Ushering in a new era of cloud-connected Microsoft services, a unified user interface, and more-robust social media interaction
By Ken Subedi, Kathmandu
With its brand-new interface and a new way of doing things, Windows 8 is something of departure from previous versions. If there is one aspect of Windows that has remained consistent, it is the interface. Even if you had only even used Windows 95, you could probably sit in front of Windows 7 and use it without a single problem. That all changes with Windows 8, as it is the biggest shake-up to the operating system (OS) since Microsoft introduced the Start Menu in Windows 95. In fact, Windows 8 does not even have a Start menu, as it has been replaced by the brand new Start screen. You may be confused at first using Windows 8 as compared to Windows 7. This is no criticism of Windows 8, but a realisation that this new OS does things differently with new features.
Start screen
The biggest change in Windows 8 is the new Start screen. This was originally called the Metro Interface, but the German supermarket of the same name did not like that, so Microsoft renamed it ‘Windows 8’ and the ‘Modern UI,’ both of which are confusing. For this reason, we are calling it what the OS calls it: the Start screen, Whatever you call it, the Start screen uses the same interface as Windows Phone and the Xbox. The ‘Tiles’ is the new name for shortcuts, but applications can also have Live Tiles, which update to the latest information from the app, such as a list of recent e-mails. As well as Live Tiles, the Start screen provides access to a range of full-screen apps. These are separate from the usual desktop applications that run on full-screen. They do not need to be shut down, and can be paused to save resources when you move to a different application. To go with its new apps, Microsoft has introduced the Windows Store, which lets you buy and download apps from one place.
Touch control
One of the main reasons Microsoft has completely changed the way Windows looks and feels is to cater for touch screens. This includes all-in-one PCs, touch screen monitors and tablets. With its big Start screen and new apps, Windows 8 is ideal for touch control. It is easy to use new interface with a keyboard and mouse, although it takes some getting used to. Fortunately, there are many shortcuts.
Simpler version
One problem with previous Windows releases was the sheer number of versions available. Windows 7 came in Starter, Home, Professional, and Ultimate versions, with 32 and 64-bit versions of each. For Windows 8, Microsoft has simplified this to just two retail versions: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. The main difference is that Windows 8 Pro has extra business features, including the BitLocker drive encryption tool. For most people, Windows 8 will suffice. No version of Windows 8 includes Windows Media Center, as this has been removed from the OS. It will be offered as an optional upgrade through the Windows Store. Upgrading is now easier, too. If you have just bought a new Windows 7 computer, you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just 15 pounds by registering at windowsupgradeoffer.com. The differences with Windows 8 compared with previous versions is that it is available as a download from the Windows Store (microsoftstore.com) from the launch date on October 26, 2012. You can still burn an installation DVD or create a USB key for installation.
Getting to grips
Whether or not you like the new look, this is the direction Microsoft has taken, and if you buy a new PC, tablet or laptop, Windows 8 is the OS you will get. We think that once you get used to its habit, Windows 8’s faster boot time and improved desktop makes it a great upgrade from Windows 7, so it is worth taking the trouble to learn how to use it.
The author is associated with Living with ICT and CG Manipal Campion School. He can be contacted through kengb1@gmail.com.
