"Windows users are typically accustomed to purchasing software applications in a box or surfing a variety of manufacturer Web sites to load programs (hoping they reach the actual intended site and not a fraudulent or phishing source)?"
I haven't bought physical media since 2003. I haven't had a virus since 2001

" Users just need to click an icon to launch the application. While the feature is now old hat for Mac users, Windows users (other than those whove already adopted Windows 8) will be unfamiliar with the practice on a laptop or desktop computer."

WTF? Is the author on drugs? Has there ever been a version of Windows that could not do this? I doubt it.

Written on my Macbook Air (whilst wishing it had a right mouse button, Home and End buttons, backspace button.)