Microsoft Windows 8 was finally launched in late October 2012. It’s the first time in 3 years that Microsoft has released a new operating system. Windows 8 is the successor to Microsoft Windows 7 (which was preceded by Microsoft Windows Vista). Today more than 90% of the world’s PCs use Microsoft Windows as their operating system.
Microsoft Windows 8 is the first edition of Windows to that’s able to operate on both tablets and traditional PCs. That is not the only feature of this next level operating system though. Check out this list of key Windows 8 features below:
- Microsoft Windows 8 boasts a brand new touch-centric tiled interface. A touch is screen is not required to use it. Don’t stress, you can still navigate your way around with a keyboard and mouse.
- The traditional Windows Start Menu has been removed from Windows 8. You don’t have to feel lost though, third-party alternatives have already started to appear for this (Pokki, Start8 and Classic Shell). Windows 8 also offers Desktop Mode (which looks like Windows 7).
- Windows 8 features Charms. It’s basically a new implementation of the traditional Windows start bar. One of the uses of Charms is to quickly configure settings for individual applications. On an ordinary non-touch PC Charms can be accessed by dragging the mouse to the bottom-left corner of the screen and on a tablet users are required to swipe from the right side of the screen to bring up Charms.
- The Windows 8 “Refresh” option will be useful when you find your PC acting slow or buggy. In a one-click or one-tap move you are able to refresh the PC without changing any files, Windows Store applications or your personal settings. All of the PC settings will be changed back to the default. Note that you will lose any desktop programs (since those are not synced with your Windows Account). It’s an easy fix if you ask me.
- The Windows 8 “Reset” option is great if you want to hand over your old PC to a new owner. If you want to make sure that everything is wiped, this is the button that you’ll be able to push. No more having to delete individual files or going through manufacturer-specific programs to figure it out.
- The “Sync your settings” option on Windows 8 lets you sync your personal settings (e.g. background, colors, lock screen and account picture), passwords, language preferences, app settings, browser settings and more with your Windows 8 driven tablet or mobile phone. It also makes using a new device easier and makes borrowing a friend’s tablet or notebook a personal experience. This is all thanks to the Microsoft account and the operating system’s cloud-friendly platform. Now you’re able to take your personal settings with you when you’re on the move.
- The newly added Windows 8 share menu allows you post links, photos and sections within apps that you’re using to your social networks and e-mail. You’ll also be able to share between apps. Another cool thing is that the Windows 8 Share Charm will start to recognize where and with who you’re sharing things the most.
- Windows 8 also has an improved version of the Task Manager. This feature adds much more functionality in a very attractive space. Thanks to this you’ll be able to figure out which programs / applications are using the most resources on your PC and slowing it down.
- Some folks might disagree with me, but the best feature of Microsoft’s newest operating system is it’s new interface. The new start screen user interface enables users to have a completely new Windows experience. It may be confusing for some at first, but I’m predicting that users will complain less about it once they get used to it.
There are plenty of features that users will have to explore in Microsoft Windows 8. I’m pretty sure that will take some getting used to if you’re used to using the old Microsoft Windows interface that most of you reading this post have gotten used to since it was first introduced in the 1980’s.
Check out this promotional advert below which was posted by Microsoft South Africa on YouTube recently:
What do you think of Microsoft Windows 8? Feel free to comment on this post and let us know, we’d like to hear your thoughts. Feedback is appreciated and welcome on the Junk Mail blog.
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