Introduction to Windows 8

Getting to know Windows 8

Windows 8 is an operating system developed by Microsoft after windows 7 for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablets, and home theater PCs. Microsoft starts work on windows 8 in 2009. 

Microsoft pre-release three versions of windows 8 which are: 

1. Developer Preview at 13-09-2011 
2. Consumer Preview at 29-02-2012 
3. Release Preview at 31-05-2012 

Windows 8's user interface is built based on Metro design language and introduces a new form of "Windows 8-style software".

Windows 8 is available in four additions which are: 

1. Windows 8 
2. Windows 8 pro 
3. Windows 8 Enterprise 
4. Windows RT 

The first three namely Windows 8, Windows 8 pro, Windows 8 Enterprise are required same hardware configurations as windows 7 and the last one Windows RT is design for tablet computers. 

Some features of windows 8 are the following.  

Metro

The Metro user interface environment features a new tile-based Start screen similar to that of the Windows Phone operating system. Each tile represents an application, and can display relevant information such as the number of unread messages for an e-mail application or the current temperature on a weather application. These applications run in full-screen or in docked modes, and are able to share information between each other using "contracts". 

Windows defender

Windows Defender now has anti-virus capabilities, similar to those of Microsoft Security Essentials. It is intended to replace the Security Essentials package and function as the default anti-virus program. 

File Explorer

File Explorer will include a ribbon toolbar, and have its file operation progress dialog updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files. 

New Authentication Modes

Two new authentication methods have been added. The picture password, which allows users to log in by drawing three gestures in different places on a picture, and the PIN log in, which allows users to authenticate using a four digit pin. 

Hybrid Boot

Hybrid Boot will use hibernation technology to allow faster startup times by saving the Windows core's memory to the hard disk and reloading it upon boot.