An introduction and a first look at Windows 8

Windows 8 has now arrived, the latest to the Windows family. The software was released 30^th of October and has already sold 49 million licences. What was interesting leading up to the release on Windows 8 was that work began on the project even before the release of Windows 7, its predecessor. Windows 8 and Windows 7 differ hugely and the new software has been specially designed for quality use in tablets and Smart phones and to overpower rivals such as Android and iOS.

The first thing you realise about windows 8 is the sharpness and how quick it runs. The Modern UI-style apps such as Mail, Calendar and People which have previously been disappointing, run very smoothly and are slick. Windows 8 certainly holds a quicker start-up time. Despite this improvement, there are still more to make and this was know by Windows, they quickly released a large update on them on the 10^th of October as well as several other updates. The company has also just released a major 170MB Windows 8 update to improve performance, battery efficiency and power management.

The first changes that meet your eyes is the new lock screen, the lock screen offers a clock and also all your notifications for variousapplications. Windows 8 also can run apps at the site of the screen while another task or programme is still running and maximised at the same time. The new user interface is based on Microsoft's Metro design language, and features a new tile-based Start screen similar to that of Windows Phone, which has replaced the previous Start menu entirely. The Start screen displays a customizable array of tiles linking to different apps and desktop programs, some of which can display constantly updated information and content through "live tiles". A vertical toolbar known as the charms bar can be accessed by swiping from the right edge of a touch screen, or pointing the cursor at hotspots in the right corners of a screen. The charms bar provides access to system and app-related functions, such as search, sharing, device management, settings, and a Start button. 

On November 27, 2012, Microsoft announced that it has sold 40 million licenses of Windows 8 in the first month, surpassing the pace of Windows 7.

Author Bio:

Katy works and writes for Synthesis IT, a company specialising in IT solutions such as network installation support and business computer hardware.