Microsoft has made significant contributions to the world of personal computing from a Disk Operating System (DOS) to a Windows Operating System (OS). The evolution of Windows goes through constant jumps of graphical user interface enhancements, usability and functionality improvements as well as an assortment of software applications to deliver more powerful personal computing into customer's hands. Microsoft introduced different versions of their operating systems over time, from Windows 95, to Windows XP, to Windows 7. LaTely, Microsoft introduced their most recent operating system called Windows 8.
Windows 8 was released into several versions, from developer previews, consumer previews, an RTM version, and finally the official version. Tech savvy users and developers are enthused with this release and looking at comparisons with the predecessor Windows 7. As a computer enthusiast and in utmost curiosity, I obtained a copy of the unofficial version of Windows 8 RTM. I now present my assessment through this review.
· The Metro – Windows 8 offers a Metro-style graphical user interface inspired from Windows phones. The start menu is gone, and is replaced with a fully customizable home screen. The home screen offers easy access to applications, shortcuts, documents and information represented by customizable panels tiled horizontally and vertically. The user will have the full freedom to customize the touch and feel of Windows 8, from panels, background images, background accessories, color themes, and user profiles.
· Metro Apps – Applications (Apps) on Windows 8 are specifically called Metro Apps, and are categorized into different areas. Examples are Bing (Microsoft's search engine) applications on tech, sports, travel, maps, finance and more. Windows 8 also features the people app that is a hub for all of your social networking sites. Additionally, they have their own Windows store where you can download and install free and paid third party software.
· Special Gestures on Usability – If you want to explore Windows 8 more, there are built in special swipes and tabs, each represents a functional feature of the operating system (OS). Rather than a mouse click, Microsoft introduced the OS via the new trend of touch screen technology. Minimizing, clicking, and other functions can be done through finger touch. The right side of the home screen offers charms, the left side offers multitasking options, and top to bottom offers commands specific to the application you are using. Many other touch gestures drastically change the web browsing for example, multimedia playback, e-mail and others.
Then Microsoft introduced their own version of their tablet called the "Surface", which packs the latest Windows 8 OS, rivaling against Google's Android OS and Apple's iOS. This features a slim capacitive tablet and a detachable sleek keyboard that comes with various color themes. The bang of Windows 8 OS made Asus, Acer, Hewlett Packard, and Samsung create their own version of their tablets running the same OS. Other manufacturers are now integrating Windows 8 on their personal computers and 2-in-1 laptop and tablet products.
Microsoft is also manufacturing a collection of Windows 8 ready hardware. The wedge and the sculpt series of touch mouse and mobile keyboards are very impressive, and are fully optimized for Microsoft surface users.
Now that it is available, are you going to buy it or upgrade your current Windows OS? Because some people believe Windows 8 is for touch-screen only and not everyone can afford a touch-screen, they may be slow to adopt it. Others appreciate Windows 8 as a new variation of an operating system that will be on both touch and non-touch devices. It's really up to you and depends on your style and preference.
Best wishes, Josh Holliday
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