(November 15, 2012) — As the markets for PCs, laptops and tablets expand, companies like Microsoft are working to update and improve the user experience. Microsoft is striving to achieve that goal with the new Windows 8 release. The new operating system software is intended to look more aesthetically pleasing, all while focusing on the user. Microsoft has added a new startup screen which acts as a media center, providing live updates of photos, emails and videos. However, despite these improvements, there is still the cost of the program to factor in as well as the system requirements to upgrade the computer. The cost could be up to $70, depending on which bundle is purchased. Junior Todd de la Ugarte thinks that upgrading to Windows 8 is not worth the price. “There are not too many changes in the operating system so I don’t believe that paying for an upgrade is worth it,” de la Ugarte says. Similarly, some people didn’t like the new look of the operating system. “I dislike the look of the new operating system. It doesn’t look as visually appealing as Windows 7 and it’s harder to navigate,” says junior Sarin Mousessian. Despite some complaints, the new software has additional features that are unique in comparison to other operating systems. “There’s a new feature on the desktop that allows the user to set a picture password. Instead of typing in a password, it’s possible to use a picture as a password. To unlock the computer all you have to do is draw the password. For example, if you have a picture of a girl, you can type her nose three times to unlock the screen,” says Mousessian. As expected, the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system has brought new improvements to the PC and tablet. With its Start screen and updated media center, Windows 8 is out on the shelves and ready to function as the newest operating system out in the PC world.