and the steps to take to make the process as easy and seamless as possible.</p> <ul id="gallery_images"> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#1" class="image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/updatewindows7to81-1.jpg" title="Back up your data to an external, network, or cloud drive before upgrading" alt="Back up your data to an external, network, or cloud drive before upgrading"/></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#2" class="image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/updatewindows7to81-2.png" title="Get the latest updates before upgrading to Windows 8.1" alt="Get the latest updates before upgrading to Windows 8.1"/></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#3" class="image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/updatewindows7to81-3.png" title="Results of what is compatible on your computer with Windows 8.1" alt="Results of what is compatible on your computer with Windows 8.1"/></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#4" class="image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/updatewindows7to81-4.png" title="Purchase Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro" alt="Purchase Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro"/></a></li> <li id="view_all"><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures" class="blue">View all<br/></a></li> </ul> <div class="clear_both"></div> <h2>Before you begin</h2> <p>On word: Backup. While your folders and files will <em>ideally</em> come with you during the upgrade, if something goes awry, you need to have your pictures, documents, and other important data backed up. Either create a local backup on an external drive, an offsite solution, or better yet, use both options. Also, because you'll need to re-install your desktop programs, make sure you have a list of all of the license keys for purchased software.</p> <p>Another step I recommend is verifying your Windows 7 system is up-to-date. Even if you have automatic Windows Updates enabled, run it manually again just to be sure everything is good to go.</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#3" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/updatewindows7to81-2.png" width="" alt="Get the latest updates before upgrading to Windows 8.1"/></a></div> <h2>Upgrade to Windows 8.1 with Upgrade Assistant</h2> <p>Microsoft allows you to purchase, download and install Windows 8.1 over the web. If you have a slow internet connection or prefer to upgrade the traditional way, you can <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.microsoftstore.com/store?Action=cat&Locale=en_US&SiteID=msusa&WT=mc_id.WOL_Buy&categoryID=62684800" target="_blank">purchase a physical copy</a> too. Either way, the "basic" version is going to cost US$119, and $199 for the Pro version.</p> <p>Download and run the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=261871" target="_blank">Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant</a>. It's a free utility from Microsoft that will scan your computer's hardware, software, and peripheral devices (make sure they're plugged in) and let you know what is or isn't compatible with the new OS. For items that need your attention, click the More info link. Since your system is already running Windows 7, there shouldn't be any problems with it running Windows 8.1. Usually if something isn't compatible, you just need to update a software driver or two.</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#4" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/updatewindows7to81-3.png" width="" alt="Results of what is compatible on your computer with Windows 8.1"/></a></div> <p>After finding out what's compatible or needs your attention, just keep following the Upgrade Assistant's on-screen instructions. It gives you the option to purchase the version you want to download and install. While the prices are set for most users, Microsoft is giving students a discount and allows them to get <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.microsoftstore.com/store?Action=pdp&Env=BASE&Icid=WindowsCat_WhatsNew_1_WinStudentSave60Badge_042613&Locale=en_US&SiteID=msusa&productID=288769600" target="_blank">8.1 Pro for $69.99</a>.</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#5" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/updatewindows7to81-4.png" width="" alt="Purchase Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro"/></a></div> <p>You'll be asked to put in your billing information, and after that you'll get a product key. Make sure to copy it and keep it in a safe location in case you need to re-install Windows 8.1 at a later time. During the Upgrade Assistant steps of installation, you'll need to enter the product key.</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#6" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/updatewindows7to81-5.png" width="" alt="Enter the Windows 8.1 product key"/></a></div> <p>Then Windows 8.1 will be downloaded. When it's finished you'll see the following screen that allows you to create physical media. I recommend doing this so you have a physical copy.