Windows 8

Windows 8 is a big new version of the Windows NT operating system made by Microsoft. It was finished on August 1, 2012, and people could download it from MSDN and TechNet starting August 15, 2012. It became available in stores on October 26, 2012.

Windows 8 made big changes to how the operating system works and looks. These changes were meant to make it easier to use on tablets, where Windows faced competition from mobile operating systems like Android and iOS. Many ideas came from Windows Phone, and the making of Windows 8 happened at the same time as Windows Phone 8.

Many people did not like Windows 8 at first. While they liked that it ran better, was safer, and worked well with touchscreens, they found the new way it looked and felt hard to use, especially with a keyboard and mouse instead of a touchscreen. Even so, 60 million copies were sold by January 2013, including updates and sales to OEMs for new computers.

Development

Development of Windows 8 started in 2008, before Windows 7 was released. In January 2011, at the Consumer Electronics Show, Microsoft said the next Windows would work on ARM processors, as well as the existing 32-bit processors from AMD and Intel. Early versions of Windows 8 showed changes like a new start screen and a design that worked well on tablets.

Microsoft talked about more features at conferences in 2011. The first public test version, called the Developer Preview, came out in September 2011. Later test versions, including the Consumer Preview and Release Preview, brought more changes like a new Windows logo and the removal of the old Start button. Windows 8 was finished on August 1, 2012, and became available to everyone on October 26, 2012. Microsoft advertised Windows 8 with big campaigns and special events to show new devices like their Surface tablet.

New and updated features

Main article: Features new to Windows 8

Windows 8 added new features to make using a computer easier, especially on tablets. It started up faster and had a new lock screen with a clock and messages. Users could make special versions of Windows that worked from a USB stick.

The file management tool, now called File Explorer, looked different with a ribbon at the top. It helped users see more about their files, pause copying files, and handle problems when saving files. There was a new way to save files called File History, and a tool called Storage Spaces to manage hard disks better.

The Task Manager was redesigned to show more about what the computer was doing. It used colors to show how much of the computer's power was being used and grouped programs together. The famous Blue Screen of Death, which appeared when the computer had a big problem, was made simpler and less technical.

Windows 8 made it easier to keep things safe. Users could use a picture password or a PIN instead of a regular password. There were new tools to help parents manage what their children could do on the computer. Windows also had ways to fix itself if something went wrong, and could recover from a USB drive if needed.

Windows 8 worked better with online services. Users could sign in with a Microsoft account to keep their settings and apps the same on different computers. There were new apps for music, video, and games, and it was easier to connect with friends on Facebook and Flickr. The web browser, Internet Explorer 10, came in two versions: one for the desktop and one for touchscreens. It supported modern web standards and had special settings to save bandwidth on mobile networks.

Windows 8 introduced a new kind of app called Windows Store apps. These apps were made for touchscreens and could fill the whole screen or sit on the side. They could show updates on their tiles and work together through sharing and search. These apps ran in a safe space and needed permission to use certain features like the internet or camera.

The way Windows looked changed a lot. There was a new Start screen with tiles for apps and programs, some of which showed live updates. Apps could be pinned to the side of the screen for easy access. There was a new toolbar called the charms that appeared from the right side of the screen and gave quick access to search, sharing, devices, settings, and the Start button. The traditional desktop was still there, but it looked simpler and flatter than before.

Removed features

Main article: List of features removed in Windows 8

Windows 8 changed some features to focus on newer technologies. For example, playing DVDs was no longer supported by default in Windows Media Player. This was because of licensing costs, especially for devices without DVD drives. People could use online streaming services or buy special add-ons to get DVD playback back.

The old Backup and Restore tool was also changed. It still worked but was harder to find. It could only help with files stored on a Windows Server. Some older display adapter drivers were removed to make the system more stable and secure.

Hardware requirements

Windows 8 needs more powerful hardware than Windows 7. The computer’s processor must have certain features and at least two cores. Apps from the Windows Store need a screen that shows at least 1024×768 pixels.

For tablets and other flexible devices, Microsoft has special rules. These devices must also have a screen of at least 1024×768 pixels. Later updates required these devices to have a 720p webcam, better speakers and microphones, and support for Bluetooth and Trusted Platform Module 2.0 chips.

Editions

Windows 8 came in three editions. The basic version was just called Windows 8. Windows 8 Pro was sold in stores or came pre-loaded on new computers. Windows 8 Pro added features like BitLocker, Hyper-V, and the ability to join a domain. There was also a Windows 8 Enterprise edition for businesses.

Windows 8 could be bought on DVD or downloaded from the internet. Later, Windows 8.1 replaced Windows 8 and could be installed without needing an older version of Windows.

Software compatibility

Windows 8 came in different versions to work on many types of computers. Some versions could run on machines using older technology, while others needed newer, more powerful parts. The system was designed to work well with both older and newer programs.

One special version, called Windows RT, was made just for tablets and could only run certain apps, like a version of Office, to make sure everything worked well on those devices.

Reception

When Windows 8 came out, people had many different thoughts about it. Some liked the new design that worked well for touching screens, especially on tablets. Others found it hard to use on regular computers with a mouse and keyboard. The change was meant to help Windows compete with tablets like the iPad, but it made some users who were used to older Windows versions unhappy.

The new Windows Store also caused some talk. Some game and software creators were worried because Microsoft controlled the store, which was different from how people usually got computer programs. Even with these mixed feelings, Windows 8 had some helpful new features, like better ways to manage files and security updates.

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 was an update to Windows 8. Microsoft announced it on May 14, 2013. It became a free upgrade through the Windows Store on October 17, 2013. Windows 8.1 made changes to make it easier to use. It added a visible Start button, let more apps appear on one screen, and let users choose to start on the desktop.

The update also added new features. These included support for 3D printing, Miracast media streaming, NFC printing, and Wi-Fi Direct. It also improved the search system and added new apps to help users begin using the operating system. Microsoft treated Windows 8.1 like a service pack. This meant users needed to upgrade to keep getting support and updates.