Enhances device performance with intuitive live tiles and touchscreen optimization
Enhances device performance with intuitive live tiles and touchscreen optimization
Pros
- Sharp Contemporary Design
- Exceptionally Stable
- Native Metro Apps
- Supports Desktop Apps
- Appealing UI
Cons
- Optimized Only For Touch-Screens
- Requires Adjustment Period For Metro UI
Windows 8 is an operating system from Microsoft that steps into the world of tablets and mobile touchscreen devices. It has a number of new features added since Windows 7, and it runs faster. The interface is optimized for touchscreen devices, and there are several dedicated apps built-in.
There are four versions of Windows 8, and each is designed for a different sect of user. The versions include Home, Business, Pro, and Enterprise.
In this version of Windows, you'll have access to Windows Store Apps that have been designed for tablet utility. Using Snap mode, you can simultaneously run two apps on the same large display. Pre-installed apps include Windows Media Player, Camera, Calendar, Mail, and a dedicated photo album.
Internet Explorer 10 is also pre-installed. To make full control on the touchscreen interface easier, functions like Task Manager and Windows Explorer have been revamped for gesture control. There's also a System Restore function that will reset the OS to its default state. You can also select to reinstall the OS while keeping all your settings and downloaded apps.
You'll get Windows Media Center with Windows 8 as well. The new encryption system for files is superb, and you'll get Windows Remote Desktop Server. With all these tools, you can take advantage of virtual computers, full BitLocker encryption, and easy connection to domains with Windows systems.
Home users who want to test out Windows 8 Enterprise can do so for 90 days with the available ISO file. It's meant to give developers a sense of the capabilities of the system, but anyone can try it.
This operating system is designed primarily for use with touchscreen devices. A quick tap of the screen will get you started with Windows Store Apps, and you can set tiles to see social networking news, emails, weather, and more. If you want to go back to a traditional desktop format, you can do so by swiping your finger or pressing the dedicated Windows button. If you're using a tablet or other device without a physical keyboard, the operating system provides a digital on-screen keyboard.
While many users will instantly recognize the traditional desktop layout, the new UI designed for touchscreen systems is unique and may take some time to learn. The tile navigation system is fairly intuitive, and there are more subtle changes under the hood. Higher performance is now possible thanks to the streamlined file system.
Windows 8 completely changes the way the famous OS deals with devices. It was built to use fewer system resources, so it runs faster and allows for more multitasking. Once you get accustomed to the new UI, you'll be surprised how much you enjoy using Windows 8. This is an excellent transitioning tool for users who are wary of abandoning their desktop.
Pros
- Sharp Contemporary Design
- Exceptionally Stable
- Native Metro Apps
- Supports Desktop Apps
- Appealing UI
Cons
- Optimized Only For Touch-Screens
- Requires Adjustment Period For Metro UI
Pros
- Live tiles feature commonly used apps on the start-up screen
- Lets users pin their favorite apps to the bottom of their screens
- Touchscreen users can easily swipe between tiles and programs
- Works on both tablets and computers
- Supports all major browsers, programs and apps
Cons
- Major changes from previous versions
- Takes some time to use and understand
- Better suited for touchscreens
- Lacks a traditional desktop at start-up
- Some live tiles take longer to open
Running an outdated version of Windows can slow your computer or tablet down significantly, but this version of Windows 8 can improve your internet speeds.
Windows 8 was the first version of the operating system to come with live tiles. When you download the OS and turn it on for the first time, you'll see tiles on your home screen. Clicking each of those tiles will bring up a new feature that you can use. You can click on one tile to instantly see weather conditions in your area, browse breaking news stories or see photos saved on your computer. Windows 8 also lets you select which tiles you want to see and organize those tiles on your screen. This is a great feature for those who use touchscreen devices.
One thing you may notice is that Windows 8 requires more work to operate. Unlike previous versions of Windows that came with a classic start-up screen and a small button on the bottom that let you turn your computer on and off, Windows 8 lacks those features. You need to move your mouse to the side of the screen, locate the settings button and then select the power icon to turn off or restart your computer. You will also need to use the live tiles to access the main screen of your computer.
Microsoft designed Windows 8 for use on both tablets and computers. Though it works effectively with computers, it's far better suited for tablets and smaller devices. Unless you have a touchscreen on your device, you may find it hard to swipe through the live tiles and to find the exact feature that you want to open. Many users also find that it takes some time until they learn how to use all the new features.
Despite those issues, Windows 8 is a far better operating system than older versions of Windows. It has a cleaner and more modern look that helps you locate your files and programs. You'll also find that your desktop screen does not change. You can still create new folders, download programs and organize all the files on your computer. There is also a bar running across the bottom of the screen that has space for your most commonly used programs and apps. Pinning those apps to the screen lets you easily find everything you need to use.
Pros
- Live tiles feature commonly used apps on the start-up screen
- Lets users pin their favorite apps to the bottom of their screens
- Touchscreen users can easily swipe between tiles and programs
- Works on both tablets and computers
- Supports all major browsers, programs and apps
Cons
- Major changes from previous versions
- Takes some time to use and understand
- Better suited for touchscreens
- Lacks a traditional desktop at start-up
- Some live tiles take longer to open