</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#7" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/updatewindows7to81-6.png" width="" alt="You have the option to create a DVD or USB version of Windows 8.1"/></a></div> <p>Continue following the install wizard and after agreeing to the terms of service, the process is the same as <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-8--to-windows-81/29394/" target="_blank">upgrading Windows 8 to 8.1</a>. Your computer will restart two or three times while the installation completes.</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#9" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/updatewindows7to81-8.png" width="" alt="Windows 8.1 Metro-style tile based interface"/></a></div> <h2>Wrapping up</h2> <p>After the upgrade is complete, run Windows Update again, as there will be a few updates for the new OS to install. Then install the desktop programs you need. In fact, this is a good time to take inventory and leave off the programs you never use anymore, for a cleaner system.</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/pictures#8" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/updatewindows7to81-7.png" width="" alt="Run Windows Update after 8.1 has finished installing"/></a></div> <p>Windows 8.1 makes the experience of moving from Windows 7 less jarring than the first iteration of Windows 8. Windows 8.1 includes the Start button, and has built-in settings that help you keep <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/windows-81-modern-ui/29552/" target="_blank">Metro out of your way</a>.</p> <p>Also make sure to check out our article on<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/microsoft-windows-81-tips-and-tricks/28618/" target="_blank"> tips and tricks for getting started with Windows 8.1</a>.</p>  <span class="title share_bar">Share</span> <div id="article_share_bar" class="dotsontop share_bar"> <div class="as_button fb_as_button"><div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/" data-send="false" data-layout="box_count" data-show-faces="false"></div><script type="text/javascript">_ga.trackFacebook();</script></div> <div class="as_button"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-via="gizmag">Tweet</a></div> <div class="as_button"><div class="g-plusone" data-size="tall" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/"></div></div> <div class="as_button stumble_as_button"><iframe style="overflow: hidden; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; " src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021if_/http://badge.stumbleupon.com/badge/embed/5/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gizmag.com%2Fupgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81%2F29746%2F" width="50" height="60" id="iframe-stmblpn-widget-2"></iframe></div> <div class="as_button"><div class="pin-it-button" data-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021oe_/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/" data-image="http://images.gizmag.com/hero/updatewindows7to81.png" data-description="If you're currently running Windows 7 and want to upgrade to Windows 8.1, the process is relatively easy using Microsoft's Upgrade Assistant utility. However, there are a few things you need to know before going ahead with the upgrade. "></div></div> <div class="as_button"><script type="IN/Share" data-counter="top"></script></div> <div class="as_button" id="reddit_button_bar"><script type="text/javascript">reddit_newwindow='1'</script></div>  </div>   <div id="fm-well-zone" data-cb-ad-id="Content Well 1"> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021js_/http://static.fmpub.net/zone/7980"></script> </div> <div id="bottom_unit" data-cb-ad-id="Content Well 2"> <style> .article-bottom-responsive { width: 530px; height: 300px; } </style> <script async src="//web.archive.org/web/20141016060021js_/http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>  <ins class="adsbygoogle article-bottom-responsive" style="display:inline-block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1607124478120364" data-ad-slot="6055296962"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div>  <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"> <div class="OUTBRAIN" data-src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021oe_/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/" data-widget-id="AR_1" data-ob-template="Gizmag"></div> <script type="text/javascript" async="async" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021js_/http://widgets.outbrain.com/outbrain.js"></script> </div> </div>  <span class="title clear_left" id="author_byline_title">About the Author</span> <div class="dotsontop" id="authorcontainer">  <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/author/brian-burgess/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/author_profiles/197.jpg" alt="Brian Burgess" id="bio_pic"/> </a>   Brian Burgess resides in Minnesota. A technology enthusiast his entire life, he worked in IT for 10 years before pursuing his passion for writing. In addition to contributing to Gizmag, he鈥檚 the Editor in Chief at groovyPost.com and has written for other notable tech sites Byte, InformationWeek, and How-To Geek. Away from the keyboard, you're likely to find him listening to heavy metal, playing guitar, or watching Star Trek.   <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/author/brian-burgess/">All articles by Brian Burgess</a> <span id="author_byline_links">   </span> <br class="clear_both"> </div>  <div id="tags"> <span class="title">Tags</span> <div class="dotsontop"> <ul> <li>» <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/howto/" rel="tag">How to</a></li> <li>» <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/microsoft/" rel="tag">Microsoft</a></li> <li>» <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/operating+system/" rel="tag">Operating system</a></li> <li>» <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/software/" rel="tag">Software</a></li> <li>» <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/windows/" rel="tag">Windows</a></li> <li>» <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/windows+7/" rel="tag">Windows 7</a></li> <li>» <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/windows-8.1/" rel="tag">Windows 8.1</a></li> </ul> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div> </div> <div id="bing_unit"></div>  <span class="title" id="comments">18 Comments</span> <div class="dotsontop"> <div id="comment-270283" class="a_comment"> <p>Actually, how to downgrade from 8 to 7 would be a more useful article for people. Windows 8 on a desktop or laptop is horrendous. </p> <span class="name">Contrel Walter</span><br> <span class="date"> 13th November, 2013 @ 12:39 pm PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-270313" class="a_comment"> <p>May want a disclaimer that this is not recommended. There are plenty of other more entertaining ways to break windows on a desktop. </p> <span class="name">Jestep</span><br> <span class="date"> 13th November, 2013 @ 02:55 pm PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-270346" class="a_comment"> <p>First up why would you? Wow and now the Start button is back that helps you keep Metro out of your way so you can enjoy your Win2k looking desktop. What crap! </p> <span class="name">Evan Pearce</span><br> <span class="date"> 13th November, 2013 @ 05:50 pm PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-270352" class="a_comment"> <p>Would only recommend up to Windows 7 Ultimate edition, upgrading to Windows 8X is like upgrading from a Rolls Royce to a Robin Reliant. </p> <span class="name">L1ma</span><br> <span class="date"> 13th November, 2013 @ 06:10 pm PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-270367" class="a_comment"> <p>I am working on upgrading my Windows 8 computer to eComStation 2.0. :) <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.ecomstation.com/">http://www.ecomstation.com</a> I am frustrated with Windows 8. I read Windows 8.1 is only a little different than the 8.0. </p> <span class="name">BigGoofyGuy</span><br> <span class="date"> 13th November, 2013 @ 07:04 pm PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-270469" class="a_comment"> <p>Windows 8 is an unbelievable pile of crap and whoever allowed it to be released on an unsuspecting public should be fired. I would gladly go back to Win7 in a heartbeat to escape the debacle of Win8 or 8.1. </p> <span class="name">Bill Brewer</span><br> <span class="date"> 14th November, 2013 @ 09:15 am PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-270484" class="a_comment"> <p>DON'T DO IT! </p> <p>Windows 8.1 is somehow worse than Windows 8. After first installing 8, I kind of like it. But then I realized how hard it is to do anything. </p> <p>I upgraded to 8.1 thinking it would make it better, and boy was I wrong. Sure, the start button is back, but all it does is bring you to the tile window. That is what the windows button on the keyboard does... I installed an aftermarket program that gives you the classic start button. </p> <p>Finally, 8.1 has decided to screw with my wifi as well. I have to do a restart any time I shut down or go into sleep mode, because for some reason it disables my wifi every time. Restarting is the only way to get it to come back. And NO ONE has been able to fix it. </p> <span class="name">tyme2par4</span><br> <span class="date"> 14th November, 2013 @ 09:40 am PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-270577" class="a_comment"> <p>Moving from Windows 7 to Windows 8 is a DOWNGRADE. You're downgrading from a computer to a cell phone. </p> <span class="name">Rockin Robbins</span><br> <span class="date"> 14th November, 2013 @ 02:18 pm PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-270865" class="a_comment"> <p>Don't do it ! You going to be so sorry ! We are talking for the failure of the millennia </p> <span class="name">Olenios</span><br> <span class="date"> 15th November, 2013 @ 09:14 am PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-270895" class="a_comment"> <p>I have a Win7 Tablet touchscreen the size of an iPad. Wouldn't I be better off with 8.1 for its touchscreen? </p> <p>If upgrading why not shoot an image of your Win7 with Macrium and then restore it if you wanted to go back to Win7? </p> <span class="name">barrettjet</span><br> <span class="date"> 15th November, 2013 @ 09:44 am PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-271141" class="a_comment"> <p>Hmmm, and please post an article on unbreaking