Windows 8 is the next version of Microsoft Windows, a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use of Personal Computers including Home and business desktops, laptops, Tablets and Home theatre PCs
The most recent official pre-release version of windows 8 is the release preview, which was released on
May 31, 2012. Windows 8 has been reimaged from the chipset to the user experience to connect more with the user. The new interface is designed to better suit touchscreen input along with traditional mouse and keyboard input. It supports x86 microprocessors from Intel, AMD and VIA.
- Developer - Microsoft Corporation
- Preview Version - Release Preview (6.2.8400.0)
- License - Proprietary Commercial Software
- Kernel Type - Hybrid
- Platform Support - IA-32, x86-64 and ARM
- Support Status - In Development
| Architecture | x86 (32-bit) | x86-64 (64-bit) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz (with PAE, NX and SSE2 support)[68] | |
| Memory (RAM) | 1 GB | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver | |
| Storage | 16 GB | 20 GB |
Windows 8 Features
Windows 8 offers a number of new Windows 8 features from its all new UI to Windows App Store and improvised security features. Here’s a list of new features and improvements which will arrive with Windows 8:
Support for both x86 PCs and ARM tablets
Windows 8 is the first edition of Windows which will work on both ARM based tablets and traditional x86 (as well as x32 and x64) PCs based on ARM processors from Intel and AMD.
“Support for ARM-based chipsets, touch, and sensors makes Windows 8 work beautifully on your choice of a full spectrum of devices, such as 10-inch slates with all-day battery life, ultra-lightweight laptops, and powerful all-in-ones with 27-inch high-definition screens,” Microsoft contends, in a Windows 8 Guide distributed with Windows Developer Preview
Windows To Go
The “Windows To Go” seems to be an exciting feature that basically allows Windows 8 to boot from a USB device (called as Live USB), including user’s programs, settings and files. The feature is designed to work with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, and on both legacy NIOS and UDFI firmware. However, Microsoft says that a user will not be able to “Hibernate” with this feature.
“Windows To Go is a new feature in Windows 8 that enables enterprise administrators to create USB drives containing complete, managed Windows images that users can use to boot and run Windows on any Windows 7 or Windows 8 capable computer. Windows To Go makes it possible for employees to use a managed device whether they work from home, a client office or in a free seating environment. This session will discuss Windows To Go, its hardware requirements and building compatible and complementary software.”
Another interesting thing about this feature is that, if the USB drive is removed, Windows will automatically freeze, but will continue to operate if the USB drive is inserted back in the next 60 seconds after removal.
Windows Store
To compete with Apple, Windows has confirmed the introduction of a Windows Store, similar to Mac App Store, which allows users to browse through Windows applications, while developers can publish their Metro-style apps on Windows 8 devices.
Few days back, Microsoft gave a strategic view of its app store, and gave a quick demo on how it works. Microsoft revealed that the Windows App Store will be the only place where users can access the Metro-styled apps. Here’s a quick demo that shows how users will be able to buy their apps:
Windows 8 User Interface
Speaking about the UI, Windows 8 certainly has got a mind blowing interactive UI, which has been extensively redesigned to a “Metro-style” design, which shows the most important information to you, embodies simplicity, and gives you full control over it. The UI is designed to provide a fluid and intuitive interaction and navigation with touch, or a mouse and keyboard.
Julie Larson-Green, Corporate Vice President, Windows who stated: “Everything that’s great about Windows 7, is better in Windows 8,” gave a quick hands on look at the Windows 8 user-interface. Here are some of the screenshots she released:
Windows Logon Screen – Unlike the traditional way of entering a password to unlock the screen, Windows 8 can be unlocked by just tapping on the right areas of the screen.
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