Summary: Windows 8, an operating system of Microsoft Windows, was released on October 26, 2012. Microsoft has made some significant changes to this version since Windows 95. It is the following version of Windows 7 and runs faster than the previous versions as it features new programming and technology.
Table of Contents
Major Features
1. Safety And Security
Windows 8 includes two new different security features: antivirus capabilities to Windows Defender and authentication methods targeted at touchscreens. Integrated system recovery is also provided by Windows 8, which includes system recovery from USB drive, has the new “Refresh” and “Reset” functions.
2. Online Services And Functionality
Windows 8 version provides greater integration with online services from Microsoft and others. It also ships with a client app for Microsoft’s SkyDrive cloud storage service, which allows apps to save files to SkyDrive directly.
Windows 8 also includes improved support for mobile broadband. Now the operating system can detect a SIM card inserted, automatically allocate connection settings, and reduce Internet usage.
3. Windows Store Apps
Windows 8 releases a new type of application — Windows Store apps. Apps can run in full-screen mode or snap to one side of the screen. They can use “contracts” (a collection of hooks) to provide general functions which can incorporate with other apps. Besides, Apps can also integrate with other services, while the Photos app can conglomerate photos from services like Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, etc.
Editions
Four different editions of Windows 8: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise and Windows RT. Each version contains all the capabilities and features of the following version and adds additional features for its market segment.
- Windows 8: Its installation required an existing Windows version and was retailed in “Upgrade” licenses only.
- Windows 8 Pro: This version can be upgraded by purchasing a “Pro Pack” license from Windows 8, which also includes Windows Media Center.
- Windows 8 Enterprise: It contains additional features targeted at specific business environments, and can only be used through volume licensing.
- Windows RT: Although it is an edition of Windows 8, it was used as pre-loaded software on devices developed for it.
Reception
1. Pre-Release
After the release of Windows 8, Microsoft faced criticism for requiring devices that accept Windows 8 optional certification to enable secure startup by default using a key provided by Microsoft. Microsoft’s philosophy is to provide the best experience for our customers first and allow them to make their own decisions.
2. Critical Reception
Comments on various versions of Windows 8 are mixed into negative. Some of the apps included in Windows 8 are considered basic and lack functionality, but Xbox apps are praised for promoting multi-platform entertainment experiences.
Other improvements, such as storage space, file history, and updated task managers, are also considered positive changes. The Windows 8 interface has been the subject of negative reactions.
3. Market Share And Sales
Microsoft said 4 million users upgraded to Windows 8 over the weekend after the windows eight release, which CNET said fell far short of Microsoft’s internal forecasts and was described as disappointing within the company. On November 27, 2012, Microsoft announced that it had sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses in its first month, surpassing The Pace of Windows 7.
In March 2013, Microsoft also revised its certification requirements to allow tablets to use at least 1024 x 768 resolutions, a change that is expected to allow certified Windows 8 tablets to be produced in smaller form factors, a market currently dominated by Android-based tablets.
Conclusion
As a Windows operating system, Windows 8 is widely used by computer users. Although many users now update their computer versions to Windows 10, there are still many people who remain using the Windows 8 version.
On this page, users can have a general knowledge of Windows 8, and they can choose whether to update their computer version.