windows back to 7. </p> <span class="name">Oliver Kuster</span><br> <span class="date"> 16th November, 2013 @ 02:13 pm PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-271225" class="a_comment"> <p>I also had an absolutely awful upgrade experience to Windows 8.1. I was using Window 8.1 beta prior. I lost all my apps and even some documents. </p> <span class="name">Vim Mahadevan</span><br> <span class="date"> 17th November, 2013 @ 09:07 am PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-271249" class="a_comment"> <p>Windows 8 without a touchscreen is kind of pointless. But if you do have one then it is ok. I have a small laptop with a touchscreen and I have come to depend on the touch aspect. When you spend as much screen time as i do, you really appreciate not using the mouse. Try that with Windows 7. </p> <span class="name">Chuck Leinweber</span><br> <span class="date"> 17th November, 2013 @ 02:41 pm PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-271909" class="a_comment"> <p>windows 8 is lighter and faster. Performance wise, everything is better. </p> <p>This was already shown last year with the original 8 benchmarks. </p> <p>Security is better. Better search function, better task manager, refreshing/resetting windows is easier. </p> <p>Haven't had any issues with anything yet. There's a lot of things better. </p> <p>The only thing people don't like is the ui changes which is easy to learn anyways. </p> <p>If you have 7, I can't really say it's worth $200 to upgrade. But for a new rig then I'd say to get 8. </p> <span class="name">Maxkrill</span><br> <span class="date"> 20th November, 2013 @ 12:00 am PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-272485" class="a_comment"> <p>I agree with Maxkrill. </p> <p></p> <p>There's so much hate to Win8, it's scary. Yes, the Start Menu is gone, but if you're used to opening up apps without a mouse (just a keyboard), it's very transparent. To open up Word, for instance, you tap the Windows key on the keyboard, start typing the letters "W....O...." and Word likely pops up as an option. Then you hit enter. BAM. Barely in the Metro UI. That's how I used to launch apps in Windows 7. It's still carries through to 8. </p> <p></p> <p>I can go nearly a day without even interacting with the Metro UI. </p> <span class="name">Spencer Pablo</span><br> <span class="date"> 21st November, 2013 @ 12:23 pm PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-293797" class="a_comment"> <p>"Upgrade" is not the right word. Windows 8/8.1 erases any doubt that Microsoft is utterly bereft of common sense and seemingly hell-bent on alienating their customers by releasing exasperating products replete with errors of omission and commission that children could quickly spot. </p> <span class="name">Kevin Pezzi</span><br> <span class="date"> 24th February, 2014 @ 08:55 am PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-295468" class="a_comment"> <p>Windows 8.1 is much better than windows 8 . </p> <p></p> <span class="name">Win Migration</span><br> <span class="date"> 4th March, 2014 @ 12:21 am PST</span> </div> <div id="comment-313822" class="a_comment"> <p>...wwwhhyy on earth would anyone deliberately do that!?? Dear God... </p> <span class="name">aart12</span><br> <span class="date"> 2nd June, 2014 @ 11:17 am PDT</span> </div> </div> <span class="title">Post a Comment</span> <div class="dotsontop" id="comment_form_div"> <div id="comment_form" data-article="29746"> <div id="comments_login"> <form action="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/index.php" name="login_form" id="login_form" onsubmit="return false;"> <p class="bold">Login with your gizmag account:</p> <p id="login_status"></p> <label for="email">Email</label><input type="text" name="email" id="email" value=""/> <label for="password">Password</label><input type="password" name="password" id="password" value=""/> <input type="submit" value="Log In" class="med"/> <div id="options"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/register/">Register here</a><br> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/new_password/">Forgotten your password?</a> </div> <input type="hidden" id="expired_comment" value=""/> </form> </div> <div id="facebook_login"> <p>Or <span class="bold">Login with Facebook:</span></p><br/> <div class="fb-login-button" data-scope="email" data-max-rows="1" data-onlogin="loginFUser(29746);" data-autologoutlink="true"></div> </div> </div> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div>  <span class="title">Related Articles</span> <div id="related_articles" class="dotsontop"> <ul> <li data-id="23238"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/windows-8-available-october/23238/" title="Windows 8 Pro will be available to consumers in late-October at an upgrade price of just $..." data-id="23238"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/windows8_release_date.png" alt="Windows 8 Pro will be available to consumers in late-October at an upgrade price of just $..."