Windows 8 is Microsoft's
latest operating system. It features touchscreen capabilities and a
drastically different interface, and runs on tablets as well as PCs. It
can be controlled entirely by touch (on compatible devices), with a
mouse and keyboard, or by any combination of your preferred input
options.
The operating system is a
daring effort by Microsoft to stay relevant as PCs are being overtaken
by mobile devices. Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems
are dominating the tablet and smartphone market, and Microsoft is
attempting something big, different and risky to catch up.
This is Microsoft's first
operating system since the well-received Windows 7 was released three
years ago. It is a complete reimagining of the desktop computer
interface, but it is built on the same base as Windows 7, so all your
old applications should continue to work just fine. (Except on devices
running Windows RT. More on that later.)
What's different in this operating system?
The biggest change in
Windows 8 is a system-wide shift in attitude. Apple products have the
reputation for being fun and creative, Windows PCs for being dull but
hardworking. One brand screams "Angry Birds," the other Excel
spreadsheets. Microsoft wants Windows to be hip and enjoyable to use, so
it has come up with its own tablet-style interface and tried to make it
work on tablets as well as PCs.
At its best, the result
adds some much needed life to an all-work-and-no-play operating system.
At its worst, Windows 8 feels like two creatures hastily thrown
together, One interface feels better with a touchscreen and gestures, the other with a keyboard and mouse or touchpad.
The familiar desktop
view has been pushed to the background to make room for a colorful,
touchable, swipeable Start Screen, which acts as your home base. When
you start the computer, you'll be greeted with a jazzy array of square
and rectangle tiles representing applications, arranged into groups. The
tiles can show live information such as your latest e-mail, breaking
news, photos, the weather or calendar reminders.
This side of Windows 8
runs apps developed for and sold in the Windows Store. But you can also
click on a traditional Windows application and it will open it in the
desktop view.
Windows 8 review: A big, beautiful, slightly shaky step forward
Back on the old desktop
view, the most visible change is that the Start button is gone. All your
old applications look and feel the same in this retro world, though
tapping on buttons designed for a mouse can be tricky.
If you get confused, and
you will in the beginning, one swipe from the right side of the Start
Screen brings up a search tool to help you track down files or
applications.
Some Windows users will
scoff at the attempts to liven up the old system as pandering to more
casual computer users, or as somehow making the system less capable of
serious work. But there are also many subtle, under-the-hood changes,
including performance improvements. Most notably, the startup time is
greatly improved over Windows 7. There also is a new feature called
Storage Spaces that makes it easy to manage your various storage and
backup options.
Who should update to Windows 8?
The first version of a
new operating system is bound to have bugs and issues. Individual
Windows users, especially those with just one machine who depend on it
for work or school, should not rush right out for that upgrade. Wait
until a more stable version comes along that irons out early problems.
If you have an
non-touchscreen computer, the switch may not be worth it unless you need
the under-the-hood improvements. The operating system works on regular
computers that don't have touchscreens, but they miss the best parts of
the experience. The Start Screen and new tiled interface aren't nearly
as satisfying when you can only click on them with a mouse (a touchpad
is slightly better).
If you are a diehard
Windows fan, or just a tech-savvy computer user familiar with the perils
of being an early adopter, you'll just need to make sure your current
computer meets the system requirements.
If you want to buy a new
computer, there are already a large number of touchscreen options
pre-loaded with Windows 8 from major manufacturers, including Samsung,
Sony, Dell and Toshiba. There are ultrabooks, tablets, hybrids and
desktops at all prices. There is plenty of hardware available at launch,
but the Windows Store software selection is still a bit sparse.
Corporate users are
usually slower to upgrade their workforces to a new operating system,
and without a compelling reason to switch to Windows 8, that will likely
be the case this time as well. A recent report from technology research
firm Gartner predicts 90% of enterprises will wait to upgrade to
Windows 8 until 2015. Companies that depend heavily on mobile devices
might be the exception.
Which version of Windows should I get?
There are four versions
of the new Windows operating system: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and
Windows RT and Windows 8 Enterprise. While that may seem like a lot,
it's actually fewer versions than Windows has offered for its operating
systems in the past.
Luckily, the decision of which to buy is pretty much made for you.
If you are an individual
upgrading an existing computer, your only option at the moment is
Windows 8 Pro. The basic consumer version of Windows 8 will not be
available for standalone purchase until February 2, 2013.
For now, Windows RT and
the basic version of Windows 8 are only available pre-installed on new
computers. The differences between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro are
minor. The big decision you'll have to make when buying a new system is
if you want a Windows 8 or Windows RT device.
Windows RT is a
different version created for devices with ARM processers. These
processers, typically found in phones and tablets, use less power, which
means longer battery life. At the moment, Windows RT is only available
pre-installed on Microsoft's new Surface tablet and a handful of other
devices.
In Windows 8, the iPad has its first real challenger
Windows RT and Windows 8
look the same, but there's one key difference: Windows RT will not run
your old Windows applications, only applications available through the
Windows Store. That means no downloading any third-party apps from the
Internet. The Windows Store has 5,000 apps in stock, but that number
should grow over time. This closed approach is similar to the iPad and
iPhone, which can only run applications sold through Apple's App Store.
Finally, are you a large company planning on buying a large number of licenses? If yes, check out Windows 8 Enterprise.
Is Windows 8 difficult to learn?
Windows 8 presents a
completely new approach to using a Windows computer, and as with
anything radically new, it takes some getting used to. Do not upgrade
unless you can spare some time to familiarize yourself with the layout
and settings. The new look borrows heavily from the iOS and Android
mobile operating systems, but isn't nearly as intuitive.
Before you get scared
off, know that it's not that hard to figure out the new system. It just
takes a bit of effort and time, like learning any new program would.
Microsoft took a big leap and created something new. Getting
acclimatized is just a natural part of the process.
Some stores selling the
Windows 8 products are offering classes. Staples, for example, will have
free personalized training on the new system, as well as help moving
old data over to a new computer.
How much does it cost?
Microsoft is dropping
the $200 price of Windows 8 Pro for its big debut. Existing WIndows 7,
WIndows Vista and WIndows XP (with SP3) users can upgrade to Windows 8
Pro for $40 online. If you'd prefer a physical copy shipped to you in a
nice box, the price goes up to $70. The deal is good through the end of
January.
Source:CNN
