3 Reasons Why Windows 8 Needs to Succeed

The latest data from Net Applications shows Microsoft's (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) Window 8 platform now takes up 5.1% of desktop market share worldwide. But at a time of plummeting PC sales, does the growth of Windows 8 even matter for the Redmond company?

You're darn right it does.

First off, the PC isn't dead -- at least not yet. Gartner just released data showing that global PC shipments are going to decline by 10.6% this year, while the company expects tablet shipments to increase by 68%. Yes, PCs as we know them are on the way out, but many industries and employers still depend on PCs to get their work done -- and some things a tablet just isn't as good for yet.

Microsoft's Windows 8 platform is key to holding on to consumers who still need a robust platform to do their work. The research vice president at Gartner recently told ComputerWorld that "Microsoft remains relevant thanks to enterprise and professional users." The challenge for Microsoft is for Windows 8 to outpace its other Windows versions. As it stands right now, Windows 7 takes 44.37% and XP still holds 37.17% of desktop operating systems. For Windows to stay relevant, Microsoft needs its latest OS to tackle its older versions.

The other side to this is that Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) is gaining ground on Microsoft, and by 2015 Gartner expects devices running Apple's operating systems -- mobile and desktop -- to outnumber the number of devices running Windows. Apple obviously beats Microsoft in the consumer mobile space, but its important for Microsoft to try and defend its territory against Apple's encroachment. Microsoft is already lagging on the mobile side and its desktop software is one of the only places it still dominates.

But Microsoft isn't just fighting old enemies in the desktop business -- Android is starting to move further into the PC space as well. Just the other week HP announced the all-in-one Android PC, called the HP Slate. As the lines begin to blur between desktop and mobile, Windows 8 needs to show it has the best of both worlds.

The last reason Microsoft needs to see Windows 8 gain traction is because the OS is the new face of the company. Microsoft needs to show consumers that it can at least get the desktop version of its software right before it expects people to buy its mobile products. The recent beta release of Windows 8.1 is an admission that Microsoft missed the mark on its initial release.

Hopefully Microsoft has made enough changes in 8.1 that will please current customers, but for those that were disappointed, it could not only hurt the company's desktop reputation, but its mobile one, too.

The world revolves around mobile
Unfortunately, I think Microsoft missed its opportunity to impress consumers -- and investors -- with Windows 8, and I think it could hurt the company's mobile sales because of it. Desktops and mobile OSes are becoming increasingly intertwined, and so far Microsoft has shown that it can't release a spectacular version of either one.

Investors need to see continued improvements to Windows 8 that not only satisfy die-hard users, but impress potential ones as well. As mobile and desktop OSes continue to morph into one, Microsoft needs to get its software right to so it can keep pace with mobile dominators.

Though Microsoft and Apple are battling it out in the OS space, there are three other tech companies that investors should keep an eye on. These five companies are fighting in the competitive tech space – and there can only be one winner. Find out "Who Will Win the War Between the 5 Biggest Tech Stocks?" in The Motley Fool's latest free report, which details the knock-down, drag-out battle being waged by the five kings of tech. Click here to keep reading.

Best Penny Companies To Buy For 2014

With just 10 days to go before your tax returns are due, procrastinating taxpayers are truly coming down to the last minute. But just because you're late to the game doesn't mean you should pay even a penny more in tax than you absolutely need to.

As a guide for late filers everywhere, here are five absolute last-minute things to keep in mind as you scurry to meet the April 15 deadline.

1. Attach only what you need to attach to your return.
Usually, the only forms you'll attach with your return are W-2s from your work, and other forms that include amounts of tax that were withheld. Most other supporting documentation shouldn't be attached, although you should make sure you retain them in your own records in case you're audited.

2. Should you itemize or take the standard deduction?
Once you've calculated your total income, most taxpayers are allowed to take either a standard deduction, or to itemize specific deductible items. What's important to remember is that you have a choice between those two options, and you can pick whichever one will save you the most. Making the wrong choice can cost you.