/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/windows-8-available-october/23238/">Windows 8 available for purchase in late-October from US$39.99</a> <p class="rel_date">9th July, 2012</p> </li> <li data-id="29394"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-8--to-windows-81/29394/" title="Here's how to update Windows 8 to the new Windows 8.1 via the Windows Store" data-id="29394"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/windows81update.png" alt="Here's how to update Windows 8 to the new Windows 8.1 via the Windows Store"/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-8--to-windows-81/29394/">How to upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1</a> <p class="rel_date">20th October, 2013</p> </li> <li data-id="28390"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/test-the-windows-81-public-preview-yourself-on-a-virtual-machine/28390/" title="Curious about what Windows 8.1 has to offer? Here'show to install it on VirtualBox and tes..." data-id="28390"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/installwin81virtualbox-24.png" alt="Curious about what Windows 8.1 has to offer? Here'show to install it on VirtualBox and tes..."/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/test-the-windows-81-public-preview-yourself-on-a-virtual-machine/28390/">How to install Windows 8.1 preview on a virtual machine</a> <p class="rel_date">23rd July, 2013</p> </li> <li data-id="10944"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/download-windows-7-beta/10944/" title="Windows 7" data-id="10944"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/10944_9020914832.jpg" alt="Windows 7"/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/download-windows-7-beta/10944/">Last chance to download the Windows 7 beta</a> <p class="rel_date">8th February, 2009</p> </li> <li data-id="13172"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/microsoft-windows7-launch/13172/" title="Microsoft launches Windows 7 worldwide " data-id="13172"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/13172_221009103918.jpg" alt="Microsoft launches Windows 7 worldwide "/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/microsoft-windows7-launch/13172/">Microsoft launches long awaited Windows 7</a> <p class="rel_date">22nd October, 2009</p> </li> <li data-id="13082"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/belkins-easy-transfer-cable-for-windows-7/13082/" title="Belkin's Easy Transfer Cable makes upgrading to Windows 7 easier by transferring your data..." data-id="13082"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/belkin_windows_7_easy_transfer_cable.jpg" alt="Belkin's Easy Transfer Cable makes upgrading to Windows 7 easier by transferring your data..."/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/belkins-easy-transfer-cable-for-windows-7/13082/">Belkin鈥檚 Easy Transfer Cable for Windows 7 makes upgrading smoother</a> <p class="rel_date">10th October, 2009</p> </li> </ul> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div>  <div id="search_form_bottom"> <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/search/" id="cse-search-box-bottom"> <span class="title">Looking for something? Search our 28,914 articles</span> <div class="dotsontop"> <input type="hidden" name="cx" value="partner-pub-1607124478120364:bqw4wo-1udf"/> <input type="hidden" name="cof" value="FORID:11"/> <input type="hidden" name="ie" value="ISO-8859-1"/> <input type="text" name="q" size="60" id="search_input"/> <input type="submit" name="sa" value="Search"/> </div> </form> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.google.com/cse/brand?form=cse-search-box-bottom&lang=en"></script> </div> <div data-cb-ad-id="Content Well 3">  </div> </div> <div id="right_cols"> <div class="island" id="island_top_right" data-cb-ad-id="Top Island"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("island_top_right"); }); </script> </div> <div id="right_col_a"> <div id="right_col_b"> <div class="ad" id="skyscraper_right" data-cb-ad-id="Skyscraper"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("skyscraper_right"); }); </script> </div> <div class="ad"> <span class="title">Sections</span> <ul class="dots" id="sections_list"> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/features/" class="features_reviews_list">Features</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/reviews/" class="features_reviews_list">Reviews</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/aircraft/">Aircraft</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/architecture/">Architecture</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/aroundthehome/">Around The Home</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/automotive/">Automotive</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/bicycles/">Bicycles</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/children/">Children</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/computers/">Computers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/digital-cameras/">Digital Cameras</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/electronics/">Electronics</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/environment/">Environment</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/games/">Games</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/goodthinking/">Good Thinking</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/health/">Health and Wellbeing</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/destinations/">Holiday