Windows 8 is usually a computer system OS manufactured by Microsoft within Windows NT group of os's. Growth of Windows 8 started before the release of its predecessor, Windows 7, just last year. It had been announced at CES 2011, and and then the production of three pre-release versions from September 2011 to May 2012. The OS was published to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, and premiered for general availability on October 26, 2012.

 

Windows 8 was launched to your mixed reception. Although reaction towards its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the newest gui of the main system was widely criticized internet marketing potentially confusing and challenging to learn (specially when used in combination with a keyboard and mouse rather than touchscreen). Despite these shortcomings, 60 million Windows 8 licenses are already sold through January 2013, several including both upgrades and purchases to OEMs for first time PCs.

 

Windows 8 introduced major changes towards the operating system's platform and user interface to further improve its buyer experience on tablets, where Windows was now rivaling mobile os's, including Android and iOS.Specifically, these changes included a touch-optimized Windows shell according to Microsoft's "Metro" design language, the beginning screen (which displays programs and dynamically updated content with a grid of tiles), a brand new platform for developing apps with the emphasis on touchscreen input, integration with internet services (such as the capacity to sync apps and settings between devices), and Windows Store, a web-based store for downloading and purchasing new software. Windows 8 added support for USB 3.0, Advanced Format harddrives, near field communications, and cloud computing. Additional security measures were introduced, like built-in antivirus software, integration with Microsoft SmartScreen phishing filtering service and support for UEFI Secure Boot on supported devices with UEFI firmware, in order to avoid malware from infecting iron heel process. On October 17, 2013, Microsoft released Windows 8.1. It addresses some elements of Windows 8 which were criticized by reviewers and early adopters and incorporates additional improvements to various issues with the computer.

 

Main Changes in Windows 8, Windows 8 Features:

Windows 8 contains big changes, which are concluded generally as follows: ("Metro" has been renamed to "Microsoft design style", but uniformly referred to as "Metro" hereafter.)

* Support X86 and ARM architecture at the same time, divided into Windows 8 version for PC and Windows RT (Runtime) version for device;

* Cancel the dated "Start" button and introduce a shocking mobile touch Metro UI with sexy blue screen and scrolling tiles;

* Add Windows App Store, similar to Apple App Store and Google Play, making it more convenient to download and install apps;

* Provided with diversified Metrolish Clients, such as Email, Map, Search, Weather, Social Media, games and so on;

* Built in with IE 10, having Metro touch UI and traditional UI in different patterns;

* Obtain various online and local services with Microsoft account, along with SkyDrive cloud storage service;

* Use a more intuitional Ribbon interface on resource manager and a reborn task manager;

* Change the desktop UI to be more simple and practical, without the classical Aero Glass effect of Windows 7 nevertheless;

* Integrate virtual drive/hard disk to mount ISO and VHD files directly;

* Have native support for USB 3.0 standard with built-in "Windows Reader" to read PDF;

* Enable less memory consumption and faster starting speed;

* Improve the safety of system by adding Windows Defender for anti-malware purpose;

* Remove Media Center that charges for downloading, exclude the support for DVD playing, so a third-party software (such as a DVD player software or a DVD ripping software) is needed for that function.