Hear hear! The new Windows is almost here.
Those of you who are lucky enough to be a part of normal society have probably just started to hear the term Windows 8 pop up. As you may have guessed this is the next consumer version of Microsoft's Windows operating system. This version is bringing with it a handful of well needed updates, and one new feature that will make or break it.
METRO
Lets start with that one then. Its called Metro and its going to change how we use our computers. Users (or those with friends who are users) of any Windows Phone 7 device should already be familiar with what metro is. If you aren't let me give you the general idea:
You get a start screen with a nicely arranged set of tiles. The tiles are links to open programs/apps (Just like the icons you find on Windows 7 or many other operating systems). These are duo-chromatic to make it nice and clear what each tile is for (colored backgrounds with white text/symbols).
Text is large and clear. Its designed to be easy to identify what you are looking at quickly. The goal is to give you the information and leave out the unnecessary bits like backgrounds and borders that obfuscate the screen. Metro apps also run full-screen, like smartphone apps.
Metro doesn't completely dominate the user interface and you can even get a Windows 7-esque desktop (No start button though, just the Metro launcher). Non-Metro programs can still run in a normal window like all past versions of windows.
OTHER GOODIES
A few other somewhat major changes are included in the update. there will be a new 'Windows Store' to serve you apps. The file explorer you know and love now has the ribbon interface introduced with Microsoft Office 2007. Some people love it while others loathe it, so its use in the file explorer will either bring you joy or frustration. Boot times have been reduced even more so turning on 'the box' no longer grants a break to go get a snack. There are some more features that your IT guy will be happy about (find the link at the bottom).
IS IT FOR ME?
Lets get one thing straight: Windows 8's main objectives are to slightly improve Windows 7 and bring Windows to the now-booming tablet market. If you are looking for a tablet and the current offerings from iOS and Android don't quite fit your desires it might be worth giving Windows 8 a look. All your old programs will run just fine on a desktop or laptop, but NOT new Windows 8 tablets, which will exclusively run Metro apps.
If you are considering upgrading from Windows 7 (or an older version) on your desktop/laptop there are two questions you should ask. The first is "How do I feel about the Metro interface?" as that is one part of the Windows 8 experience that will be most noticeable. The second is "Do I upgrade (hardware) often?" as Windows 8 will support new hardware better than Windows 7. If you think the upgrade road is the road for you then you will want to know the cost. If you bought a computer with Windows 7 after June 2nd it will only set you back $15, otherwise there is a $39.99 option (if you download the software yourself) and a $69.99 option (you buy the software on a disk).
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