Windows 8 was released on Oct 26th, 2012, to the public. There are many differences from its predecessor operating systems. The Metro Style tiles and apps are the new learning curve of Windows 8 features, as they replace the traditional Start menu and require users to adapt to a touch-friendly interface that emphasizes live updates and app integration.
Metro Start Screen and Tiles—Windows 8 Features
Metro Start in Windows 8 is the new interface for starting programs. The screen is divided into small tiles with apps and is updated from time to time. You can regroup the apps as per your interest.
Windows 8 has the dual advantage of a Metro screen and a normal startup menu like Windows 7. All the applications of the previous OS still run in Windows 8. But to adjust to the new tiles takes little time.
Metro apps display on the metro screen. They are simple to install and work easily with Windows. Windows Store is another rich feature from which you can download the Metro apps. One-click access is available on the Metro screen for the Windows Store.
If you are missing the Start Menu of Windows 7, you can get it back in Windows 8 using ViStart. ViStart is a third-party application that restores the Start Menu in Windows 8.
What happens when Windows 8 and 8.1 support ends
Windows 8 Devices and Touch
Windows 8 has the dual approach of tablets and desktops. It suits both the devices. There is a change in the default browser of Windows 8. Internet 10 has the traditional view and a lightweight browser.
Touch commands are available for Windows 8 touch devices. SkyDrive, now called OneDrive, is integrated into Windows 8. It provides 5GB of free cloud storage service, and you can sync different files on your computer to the cloud. Even large files up to 2GB in size are available for transfer.
If you want to skip the login screen and directly go to the Metro interface, then this guide will help.
Windows 8 Control Panel
The charms bar is the de facto standard, replacing the control panel of Windows 7. It offers quick access to search, sharing, device settings, and much more. The search bar existed in previous Windows versions, but its user experience has improved in the new Windows 8, making it more intuitive and efficient for users to find applications and settings quickly.
The Windows 8 snap-to feature allows multitasking of Metro apps. On the same screen, you can operate two apps and also communicate with classic desktop applications.
Different brands like Dell, Lenovo, and HP support the Windows 8 operating system and detail its features.
Windows 8 Recovery and PC Settings
Recovery is a new feature that helps to refresh or reset a Windows 8 PC. Two new options are available in addition to the system restore and other recovery options of Windows 7.
New PC settings are available in the control panel. Load and boot times have significantly improved due to better resource allocations, which allow for faster access to system files and applications during startup. Windows 8 hibernates the system kernel when you shut down. When you reboot, the system starts a lot quicker.
Live Information of Stocks and Weather
Windows 8 allows personalization with the desktop apps on the Metro Interface, enabling users to customize their experience by choosing which apps to display and how to arrange them based on their preferences. The live tiles display real-time information. Search within apps has vastly improved with Windows 8’s search function, allowing users to find content more efficiently across various applications, including settings, files, and web results.
You can connect to remote computers using the remote desktop protocol of Windows 8. A complete video tutorial is given on how to implement it.
Windows 8 New Feature
The Windows To Go feature allows you to make a copy of the Windows 8 OS, complete with system settings, apps, wallpapers, and files, onto a USB drive. This is an incredible feature. You can restore your system settings and files by connecting the USB drive when viruses hit the system.
Windows Live Account helps to restore the personal settings of a Windows 8 PC. If you have formatted your desktop and would like to restore back the previous theme settings and options, the USB drive facilitates the connection.
Hot Corners and Social Media Sharing
Hot corners is another excellent feature of Windows 8. When you move your mouse pointer to the corners of the screen, it will open a toolbar that you can click. Further options are available under this setting.
You can link social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr to Windows 8. When your friends update, it is seen in the People’s app updates.
Built-in Antivirus Windows 8
The built-in antivirus program, Windows Defender, offers excellent protection to Windows 8 computers. It protects from ransomware and spyware. The Windows Store lists the app permissions for each app.
Windows Live ID helps in migrating to a new PC with the same settings as on your old PC. You can keep all the important personalized settings the same, including desktop backgrounds, application preferences, and user accounts.
Pinning an app or tile is easy in the Windows 8 Metro interface. However, if you would also like to pin websites, that is possible. It helps in quick access to your most important sites, such as frequently visited news, social media, or shopping websites.
Sharing is another beneficial feature of Windows 8. You just need to go to the Charms bar and share via email or Facebook.
Task Manager and Xbox
Task Manager has also improved in Windows 8. The new Metro OS manages processes and performance differently. The boost can be seen in the Task Manager details. Here, you can find the list of resources consumed by each app and device.
Xbox Live integration is done with Windows 8. This feature makes playing games easier and integration with Xbox devices simple. Settings were difficult in Windows 7. But now with Windows 8, Xbox error codes are reduced.
USB 3.0 and ARM devices
USB 3.0 support is available. In recent times, faster transfer rates are possible with USB 3.0. If you have compatible external storage devices, reading and writing will be much quicker.
Windows 8 is supported on ARM devices and x86 architecture computers. A special version called Windows RT runs on ARM-based systems. Legacy software can’t be installed on this type of OS.
Upgrade, Price Comparison and Dual Monitor Support
If you want to upgrade to Windows 8, you can read this review on getting a discount and a cheaper rate to buy the latest version.
The start page has been mandatory for all systems. The Metro screen is not very pleasing to Windows users. It can be used both with a keyboard and mouse and also using touch.
Better multi-monitor support is available in Windows 8. You can move your browsers and apps from one screen to another with ease. This feature facilitates a large workspace. You can extend the taskbar and wallpapers.
You can view the price comparison of various versions of Windows 8 here.