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| Windows 8 Desktop |
Windows 8 is the next version of Microsoft Windows, a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, Microsoft Tablet PCs, and Home theater PCs.
According to unofficial sources, the release date for Windows 8 has been set for October 2012, three years after the release of its predecessor, Windows 7. Windows 8's server counterpart, Windows Server 2012, is in development concurrently with Windows 8.
The most recent official pre-release version of Windows 8 is the Release preview, which was released on May 31, 2012.
The most recent official pre-release version of Windows 8 is the Release preview, which was released on May 31, 2012.
Windows 8 will employ a new user interface based on Microsoft's Metro design language.
The Metro environment will feature a new tile-based Start screen similar to the Windows Phone operating system. Each tile will represent an application, and will be able to display relevant information such as the number of unread messages on the tile for an e-mail app or the current temperature on a weather application.
Metro-style applications run in full-screen, and are able to share information between each other using "contracts",They will be available only through Windows Store.
The Metro environment will feature a new tile-based Start screen similar to the Windows Phone operating system. Each tile will represent an application, and will be able to display relevant information such as the number of unread messages on the tile for an e-mail app or the current temperature on a weather application.
Metro-style applications run in full-screen, and are able to share information between each other using "contracts",They will be available only through Windows Store.
The traditional desktop environment for running desktop applications is treated as a Metro app.
The Start button has been removed from the taskbar in favor of a Start button on the new charm bar, as well as a hotspot in the bottom-left corner. Both open the new Start screen, which replaces the Start menu.
The Start button has been removed from the taskbar in favor of a Start button on the new charm bar, as well as a hotspot in the bottom-left corner. Both open the new Start screen, which replaces the Start menu.
The boot manager, which is used at startup to select the operating
system has also been optimized for touch input, but also can used with
the mouse. It also includes a graphical interface that can be expanded
via the settings menu.
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| Windows 8 Log in Page |
- Two new authentication methods: picture password, which allows users to log in by drawing three gestures in different places on a picture,and PIN log in, which allows users to authenticate using a four digit pin.
- Hybrid Boot will use "advanced hibernation functionality" on shutdown to allow faster startup times.
- Windows To Go will allow Windows 8 to boot and run from a bootable USB device (such as a flash drive).
- Two new recovery functions are included, Refresh and Reset. Refresh restores all Windows files to their original state while keeping settings, files, and Metro-style apps, while reset takes the computer back to factory default condition.
- Native USB 3.0 support
- A new lock screen
- New Windows Task Manager design
- Xbox Live integration (including Xbox Live Arcade, Xbox Companion and Xbox Music)
- Storage Spaces will allow users to combine different sized hard disks into virtual drives and specify mirroring, parity, or no redundancy on a folder-by-folder basis.
- Family Safety will allow parents to protect their children on the internet, as well as monitor and control their PC and internet activities and usage.
- Windows Defender now has anti-virus capabilities, similar to those of Microsoft Security Essentials. It is intended to replace the Security Essentials package and function as the default anti-virus program.
Windows 8 Experience