Destinations</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/homeentertainment/">Home Entertainment</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/remarkablepeople/">Inventors and Remarkable People</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/laptops/">Laptops</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/marine/">Marine</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/medical/">Medical</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/military/">Military</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/mobiletechnology/">Mobile Technology</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/motorcycles/">Motorcycles</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/music/">Music</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/outdoors/">Outdoors</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/pets/">Pets</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/robotics/">Robotics</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/science/">Science</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/space/">Space</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/sports/">Sports</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/telecommunications/">Telecommunications</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/urbantransport/">Urban Transport</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/wearableelectronics/">Wearable Electronics</a></li> </ul> </div> </div>  <span class="title">Recent popular articles in Computers</span> <ul id="recent_popular" class="vertical_sprite recent_popular_34"> <li id="story0"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/how-to-install-explore-windows-10-technical-preview/34134/" title="How to install (and make the most of out of) the Windows 10 Technical Preview"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/how-to-install-explore-windows-10-technical-preview/34134/">How to install (and make the most of out of) the Windows 10 Technical Preview</a> </div> </li> <li id="story1"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/how-to-windows-8-pc-refresh-reset/32801/" title="How to give your Windows 8 PC a clean start with PC Refresh"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/how-to-windows-8-pc-refresh-reset/32801/">How to give your Windows 8 PC a clean start with PC Refresh</a> </div> </li> <li id="story2"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/bypass-country-restrictions-video-sites/31308/" title="How to bypass country restrictions on video sites"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/bypass-country-restrictions-video-sites/31308/">How to bypass country restrictions on video sites</a> </div> </li> <li id="story3"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/facebook-chat-desktop-instant-messaging/31065/" title="Alternatives to Facebook Messenger for desktop"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/facebook-chat-desktop-instant-messaging/31065/">Alternatives to Facebook Messenger for desktop</a> </div> </li> <li id="story4"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/" title="How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8.1"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-7-to-windows-81/29746/">How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8.1</a> </div> </li> <li id="story5"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/free-apps-play-dvds-windows-8/28384/" title="Five powerful free apps to play DVDs on Windows 8"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/free-apps-play-dvds-windows-8/28384/">Five powerful free apps to play DVDs on Windows 8</a> </div> </li> <li id="story6"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/2014-macbook-air-vs-retina-macbook-pro/31842/" title="MacBook Air (2014) vs. MacBook Pro with Retina Display (late 2013)"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/2014-macbook-air-vs-retina-macbook-pro/31842/">MacBook Air (2014) vs. MacBook Pro with Retina Display (late 2013)</a> </div> </li> <li id="story7"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-8--to-windows-81/29394/" title="How to upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/upgrade-windows-8--to-windows-81/29394/">How to upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1</a> </div> </li> <li id="story8"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/locname/34126/" title="LocName gives your address a URL"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/locname/34126/">LocName gives your address a URL</a> </div> </li> <li id="story9"> <a class="vs_img" href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/macbook-pro-retina-13-vs-lenovo-yoga-2-pro/33347/" title="2014 MacBook Pro with Retina Display vs. Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro"></a> <div class="vs_title"> <a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/macbook-pro-retina-13-vs-lenovo-yoga-2-pro/33347/">2014 MacBook Pro with Retina Display vs. Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro</a> </div> </li> </ul> <div class="clear_both"></div> <div class="island" id="island_bottom_right" data-cb-ad-id="Bottom Island"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("island_bottom_right"); }); </script> </div> <iframe src="/web/20141016060021if_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/gizmag-store.html" id="store" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div id="article_follower" data-cb-ad-id="Article Follower"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("article_follower"); }); </script> </div>   </div>  </div> <div class="clear_left"></div>  </div>  <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/footer_tabs.js?1404869523"></script> <div id="footer_outer"> <div id="footer">  <div class="footer_item" id="footer_popular"> <span class="footer_title">Most Popular Articles</span>  <div class="tabbable"> <ul class="nav nav-tabs" id="most_popular_tabs"> <li class="active"><a data-target="#popular_today" data-toggle="tab" data-period="day">Today</a></li> <li><a data-target="#popular_week" data-toggle="tab" data-period="week">Last week</a></li> <li><a data-target="#popular_all" data-toggle="tab" data-period="all">All time</a></li> </ul> <div class="tab-content"> <div class="tab-pane active" id="popular_today"> <ul class="popular_articles"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/air-umbrella-force-field-dry/34237/">Air umbrella produces a "force field" of air to keep you dry</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/top100-worlds-most-expensive-motorcycles/31958/">The top 100 most expensive motorcycles sold at auction</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/retina-macbook-vs-yoga-3-pro/34255/">Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro vs. 2014 Retina MacBook Pro</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/x-37b-landing-preparations/34256/">US Air Force awaiting landing of X-37B after top-secret space mission</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printed-ducted-fan-uav/34250/">3D-printed UAV now sports ducted fan motors</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/top-10-most-collectible-motorcycle-marques/33788/">Top 100 analysis: The world's most collectible motorcycle marques</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/top100-worlds-most-expensive-motorcycles/31958/pictures">The top 100 most expensive motorcycles sold at auction - Images</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/xbox-one-ps4-games-holiday-2014/34241/">Biggest next-gen games for the 2014 holidays</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/rhino-shield-crash-guard/34251/">Rhino Shield Crash Guard allows iPhone to survive a 24-foot drop</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/samsung-superfast-wifi-80211-ad/34240/">Samsung announces super fast, 4.6 Gbps Wi-Fi technology</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane" id="popular_week"> <ul class="popular_articles"> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane" id="popular_all"> <ul class="popular_articles"> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="footer_item" id="footer_commented"> <span class="footer_title">Most Commented Articles</span>  <div class="tabbable"> <ul class="nav nav-tabs" id="most_commented_tabs"> <li class="active"><a data-target="#commented_today" data-toggle="tab" id="commented_today_tab" data-period="day">Today</a></li> <li><a data-target="#commented_week" data-toggle="tab" id="commented_week_tab" data-period="week">Last week</a></li> <li><a data-target="#commented_all" data-toggle="tab" id="commented_all_tab" data-period="all">All time</a></li> </ul> <div class="tab-content"> <div class="tab-pane active" id="commented_today"> <ul class="commented_articles"> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane" id="commented_week"> <ul class="commented_articles"> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/dynomak-fusion-reactor-university-washington/34174/">University of Washington fusion reactor promises "cheaper than coal" energy</a> (38)</li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/samson-rowing-trimaran-atlantic-crossing/34198/">Rower prepares to cross the Atlantic in futuristic boat</a> (26)</li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/ibm-sunflower-hcpvt-pv-thermal-solar-concentrator/33989/">IBM "sunflowers" to supply off-grid energy, water, and cooling</a> (26)</li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/wingboard-extreme-sport/34181/">WingBoarding: An extreme aerial sport inspired by a Disney cartoon</a> (25)</li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/air-umbrella-force-field-dry/34237/">Air umbrella produces a "force field" of air to keep you dry </a> (24)</li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/tesla-model-p85d-driver-assist/34123/">Tesla unveals AWD 691hp Model S P85D with autopilot and new driver assist systems</a> (20)</li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/zubits-magnetic-shoe-closures/34215/">Zubits are designed to make shoe-tying obsolete</a> (11)</li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/volvo-450-bhp-e-powertrain-concept-engine-triple-boost/34138/">Volvo's 4-cylinder concept engine pumps out 450 hp</a> (10)</li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/sunreef-retractable-hydrofoil-catamaran/33991/">Sunreef's retractable hydrofoils lift