Windows 8 An overview

Introducing Windows 8

Technology Features The built-in assistive technologies in Windows 8 work with both Windows 8 applications and with desktop software to provide seamless access to the entire Windows experience. Devices running Windows 8 Professional will also allow you to use assistive technology (AT) software from specialty Assistive Technology vendors. Including: Lock Basic Navigation App groups Quick access Menu Easy access

Advantages a nifty app store much faster start-up a revamped Internet Explorer Web browser Integrated online services such as Skype and SkyDrive and improved security Windows 8 also offers, for the first time, the convenience of running a standard Windows experience across all your devices: mobile, tablet, desktop and laptop. Windows 8 has a better interface than his elder brother Windows 7. Low Price Easier system restore options Windows Store Including native USB 3.0 support The ability to boot from USB flash drives with Windows To Go

Disadvantages If you use a Metro application(for tablets)in Windows 8,application(for tablets)in Windows 8,multitasking means the screen will display multitasking means the screen will display two applications in a row. For beginners it would not be a big problem. However for the advanced user multitasking capabilities with Metro for multitasking capabilities with Metro for only two applications is a fatal Metro is a hoax desktop - Metro was able to work well on the tablet but the UI is not very compatible when used on the desktop. Very difficult to move between screens There is not option to turn tiles into icons

System specifications for the Windows 8 technology Windows 8: system requirements Processor 1GHz or faster RAM 1GB (32bit) or 2GB (64bit) Hard disk space 16GB (32bit) or 20GB (64bit) Graphics card Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device or higher Windows 8: additional requirements To use touch A tablet or a monitor that supports multi-touch To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps An active internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768 pixels To snap apps A display with a resolution of at least 1366 x 768 pixels

Summary of Business Expectations Analysts say that most businesses won't upgrade to Windows 8 until 2014, and that's probably accurate. But, in a good sign for Microsoft, the new operating system is gaining traction a little sooner than expected. Microsoft says it's sold "tens of millions" of Windows 8 enterprise licenses since August, when it became to its business customers. Plus new research is starting to show that enterprises could be quicker to adopt Windows 8 than they did Windows 7. About 25% said they are making plans to upgrade, with 17% saying they'll start their upgrade this year. Business Insider heard from one IT professional who manages 5,000 PCs and is in the process of upgrading to Windows 8. "A large number of companies have not upgraded to Windows 7, and are still running XP," he said. "These are the prime targets from an enterprise perspective for Win 8. Our refresh cycle will go from XP to Win 8 in the next 12 months."

Issues and Problems Moving between apps is harder than it should be. On a laptop, there are lots of new "physical" commands, and it's not clear which to use. In Metro, some functions, like opening an app or checking a checkbox, require just a tap. e experience matters. The classic desktop is not well integrated with Metro. Desktop apps are hard to find. One of the most common complaints from reviewers of early Windows 8 builds is that Microsoft removed the Start button from the classic desktop. This is indeed a pain. There's no easy way to find which apps are available to run on the desktop. The only way I could figure it out was to go back to the Metro start screen, then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to get the All Apps menu. Sometimes, bizarre things seem to happen for no reason

Summary The big story of Windows 8 is the Metro UI. If you are considering buying a tablet or laptop computer then knowledge that Windows 8 is on the horizon may mean you wait and buy a cheap but flashy ARM machine in 2012. If you are a home user with XP then you may continue to skip Windows 7, just as you swerved to avoid Vista, and wait for Windows 8. Those with Windows 7 have the toughest decision; it seems only yesterday that you bought a good alternative to Vista, and in no time you'll be faced with an upgrade to Windows 8 with that must-have Metro UI.

Recommendations Its cheap Not confusing Quicker boot time Faster all round Better battery life Looks better Two operating systems for the price of one Touch enabled Modern UI apps IE is good Improved security and data recovery