My, how time flies when you’re swiping through live tiles. Microsoft’s new-look Windows 8 launched exactly one month and one day ago, bringing its modern user interface and mobile-style apps to the desktop masses on October 26th. So how has the system actually fared during its honeymoon period? Read on for the full synopsis of Windows 8 wins and losses.
It can’t be all bad. Or can it?
Stephen Sinofsky: the gorilla no longer in the room

Stephen Sinofsky, former Windows division president.
Many eyebrows were raised on November 12 when Microsoft announced that Stephen Sinofsky—the president of the Windows division, a driving force behind Windows 8, and a long-time leader at Microsoft—was leaving his post, effective immediately. The odd timing and abrupt announcement led to a rash of speculation. Was Sinofsky fired or did he quit? Was it planned? Are Windows 8 sales that bad?
Neither Microsoft nor Sinofsky will talk about their divorce, but many analysts believe Sinofsky’s penchant for secretiveness and territorial mindset alienated external and internal partners alike, which proved troublesome in the new, cross-departmental world of Windows 8. It’s hard to believe Microsoft would dump Sinofsky over two weeks of (possibly) poor OS sales. Regardless of the reason behind the split, Sinofsky’s exit was badly timed and led to a fresh wave of media focus on the negative aspects of Windows 8.
“I think it was unwise to fire the head of the unit during the launch cycle and during the critical 4th quarter,” says Rob Enderle, the president and principal analyst of the Enderle Group. “It was a dangerous distraction.”
Sinofsky’s departure may have been a dangerous distraction, but headlines alone don’t make or break an operating system. Indeed, sales figures define the bottom line, and Sinofksy has never been a household name. Nonetheless, the unceremonious exit of the Windows boss adds up to a net fail for Microsoft in the executive comings-and-goings department.
Full Story: Windows 8: Does its 1-month report card read pass or fail? | PCWorld.