First Look At Windows 8

Most of you have probably seen the recent changes in technology and its impact on our daily lives. Kindle’s and iPad’s are now more common on the train than newspapers and books. Pretty much everyone has a pair of iPod ear buds in their ears, and almost all new devices run on a touch screen interface. Well Microsoft has been well aware of these changes and has been making revolutionary changes in their latest OS – Windows 8. As your technician, I am here to keep you in the loop. Technology has truly found its way into our daily lives, and I for one couldn’t be happier. Windows 8 is taking a leap into this new generation, “the most radical overhaul of Microsoft’s premiere software since Windows 95” says Microsoft’s Sam Moreau and Windows president Steven Sinofsky calls the new OS a “generational change”. Microsoft recently released Windows 8 Release Preview, which I installed on one of my spare units the other day. So let’s deal with the first thing you will see and no doubt have a lot of questions about: Windows Metro. Those of you with Windows phones may have an easier time adjusting than others.

This… is Metro – the new interface Microsoft is attempting to accommodate the new generation of touch screens, netbooks, and tablets. Now, many of you may have a panic attach when your new computer turns on and shows you this, but don’t worry – your desktop is still there. Metro is a sort of replacement for the Start button. It’s no secret that Windows 7 wasn’t exactly the best match for netbooks and works best on a desktop machine. Windows 8 is sort of working to remedy that, removing Windows 7’s tiny sweet spots and buttons. Instead, we are given a very swoopy interface designed with large tiles and fast and simplistic options. Metro’s “main page”, if you will, presents the user with the most common tasks right at the fingertips – literally. Though it is a step into the touch screen generation, one can still use the mouse to interact with the system.

 

Metro uses a series of downloadable apps, similar to your phone. It is here that you can see another bit of where technology is headed. Touch and voice interface systems all working to interconnect each and every one of us. The methods of sharing files and office meetings of early 2000 will be a joke compared to what is in store for the next 10 – 20 years, I’d say. At the risk of this becoming a dull read, ill cut it off here for now. Don’t worry, my favorite thing is to find work around to interfaces I hate so the next thing to come will more than likely be a few tips and tricks to removing features you don’t like. To get the best customization of your new machine, and all your questions answered, visit us at www.MooreITHelp.com or call 617-396-7044.