A Quick View : Windows 8

Microsoft launched Windows 8 on Friday. Microsoft wants to ensure that its new OS runs on all form factors such as PC's, Tablets etc.. Microsoft foresees people using a common OS, seamlessly interoperating between different devices without any glitches. It also envisions gadgets that can function as a tablet or laptop depending on the users requirements. It works with Mouse and Keyboard as well as Touchscreen. Most of you know about this feature I guess. For this purpose, Microsoft had to make some big changes to Windows.

Log In
Windows 8 is heavily integrated with Microsoft's web services. Users are provided with an option to log on to their PS's with a Windows Live ID, instead of a Local Users Account, for seamless functioning between various devices. For instance, if you are following certain news feed in the reader app on your Tablet, the same content will also be available on your PC. Cool, ain't it? Besides, you are automatically logged-on to those metro-style apps and services that use your Live ID for authentication.

The Modern User Interface
In one of the most radical changes to Windows in the last 28 years, Microsoft has introduced a new tile-based user interface known as the Modern UI. You might have seen this tile based UI on Windows phone. This interface lends itself to operations with a touchscreen.

Each app shows up as a tile on the 'Start Screen'. These app tiles are also capable of displaying dynamic updates. For instance, the News app will scroll through headlines while the People app will display latest updates from your social networks. Even Control Panel settings and Network Connections are handled through this new interface.

Desktop
There are two changes that Microsoft has made to the Desktop feature in Windows 8. First, it can now be accessed through a tile on the Modern UI. Second, the 'Start' button is no more! Instead, users have to move the cursor to the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press the Windows Key on the Keyboard to access the 'Start Screen'. In the Desktop mode, users will be able to run all the software they have always used in Windows. New programs will show up as a shortcut on the 'Start Screen'.

Gestures - Touchscreen
Since the Operating System is supposed to run on tablets, the Modern UI is designed to work with gestures such as pinching in and out for zooming in and out, scrolling through apps with a swipe of a finger
A few operations that can be done using Touchscreen

• Pinch and Stretch to Zoom in and out. Get a global view of everything that's on your screen, and slide back and forth to find what you're looking for.
• Swipe in from the left to switch between recently used apps.
• Swipe in from the right to get back to Start and to other things you do often, like searching, sharing, changing your settings etc.
• Swipe in from the bottom to see navigation controls for any app you're in.

You can easily do all these things with a mouse, too.

Apps
Windows 8 comes with its own app store, like iTunes store and the Google Play, where you can download and install apps. Of course, the store will be limited to Modern apps. Other apps and software will have to be procured and installed like how it's always been done.

Task Manager
Microsoft says that 85% of Windows users only bring up the 'applications' and 'processes' Task Manager to check which program is using up system resources and to close that are 'Not Responding'. So Microsoft decided to make this easier with a revamped Task Manager that displays a simple list of the programs that are running on your PC with a handy 'End Task' button. More details like Services, App History, Startup etc. are available, if needed.

Refresh and Restore
If a PC seemed sluggish, the old solution was to format the C Drive and re-install the OS, but Windows 8 gives users the option to go back to default settings by merely clicking the 'Refresh' option in the Settings menu. You don't loose any of your personal data in this. And in case this doesn't work, consider the restore option, which wipes the hard drive and re-installs Windows 8.

File Copy
File Copy now comes with buttons to pause, resume and stop the file transfer, and provides details on copy speed too.

Installing Windows 8?

Before that just read this. Right now, most users don't need to upgrade to Windows 8. But if you're buying a laptop or desktop, then sure, go for it. If you use a touchscreen PC running Windows 8, then definitely upgrade to Windows 8. Also, if you are currently considering a new notebook PC, it might make sense to wait a few months till new models with touchscreens enter the market.

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