Windows 7 is a solid, proven operating system. It seems like Windows 7 will be the new Windows XP--the OS that people love, and refuse to upgrade from without a very compelling reason.

The problem, then, for Microsoft is that Windows 8 doesn't seem to present a very strong case for upgrading from Windows 7.

Windows 8 has a bit of a split personality. The main "Modern" (formerly "Metro") interface is comprised of colorful tiles, designed to run mobile-style apps, and uniquely engineered to be used as on a touchscreen device. Behind that veil, is "desktop mode", which is essentially Windows 7.

On a touchscreen device like the Microsoft Surface tablet, Windows 8 will probably shine. However, using Windows 8 on traditional desktop or laptop hardware with no touchscreen leaves a little to be desired. It basically feels like you're still using Windows 7, but you have to jump through some extra hoops to get past the Modern UI to run the software you need to run.