Windows 8 is planned to move to the beta phase in February end and it will likely to release in 3rd quarter of 2012. The latest OS from Microsoft does offer a number of powerful new functions for both administrators and end users.
Metro interface is considered to be the most talked-about feature of Windows 8. The feature is ideal for touchscreen computers and tablets, and designed to use HTML5 and CSS3.
Listed below are 11 feaures of Windows 8, definitely worth to know.
1. Fast boot-up
Microsoft has guaranteed significantly faster boot times in Windows 8, that could make glazing at logos on startup screens a matter of the past. The preview build of Windows 8 booted in nine seconds at my system. The earlier boot time on the same system running Windows 7 was roughly 75 seconds. It’s possible the fact that fast boot is because of the developer preview’s more compact build, which lacks the many stuff associated with a full OS, but in the case this speeds bring over to the shipment version, it’s a win for everyone.
2. Windows to Go
Everyone is becoming more mobile and it is tempting to try to get clear of our work computer, whether it’s a desktop or laptop, behind. However it is usually challenging to copy what’s on that computer — which includes the apps and settings we work with on a daily basis. The cloud can make it possible to store files or use apps on the net, however, many organizations will be reluctant to store any business data on the Internet. And cloud services will not help if the accounting/payroll application is a local install.
Windows to Go can come to picture in this particular scenario. The idea is that IT can load a user’s local install of Windows 8 onto a thumb drive, apps and all; users can then plug it into any other computer to copy their workplace. This will make ease the life of employees at the growing number of businesses that don’t give dedicated cubicles or workspaces. An person could plug their Windows to Go USB drive into any random PC and begin to work.
3. Reset and Refresh
A number of past releases of Windows have integrated a way to rebuild your computer from the begining and return to the default install, but the steps were a tad bit more complex for the normal users. Reinstalling the OS and bring back the computer to its original state are a lot easier tasks than ever in Windows 8. Now, Microsoft presents quick step-by-step wizards for Reset (return to default install, lose all data and apps) and Refresh (return all settings to the default for faster and more reliable function, but retain the data and apps) functions in Windows 8.
Home users will get both choices available on their computers, but businesses can set security policies with their systems to make sure that, users are able to do a Refresh themselves however Reset function needs an IT personnel. These easy-to-use features can certainly help the users to troubleshoot their personal PCs — an excellent asset for individuals and also IT support staffers.
4. The Ribbon interface
Some time ago, Microsoft surprised the world by entirely overhauling the user interface with its popular Office 2007 software, changing the familiar menu and toolbar system with something it named the Ribbon, which groups features and tools into distinct collections. This controversial switch angered many longtime Office users, though some others observed the new interface more effective to use once they would become used to it.
Now the Ribbon is making its way into Windows 8. You’ll find it in Windows Explorer, where it presents an easy way to check file attributes and sort files. The Ribbon interface pops up in unexpected places, too, such as the new Hyper-V management app. For users who don’t like it, the UI it can be disabled with one click.
5. The Windows Store
Included with Windows 8, the Windows Store will imitate Apple’s Mac App Store, making it easy to find, purchase and install Microsoft-approved apps for the OS. Microsoft plans to launch this feature along with the Windows 8 beta in February.
The comfort and security of a Microsoft app store with free trials and user-based licensing are great for individuals, but businesses should use careful attention and set clear security policies.
6. Support Native ISO image
In earlier editions of Windows, third-party application was necessary to mount ISO images, archive files that include the whole contents of an optical disc and are frequently used to distribute software for bootable discs. In Windows 8, when you double-click an ISO image file on your hard drive, you can open the image in Explorer as a virtual optical drive, get access to its contents and even copy and paste files anywhere else on your hard drive for use with other programs.
This simply means easier access to a common file format; it’s especially important for archiving legacy DVDs and CDs. Another common use: If someone makes an ISO image of their own pics and vids to burn a DVD, you can open that ISO file in Windows 8.
ISO access is more and more helpful considering the slow disappearance of optical drives with the rapid increase in available hard drive space. The individual will no longer require to carry the physical media along with them; They can just have the pictures locally stored. This really is a great advantage for IT staffers in addition to those who use gadgets which do not have optical drives.
7. Wi-Fi Direct
Similar to Android 4. 0, Windows 8 natively supports Wi-Fi Direct. This rising peer-to-peer technology uses a standard 802. 11n Wi-Fi signal for network transmissions over small distances, but there’s no requirement for a router — it enables your Wi-Fi devices communicate directly with one another.
Wi-Fi Direct could usher at a time of interconnected devices in which your tablet sends data to the alarm, or even smartphone communicates with a smart appliance inside your kitchen. Wi-Fi Direct gives handy close-range peer-to-peer sharing, but it’s too early to tell whether the technology will become popular.
8. Side-by-side Apps on Tablets
The Metro interface brings one unique function for upcoming Windows 8 tablets: the power to run two apps on the screen simultaneously. Even the market-leading Apple iPad 2 can’t run side-by-side apps.
Metro allows two applications to be seen at the same time, though Microsoft may need to rethink screen limitations. This might address a disadvantage to iOS. An effective feature for tablet users, but it’s quite possible that competing Android tablets and/or the iPad will also support side-by-side apps by the time Windows 8 is released in Q4.
9. ARM Processor Support
Windows has traditionally function on x86-based processors from Intel and AMD. If you pick a Windows tablet today, it will most likely work with an Intel processor. But Apple’s iPad and the majority Android tablets are powered by ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) processors, that are developed for fast processing and extended battery life on mobile devices.
ARM support is probably the most significant feature in Windows 8. It signifies a completely new market for Microsoft, consisting of ultra-thin tablets with long-lasting batteries. ARM tablets that run Windows will advantage consumers, but businesses that need to run legacy software may need to stay with x86-based devices.
10. Hyper-V
Microsoft’s enterprise virtualization tool, Hyper-V has been offered to IT administrators in recent versions of Windows Server, but Windows 8 brings it on the client OS. It will help end users run other os’s, for example older versions of Windows, within the virtual machine. It is an essential inclusion to Windows 8, but many end users may find Hyper-V too complex and that technical staff might get more value in it.
Built-in virtualization technology in Windows 8 is a big win for firms that have not widely deployed VMware.
11. An Enhanced Task Manager
Perhaps the most enhanced features in Windows 8 is the redesigned Task Manager, which is both easier and a lot more precise than ever before. Rather than a cryptic set of processes and stats, the default screen shows only the names of running applications and lets you to quickly kill any which aren’t responding.
The graphs that display CPU performance also help you to check out disk performance by clicking on a tile. You can also see a past of your wireless networking speed, and monitor send-and-receive rates. An expedient improvement for starters and power users as well.
What you think about these new functions of Windows 8? Will these enough to think about to migrate to a new OS? Share your views in comments.
About Jose Tinto
Even though its faster than Mac I didn’t like the mobile oriented of interface.