Monday, 27 February 2012

New Microsoft Windows 8

      Windows 8 is the codename for the upcoming version of Microsoft Windows which follows Windows 7. It features a new Metro-style interface that was designed for touchscreen, mouse, keyboard, and pen input. It also adds support for the ARM processor architecture in addition to the previously supported x86 microprocessors from Intel and AMD. Its server counterpart is codenamed Windows Server 8. No specific release date for Windows 8 has been announced.
On August 15, 2011, Microsoft opened a new blog called "Building Windows 8" for users and developers.
FEATURES OF WINDOWS 8:

  • Windows 8  is expected to include several new features, including USB 3.0 support, Live ID integration, the Windows Store, the ability to run from USB Flash drives with Windows To Go, and easier system restore options, among others.
  • Unlike the Windows 7 desktop, however, the Start button on the "Developer Preview" build opens the Start screen instead of the Start menu, and recent leaked builds leading up to the "Consumer Preview" revealed that the Start orb had been removed entirely, in favor of a hotspot in the bottom-left corner.
  • Ability to sign in using a Windows Live ID. This will allow for the user's profile and setting to be synchronized over the internet and accessible from other computers running Windows 8, as well as integration with SkyDrive.
  • 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.
  • Windows Explorer will include a ribbon toolbar, and have its file operation progress dialog updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files.
  • Hybrid Boot will use "advanced hibernation functionality" on shutdown to allow faster startup times
  • 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

Hardware requirements:


Minimum hardware requirements for Windows Developer Preview
Architecture
IA-32 (32-bit)
x86-64 (64-bit)
Processor
1 GHz
Memory (RAM)
1 GB
2 GB
Graphics Card
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
HDD free space
16 GB
20 GB












 


Software Compatibility:


Windows 8 for x86/64 processors will run most software compatible with previous versions of Windows, with the same restrictions as Windows 7: 64-bit Windows will run 64-bit and 32-bit software while 32-bit Windows will run 32-bit and 16-bit software (although some 16-bit software may require compatibility settings to be applied, or not work at all). Windows 8 on ARM processors (WOA) will not support running, emulating, or porting existing x86/64 desktop applications.


Secure Boot :


Secure boot is a  UEFI-based feature to "prevent unauthorized firmware, operating systems, or UEFI drivers from running at boot time".
Microsoft will require new PCs to have the UEFI secure boot feature enabled by default to be given Windows 8 certification. Microsoft requires that manufacturers must offer the ability to turn off the secure boot feature on x86 hardware, but must not offer such an option on ARM hardware

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This post was written by: Franklin Manuel

Franklin Manuel is a professional blogger, web designer and front end web developer. Follow him on Twitter

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