its luxury catamarans to speeds of 80 mph</a> (9)</li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/how-to-install-explore-windows-10-technical-preview/34134/">How to install (and make the most of out of) the Windows 10 Technical Preview</a> (9)</li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane" id="commented_all"> <ul class="commented_articles"> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="footer_item nomargin" style="margin: 0px;" id="footer_subscribe"> <div> <form id="footer_email_form" class="form-inline" action="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/index.php"> <span class="small">Subscribe to Gizmag's</span><br/> <span class="large">Email Newsletter</span> <input type="text" name="email" class="email" value="Enter Your Email Address ..." onclick="this.value=''; this.style.color='#999'" id="footer_email"/> <button type="submit" class="bootbtn" id="footer_subscribe_button">Subscribe</button> </form> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/subscribe_footer.js?1404869523"></script> <div class="subscribe_options"> <a target="_blank" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://twitter.com/gizmag/" class="twitter_footer greytitle"> <span class="small">Follow Gizmag on</span> <span class="large">Twitter</span></a> </div> <div class="subscribe_options"> <a target="_blank" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.youtube.com/user/gizmag" class="youtube_footer greytitle"> <span class="small">Subscribe to Gizmag's</span> <span class="large">YouTube channel</span></a> </div> <div class="subscribe_options"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/xml/" class="rss_footer greytitle"> <span class="small">Subscribe to Gizmag's </span> <span class="large">RSS feed</span></a> </div> <div class="subscribe_options"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://www.stumbleupon.com/channel/Gizmag/" class="su_footer greytitle"> <span class="small">Follow Gizmag on </span> <span class="large">Stumbleupon</span></a> </div> <div class="subscribe_options"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/https://plus.google.com/105149739082983197804" class="gplus_footer greytitle"> <span class="small">Follow Gizmag on </span> <span class="large">Google Plus</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div> <div id="copyright"><em>All content copyright © Gizmag 2003 - 2014</em></div> <div class="clear_left"></div> </div> <div class="index" id="footer_index"> <div class="index_center bottom_strip"> <ul> <li><a href="#top">Top</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/">Home</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/about/">About</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/contact/">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/privacy/">Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/termsofuse/">Terms & Conditions</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20141016060021/http://www.gizmag.com/advertise/" class="brighter">Advertise</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/web/20141016060021cs_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/jqmodal/jqModal.css"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/jqmodal/jqModal.js"></script> <div id="subscribe_overlay_container" class="jqmWindowModSize"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20141016060021js_/http://www.gizmag.com/inc/subscribe_overlay.js?x=1413439221"></script>  <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021js_/http://static.getclicky.com/js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript">clicky.init(110681);</script> <noscript><p><img alt="Clicky" width="1" height="1" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021im_/http://in.getclicky.com/110681ns.gif"/></p></noscript>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _sf_async_config={uid:4159,domain:"gizmag.com"}; _sf_async_config.authors = "Brian Burgess"; _sf_async_config.sections = "Computers"; (function(){ function loadChartbeat() { window._sf_endpt=(new Date()).getTime(); var e = document.createElement('script'); e.setAttribute('language', 'javascript'); e.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript'); e.setAttribute('src', '//web.archive.org/web/20141016060021/http://static.chartbeat.com/js/chartbeat_pub.js'); document.body.appendChild(e); } var oldonload = window.onload; window.onload = (typeof window.onload != 'function') ? loadChartbeat : function() { oldonload(); loadChartbeat(); }; })(); </script>  <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060021js_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/new.cetrk.com/pages/scripts/0008/8786.js"> </script>   <div id="bottom_include"> <script type="text/javascript">googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("bottom_include"); });</script> </div>        <script type="text/javascript">window.NREUM||(NREUM={});NREUM.info={"beacon":"beacon-5.newrelic.com","licenseKey":"2798a8ea7c","applicationID":"10948669","transactionName":"Y1BUNxcHV0IEUENYXVoaYxEMSVBfAVZPH0JcRQ==","queueTime":0,"applicationTime":16,"ttGuid":"","agentToken":"","atts":"TxdXQV8dREw=","errorBeacon":"bam.nr-data.net","agent":"js-agent.newrelic.com\/nr-460.min.js"}</script></body> </html>