[Edit 10/31/2012]
Gave it a second attempt today. The links to the license agreement did work this time around, but there still was no encryption indicator on the page.
[End Edit]
Windows 8 was released this week. I've been waiting for this in hopes of pumping some life into my old Vista Ultimate system.
So, I went to Windows 8 web site, and I came across some user experience things that may be confusing users. There is a button that says "Download Pro for $39.99", which I click anticipating a new screen with further instructions. Instead, I got a dialog box asking me to save something called Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to my PC.
Nothing on the page said anything about Download Assistant, I thought I was going to make a payment, download, and go. Already I am having to make a decision about whether downloading this is a good idea. My guards are up now, because it wasn't what I was expecting. It may be Windows phobia, but surely I'm not the only one who raises an eyebrow when a download dialog pops up. After a long history of bugs and viruses, download trust-ability is important. So, I almost hit Cancel because the download dialog makes me double-check. Is this safe? Am I on the right web site? Did I come from a link in an email? Am I going to regret this?
[Edit: After reviewing the page, there is a description of the Download Assistant if you scroll below the visible screen.]
After consideration, I took the risk and installed the Download Assistant. The Assistant is actually pretty cool. This little utility will do a scan of your system and let you know what programs and devices will be able to work on Windows 8. Nice.
After completing the system check you will have a chance make your Order. I have the option to download Windows 8 for $39.99, and add a DVD version for $14.99. This is confusing because on the web site the Buy Now page says I can have Windows 8 shipped to me for $69.99. Hmmm.... $39.99 + $14.99 = $54.98. So we're off by $15.01. Math error? As a user this is what goes through my head... Did I do something wrong? Did I download the right thing? Did I miss something? Well, what the heck, I might as well get the DVD now and save 15 bucks! But if I do, will they stick it to me later in the checkout process?
Something else, on the checkout page of the Download Assistant there is a link that says "More about downloads over metered Internet connections". That sounds important. Since the download is 2GB, I should probably see what Microsoft has to say. It takes you here. As of Saturday, Oct. 27 2012, that page provides absolutely no such information! Thanks for the help!
Next, the Assistant asks me for Billing Address. I am starting to feel uncomfortable. I am running an app, not a web site. The information is getting more personal, but I have NO security indicators. Since I am not is a web browser, I have no padlock icon, no SSL indicators, not even a web address with "https://". Are they going to ask for credit card info next?
YES! They do! This is incredible. Has security and trust been totally forgotten? This is weird. Does anyone else think this strange? There is absolutely no indication that gives me peace of mind about how my Credit Card number will be transmitted over the wire to Microsoft.

There is a sentence that says "Provided by arvato digital services, llc," with a link to "privacy statement" and "Imprint". When I click either link, I am currently taken to a page that says "Internet Explorer cannot disply the webpage". Wow! This is incredible. No way on Earth am I going to proceed!

I'm ditching this process for now. Maybe I can find some other way in. I was excited, but now I'm just disappointed.