The biggest criticism of Windows 8. Sorry, one of the biggest criticisms of Windows 8 has been the disappearance of the Start button. After 17 years and many different shapes, it's gone. And Microsoft's response has been because it's not being used enough.

Nonsense, I thought. Getting ready to write an angry blog post I pressed the Windows key on my keyboard to open Word. And that of course is where the problem lies.

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There, I said it. Blearily packing up my bag before CES 2013 I thought nothing of a suggestion to cover the world's biggest technology show using Windows 8.

"It'll be fun - and be a good chance to really put the operating system to the test," someone opined.

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Idling around the CES 2013 show floor I was struck by something - there are touchscreens everywhere.

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The internet is full of great websites, articles and videos. Here are five we've been enjoying this week.

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Following our first reader blog on the reception given to Windows 8, more people have been in touch, and there has been more comment on our Windows 8 review.

But first a word from Ray Dewey about getting drivers. "When I upgraded from XP to Windows 7 I had real difficulty obtaining drivers for my webcam, scanner and printer. So if I upgrade again I will have to pay not only for the upgrade but a new scanner, web cam and printer when the ones I have are all in perfect condition and produce good quality results.

"The manufacturers of the ancillary equipment are, in my opinion, at fault as they don`t produce drivers for their equipment after it is a few years old for obvious reasons," says Ray.

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Many people argue that Windows 8 is a tipping point for Microsoft - a pivotal moment that will define the company's future for better or worse.

That's because Microsoft recognises the importanc eof the growing tablet market, and has developed the latest version of Windows with that type of device primarily in mind, although one of the Computeractive team who has been using it on a non-toucscreen computer for some time says the Windows 8 Start screen works perfectly well for him.

But this is the reader blog, so let's bring on Chris Read, who bought a digital download of Windows 8 on the day it launched.

"Having previously backed up my data, the Update Assistant led me through the upgrade process which really couldn't have been easier," says Mr Read.

"Everything worked perfectly and, within about 45 minutes, my old laptop was transformed into a rapidly booting and swift-running system. No glitches, no missing device drivers and a quick look at the new Task Manager told me that Windows 8 was using far less memory and did not put as much strain on the processor, compared with Vista.

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