Windows 8 is a new operating system from Microsoft that features a tile-based interface inspired by mobile operating systems. It includes integration with cloud services for file storage and sharing, improved security features like encryption and malware protection, and support for new technologies like Near Field Communication. Windows 8 is available in several editions suited for different users, including a basic "Core" version and a full-featured "Pro" edition.
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Whether you are a tech nerd or not, as a 21st
century living person,
in a world that you cannot get away from the media, you have
certainly heard about the new species of Microsoft Windows
operating system (OS) family dubbed as Windows 8. An OS which brings a new interface that is almost different
from the older ones as well as a more secure and faster environment.
When the project started? Back in 3 years ago, even before its predecessor, Windows 7, was
released to the general market, the company started developing its future superseding product, however they
unveiled Windows 8 early in 2011 during the most popular electronics show, "CES", in Las Vegas and the
developer version went public 9 months later. As Microsoft claims,
over 100,000 changes were made during this interval.
What are the features? Speed has always been one of
the main concerns of software developers. The long, sucking computer
start-up time does no longer tease the users. Windows 8 takes
advantage of "Hybrid Boot" which does not totally shutdown the
operating system's kernel, its central component. Instead, it
hibernates, the kernel.
Cloud computing is growing as fast as you cannot even imagine. But
do not worry! The new operating system is integrated with free online
services that let you have cloud storage, share and synchronize your
applications among different systems. Microsoft has even started a
new online store for digital distribution of applications dubbed as
"Windows Store" in which you can find a wide range of free and paid
apps in order to facilitate the access to certified applications that run
fully compatible in Windows 8, similar to Apple's Mac App
Store. It is good to know that 20 – 30 percent of the sale price
for each app is taken by Microsoft.
This version of Windows supports the newly populated standard
"Near Field Communication" (NFC) which was founded by
Nokia, Philips, and Sony. NFC enables portable devices to
transfer large amount of data in a blink when they are near each
other without forcing users to set complicated, time-consuming
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steps as they should do for Bluetooth pairing or Wi-Fi connections. Connecting and transferring data is as easy as
the way you place your subway smart card close to the reader machine.
The security of the data has an important value for every
user. The BitLocker encrypts sensitive drives, so strangers
cannot access user's data without having the electronic
keys, also known as passwords. New back-up options
let users have a reserved copy of the files in secondary
storages to enable them prevent loss of files. Windows'
integrated anti-virus, Windows Defender, as well as its
malware filter, SmartScreen, helps protecting users
against attacks.
You may be familiar with Linux's portability. Some versions of this
operating system allow users run the OS directly from a disc without installation on
the system. For the first time, Windows officially has a similar feature named "Windows To Go"
that takes advantage of USB flash memories instead of discs too. Native support of USB's third version even
makes this feature work faster.
How does it look like? One of the main differences between Windows 8 and its predecessors is the
new tile-based Start screen which has a metro-design interface, based on the classic Swiss graphic design which
is similar to Windows Media Center, Google's Android, and Apple's iOS user interface. It is also inspired by the
signs commonly found at public transport systems where the main emphasis is on good typography in order to
catch the eye. Some of the tiles show updated information such as weather forecast, news, new emails, etc.
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Which edition is suitable
for you? There are a total number of
four editions available for Windows 8:
the basic one which is known as "Core",
the additionally application equipped
one named "Pro" which is similar to the
Ultimate and Professional editions of
Windows 7 and Windows Vista, the
special IT professional one dubbed as
"Enterprise", and finally "RT", the ARM-
based devices dedicated edition, pre-installed on tablet PCs such as Microsoft Surface with touch-optimized
support.
Buy genuine software! Respect copyright, no matter
where you are!
Farzawn Loeloei
Chief Executive Officer at Ulala Studio
Computer, Electronics, and Aviation Expert
Spoken Languages: Persian, English, French, Turkish
Education:
A. A. S. Computer Science from University
of Applied Science and technology
B. A. English Language Teaching, Islamic
Azad University, South Tehran Branch