Mobile devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops) are the key players in the world of business today. While heading towards a mobile future, it is no surprise to say that the traditional PCs are on the verge of extinction. Microsoft takes a leap forward into this space with its pivotal release ‘Windows 8’. Though Windows 8 can run on desktops, it is more like a tablet-first operating system. You will no longer see your traditional Start menu on a Windows 8 desktop. Microsoft has completely transformed its user interface (UI) and the new look is influenced by the world of tablets. There are plenty of reasons why people would like to go for this upgrade. Let’s have a closer look at the benefits of Windows 8 over its predecessor:
Faster Startup
Starting a Windows 8 computer is a snap. It can beat its predecessor ‘Windows 7’ and even the latest OS X ‘Mountain Lion’ when tested on the grounds of performance. This is undoubtedly a radical change that makes Windows 8 score full marks over all its counterparts.
Get Access to a Range of New Apps
What makes Windows 8 a preferred choice of most of us is its new range of touch-friendly and Web-connected Apps. It is easy to explore, purchase, download, and install these apps on your computer via the new Windows Store. Once you have purchased an app, you can install it on multiple devices running Windows 8. Windows 8 Apps do away with all the registry complications that plagued you in the previous Windows versions.
SkyDrive Integration
With Windows 8, Microsoft’s cloud service is not limited to just online storage. You can practically exploit this to back up your PC’s settings (helps when you need to provision new computers) or save any app’s data to the cloud. Even third-party tools can save their settings and information to this online space. With SkyDrive storage, you can also sync your PC settings (such as browser favorites, Explorer settings, mouse settings) on different mobile devices by just signing in to your SkyDrive account.
Enhanced Security
Security has been the cornerstone of Windows 8 release. According to Microsoft, Windows 8 features a secure boot, which means it will prevent you from loading an OS that doesn’t carry the sign of its publisher. Another point of security is the secure Apps in Windows Store. All of them have been pre-examined for security concerns. Thirdly, Internet Explorer 10 (the default web browser of Windows 8) has the ability to do away with a major percentage of malicious downloads on your computer. It does not require a commercial antivirus program for blocking these downloads.
First-class Touch Input
Windows 8 lets you experiment with the touch-screen input as you desire. Running Windows 8 on your tablet is a breeze as you can simply swipe with your thumbs to do possible everything that you want to. You can use the Windows key to get to the start screen from where you can launch a desktop app and get various options for searching, sharing, accessing devices, and more.
Author Bio: Oliver is an enthusiastic contributor at Microsoft Help community and loves exploring everything about Tech. You can also find him on Google + & Facebook.
I hate that feeling of being excited AND worried.
Of course W8 will be faster, more secure, and a little cleaner, but… you know.. OF COURSE it will.
I am just worried about the things that bring down a new version. Interface changes, muddied advanced settings that slow down power users. Most importantly – changes made for the sake of changing something. I hope there isn’t too much of that :)
I was really excited about the advent of Microsoft apps for Windows 8. Hey, the Washington giant is even advertising an app for Comedy Central’s Today Show with Jon Stewart!, However, I still have to see apps developed by heavy hitters such as Runkeeper in fitness and Spotify in music streaming. I was really eager to get the Surface and Windows 8 Lumia Phone, but until Microsoft can attract more developers I will have to wait. What do you think Microsoft can do to attract more developers?