Best Penny Companies To Buy For 2014: MGP Ingredients Inc.(MGPI)

MGP Ingredients, Inc. produces ingredients and distillery products in the United States. It processes wheat flour and corn into various products through an integrated production process. The company operates in three business segments: Ingredient Solutions, Distillery Products, and Other. The Ingredient Solutions segment products consist of specialty proteins, specialty starches, vital wheat gluten, commodity wheat starch, and mill by-products. The Distillery Products segment offers food grade alcohol; fuel grade alcohol, commonly known as ethanol; and distiller?s feed and carbon dioxide, which are co-products of the company?s distillery operations. The Other segment products comprise resins, and plant-based polymers and composites. MGP Ingredients, Inc. sells its products directly or through distributors to the manufacturers and processors of finished goods. The company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas.

Best Penny Companies To Buy For 2014: Grupo Radio Centro S.A. de C.V.(RC)

Grupo Radio Centro, S.A.B. de C.V., a radio broadcasting company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the production and broadcasting of music, entertainment, news, and special event programs in Mexico. The company owns and operates 15 radio stations, which comprise 5 AM and 6 FM stations in Mexico City, 2 AM stations in Guadalajara and Monterrey, and 1 FM station in Los Angeles, as well as 1 AM radio station in Mexico City that is operated and managed by a third party. It also operates Organizaci

Hot Medical Stocks For 2014: American Capital Ltd.(ACAS)

American Capital, Ltd. is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in management and employee buyouts, mezzanine, acquisition, recapitalization, middle market, and growth capital investments. The firm seeks to invest in senior debt mezzanine and equity financing for buyouts of private equity firms and direct in private and public companies. It also invests in special situations and in government. In special situations, the firm invests in troubled situations and in distressed situations. In this area, it invests in acquisitions of true turnarounds, 363 auctions, portfolio add-ons, operationally challenged companies; financings in exit, ABL loans, second lien refinance, and direct lending to distressed companies. The firm invests in manufacturing, services, and distribution companies with a special focus on energy sector. In energy production sector, the firm invests in lower risk oil and gas exploration, production and development; natural gas liquids; coal m ining and coal-fired generation; uranium mining and nuclear-fired generation; wind-powered generation; and solar-powered generation. In energy transmission sector, the firm invests in oil and gas pipelines; LNG tankers and regasification facilities; and power transmission. In energy distribution sector, it targets propane distribution; gas distribution; electricity distribution. In energy services sector, the firm invests in oil and gas services and utility services. The firm also targets investments in companies that provide services or products to federal, state or local governments. It seeks to invest in information technology, human resources/benefit administration, outsourcing, transaction processing, engineering and construction, logistics, original equipment manufacturers ? homeland security and component, after market parts and supplies, and technology. It invests as lead or participative investor. The firm and its affiliates invest from $5 million to $300 million pe r company in North America and ?5 million ($6.92520 millio! n) to ?25 million ($34.6260 million) per company in Europe. American Capital, Ltd. was founded in 1986 and is based in Bethesda, Maryland with additional offices in United States, Europe, and Asia.

Best Penny Companies To Buy For 2014: Capital Product Partners L.P.(CPLP)

Capital Product Partners L.P., a shipping company, provides seaborne transportation of refined oil products and chemicals. It provides marine transportation services under medium- to long-term time charters or bareboat charters. As of July 13, 2011, the company?s fleet consisted of 22 double-hull tankers, including 18 medium range (MR) tankers, 2 small product tankers, 1 Suezmax crude oil tanker, and 1 Capesize bulk carrier. Its tankers are capable of carrying crude and refined oil products, such as gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, and jet fuel, as well as edible oils and chemicals, including ethanol. Capital GP L.L.C. operates as a general partner of the company. Capital Product Partners L.P. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Piraeus, Greece.

Best Penny Companies To Buy For 2014: United Bancshares Inc.(UBOH)

United Bancshares, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for The Union Bank Company that engages in the provision of commercial banking services to small and middle-market businesses and individuals. It accepts various deposit products, including checking accounts, savings and money market accounts, time certificates of deposit, time deposits, and demand deposits. The company also offers various loan products that consist of commercial, consumer, agricultural, residential mortgage, and home equity loans. In addition, it provides automatic teller machine services, safe deposit box rentals, and other personalized banking services. The company serves primarily in the Ohio counties of Allen, Hancock, Putnam, Sandusky, Van Wert, and Wood, as well as with office locations in Bowling Green, Columbus Grove, Delphos, Findlay, Gibsonburg, Kalida, Leipsic, Lima, Ottawa, and Pemberville, Ohio. United Bancshares, Inc. was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Columbus Grove, Ohio.< /p>