It is less than two weeks for the official Windows 8 launch(October 26,2012). Development of this operating system started before the release of its predecessor in 2009. Its existence was first announced in January 2011 at Consumer Electronics Show. Last Sunday, Windows 8 has released its debut television ad campaign.
Windows 8 is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablets, and home theater PCs.
Windows 8 employs a new user interface based on Microsoft’s Metro design language. The environment features a new tile-based Start screen similar to that of Windows Phone, which has replaced the previous Start menu entirely. Windows 8 introduces a new style of application, Windows Store apps; according to Microsoft developer Jensen Harris, these apps are to be optimized for touchscreen environments and have smaller scope in relation to desktop applications.
Additional security features were added to the operating system, such as a built-in antivirus program and a secure boot feature on systems with UEFI firmware. Secure boot requires the operating system to be digitally signed to protect malware from infecting the boot process. The implementation of this feature has sparked controversy among supporters of free software. Windows 8 introduces an edition of the operating system designed to run on devices that utilize the ARM architecture, known as Windows RT.
Windows 8 provides heavier integration with Microsoft’s online services. Users can now log in with a Microsoft account which can allow for various user settings to be synchronized between multiple computers. Windows 8 ships with an app for Microsoft’s SkyDrive cloud storage service as well, and allow apps to save files directly to SkyDrive. A SkyDrive client for the desktop and File Explorer is not included in Windows 8, and must be downloaded separately. Windows 8 includes integration with Xbox Live, including Xbox-branded apps for games, music and video, and the SmartGlass app which can serve as a companion for content on a Xbox 360 video game console. Apps can integrate with online services; the People app can connect to a variety of different social networks and services, while the Photos app can aggregate photos from services such as Facebook and Flickr.
Starting today, you can reserve a packaged DVD of the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $69.99 USD ERP* (U.S.) at select retailers.
