As you might have heard before, the much awaited update for Windows 8 is finally here. Officially called Windows 8.1 (or Windows RT 8.1 for our friends with ARM-based Windows RT devices out there), it provides tons of improvements over the operating system such as more customization options for Start screen, ability to boot directly to desktop environment and better multi-apps view.
There are also Bing Smart Search, deeper integration with SkyDrive and a number of improved as well as new Microsoft apps together with services. Not to forget, Windows 8.1 also marks the return of the Start Button but hold your horses…Microsoft still didn’t include the Start Menu in the final version of Windows 8.1.
If you are already using Windows 8, you shouldn’t have any trouble updating to Windows 8.1 for free via the Windows Store with the exception of the need to reinstall your Windows 8-style apps. For those who are using Windows 8.1 Preview, the method to update pretty much depends on how you installed it previously.
As for users that are planning to perform clean install using DVD, the boxed version of Windows 8.1 is readily available in Malaysia with the same price tag as per previous Windows 8 which are listed at RM 530 for Windows 8.1 and RM 907 for Windows 8.1 Pro.
[Source: Windows Team Blog, Microsoft Malaysia]
