Windows 8 Operating System Introduction

Windows 8 is the next generation of Windows 7 released to public October 26th 2012. Unlike the previous generation, Windows 8 is designed to fulfill the desktop computer, laptop, and tablet PC requirement at once. The difference which can be seen is the metro style appearance which recently is called as modem UI or Windows 8 style UI which is designed for touch screen.

Windows 8 Features

Windows 8 have hundreds of features which cannot be found in the previous Windows operating system, including:

• Application design Windows 8 UI and Touchscreen Support.
• No Start button which is replaced with Start Screen and Charms.
• Compatibility with Intel, AMD, and ARM (especially for tablet) architecture.
• Compatibility with low specification device such as tablet, laptop, netbook, and even smartphone.
• Windows Explorer which is using ribbon like Office 2010 and 2007. Its name is changed with File Explorer.
• Hybrid Boot feature for making start up faster by saving main Windows memory into the hard disk and loading it every booting process.
• Windows To Go feature for making bootable USB Drive able to be used for Windows booting.
• New recovery features, Refresh and Reset. Refresh recovers all Windows file to the starting condition without changing the setting, file, or Windows 8 UI application. Reset recovers computer to manufacture standard condition.
• Windows Task Manager with new design.
• Easy activation process.
• Lock Screen introduction.
• Windows Store for purchasing or installing Windows 8 UI application.
• Storage application with Cloud system called SkyDrive.
• Better antivirus integrated with Windows Defender.
• Varied Log-In options including Microsoft or local account keyword, picture keyword, and PIN.

Windows 8 Versions

Some Windows 8 versions which are provided maybe will be confusing, but basically there are four Windows 8 versions which are purposed for different need; for home use, business use, chip ARM using device, and large corporation which purchases in large amount.

1. Windows 8 (Win 8 Standard) is similar with Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium which are purposed for home users.
2. Windows 8 Pro (Win 8 Professional) is similar with Windows 7 Ultimate for business users.
3. Windows 8 Enterprise Edition is the version for large corporation or enterprise which purchases the operating system in large amount and also application developer users.
4. Windows 8 RT (ARM or WOA) Windows Runtime is the new name for Windows on ARM operating system version. This version cannot be purchased for free because it has been installed directly on the PC or tablet with ARM processor.

Windows 8 Developer Preview, Consumer Preview, and Release Preview Difference

Before Windows 8 is released, we have ever heard about Developer Preview, Consumer Preview, and Release Preview. What is the difference from those terms?

1. Windows 8 Developer Preview is the earliest Windows 8 which is released by Microsoft before the official release. Windows 8 Developer Preview was made for developer who will make application on Windows 8 and give advice to Microsoft for making the perfect Windows 8.
2. Windows 8 Consumer Preview is second Windows 8 released by Microsoft before the official release. Windows 8 Consumer Preview was made for consumers so they can make consideration directly for Windows 8 which will be released officially.
3. Windows 8 Release Preview is the latest Windows 8 released by Microsoft before the official release. In this Windows 8 Release Preview version, the features offered are nearly perfect.

Windows 8.1

Big change is made by Microsoft in Windows 8, but it is not enough for making users to replace their operating system to Windows 8. For me, Windows 7 is more popular than Windows 8. After a year release of Windows 8, finally Microsoft releases Windows 8.1 as the latest operating system and offers it for free for Windows 8 users. Windows 8 users can download the update file with 2.8 GB capacity through Windows Store.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Start-Menu-Reviver-Now-Compatible-with-Windows-8-1-365426.shtml

Some improvement as well as feature additions which is made in Windows 8.1 including the comeback of Start and Boot button on the desktop, ability of Windows 8.1 which can boot directly to the desktop without having to go to the Start Screen, and same wallpaper on the start screen and desktop screen. There are new standard application addition including Calculator (Modern UI), Alarm, Sound Recorder, Reading List, Food & Drink, Help & Tips, and a File Manager based on Modern UI integrated with SkyDrive Modern UI application.

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