Update to new operating system Windows 8 is not as complicated as it seems, despite the misleading marketing that Microsoft sometimes has. But used to use it is something else entirely. The latest operating system Microsoft finally went on sale few weeks earlier. With over 1,000 million users, Microsoft’s Windows is the dominant platform for PC in the world. This release is a great moment for the company, which seeks to keep those users away from their competitor’s phones.
We present the basics of Windows 8:
What is Windows 8?
Windows 8 is the latest operating system from Microsoft. It has touch screen capabilities and a drastically different interface, and runs on both tablets and PCs. Can be fully controlled with touch (on supported devices) with a mouse or keyboard, or any combination of your preferred input options.
The operating system is a bold effort by Microsoft to remain relevant as the PCs are overtaken by mobile devices. The operating systems of Apple iOS and Google’s Android dominate the market for tablets and smartphones, Microsoft tries something big and different and risky to catch up.
This is the first Microsoft operating system since the well-received Windows 7 was released three years ago. It is a complete reinvention of the interface desktop computer, but is built on the same foundation as Windows 7, so all your old applications should work fine. (Except on devices that run Windows RT, than you will have more in a moment).
What is different in this OS?
The biggest difference in Windows 8 is a change in attitude of the whole system. Apple gadgets are reputed to be fun and creative, Windows PCs, but workers being boring. A brand screams Angry Birds, the other Excel spreadsheets. Microsoft wants Windows to be modern and that their use is enjoyable, so he took his own tablet-style interface and tried to make it work on tablets as on PCs.
In the best case, the result adds a little life to the operating system needed work but boring. In the worst case, Windows 8 feels like two overlapping creatures haste.An interface feels better with a touch screen and gestures, the other with a keyboard and mouse or a touchpad (a box built under the keyboard of most laptops that functions as a mouse).
The familiar desktop view was pushed into the background to make room for a home screen colorful, tactile and moveable, which serves as your base of operations. When you turn your computer, you are greeted by a striking set of squares and rectangles representing applications, organized into groups.
This screen displays live information, like your email latest breaking news, photos, weather or calendar reminders. This side of Windows 8 running applications developed and sold in the Windows Store.
But you can also click on a traditional Windows application and will open in the desktop view; the most visible change is that the Start button disappeared. All your old applications look and feel like in this retro world, but clicking on buttons designed for a mouse can be tricky.
If you get confused, and you will at first, a sweep from the right side of the Home screen brings up a search tool to help you track files or applications.
Some Windows users will scoff at attempts to spice up the old system while more casual users to please, as if somehow that the system be reduced capacity for serious work. But there are several subtle and technical changes, including performance improvements.
The starting time improved significantly compared to Windows 7. There is also a new feature called Storage Spaces that facilitate the handling of various storage and backup options.
Who should upgrade to Windows 8?
The first version of any new operating system and problems inevitably fails. Individual Windows users, especially those with a single computer, on which they depend for work or school, they should not rush to install this update. Wait until you eliminate those early problems and launch a more stable version.
If you have a computer without a touch-screen, the change may not be worth it unless you need the technical improvements of the next generation of gadgets. The operating system runs on regular computers that do not have touch-screens, but they miss the best parts of the experience. The home screen and the new interface with mosaics are not as satisfactory as only you can click on them with a mouse (a touchpad is slightly better).
If you are a big fan of Windows, or just a techie familiar with the dangers of being a pioneer in the use of innovation, just need to make sure your current computer meets the system requirements.
If you want to buy a new computer, and there are a number of options with touch screen preloaded with Windows 8 major manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, Dell and Toshiba. There ultrabooks, tablets, hybrids and desktops of all prices. There are a lot of hardware available at launch, but the selection of the Windows Store software is still a bit sparse.
Corporate users are usually slower to update their workforce to a new operating system, and currently have no compelling reason to switch to Windows 8. A recent report by technology research firm, Gartner, predicts that 90% of companies expect to upgrade to Windows 8-2015. Companies that rely heavily on mobile devices may be the exception.
What version of Windows should I get?
There are four versions of the new Windows operating system: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows RT and Windows 8 Enterprise. While that may seem like a lot, it is actually less versions of what Windows has offered for their operating systems in the past.
Fortunately, Windows for you nearly took the decision on which one to buy.
If you are an individual that updates an existing computer, your only option for now is Windows 8 Pro The basic version is available for separate purchase on February 2, 2013.
For now, Windows RT and the basic version of Windows 8 is only available pre-installed on new computers. The differences between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro are lower. The biggest decision you will make when buying a new system if you want a Windows 8 or Windows RT.
Windows RT is a different version created for devices with ARM processors. These processors, normally found in phones and tablets, use less power, which means longer battery life. At this time, RT is only available Windows preinstalled in the new tablet Microsoft Surface and some new devices.
RT Windows and Windows 8 look the same, but there is a key difference: RT Windows will not run your old Windows applications, only available in the Windows Store.
That means not download any third-party application on the Internet. The Windows Store has 5,000 applications available, but that number should grow with time. This closed approach is similar to the iPad and iPhone, which can only run applications sold in Apple’s App Store.
Finally, are you a big company that plans to buy more licenses? If yes, check out Windows 8 Enterprise.
Will Windows 8 is hard to learn?
Windows 8 has a completely new approach in using a Windows computer, and as with all things radically new, it takes a while to get used. Do not update unless you can take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout and configuration. The new look resembles mobile operating systems iOS and Android, but is not as intuitive.
Before you panic, you should know that it is so difficult to decipher the new system. It takes a little effort and time, like learning any new program. Microsoft took a big leap and created something new. Adapting is just a natural part of the process.
What does it cost?
Microsoft dropped the price of $200 Windows 8 Pro for their big premiere. Existing users of Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP (with SP3) can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $ 40 online. If you prefer to send a hard copy in a nice box, the price rises to $ 70. The offer is valid until the end of January.
Author Bio: This article is written by Yogesh who writes on his blog FTechBlog.com – a hub of Gadgets, Blogging tips and Technology.
