September 25, 2012 | Paul Merak | Comments 0

Windows 8 review

Microsoft is scheduled to launch their new Windows 8 operating system. Final Windows 8 RTM version has already been released to devs and volume clients and can be downloaded at MSDN Evaluation center.

As for the mainstream release of Windows 8 and Windows RT, the scheduled date is October 26th. By then we’re hoping and certainly the indications are there, that many manufacturers will step up and design and produce exciting cutting edge Windows 8 devices.

Many such Windows 8 devices are already there. As it stands now the pack leads Samsung with their new series 9 ultrabooks Ativ Tabs and Ativ Smart PC. Acers is getting their Acer Aspire M3 Touch and Aspire V5 Touch ultrabooks, Fujitsu announced their LifeBook T902 tablet PC, Sony brings in Vaio Duo 11 hybrid, Asus showcased their new Tablet 600 and Tablet 810 and many other makers displaying their well spent R&D money on recent IFA 2012 tech fare in Berlin.

Microsoft presents probably the biggest changes to operating system by introducing touch screen functionality. Windows 8 is smooth and quick, leaving very little for future servicing. Most new features are polish up, and fully functional. There are number of versions of Windows 8.

Windows 8 Internet Explorer 10

Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 10 are both faster even on older computers. Security has been improved and battery seems to last longer as well.

File History, Storage Space, Windows Explorer, are all new and worth taking a full advantage of. The charm bar makes accessing your settings and managing your PC very easy. Cloud has been added as one of your storage options.

Windows 8 has made a significant leap in making it easy to connect to your friends and family as well as news and entertainment.

Having said all that there are sides to Windows 8 that could use a bit of polishing up. Switching between the Desktop UI and Modern UI is easy but not very clear to someone who is new to the touchscreen experience.

Search function is just not efficient. Search charm looks for files and apps, but fails to deliver on emails in say Outlook or OneNote.

Small variety of applicable Windows 8 apps is a definite minus, although yes, let’s be patient.

Hibernate function to save on battery life isn’t on by default in Windows 8. Turn this on!

Media Center is now paid luxury. Understandably xbox is popular way to play and watch, but seeing only few improvements it’s just isn’t worth the buck to many people. Word is if you upgrade from Windows 7 you will get Media Center for free. Let’s remember upgrade to Windows 8 will expire in January 2013.

Windows Store

There are many important apps that you now need to go to Windows Store to get. What, no DVD playback software? No more preinstalled apps for you. You get the basics like Calendar, Bing apps, Mail and Messages. The rest, free or not you need to get in Windows Store. This works even if you’re upgrading. Shouldn’t Microsoft respect your app choices and ask you if you’d like to keep them?

BitLocker disk encryption isn’t automatically on Windows 8. Windows RT has it but not your PC!

Windows 8 offers a great leap into the world of touchscreens and undeniably adds to the user experience, especially if you have newer touchscreen notebook. Desktop version offers faster, more secure and more power cautions operating system. Start screen and the charm bar need some getting used to but are an improvement in many ways. Adding more apps and tweaking few bugs will make this OS a great choice to many.

Read These Windows 8 articles:

Windows 8 Installation
Windows 8 Modern UI
Windows 8 Desktop UI
Windows 8 Modern UI apps
Windows 8 Desktop apps
Windows 8 Touchscreen
Windows 8 Mouse and Keyboard
Windows 8 vs Windows 7
Windows 8 Security
Windows 8 Media Player and xbox apps
Windows 8 Internet Explorer 10
Windows 8 Apps

Windows 8 review

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