Instruction: Answer the given question using the supporting document.

Input:
Question: what windows operating system is on this 8.1 or 8 RT?
Document: Computer is exactly what I was looking to buy as a replacement to a failing unit. I was not aware windows 8 is so different than windows 7. This new operating system is absolutely awful and not user friendly. I partitioned the hard drive to install windows 7 as a dual boot system. No luck in getting the install done. Beware windows 7 programs do not work very well with windows 8. Microsoft money 2007 will not work and is no longer supported by Microsoft. This computer should be excellent if windows 7 will install.
HD quality but small fonts) with HDMI a senior person will have to sit within about 7 feet of the 52 inch TV to be able to read and navigate well.However, I have to ding the DX-4860 from 5.0 to 4.0 Stars due to the operating system. Windows 8 is a mess. I can't imagine why Microsoft or Gateway or anyone else would recommend Windows 8 for a desktop PC. If I had it to do over again, I would spend more time trying to find a Windows 7 PC.
If you are running Windows 8 you need to do two things in the bios before installing the card:1. Disable UEFI secured boot2. Launch CSM - set this to Always (under boot options)Once you have done this you can install the card (make sure you connect power to the video card before powering the system on).Enjoy!
Also, I was able to make Win8.1 usable by installing "Classic Shell", disabling all hot corners and setting things up to boot straight to the desktop, essentially ignoring and totally bypassing the Start Screen. Win8 and Win8.1 are really a detriment in my experience (and is why the PC market is stagnating for the past year), but with a lot of work I have been able to bypass them and have a functional Debian system dual-booting with Windows.
Replaced a dual core system and am happy with this system. Windows 8 takes a bit to get used to but system works great and have had no issues in 2 weeks so far. Out of all the systems I have had this is my 3rd Gateway and like with my 3 E-Machines I have never had any issues with and have used all until they became to outdated, but the 3 Gateway's are still in use.Did not care for the bare bone keyboard and stuck it into a cabinet for when someone hits me up for one.
(No speakers in my monitor. )-> Also, you can create your own system restore media by using a USB 2.0 thumb drive with at least 16 GB storage on it.In reflection on this, I was almost in despair trying to get past the opening interface of Windows 8 - but now it's okay - at least, usable. I was reluctant to get it, but everything keeps changing, so I figured I'd have to face it some day - and for the faster computer hardware that can use it now, I guess that's just the price one needs to be willing to pay, in frustration rather than dollars.I'm very glad to have this computer, and have learned to accept Windows 8 - after some hair-pulling and passing moments of despair.
I do like the alt-f4 command that lets you close those darn Windows 8.1 open screens.Gateway did a nice job on providing many USB ports and some are actually conveniently located on the top and front. In addition they top of the tower has a "tray" where you can plug in USB devices for charging. A totally useless but none the less cool lighted logo rounds out a very solid, reasonably priced desktop.
Love this machine.I Bought a new one about two months ago......replaced an old dual core Gateway desktop running XP. The learning curve from XP to Windows 8.0 took some time....actually still working on that......after 2-3 weeks MicroSoft put out an upgrade from Win 8.0 to Win 8.1 and that has some significant changes as well......but you know engineers and programmers....always screwing with stuff.I was somewhat concerned that the power supply that comes with this machine was only 300 watts......but that shouldn't be an issue for most users.
I just picked up this computer (for free!!!) as a result of a class action settlement. It replaces my seven-year old Dell running Windows XP and Linux. This is a nice-looking computer with top-notch specs for a general purpose desktop (Intel i5 "Ivy Bridge" processor, 8 Gb memory, 1 terabyte 7200 rpm hard drive, 10 usb ports, memory card readers, etc.). I really like the up-front placement of 4 usb ports, 2 memory card readers, and a doo-dad to keep wires organized.BUT - after spending a few hours playing around Windows 8, this is the biggest drawback in my opinion and the reason why I give this computer only 3 stars.
I even downloaded the Windows 8.1 preview and spent a couple of hours trying to configure everything, but at the end of the day I find it too damn annoying, with too many in-your-face apps and other tiles (icons) that distract and detract from usability.In order to actually do productive work on this box I will install linux (debian sid, with xfce) and maybe Windows 7. one good thing is that you can disable secure boot, which enables you to install something besides Windows 8. took a little digging to find out how: press [delete] as soon as the computer fires up to enter the bios setup, and there you are.in sum: this is a really nice general purpose desktop which unfortunately is crippled by Windows 8.UPDATE: I was able to disable Secure Boot as indicated in my initial review.
Answer: It is Windows 8.  As far as I know 8.1 is only available currently as a Beta.  Also, I have read that if you install the Beta and have problems, there is no way to uninstall it without wiping the hard drive clean and reloading the entire Gateway load set and also any user software you added.  I don't plan to try 8.1 until it is released.  Also, go to Microsoft's site and take a look at the improvements in 8.1 Microsoft has mentioned, many of them have to do with Touch and other features that I am not much interested in for a desktop.  So I am not holding my breath on 8.1, but I will try it when official, if I don't switch to Windows 7 first.